October 4, 2012
SunLand, Inc, has issued a massive voluntary recall on hundreds of its peanut butter products after testing proved many were contaminated with salmonella. According to WIBW News, the recall began with just peanut and almond butter products, but has expanded to products such as cookies and ice cream.
Salmonella is a bacterium that is sometimes contracted into the body through the ingestion of contaminated foods. Infection, called salmonellosis, can spread quickly through the digestive track and symptoms of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramps can occur within days. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says salmonellosis is responsible for causing approximately 1.4 million cases of foodborne illness per year in the U.S. and around 400 fatalities per year.
The recall was issued after reports began being placed about people becoming ill after eating certain nut butters from Trader Joe’s. The illnesses were traced back to salmonella contamination in products from SunLand. In all, a total of 30 cases of foodborne illness across 19 states have been reported in relation to the contamination. The number of illnesses is expected to continue to grow as more products are added to the growing list.
The North Carolina Personal Injury Lawyers with HensonFuerst Injury Lawyers believe food manufacturers and distributors have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe for consumption by the public and are here to help if you have been sickened by contaminated food.