Soy Nut Butter Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Soy Nut Butter Lawsuit Overview

The Soy Nut Butter lawsuits involve claims against SoyNut Butter Company, Dixie Dew Products, and retailers for E. coli contamination in I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter products. The primary allegations include failure to maintain safe manufacturing conditions and adequate testing protocols. At least 32 people in 12 states were sickened by the outbreak, with 24 of the victims being children under 18 years old. The FDA issued a recall and eventually halted all production at Dixie Dew’s manufacturing facility.

Latest Soy Nut Butter Lawsuit Updates

January 31, 2020 – Years after the 2016–2017 E. coli outbreak, settlements have been reached in the last of the lawsuits involving SoyNut Butter, providing long-awaited resolution and compensation for affected families.

October 2, 2019 – A woman from Virginia who claims she developed permanent kidney damage from an E. coli infection caused by tainted soy butter has filed a lawsuit against Target Corp. and 2 of its distributors for $75 million in damages, according to Law360 [1].

March 17, 2017  – A new lawsuit has been filed against the SoyNut Butter Company of Illinois by a husband and wife who allege E. coli poisoning from I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter.

According to the lawsuit (PDF), Plaintiffs Kelli and Derek Vanderby of Sonoma County, California, purchased I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter, with Kelli consuming it regularly in the days before her E. coli illness developed.

March 7, 2017 – The first lawsuit filed against the SoyNut Butter Co. over an expanding E. coli outbreak seeks compensation for the injuries of an 8-year-old boy who was hospitalized for 25 days and continues to suffer adverse health complications.

According to the lawsuit, the victim is one of 12 people in 5 states who developed an infection of the outbreak strain E. coli O157:H7 after eating I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter.

The complaint was filed Monday in federal court in Illinois by California residents Mosby and Erin Simmons on behalf of their son, Trevor, against the SoyNut Butter Company of Glenville, Illinois. Plaintiffs are accusing the company of negligence, breach of warranty, and a strict product liability lawsuit.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to the CDC, 29 people in 12 states were confirmed infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 linked to I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter products. Of these cases:

• 24 of the 29 infected individuals were under the age of 18
• 12 patients required hospitalization
• 9 patients developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney complication
• The first confirmed illness began on January 6, with subsequent cases reported through February 15, 2017

The FDA investigation discovered the contamination source at the Dixie Dew Products manufacturing facility in Kentucky, leading to a complete halt of operations at that facility.

Soy Nut Butter Injuries & Side Effects

Consumption of E. coli-contaminated soy nut butter products has been linked to severe health complications, especially in children.

• E. coli O157:H7 Infection: Severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting
• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): Life-threatening kidney failure requiring hospitalization, dialysis, and blood transfusions
• Permanent Kidney Damage: Long-term kidney function impairment requiring ongoing medical treatment
• Hospitalization: Extended hospital stays averaging 3-25 days for severe cases

Do You Qualify for a Soy Nut Butter Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Soy Nut Butter lawsuit if:

• You consumed I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter or products containing it between January 2016 and March 2017
• You experienced E. coli symptoms including severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, or vomiting
• You were diagnosed with an E. coli infection, particularly the O157:H7 strain
• You developed complications such as HUS or kidney damage
• You required medical treatment or hospitalization due to your symptoms
• You can provide medical documentation linking your illness to SoyNut Butter consumption

Evidence Required for a Soy Nut Butter Lawsuit

To strengthen your Soy Nut Butter lawsuit, you should gather:

• Medical records documenting your E. coli diagnosis and treatment
• Proof of purchase of I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter or related products
• Documentation of hospitalization, medical treatments, and follow-up care
• Laboratory test results confirming E. coli O157:H7 infection
• Records of lost wages and other financial impacts

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of Soy Nut Butter E. coli contamination may be eligible to recover:

• Medical expenses including hospitalization, medications, and ongoing treatments
• Long-term care costs including kidney dialysis or transplantation
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering from illness and complications
• Emotional distress due to prolonged illness
• Punitive damages against negligent manufacturers

