A variety of Jif peanut butter products have been recalled by the J.M. Smucker Co. due to potential contamination by salmonella. This contamination is potentially dangerous, and anyone who has one of these contaminated peanut butter products should dispose of them immediately. Anyone who experiences symptoms of salmonella infection should seek medical attention for this potentially serious disease.

What is Jif?

Jif is one of the most popular brands of peanut butter in the United States, and is estimated to make up a third of all peanut butter sales across the country, with an annual profit of $1.8 billion. It is both sold in jars (in both creamy and crunchy varieties) as well as in “to go” packs for ease of use. It is manufactured by the J.M. Smucker Co., which also manufactures everything under the Smucker’s, Folgers, Bick’s Pickles, Eagle Brand, Knott’s Berry Farm, and Crosse and Blackwell branded foods. It also manufactures a number of pet foods, including everything under Gravy Train, Meow Mix, Milk Bone, and Rachel Ray Nutrish branded foods.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a type of bacteria sometimes found in contaminated food and water, which can cause diarrhea (sometimes with bloody stool), stomach cramps, vomiting, fever, chills, and headache. Symptoms typically manifest between eight hours to three days after consuming the contaminated food. While normally not life-threatening, it can result in dehydration, and young children, the elderly, and those with certain chronic medical conditions are at risk of potentially life-threatening complications.

How Did the Food Get Contaminated?

    While no specific cause for the salmonella infection has been indicated, salmonella contamination often occurs due to poor hygiene standards. For example, when multiple types of uncooked food get mixed, such as raw meat and salad, it can result in cross-contamination that results in one or both foods becoming tainted. It can also be the result of workers not washing their hands, or failing to use protective gear like sterile gloves when handling food or equipment.

What Should People Do?

If you have purchased any Jif brand peanut butter, you should dispose of it immediately. If you have consumed any Jif brand peanut butter and feel any of the symptoms described above, you should speak to a doctor, especially if you have any pre-existing conditions that might make a salmonella infection worse. And if you do experience a salmonella infection, you should speak to a lawyer with experience handling product defect cases, who can help you to explore your potential legal options.

 

If you have been injured as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should contact the Tennessee personal injury lawyers at the Keith Williams Law Group. With convenient offices located in Nashville and Lebanon, our lawyers will work with you to create a litigation strategy that protects your legal rights and serves your personal needs. For more information or a free consultation, please contact us at 615-444-2900 or visit our contact page.