King Nut Peanut Butter Salmonella Outbreak

A brand of peanut butter that it is distributed to schools and hospitals has been blamed for a nationwide outbreak of salmonella that has sickened nearly 400 people.

A preliminary test by health officials in Minnesota determined King Nut peanut butter contained salmonella. That made the product the prime suspect in a nationwide epidemic of foodborne illness, prompting King Nut on Jan. 10 to issue a press release and voluntarily recall all of their peanut butter that had been made for them by Peanut Corporation of America.

Health officials detected salmonella bacteria in a 5-pound container of King Nut brand creamy peanut butter. The product is not sold in grocery stores but instead is distributed for institutional use to health care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, schools, universities, restaurants, bakeries and cafeterias.

The salmonella outbreak began in September 2008. So far, 399 people have reportedly been infected in at least 42 states, including one death, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Most cases occurred after Oct. 1, and about one every five people who were sickened required hospitalization.

In the latest outbreak, victims have ranged in age from 1 to 100. Infants, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems are the greatest risk from salmonella.

As of Jan. 10, these states reported illnesses from salmonella infections: Alabama, 1; Arizona, 8; Arkansas, 3; California, 55; Colorado, 9; Connecticut, 6; Georgia, 5; Hawaii, 1; Idaho, 10; Illinois, 4; Indiana, 3; Iowa, 1; Kansas, 2; Kentucky, 3; Maine, 3; Maryland, 7; Massachusetts, 39; Michigan 20; Minnesota, 30; Missouri, 8; Nebraska, 1; New Hampshire, 10; New Jersey 13; New York, 12; Nevada, 6; North Carolina, 1; North Dakota, 10; Ohio, 53; Oklahoma, 2; Oregon, 5; Pennsylvania 12; Rhode Island, 3; South Dakota, 2; Tennessee, 9; Texas, 5; Utah, 3; Vermont, 4; Virginia 12; Washington 11; West Virginia, 2; Wisconsin, 3; Wyoming, 2.

The salmonella that is believed to be responsible for the outbreak is called Salmonella Typhimurium. It is the most common strain and is typically found in contaminated fresh fruits and vegetables or in meat, fish and eggs that are not cooked properly.

Signs of salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever and stomach cramps. The symptoms usually show up anywhere from one-half day to three days after eating the contaminated food. In extreme cases, salmonella can cause death.

This is not the first time that peanut butter has been linked to a salmonella outbreak and food poisoning. About two years ago ConAgra recalled its Peter Pan brand peanut butter over a similar concern. That product was eventually linked to at least 625 salmonella cases in 47 states.

What to Do if You Have Food Poisoning

If you believe you have eaten peanut butter contaminated by salmonella, this link provides steps you should take. The most important step its to immediately contact your health care provider. A salmonella infection can make you sick for a week or more and in extreme cases can lead to death.

You should also take immediate steps to protect your legal rights. If you've been the victim of food contamination, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. However, food poisoning claims like the one at issue in the latest salmonella outbreak are among the most difficult areas of litigation since the negligent action, the product defect and the related illness must be carefully documented and presented to the court. You may need a skilled foodborne illness attorney with experience and resources to thoroughly investigate and validate your case.

Contact a Foodborne Illness / Food Poisoning Lawyer

If you would like to speak with an attorney experienced with foodborne illness claims and have your situation reviewed at no charge, and with no obligation, please complete the form below. Your information will be transmitted securely and privately to an experienced lawyer for an initial claim evaluation.

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