Know How to Protect Yourself from SoyNut Butter Illnesses

 Posted on May 14, 2017 in Food poisoning attorney

The voluntary recall The SoyNut Butter Company issued for its I.M. Healthy SoyNut butter products in March of 2017 raised awareness of the potential E.coli contamination in these butters and likely pushed many consumers to throw out any remaining containers of the product in their homes, thereby protecting them and their families from contracting food poisoning illness. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that illnesses stemming from this outbreak can continue to be reported for months to come because these butters will likely remain in individual's homes and on kitchen shelves in schools and office buildings because of their long shelf life.

Nut Butter Products Have Long Shelf Lives

Unlike fresh produce and meat, nut butters can remain fresh for months, even years or longer if stored properly. Individuals who missed the initial recall for I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butters might continue to consume open containers of these butters, putting themselves at risk of contracting E.coli poisoning.

In total, there have been 32 reported cases of E.coli poisoning from these products. The victims hailed from 12 states. Of the 32 people who became ill, 12 had to be hospitalized, nine of whom developed hemolytic uremic syndrome. No deaths were reported with this outbreak. 81% of the people who became ill are under the age of 18. After the company recalled several products, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) ordered a suspension of the Dixie Dew manufacturing facility's Food Facility Registration Order. This is the facility contracted by The SoyNut Butter Company to manufacture its products. The FDA found that the facility contained unsanitary conditions that could cause its products to become contaminated.

Staying Up to Date on Food Recalls can Reduce your Chance of Becoming Ill

Keeping yourself up to date about the latest food poisoning outbreaks and recalls can enable you to avoid food products that can potentially harm you and your family. Parents of young children and individuals with weakened immune systems, such as pregnant women and elderly individuals, should take special precaution to be aware of all new outbreaks and food recalls. You can visit recalls.gov to read about all the current recalls in place and sign up for email lists to have news of new recalls sent right to your inbox.

Work with an Experienced Libertyville Food Poisoning Lawyer

When a contaminated food product causes an individual to suffer an illness, he or she has the right to seek compensation for his or her damages through a personal injury claim. To learn more about this process and how you can file and pursue such a claim, speak with one of the experienced food poisoning lawyers on our team at Newland & Newland, LLP. Contact our firm today to set up your initial claim in our office. We serve clients in the Arlington Heights, Palatine, Rolling Meadows, Libertyville, Mundelein, Buffalo Grove, Schaumburg, Elk Grove, and Itasca areas.

(image courtesy of Mira Bozhko)