Setton Pistachio Recall - Salmonella Outbreak
Salmonella are highly contagious bacteria that can contaminate a variety of products, including meat, poultry, milk, vegetables, fruits and nuts. In 2009, two of the largest salmonella outbreaks on record were caused by contaminated peanuts and pistachios. The pistachio outbreak was linked to salmonella contamination at the pistachio processing facilities of the second largest U.S. pistachio producer, Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella. In order to limit the spread of the salmonella outbreak, Setton Pistachio recalled its entire 2008 pistachio crop. Nonetheless, at least 50 people developed salmonellosis after eating foods made with salmonella-contaminated Setton pistachios.
Setton Pistachio Salmonellosis Outbreak
Setton Pistachio is one of the largest pistachio processors in the United States. The company owns more than 5,000 acres of pistachio trees and supplies many large food producers and distributors worldwide with raw and roasted pistachio products. Many of Setton Pistachio's bulk customers repackage pistachios and sell them under different brand names. In addition, Setton's pistachios are used to make trail mixes, cake mixes, ice cream and numerous other products sold at every large grocery store in the United States.
The salmonella bacteria in Setton Pistachio's products were initially discovered by one of its bulk customers, Kraft Foods, during a routine food safety inspection. After learning about the potential salmonella contamination, Setton Pistachio issued a recall on March 31, 2009, warning its bulk customers not to use certain products shipped to them after September 1, 2008. However, after more salmonella cultures were detected in Setton Pistachio's products and more than 50 potential cases of salmonella food poisoning were reported, the company recalled its entire 2008 pistachio crop. In addition, the FDA issued a warning cautioning Americans nationwide not to eat pistachios of any kind or any products made with pistachios until further notice.
Setton Pistachio Salmonella Contamination: Legal Recourse
Setton Pistachio, like all other U. S. food producers and distributors, is required to provide consumers with reasonably safe products. Failure to adhere to basic food safety and hygiene guidelines can make Setton Pistachio liable for any damages sustained by customers who developed salmonellosis food poisoning after eating the company's products. The initial FDA and California Department of Public Health investigation revealed several violations at Setton's facilities, such as not always keeping roasted pistachios separate from raw nuts. This violation might have caused cross-contamination as salmonella bacteria found in raw pistachios might have infected the roasted nuts.
Contacting a Skilled Salmonella Attorney
The lawyers of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz are highly experienced at helping victims of bacterial food poisoning obtain justice. If you believe that your salmonella or the diarrheal illness of your loved one was caused by salmonella-tainted pistachios, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact AWKO Law at (888) 255-2956 to learn more about your legal rights and determine whether filing a personal injury salmonella lawsuit might be beneficial. In addition to handling salmonellosis cases, the AWKO lawyers have extensive experience negotiating and litigating campylobacter, E. coli, botulism and shigella 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
