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product_liability pb-food-poisoningThe outbreak of Salmonella found in Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter recently raised concerns among countless consumers who had the products in their pantries. In February 2007, thousands of jars of peanut butter suspected of harboring Salmonella bacteria were voluntarily recalled by the food company ConAgra.
If you or a loved one contracted Salmonella poisoning after eating Peter pan or Great Value brand peanut butter, you should consult with an attorney to learn more about your rights.
What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a type of foodborne illness that happens more frequently than most people might think. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 1.4 million cases of Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) occur every year in the U.S. More than 625 Salmonella cases from Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter have been reported.
There are hundreds of different strains of Salmonella, usually transmitted to humans by eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with the bacteria, which is often found in animal feces. Any type of food can become contaminated with Salmonella. The term “Salmonella " is based on the name of a scientist who identified the bacterium more than 100 years ago — Daniel Salmon.
Symptoms of Salmonella Poisoning
If you eat something that is infected with Salmonella, the symptoms will probably show up about 12 to 72 hours later. Diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and painful or difficult urination are the common symptoms. Although in most cases the Salmonella symptoms resolve themselves within a week, sometimes the diarrhea is bad enough to warrant hospitalization. Many hospitalizations were reported during the Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter Salmonella outbreak.
Sometimes it takes months for a person's bowel movements to return to normal after a bout with Salmonella. In addition, a small percentage of people who get Salmonella poisoning go on to develop joint pain, eye irritation, and/or painful urination, together comprising an illness called Reiter's syndrome. This illness can last for months or even years, and it can be followed by chronic arthritis.
Some Are More Vulnerable
People who have a compromised immune system, the elderly, and the very young are at increased risk if they contract Salmonella. For them, the Salmonella infection can spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other sites in the body. The infection can be fatal if the person is not treated promptly with antibiotics.
Contact an Attorney about Peanut Butter Food Poisoning
If you or your family member ate Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter and contracted a Salmonella infection, you should know your legal rights. Speak with a lawyer who has experience with Salmonella and other types of food poisoning today to arrange a consultation.