Salmonella recall expands to include whole peanuts

Many of our Pittsburgh readers have likely been following the recent news about the peanut butter recall that, at first, primarily included products sold at Trader Joe’s grocery stores. Reports indicate that nearly three dozen people have been diagnosed with salmonella in connection with the recalled Trader Joe’s peanut butter, and it is likely that the number of people sickened by the defective food products will only continue to grow in the coming days and weeks.

Now, the recall has been expanded to include whole peanuts in several forms. All in all, the recall now covers more than 240 peanut products.

The most recent recall was done voluntarily by the company that manufactures and distributes them. It covers bags of salted jumbo Virginia in-shell peanuts. The reason for the recall is a possible contamination with salmonella. In sum, almost 2 million pounds of peanuts, sold nationally in Wal-Mart and others supermarkets, are included in the recall, which covers peanuts distributed between April 12 and October 12.

Although no illnesses have been reported in connection with those specific products, at least 35 people in 19 different states have fallen ill as a result of the salmonella outbreak, all of which can be traced back to a single New Mexico producer. More than half of those affected by the contamination are children under the age of 10.

Common symptoms of salmonella poisoning are fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. Children and elderly people and those with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk of lasting harm from salmonella.

Those who have been affected by the salmonella outbreak may have a valid product liability claim against the companies that manufactured, distributed and sold the affected peanut products. A personal injury attorney can help you determine whether a lawsuit is the best option for you.

Source: NBC News, “Whole peanuts now recalled for possible salmonella contamination,” Oct. 16, 2012