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Salmonella Poisoning: An Update on the Peanut Butter Recall

By Katie Kelley

Republish: EasyPublish™ Published: 05Feb2009 Word count: 475 Viewed: 137 time(s) Get Free Content For Your Site

2009 Peanut Butter Recall

Recently, the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) issued a recall of peanut butter manufactured from its Blakely, Georgia production plant after reports from nearly 500 individuals who had developed salmonella poisoning because of infected peanut butter flooded health officials.

The contaminated peanut butter has caused at least seven known deaths and is expected to continue to affect individuals across the United States as the contaminated peanut butter has been used in several varying products ranging from crackers to cookies. Individuals are advised to avoid consumption of peanut butter containing products. However, those who have already been affected by the peanut butter recall may want to locate an experienced attorney who can provide assistance in the development of a peanut butter recall lawsuit, which may result in compensation of monetary means for a victim of the dangerous and life-threatening recall.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella poisoning occurs because of an infection known as salmonellosis, which is derived from the bacteria salmonella. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) "salmonella is actually a group of bacteria that can cause diarrheal illness in humans."

According to the CDC, "approximately 40,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported in the United States" each year, however, "because many milder cases are not diagnosed or reported, the actual number of infections may be thirty or more times greater." It is common that children are to develop salmonella more frequently than adults, however, individuals of any age can become infected with the disease, which has been associated with to nearly 400 fatalities each year.

Salmonella Causes

Individuals who develop salmonella usually develop the infection by consuming foods that have been "contaminated" with animal feces. Most commonly, the foods that can be affected include the following, according to the CDC:

* beef

* poultry

* milk

* eggs

While contaminated foods are often of animal origin, nearly any food product can become infected with the bacteria including vegetables and fruits, especially amoang foods with undercooked meats or eggs, such as the following:

* homemade Hollandaise sauce

* Caesar and other homemade salad dressings

* tiramisu

* homemade ice creams

* cookie dough

* frostings

* mayonnaise

* raw or unpasteurized milk/dairy products

Additionally, if an individual handles any of the following animals, he or she may become infected with the bacteria, even if an animal appears healthy and normal:

* chicks/chickens

* young birds

* turtles

* lizards

* snakes

* pets of any kind

While salmonella can be killed by washing hands, if an individual does not properly wash hands or cross-contaminates utensils, such as knives or cutting boards, they may be at risk for exposing others to salmonella poisoning.

Those who have suffered from salmonella may be subject to receiving monetary compensation for the pain they have endured due to foods containing salmonella. It is important to discuss a salmonella case with an experienced law firm to learn about the details of a potential salmonella poisoning lawsuit.

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