Multiple Foods Recalled for Possible Salmonella Contamination

 Posted on July 27, 2018 in Product Liability

A public health alert has been issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) for products containing whey powder that might be contaminated with salmonella. The whey powder, which is a FDA-regulated product, has been recalled by the manufacturer, Associated Milk Producers, Inc. So far, four different food products have been recalled due to the salmonella concerns, and illnesses caused by these contaminated foods could bring about product liability lawsuits.

Whey Powder Usage

It is not uncommon for foods to contain whey powder. Whey is a milk by-product that is often used in powder form for its convenience. Whey powder is typically used to modify texture, thicken foods, and enhance the solubility and transportability of foods. Often, it is used in foods that have relatively long shelf lives, though that is one of the reasons the salmonella contamination is occurring in dry foods--salmonella has the ability to survive in dry environments. 

Four Food Products Have Been Recalled

Because of their usage of whey powder, four food products have been recalled due to concerns about salmonella contamination. Pepperidge Farms recalled four varieties of their Goldfish crackers, because whey powder is an ingredient used in the crackers’ seasoning. Several types of Ritz Crackers were also recalled by their manufacturers, along with several brands of Swiss rolls and Hungry Man boneless chicken frozen dinners.

What Is Salmonella?

Salmonella infection (salmonellosis) is a bacterial disease that is often spread to humans through contaminated food or water. Salmonella lives in the intestines and is shed through the feces of humans, animals, and birds. Signs of a salmonella infection include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Chills;
• Diarrhea
• Blood in the stool

Most of the time, symptoms last two to seven days, but in some cases, diarrhea can become so severe that the person may need to be hospitalized. If the infection spreads beyond the intestines, life-threatening complications could occur.

Get Help From an Aurora Product Liability Lawyer

When you purchase food, you deserve to know that it is safe to eat. Contaminated food poses a health risk and can lead to serious side effects, depending on what the food is contaminated with. If you have experienced severe side effects as a result of unsafe food, you should contact the Kane County personal injury attorneys at Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur P.C. to discover your options for pursuing compensation. Call our office at 630-907-0909 to set up a free consultation.

Sources:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/salmonella/symptoms-causes/syc-20355329

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/wps/portal/fsis/newsroom/news-releases-statements-and-transcripts/news-release-archives-by-year/archive/2018/pha-07202018-1

https://www.cnn.com/2018/07/24/health/recalls-due-to-possible-salmonella-in-whey-protein/index.html