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Are You Affected by the Jif® Peanut Butter Recall?
On May 20th, the J.M. Smucker Co. issued a voluntary recall of certain Jif peanut butter products sold in the U.S. due to potential salmonella contamination. Per the CDC, 16 people have become ill due to the contaminated peanut butter, with two people having to be hospitalized.
This recall is nationwide and affects over 40 Jif® peanut butter products. Recalled products fall within the following range of lot numbers: 1274425 – 2140425. To find the lot number, look at the codes printed alongside the best-if-used-by date on the container. If you are unsure if your product is part of the recall or your container’s lot number is illegible, do not consume any more of the product.
If you have a recalled product, you should wash and sanitize all containers and surfaces that may have come in contact with the contaminated product.
Click here to view the list of affected Jif® products and their UPC codes.
The recall also affects other food brands that used or contained the contaminated Jif® peanut butter. Review this list provided by the FDA to find out if you purchased or consumed any affected products.
What Is Salmonella?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that typically lives in the intestinal tracts of birds and other animals. Humans can become infected with salmonella. This usually happens when someone ingests food that has been contaminated with animal feces. Salmonella contamination most often occurs with foods that come from animals, such as poultry and eggs. However, fruits and vegetables can also be contaminated when the soil and water used to grow them is contaminated. Salmonella poisoning can also be contracted from water and through direct animal contact. It is very uncommon for salmonella to be spread person-to-person.
Symptoms of salmonella poisoning include:
- Fever
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
Generally speaking, salmonella poisoning most affects the intestinal tract, in particular, the small and large intestines. Though uncommon, salmonella can enter the bloodstream, resulting in more severe illnesses like arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis. According to the CDC, salmonella infections in the bloodstream occur in less than 5% of cases.
Who Is Most Affected
While anyone can suffer from salmonella poisoning, some groups are more susceptible and at greater risk. Young children, the elderly, and those who are immunocompromised are particularly vulnerable and are most likely to experience severe symptoms. In extreme cases, salmonella infection can cause long-term health problems and even be deadly.
How Is Salmonella Poisoning Treated
Because salmonella poisoning shares symptoms with several other conditions, a diagnosis can only be achieved by isolating the salmonella bacteria in a patient’s stool. This is done through laboratory testing. Per the CDC, only a small fraction of salmonella infections are ever confirmed by a laboratory (3.4% of infections in the U.S.). This is because most patients who suffer from salmonella poisoning do not get lab testing because they typically recover fairly quickly and therefore do not seek medical treatment.
When a healthy adult is infected with salmonella, they rarely require specific treatment. Symptoms typically occur within 12-72 hours of ingesting the contaminated food. Most illnesses are resolved within a week. However, if the infection spreads, such as to the bloodstream, thereby affecting the patient’s organ, the illness will be protracted, and the patient will suffer additional symptoms.
What To Do If You Consumed Contaminated Jif ® Peanut Butter
If you or a loved one have consumed Jif® peanut butter with lot numbers 1274425 – 2140425 and sought medical treatment, you may be entitled to compensation. If you are ill and you suspect you have consumed one of the recalled Jif® peanut butter products or another affected product, you should seek medical treatment and ask your doctor to test you for the salmonella strain identified in the Jif® recall.
Salmonella infections can be incredibly serious and cause you to lose time at work and incur other expenses, such as emergency medical care or hospitalization. Therefore, you should also consult with an attorney to discuss your rights. If you live in Georgia and became ill after consuming one of the recalled Jif® products, reach out to one of the food poisoning attorneys at Dermer Appel Ruder LLC. Our law firm has extensive experience handling these types of cases, and we are prepared to advocate for you. From helping you deal with insurance companies to representing you in court, we are ready to help you get the compensation you need to recover.
For more information on filing a food poisoning personal injury claim, call our law firm at (404) 892-8884 or send us a message online.