On February 14, 2007, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warned consumers that any Peter Pan peanut butter purchased since May 2006 should not be eaten. The advisory also included a warning not to consume Great Value (a Wal-Mart brand) peanut butter bearing a product code beginning with 2111 and purchased since May 2006. Both products were made in a Georgia facility and are at risk of contamination from the Tennessee type of salmonella, a bacterium that causes gastrointestinal infections. Great Value peanut butter not manufactured by ConAgra is not included in the recall.

Confirmation of the outbreak of Salmonella Tennessee came through testing opened jars of the peanut butter recovered from infected persons.

ConAgra Recalls Peanut Butter

ConAgra, the makers of the peanut butter, have announced a recall and have asked consumers to discard any products that might be infected with the salmonella. The company has destroyed all peanut butter in its Sylvester, Georgia plant. In early March, the recall was widened to include all Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter beginning with product code 2111 and sold as far back as October 2004, including peanut butter toppings. In addition, Sonic Brand Ready-to-Use Peanut Butter Topping, Carvel Peanut Butter Topping, and J. Hungerford Smith Peanut Butter Dessert Topping were added to the recall as a result of further investigations.

By early March, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there were 425 known cases of people infected with the salmonella from forty-four states. The first known infection was in August, 2006, with 67% of cases showing up after December 1, 2006. On April 5, the cause of the contamination was identified as stemming from a leaky roof and a faulty sprinkler, resulting in moist conditions that helped the salmonella bacteria to grow and eventually contaminate the peanut butter.

Consumers with questions can call ConAgra’s 24-hour toll-free hotline at 866-344-6970 to find out more about the recall.

Know the Symptoms of Salmonella

Diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, headache, nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, chills, muscle pain, and dehydration from the diarrhea are the most common symptoms of salmonella. Diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever usually develop 12 to 72 hours after infection, with the sickness lasting from four to seven days. Immune-challenged individuals, infants, young children, and the elderly are often affected more severely, and may need hospitalization. In rare cases, there are long term consequences to a salmonella infection, manifesting itself into Reiter’s Syndrome which can last for months or even years.

What Should I Do?

If you have recently eaten the contaminated Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter and found yourself experiencing any symptoms of salmonella infection, consult a physician as soon as possible. Also, provide details to the local health authority and request more information. If you do consume contaminated peanut butter and fall ill, you may be entitled to damages for pain, lost wages, and medical expenses. Fill out the form below to contact an attorney experienced in recalls and product liability cases to explain your rights.