Published by If you or a loved one developed salmonella food poisoning (salmonellosis) after eating Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter included in this recall, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to contaminated food products.
Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark, LLP today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Table Of Contents
- Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Lawsuit Updates
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Lawsuit?
- Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. Can I sue if I have been sickened by contaminated Trader Joe’s peanut butter?
- 2. What compensation can I receive from a Trader Joe’s peanut butter recall lawsuit?
- 3. How long do I have to file a lawsuit for illness caused by contaminated Trader Joe’s peanut butter?
- 4. What should I do if I think I have salmonella from eating recalled peanut butter?
- 5. How is salmonella infection diagnosed?
- 6. Who is most at risk for serious complications from salmonella?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
- References
Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Lawsuit Overview
Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter was linked to a nationwide salmonella outbreak that sickened at least 29 individuals across 18 states.
More than 75% of those who suffered from the illness were children under the age of 18.
The lawsuits allege that Trader Joe’s and manufacturer Sunland Inc. failed to ensure their products were safe for consumption, resulting in serious foodborne illnesses.
Latest Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Lawsuit Updates
November 28, 2012 – Officials from the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) ordered the New Mexico-based Sunland Inc. processing plant closed after it was found to have manufactured ingredients contained in many recalled peanut butter products.
An inspection revealed multiple strains of salmonella at the company’s processing facility, and determined that the plant’s owner knowingly distributed contaminated food to consumers.
September 26, 2012 – New Mexico-based Sunland Inc. expanded its nationwide recall to include a total of 76 types of peanut and almond butter after a product it sold to Trader Joe’s grocery stores was linked to a salmonella outbreak that sickened nearly 30 people in 18 states.
September 24, 2012 – Retail grocery giant Trader Joe’s recalled Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter nationwide after being linked to at least 29 salmonella food poisoning illnesses in 18 states.
Related Article:
FDA Reports and Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than three-quarters of those infected were children under the age of 18.
The CDC reported that the first illness connected to this recall was reported on June 11, 2012, and the most recent on September 2, 2012.
State health departments reported three salmonella food poisoning cases in Massachusetts, one in Rhode Island, and one in North Carolina, with additional cases being investigated in other states.
Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Injuries & Side Effects
Salmonella is a common foodborne pathogen that has the potential to cause serious and sometimes life-threatening illnesses, especially in young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.
- Fever: Often the first sign of salmonella infection
- Diarrhea: May be bloody and can last several days
- Nausea: Frequently accompanied by loss of appetite
- Vomiting: Can lead to dehydration if severe
- Abdominal Pain: Often severe and may mimic other conditions
In rare cases, salmonella bacteria can get into the bloodstream and produce extremely serious illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis, and arthritis.
Do You Qualify for a Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter lawsuit if:
- You consumed Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter or other recalled Sunland Inc. products
- You were diagnosed with salmonella food poisoning (salmonellosis)
- Your illness required medical treatment
- You can provide medical documentation linking your illness to the contaminated peanut butter
Evidence Required for a Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Lawsuit
- Medical records confirming salmonella diagnosis
- Proof of purchase of the recalled peanut butter
- Documentation of medical expenses related to your illness
- Evidence showing the timeline between consumption and illness onset
Damages You Can Recover
- Medical expenses for treatment of salmonella infection
- Lost wages due to time off work while ill
- Pain and suffering associated with the illness
- Other related costs incurred due to the foodborne illness
Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Recall Information
The FDA issued a press release stating that it was working with the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and the state of California to determine the link between Trader Joe’s Creamy Salted Valencia Peanut Butter and the salmonella food poisoning outbreak [1].
In response, Trader Joe’s voluntarily removed the product from the marketplace.
Sunland Inc. subsequently expanded the recall to include 76 different peanut and almond butter products that were potentially contaminated with salmonella.
Statute of Limitations for Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Lawsuits
The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from one to three years from the date of illness or discovery of the contamination.
It’s essential to consult with an attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable time limits.
FAQs
1. Can I sue if I have been sickened by contaminated Trader Joe’s peanut butter?
Yes, you can sue if you have been sickened by contaminated Trader Joe’s peanut butter. You will need to provide evidence linking your illness to the contaminated product and demonstrate how it caused your illness.
2. What compensation can I receive from a Trader Joe’s peanut butter recall lawsuit?
Compensation may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. The amount depends on the severity of your illness and the impact on your life.
3. How long do I have to file a lawsuit for illness caused by contaminated Trader Joe’s peanut butter?
The statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit varies by state but typically ranges from one to three years from the date of illness or discovery of the contamination.
4. What should I do if I think I have salmonella from eating recalled peanut butter?
If you suspect you have salmonella poisoning, seek medical attention immediately. Save any remaining product and receipt of purchase as evidence, and contact a food safety attorney to discuss your legal options.
5. How is salmonella infection diagnosed?
Salmonella infection is typically diagnosed through stool samples that are tested for the presence of salmonella bacteria. Blood tests may also be used in cases where the infection has entered the bloodstream.
6. Who is most at risk for serious complications from salmonella?
Young children, elderly individuals, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems are at highest risk for developing serious complications from salmonella infections.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for illness caused by contaminated Trader Joe’s peanut butter. Most states allow only 1-3 years from the date of injury to file a claim, so it’s crucial to act quickly.
The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter recall lawsuits.
We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new salmonella food poisoning cases in all 50 states.
Our law firm offers:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront costs or fees for our services
- Payment only if we win your case
Free Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter Recall Lawsuit Evaluation: If you or a loved one was diagnosed with salmonella food poisoning (salmonellosis) after eating Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter included in this recall, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a Trader Joe’s Peanut Butter salmonella food poisoning suit and we can help.
References
[1] https://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm320579.htm