For years, salmonella scares have centered on raw or undercooked foods such as chicken, eggs or meat.
But this summer, there’s concern that the bacteria may have found its way into the kind of packaged products where one would never expect it – Pepperidge Farm Goldfish, Ritz Crackers, and Kellogg’s Honey Smacks.
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These recent outbreaks and recalls have raised nationwide concerns about salmonella, one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the U.S. According to the latest report from the FDA, 100 people in 33 states have become ill and 30 people had to be hospitalized.
Here’s what you need to know about this potentially serious health issue:
Cory Watson Files Suit on Behalf of Mother Sickened by Goldfish®
On August 8, Cory Watson filed suit on behalf of a Mississippi mother who is believed to be the first case of Salmonella poisoning associated with the Pepperidge Farm Goldfish recall.
The salmonella victim, 26-year-old Bailey Finch of Columbus, Miss., said that when she ate Goldfish Flavor Blasted® Extra Cheddar on July 19, she had no idea that the snack food might be contaminated. Pepperidge Farm later recalled the lot she had purchased, but it was too late to prevent a dangerous bout with salmonella poisoning.
After suffering severe stomach problems, Ms. Finch was initially taken to DCH Hospital in Tuscaloosa, Ala., then transferred by ambulance to UAB Hospital in Birmingham, Ala., where she underwent four days of treatment for severe complications caused by the salmonella.
Click here to read the full press release on this salmonella case.
How Common is Salmonella Infection?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), salmonella causes about 1.2 million illnesses each year. Of those, 23,000 cases are serious enough that the patient had to be hospitalized.
Salmonella poisoning is blamed for about 450 deaths in the U.S. each year.
In the majority of cases, food is the source of infection. Poultry, eggs, meat, and dairy products are common culprits.
Will there be more Goldfish Salmonella Recalls?
The FDA says the cases appear to be connected – and there could be more recalls to come.
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“We know that these are products that are widely eaten by consumers, including children. That’s, in part, why we are taking steps to intervene early on this potential risk,” FDA commissioner Scott Gottlieb said in a statement. “As there are likely other food products made by other manufacturers that also use this common ingredient, there may be other recalls initiated in the coming days.”
Symptoms of Salmonella
Infection with the salmonella bacteria often leads to diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. Symptoms typically develop between 12 and 72 hours after infection, and the illness usually lasts about four to seven days.
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According to the CDC, most people get better without treatment. However, some cases turn so severe that patients need to be hospitalized. Infants, older adults, and people with a weakened immune system are at an increased risk of serious complications from salmonella infection.
How to Stay Safe from Salmonella
The CDC’s list of suggestions includes:
- Thoroughly cook poultry, ground beef, and eggs.
- Don’t eat or drink foods made with raw eggs or raw – also known as unpasteurized – milk. Examples include Hollandaise sauce, cookie dough, frosting, tiramisu and homemade salad dressing, ice cream and mayonnaise.
- Use soap and water to immediately wash anything that has come in contact with raw meat or poultry, such as kitchen counters, cutting boards, cooking utensils and your hands.
- After touching pet feces, reptiles, birds or chicks, wash your hands with soap.
Get the Help You Deserve
If you or a loved one has been affected by food poisoning, seek medical help immediately. The lawyers of Cory Watson Attorneys are investigating recent outbreaks of salmonella and providing legal consultation for victims.
Call today at (877) 562-0000 or fill out an online form for your FREE legal consultation. Don’t wait to reach out – your health is on the line.
Call or text 877-562-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form