Robert’s American Gourmet announced on July 3, 2007 that “veggie seasoning” used on both Veggie Booty and Super Veggie Tings was the source of the multi-state Salmonella outbreak. Salmonella, a potentially deadly bacteria that causes fever, bloody diarrhea, and cramping, is especially dangerous for elderly people, young children, and those with compromised immune systems. This makes the current outbreak particularly worrisome since Veggie Booty and Super Veggie Tings are marketed for and consumed by primarily infants and toddlers.

“It is Robert's American Gourmet's intention to become an industry leader in food safety

in the United States,” the company said in its press release. “We will be working with our suppliers and distributors in order to establish protocol necessary to ensure better quality control for all food products in the future. We hope to relaunch Veggie Booty shortly.”

The company also made the startling admission that “sources of origin on all components of the seasoning have been determined to be primarily from China.” This puts a whole new spin on the problems. Earlier in the year, ingredients from China used in pet foods were found to contain melamine, and were thought to be responsible for thousands of cat and dog deaths.

Later in the year it was found that some of the tainted ingredients found there way into livestock feed – and our own food chain. Then on June 1, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA ) warned of toothpaste originating from China that contained a harmful chemical.

The opening of global markets may pave the way for U.S. products, but the reverse is also true. With the Chinese economy gaining speed – and without the same regulatory checks and balances we have – it is almost inevitable that products tainted with illegal fillers, dangerous chemicals, and even Salmonella should reach our shores.

The real question is: Who is responsible for our safety and well-being? Certainly the FDA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) both oversee food imports, but it is the companies importing from China and other countries that must keep a more careful eye on what they are buying. Not only are they liable for any illness or injury their products cause, as has been seen their costly recalls can have devastating short and long-term consequences.

If you or a loved one has been injured by tainted food including Salmonella poisoning, dangerous ingredients, or any other cause, contact Jim S. Adler & Associates. We can help you reach a fair and just settlement to cover your medical bills, lost time from work, and other financial layouts, as well as compensation for your pain and suffering. Call Jim S. Adler & Associates or fill out the form on this page with the details of your food-borne illness to start your free case review.

Also, Jim S. Adler & Associates has law 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 at Bank of America, 12605 East Freeway, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77015-5619 (serving Channelview, Texas).