Jane23
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 Posted: 02/21/07 - 08:09 Post subject: Salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter |
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Nearly 300 cases of salmonella outbreak have been linked to peanut butter, Peter Pan and Great Value brands made by ConAgra in their Georgia plant to be exact.
There are two types of salmonella linked to humans’ infection: Non-Typhoidal and Typhoidal Salmonella. Non-Typhoidal is usually contracted by ingesting raw or undercooked eggs, or from animals such as chicken or cattle while Typhoidal Salmonella, a rare form, can only be passed through direct contact with the fecal matter of an infected person.
Now comes the question what could be ConAgra putting into their products? The ingredient labels state that Peter Pan peanut butter contains only roasted peanuts, sugar, vegetable oil and salt and no chicken, beef, eggs, milk nor feces.
Since peanuts are usually heated to high, germ-killing temperatures during the manufacturing process, it is thought that the infection aroused from dirty jars or equipment and workers not washing their hands.
Scary information comes from the Soap and Detergent Association's latest survey that found that 40% of American workers do not wash their hands often enough or thoroughly enough and that 58% of employers are not doing anything to encourage hand washing in the workplaces.
All eyes are fixed upon the government scientists who are still struggling to pinpoint the exact source of the outbreak.
If you suspect that the peanut butter may be the source of serious illness, you may file a suit. Seattle-based attorney William Marler, whose firm handles many cases of food-borne illness, said Friday that 450 people had contacted his law firm this week seeking law suits against the company.
ConAgra Foods may be facing serious consequences if dirty equipment is found to be the cause of the disease. |
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