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Salmonella Poisoning Linked to Peanut Corp. of America in Florida
There have already been 637 cases of salmonella in 44 states that have been linked to peanut-related products associated with the Peanut Corporation of America. Ten deaths have also been attributed to the tainted products. Some believe this number could be even higher.
Florida had its first case of salmonella poisoning linked to this nationwide outbreak in the beginning of February 2009. A Bradford County resident was hospitalized after experiencing symptoms of infection with the salmonella bacteria. The bacteria matched the DNA “fingerprint” of Salmonella Typhimuirium, which has been linked to products produced by Peanut Corporation of America plant located in Blakely, Georgia.
Florida Department of Health spokeswoman Susan Smith said that the Bradford County case appears to be isolated. “Unless you go to a doctor and get diagnosed and a sample is taken where they can isolate the organism, you don’t have a confirmed diagnosis,” said Tim O’Conner, Palm Beach County Health Department spokesman.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, for every reported case of salmonella poisoning, there are another 38 cases that go unreported. That means the national outbreak could be even worse than most people realize.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the Blakely plant shipped out products that managers knew might be contaminated with salmonella. The number of recalled peanut products is more than 2,100, which is believed to be a record for foods consumed by humans. Peanut butter in jars is considered to be safe from contamination, but other foods not usually associated with peanuts have been affected. Some of these items include brownies, dog biscuits and even chicken breasts, as these foods may contain peanut paste. The FDA has posted a list of recalled products on its website that is frequently updated. Consumers can also sign up to receive email alerts of recalled peanut products on the FDA’s website.
Lawmakers are now pushing for stronger food safety laws and more money for inspections. At least four major bills are expected to be introduced that will give the FDA authority to order recalls, which is now voluntary.
Salmonella poisoning caused by peanut products from Peanut Corp. of America can be serious, as the reports of deaths have already proven. If you have been diagnosed with salmonella poisoning that is linked to the peanut recall, contact the attorneys at the Law Offices of Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP at (863) 683-1111 for legal advice.
Lilly, O'Toole & Brown, LLP
Lakeland Office: (863) 683-1111
Bartow Office: (863) 533-5525M
Sebring Office: (863) 471-0003
Lake Wales Office: (863) 676-1991
Haines City Office: (863) 422-1282
Wauchula Office: (863) 767-1111
Also providing legal assistance to clients from:
Wauchula, Lake Placid, Avon Park, Plant City, Brandon, and Valrico, Florida.