Soy Nut Butter Recall Information

In March 2017, the FDA issued a recall for the following products:

• 15-ounce plastic jars of I.M. Healthy Original Creamy SoyNut Butter
• Individual portion cups of I.M. Healthy Original Creamy SoyNut Butter
• 4-pound plastic tubs of I.M. Healthy Original Creamy SoyNut Butter
• Dixie Diner’s Club brand Carb Not Beanit Butter
• Yogurt Peanut Crunch Bars with the brand name 20/20 Lifestyles

The CDC recommended that consumers, childcare centers, schools, and other institutions discard all I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter varieties and sizes, as well as I.M. Healthy brand granola coated with SoyNut Butter.

Statute of Limitations for Soy Nut Butter Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for food poisoning cases varies by state but generally ranges from 1-3 years from the date of injury or discovery of illness. Given that the outbreak occurred in 2017, many statutes of limitations may have expired, but some exceptions may apply:

• If the victim was a minor at the time of injury
• If kidney damage or other health effects were discovered after the initial illness
• If the statute of limitations was tolled during bankruptcy proceedings

Consult with an attorney immediately to determine if you still qualify to file a claim.

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FAQs

1. What happened with the Soy Nut Butter E. coli outbreak?

In early 2017, I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter products were linked to an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that sickened at least 32 people across 12 states. The majority of victims were children under 18 years old, with several developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious kidney complication.

2. Who manufactured the contaminated Soy Nut Butter?

While the products were marketed under the I.M. Healthy brand by SoyNut Butter Company, they were manufactured by Dixie Dew Products at their facility in Erlanger, Kentucky. Both companies have faced legal action as a result of the outbreak.

3. What compensation have victims received in Soy Nut Butter lawsuits?

While specific settlement amounts for most cases remain confidential, the Virginia lawsuit sought $75 million in damages. Insurance coverage from SoyNut Butter Co. and Dixie Dew Products totaled approximately $12 million designated for compensating outbreak victims.

4. Can I still file a lawsuit if I was sickened by Soy Nut Butter?

While the statute of limitations may have expired in many states, exceptions may apply, especially for minors or cases where health effects were discovered later. Contact an attorney immediately for a case evaluation.

5. What if my child consumed contaminated Soy Nut Butter at a school or childcare center?

If your child was sickened by contaminated Soy Nut Butter served at a school or childcare center, you may have claims against both the product manufacturers and potentially the facility, depending on circumstances. Our attorneys can evaluate your specific situation.

6. How can I prove my illness was caused by Soy Nut Butter?

Medical documentation, including laboratory test results confirming E. coli infection, combined with proof of purchase or consumption of the recalled products, can help establish causation. Our experienced attorneys can help gather and present this evidence effectively.

7. Has the Soy Nut Butter Company resumed operations?

No, Soy Nut Butter Company filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy in May 2017, which typically involves liquidation rather than reorganization. The FDA also halted all operations at the Dixie Dew Products manufacturing facility where the contamination originated.

8. What symptoms indicate a serious E. coli infection?

Severe abdominal cramping, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and fever may indicate E. coli infection. If these symptoms are present, especially in children, seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms of HUS include decreased urination, fatigue, and pallor.

See the other food poisoning lawsuits our attorneys have covered.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for Soy Nut Butter E. coli cases. While many standard statutes of limitations have expired, special circumstances may still allow for claims, particularly for children who were affected.

At Schmidt&Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or legal fees
• Payment only if we win your case or secure a settlement

Our experienced Food Poisoning Litigation Group has successfully represented victims in E. coli and food contamination cases nationwide. Don’t delay in seeking the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, ongoing treatments, and suffering.

[START YOUR FREE CASE REVIEW NOW]

Reference:

[1] https://www.law360.com/foodbeverage/articles/1203337/-75m-suit-over-tainted-soy-butter-takes-aim-at-target-others