On February 14, 2007, the FDA warned consumers not to eat Peter Pan Peanut Butter or Great Value Peanut Butter due to risk of contamination with Salmonella. Salmonella is a bacterium that causes illness. The contaminated jars of Peter Pan and Great Value Peanut Butters have a product code located on the lid of the jar that begins with the number 2111. The ConAgra Corporation manufactures both the Peter Pan and Great Value brands in a single facility in Sylvester, Georgia. Consumers have been told to throw away either of these peanut butter brands if they were purchased since May 2006.
As of February 16, 2007, over 300 individuals have become sick with salmonella poisoning symptoms. The FDA is now warning, based on a new study released on February 13, 2007 by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and State and Local Health Agencies, of possible tainted peanut butter. The February 13, 2007 study connects 288 cases of food borne illness in 39 states to consumption of certain types of Peter Pan Peanut Butter. While most infections seem to be in New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Tennessee and Missouri, there are victims in many other states. According to the San Antonio Express News, individuals in San Antonio and across Texas are reporting illnesses. The first illness from the current peanut butter epidemic may have come in August 2006. As a result of broad epidemiological testing and recent case control studies, the CDC has now confirmed that Peter Pan Peanut Butter and Great Value Peanut Butter are the likely cause of illness.
ConAgra, one of the Nation's largest producers of peanut butter is now in the process of recalling all Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter beginning with product code 2111 that were already distributed. The FDA has sent investigators to ConAgra's processing plant in Sylvester, Georgia to review records, collect product samples and conduct tests for Salmonella Tennessee.
Individuals with poor underlying health or weakened immune systems, the elderly or young children are at a higher risk. For Salmonella can enter the bloodstream from the intestines and cause life-threatening infections. This infection can sometimes be treated with antibiotics. Individuals who have recently eaten Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter and have experienced any adverse symptoms should contact a physician.
If you or a loved recently eaten Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter and suffered Salmonella poisoning (Salmonellosis), you may have valuable legal rights, please fill out the form at the right for a free case evaluation by our Law Firm. Our call our toll free number: 800-862-1260.