Most people have heard recent news reports regarding a Salmonella outbreak caused by peanut butter now being sold in Trader Joe’s stores throughout the nation and even right here in Bergen County. The supermarket chain has ordered a voluntary recall of the tainted peanut butter as a precautionary measure.
Although a process for informing the public about unsafe food products is in place by manufacturers and government agencies, many consumers do not know that the food they have in their refrigerator or cupboards may contain potentially fatal bacteria. When that occurs, they end up ingesting the unsafe food and become ill.
At this time, the company stated that there is no confirmed information about the peanut butter, but, “pending health-related inquiries,” consumers should not eat the peanut spread. The company is offering refunds to consumers at this time.
The Food and Drug Administration has posted the voluntary recall on its website, as is standard procedure in cases of unsafe supermarket foods.
Some of the symptoms of Salmonella include; fever, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. These health indications can be particularly serious and even fatal in young children, individuals with compromised immune systems, as well as the elderly. While these individuals may suffer more serious ramifications from the tainted food, even healthy individuals may get infected with the dangerous bacteria.
Parties liable for food-borne Salmonella injuries may include anybody who handled the food, from a field all the way to the store where the product was purchased.
If you or a family member has been injured as a result of Salmonella contamination or any other dangerous product, please contact Breslin & Breslin for a free consultation.
Source: Pleasantville-Briarcliff Manor Patch, “Trader Joe’s Recall Over Salmonella,” Barbara Heins, Sept. 24, 2012
