On June 29, 2007 Robert's American Gourmet recalled all sizes of its "Veggie Booty" children snacks after it had been connected to an outbreak of Salmonella affecting over 50 people in 17 states. Most of those afflicted with the food poisoning were toddlers and infants, one of the highest risk groups for serious complications due to Salmonella, including death. On July 2, 2007 the company recalled another in its line of popular snacks, "Super Veggie Tings Crunchy Corn Sticks."

"Robert’s American Gourmet Food, Inc. of Sea Cliff, New York is expanding its snack recall to include Super Veggie Tings Crunchy Corn Sticks Snack Food, all lots and sizes, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella," the company stated in a press release.

Although the release does not speculate on the reason, it has been pointed out that "Super Veggie Tings" use the same type of seasoning as "Veggie Booty." Even more compelling is the fact that this seasoning is added after the cooking process, which would usually kill off the dangerous Salmonella bacteria.

According to media reports, the company refused to confirm or deny the seasoning theory, stating instead that they are still investigating the source of the Salmonella contamination. The seasoning, which is exclusive to the Robert's American Gourmet, is produced by an unnamed third-party company.

Lawsuits are already mounting against the company. One couple in Indiana filed on behalf of their 18-month son who got sick with Salmonella poisoning soon after eating Veggie Booty. The toddler developed severe bloody diarrhea during the week of May 20, and was still being treated in early July. The couple filed the suit – believed to be the first related to the tainted snacks – on the same day as Robert's American Gourmet recalled its second line of snacks.

This Salmonella outbreak comes just months after ConAgra Foods had to recall its Peter Pan and Great Value lines of peanut butter due to Salmonella contamination. In that case, a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) could not determine the exact cause of the bacterial infection at its Sylvester, GA processing plant. However, it is believed that the combination of infected dust and repeated floodings provided the ideal environment for the Salmonella bacteria to flourish. Under this theory, the Salmonella came in contact with the product after it was made but before it had been packaged and sealed.

If you or a loved one has developed Salmonella poisoning from Veggie Bounty, Super Veggie Tings, or any other food source, contact Jim S. Adler & Associates. We may be able to help you get the compensation you deserve to cover your medical bills, any lost time from work, and your pain and suffering. Salmonella poisoning is not to be taken lightly, especially in our infants and toddlers. Call Jim S. Adler & Associates directly for a free case review and to learn your legal rights. You may also fill out the form on this page with the details of your Salmonella poisoning to start your free assessment.

Additionally, 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 Bank of America, 12605 East Freeway, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77015-5619 (serving Channelview, Texas).