According to recent media reports, J.M. Smucker, the maker of Jif peanut butter, has issued a recall of several types of peanut butter due to possible salmonella bacteria contamination. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are also investigating the salmonella infections. As of May 23, 2022 14 people in 12 states have reportedly been sickened by the outbreak, resulting in two hospitalizations. According to the FDA, the outbreak can be traced to a plant in Lexington, Kentucky. People who may have purchased the tainted peanut butter should compare their lot numbers to those provided on the CDC website or reported in many news stories. Anyone who has (or may have) consumed recalled peanut butter should retain the packaging but clearly mark it so that no more peanut butter is consumed.
According to the CDC, salmonella bacteria cause a disease known as salmonellosis. Common symptoms include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. Symptoms can begin between six hours and six days after the bacteria is ingested. These symptoms can lead to other medical problems such as dehydration, which can lead to hospitalization in severe cases. In even more severe cases, infection can spread to blood, joints, or organs and lead to septic arthritis and other long-term consequences.
McCarthy Lebit attorney Colin R. Ray is currently investigating the Jif salmonella outbreak and has been retained by some of those who have been hospitalized with symptoms consistent with salmonella infection after unknowingly eating recalled Jif peanut butter. Compensation for those injured by tainted foods often includes payment for hospital bills, pain and suffering, and other expenses incurred as a result of illness. Colin typically investigates and handles such cases on a no-obligation basis with no legal fees unless there is a recovery. Those who may have been sickened by tainted peanut butter or other food products can contact Colin for a free, no-obligation evaluation of their legal options. Please reach out to request a consultation or call us at 216-696-1422.
Additional Reading:
“Outbreak Investigation of Salmonella: Peanut Butter (May 2022),” United States Food and Drug Administration
“Questions and Answers,” Salmonella Homepage, United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
