Salmonella Food Poisoning Lawsuits
Salmonella is a highly contagious bacterium that sickens millions of people worldwide every year. While humans can contract salmonella from contaminated water and salmonella-infected animals and people, about 85 percent of all salmonella infections are food-borne. For example, in 2009 three large-scale salmonella outbreaks were caused by contaminated peanuts, pistachios and alfalfa sprouts, respectively. After eating foods containing the contaminated products, more than 900 people developed severe salmonellosis and at least nine victims died due to complications. In order to hold the manufacturers and/or distributors of the contaminated food items liable for their financial, physical and psychological damages, many victims and/or their families filed lawsuits against the responsible companies.
Peanut Corporation of America Peanut Butter Lawsuits
In 2009, nine people died and more than 600 individuals nationwide developed salmonellosis after eating products containing peanut butter made by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). An investigation launched by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the FDA revealed that the epicenter of the salmonella outbreak was PCA's plant in Bleakly, Georgia. Several safety and hygiene violations were discovered at the plant, including salmonella bacteria on the floors, mold on the walls and leaks in the roof. In order to limit the spread of the outbreak, the FDA recalled all of the products produced at PCA's Georgia facility since 2007. Because PCA produced bulk peanut butter, peanut paste and roasted peanuts and shipped them to companies that used peanut products to make other foods, more than 430 food items sold under various brand names were included in the recall.
Several victims filed personal injury lawsuits against PCA to hold the company responsible for their medical bills, time off work, reduced income, physical suffering and emotional distress. If the victims successfully prove that their damages were caused by salmonellosis contracted from defective products containing PCA's peanut butter, they might be able to collect substantial compensation. In addition, several families of deceased victims filed wrongful death lawsuits against PCA seeking compensation for their immense suffering.
Setton Pistachio Salmonella Outbreak
Another large-scale nut recall was issued in 2009 by Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, the second largest pistachio processor in the United States. The company recalled its entire 2008 harvest after more than 50 salmonellosis cases were linked to its products. Until it completes a thorough investigation of the outbreak, the FDA has issued a blanket warning against eating pistachios or any products containing pistachios, such as ice cream, cake mix and trail mix.
Caudill Sprouts Salmonella Contamination
Alfalfa sprouts are a type of produce especially susceptible to salmonella contamination. In 2009, more than 200 people across the United States developed severe diarrheal illness after eating sprouts produced by several food companies. A subsequent investigation revealed that the culprit of the outbreak were contaminated alfalfa seeds produced and distributed by Caudill Sprout Company. Several victims have brought forth personal injury lawsuits to hold the company liable for their financial, health and psychological damages.
Malt-O-Meal Cereal Recall
One of the largest salmonella outbreaks in 2008 occurred due to contaminated cereals produced by the Malt-O-Meal Company. More than 20 salmonellosis cases in 13 states were linked to Malt-O-Meal unsweetened puffed rice and puffed wheat cereal products that tested positive for salmonella. Several lawsuits have been filed against the company seeking sizeable compensation.
Salmonella Food Poisoning Legal Help
If you suspect that your illness or salmonellosis of your loved one was caused by a contaminated food product, contact the law offices of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz at (888) 255-2956, as you might be entitled to compensation. In addition to salmonella food poisoning, the attorneys of AWKO Law can help you resolve legal issues arising from food-borne campylobacteriosis, shigellosis, listeriosis and E. coli food poisoning cases.
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Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz
803 North Palafox St.
Pensacola, Florida 32501
55 Baybridge Dr.
Gulf Breeze, Florida 32561
