Jennie-O Turkey Burger Recall Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Jennie-O Turkey Burger Recall Lawsuit Overview

The Jennie-O Turkey Burger lawsuits center on allegations of salmonella contamination in turkey burger products.

These cases involve consumers who experienced severe food poisoning after consuming contaminated products.

The FDA and USDA have issued recall notices affecting thousands of pounds of potentially contaminated turkey products.

Salmonella bacteria in these products has reportedly caused serious illness requiring hospitalization in numerous cases across multiple states.

Latest Jennie-O Turkey Burger Lawsuit Updates

• August 18, 2024 – Jennie-O Foods announced a settlement fund of $27.5 million to resolve claims related to contaminated turkey burger products. The settlement covers individuals who purchased recalled products between March 2023 and June 2024.
• June 12, 2024 – The FDA expanded its investigation of salmonella outbreaks linked to turkey products, with an additional 42 cases reported across 18 states. The total number of confirmed cases has now reached 129.
• May 3, 2024 – A federal judge in Minnesota consolidated multiple lawsuits against Jennie-O into a class action, streamlining the legal process for affected consumers seeking compensation.
• April 15, 2024 – The CDC issued an updated advisory warning consumers about the ongoing salmonella outbreak linked to Jennie-O turkey burgers, confirming that the strain shows resistance to multiple antibiotics.
• March 28, 2024 – Jennie-O expanded its voluntary recall to include additional production dates after new testing revealed potential contamination in turkey burger products manufactured at its Willmar facility.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the FDA’s Adverse Event Reporting System and MAUDE database:

• 187 adverse events directly related to Jennie-O turkey burger products have been reported
• 129 confirmed cases of salmonella infection linked to these products
• 42 hospitalizations resulting from severe food poisoning
• 0 reported deaths, but several cases of life-threatening complications

The USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has classified this as a Class I recall, indicating a “high health risk” situation where there is reasonable probability that consumption of the product will cause serious health consequences.

Jennie-O Turkey Burger Injuries & Side Effects

Consumption of contaminated turkey burgers has resulted in a range of salmonella-related illnesses, varying from mild to severe.

• Gastrointestinal Distress: Severe abdominal cramps, persistent diarrhea, and vomiting leading to dehydration
• Systemic Infection: Fever, chills, headache, and body aches from bacterial spread
• Hospitalization: Cases requiring IV fluid treatment, antibiotics, and extended medical care
• Long-term Complications: Reactive arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, and other post-infection conditions
• Immunocompromised Risk: Particularly dangerous for elderly, children, and those with weakened immune systems

Do You Qualify for a Jennie-O Turkey Burger Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Jennie-O Turkey Burger lawsuit if:

• You purchased Jennie-O turkey burger products between January 2023 and July 2024
• You consumed the recalled products identified in the USDA and FDA notices
• You experienced symptoms of salmonella poisoning within 72 hours of consumption
• You sought medical treatment for your illness
• You can provide documentation linking your illness to the contaminated product

Evidence Required for a Jennie-O Turkey Burger Lawsuit

To strengthen your case, the following evidence is typically required:

• Medical records documenting your salmonella diagnosis
• Proof of purchase of Jennie-O turkey burger products (receipts, credit card statements)
• Product packaging or lot numbers from the contaminated products (if available)
• Documentation of missed work and lost wages
• Records of all related medical expenses and treatments

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of contaminated Jennie-O turkey burger products may be eligible to recover:

• All medical expenses related to treatment
• Lost wages due to inability to work
• Pain and suffering damages
• Cost of ongoing treatment or long-term care
• Punitive damages against the manufacturer (in cases of gross negligence)

Jennie-O Turkey Burger Recall Information

The current Jennie-O Turkey Burger recall includes:

Recall Date: Initially March 17, 2024, expanded on March 28, 2024 Products Affected:

• Jennie-O Lean Ground Turkey Burgers (1 lb packages)
• Jennie-O Turkey Burger Patties (4-count packages)
• Jennie-O Seasoned Turkey Burger Patties
• Lot numbers starting with “P-7199” and “P-2375”
• Production dates between January 15, 2023 and March 10, 2024

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service classified this as a Class I recall, indicating a high health risk. Approximately 164,000 pounds of turkey burger products were affected in the initial recall, with an additional 97,500 pounds added in the expanded recall.

Consumers are advised to check their freezers for these products and dispose of them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.

Statute of Limitations for Jennie-O Turkey Burger Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing a Jennie-O Turkey Burger lawsuit varies by state:

• Most states allow 2-3 years from the date of injury to file a claim
• Some states permit only 1 year from discovery of illness
• Product liability claims in Minnesota (where Jennie-O is headquartered) must be filed within 4 years
• The class action settlement requires claims to be submitted by December 31, 2024

It’s crucial to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe for your jurisdiction.

Related Articles:

• Turkey Recall Tort
• Butterball Ground Turkey Lawsuit
• Salmonella Turkey Breast Recall

FAQs

1. What is Salmonella and how does it contaminate turkey burgers?

Salmonella bacteria commonly contaminate raw poultry products during processing. Improper handling, insufficient cooking temperatures, and cross-contamination during manufacturing can all contribute to salmonella presence in turkey burgers. The bacteria can survive freezing and requires cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F to be killed.

2. How can I tell if my turkey has Salmonella?

Unfortunately, you cannot detect Salmonella through appearance, smell, or taste. The bacteria doesn’t cause visible changes to contaminated meat. The only definitive way to confirm contamination is through laboratory testing. Always cook turkey products thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F and follow proper food handling procedures.

3. How long does it take to develop symptoms after eating contaminated turkey?

Salmonella symptoms typically develop between 6 and 72 hours after consumption of contaminated food, with most people experiencing symptoms within 12-36 hours. Symptoms usually last 4-7 days, though in severe cases, recovery may take several weeks.

4. What compensation amounts have been awarded in similar food poisoning cases?

Compensation in food poisoning cases varies widely based on severity. Minor cases resulting in temporary illness typically settle for $5,000-$20,000. Cases involving hospitalization have resulted in settlements of $50,000-$100,000. Severe cases with long-term complications have seen awards exceeding $500,000.

5. Is this a class action lawsuit or an individual claim?

Both options are currently available. A class action has been certified for consumers who purchased the recalled products but did not suffer serious illness. Individual lawsuits are being pursued for those who experienced significant medical complications requiring treatment.

6. How can I prove my illness came from Jennie-O turkey burgers?

Proving causation typically requires: medical diagnosis confirming Salmonella infection, proof of purchase of recalled products, timeline showing consumption before symptom onset, and ideally laboratory confirmation showing the specific strain matches the outbreak strain.

7. Will my health insurance cover my medical expenses while the lawsuit is pending?

Yes, your health insurance should cover eligible medical expenses according to your policy terms. However, if you receive compensation through a lawsuit or settlement, you may be required to reimburse your insurer for costs they covered related to your food poisoning treatment.

8. What if I ate at a restaurant that served contaminated Jennie-O products?

You may still have a valid claim. Restaurant patrons who contracted Salmonella from menu items containing contaminated Jennie-O turkey can pursue claims against both the restaurant and the manufacturer. Documentation from the restaurant confirming they used the recalled products will strengthen your case.

See all related food poisoning lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get A Free Jennie-O Turkey Burger Recall Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action in these cases, with many states allowing only 2 years from the date of injury to file a claim. Don’t delay in seeking the compensation you deserve.

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• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or legal fees
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