FDA Recalls Peanut Butter Products and Suspends Plant Operations

Food recalls are big news these days, especially when the recall involves a popular product.  A couple of months ago, people in 20 different states had fallen ill with salmonella that they thought was caused by consuming peanut butter.  After an investigation, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has suspended operations at the Sunland Inc. peanut butter factory in New Mexico. 

Using its recently expanded authority to suspend production and prohibit food distribution, the FDA has mandated recalls of Sunland Inc's allegedly infected batches of organic peanut butter.  The company had voluntarily instituted a recall of allegedly infected Trader Joe’s Valencia Creamy Salted Peanut Butter with SKU number 97111.  But the FDA determined further action was necessary after 41 people in 20 states had fallen ill with salmonella bredeney.

How Salmonella Could Sicken People

Salmonella bredeney is a bacteria that could sicken people when ingested.  This bacterial infection could develop within 12 to 72 hours and last potentially 4 to 7 days according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC.)

People who ingest food that is infected with the salmonella bredeney bacteria could experience the following symptoms of illness:

• diarrhea
• fever
• abdominal cramps
• dehydration
• death

If left untreated, symptoms could progress to potentially deadly consequences. People who fall ill with these symptoms are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention to prevent complications such as severe dehydration and death.

If You Were Sickened By Peanut Butter Containing Salmonella

If you developed salmonella poisoning after consuming peanut butter, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries.  Depending upon the severity of your illness and your medical treatment, you may want to discuss how a skilled product liability attorney might be able to help you recover your medical costs.  Call today to find out how you can obtain the help you need.