CDC confirms salmonella in tainted peanut butter

On March 7, 2007 the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report that confirmed a direct link between tainted peanut butter and the recent Salmonella outbreak. In its investigation, the CDC found 15 jars of peanut butter labeled either “Peter Pan” or “Great Value” that were contaminated with the same strain of bacteria infection: Salmonella Tennessee. The jars were collected by local health agencies throughout the United States from people who became ill after eating the contaminated peanut butter.

“An epidemiologic study comparing foods that ill and well persons said they ate showed that consumption of Peter Pan peanut butter and Great Value peanut butter were both statistically associated with illness and therefore the likely source of the outbreak,” the report stated. Jars of both brands contaminated with Salmonella are marked with a product code starting with 2111, and were produced at the ConAgra processing plant in Sylvester, GA.

The report also stated that the cause was unknown, though the CDC and ConAgra were “working collaboratively” to find out the source of the Salmonella contamination.

Foods contaminated with Salmonella usually come in some ways from animals, especially birds. Raw chicken and eggs are one of the most likely sources, though beef, milk, and even vegetables that have come in contact with animal feces can carry the Salmonella bacteria. If these foods are used as ingredients, they can in turn contaminate the final product – and in this case cause Salmonella poisoning due to tainted peanut butter.

Most people infected with the Salmonella bacteria show symptoms within 48-72 hours, including diarrhea and fever. The body usually fights off the infection on its own, but for elderly people, infants, and those will a lowered immune system, Salmonella poisoning can be fatal.

As of the March 7 CDC report, there were 425 reported cases of Salmonella in 44 states linked to Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter. Of the 351 cases that the CDC had full information about, 20% had been hospitalized with no deaths recorded. Those who contracted Salmonella did so between August 1, 2006 and February 16, 2007 though this does not mean that there are not more cases to come and/or be reported to the CDC.

If you or a loved one has contracted Salmonella poisoning from tainted peanut butter or any other source, contact the medical law experts at Jim S. Adler & Associates. We have over 30 years of experience in complex medical cases against large corporate producers. With Jim S. Adler & Associates on your side, you will have a better chance at claiming compensation to cover you medical bills, lost wages, and mental anguish. Call Jim S. Adler & Associates directly or fill in the free case evaluation form on this page with the details of your Salmonella and/or tainted peanut butter case.

Additionally, Jim S. Adler & Associates has offices at City Place Building, 2711 North Haskell Ave., Suite 2100 LB40, Dallas, Texas 75204-2887;  San Pedro Plaza, 7330 San Pedro Ave., Suite 700, San Antonio, Texas 78216-6237; and Bank of America, 12605 East Freeway, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77015-5619 (serving Channelview, Texas).

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