As we reported earlier this week, a nationwide food recall of Peter Pan and Great Value brand peanut butter was expected to lead to legal action, after it was revealed that almost 300 people had been affected by salmonella bacteria found in the product. It now appears that legal action is being taken. Lazaro Aleman, of Cutler Bay, Fla. And at least three other customers who have bought the affected peanut butter have filed suit.
The affected peanut butter is made by made by Nebraska-based ConAgra Foods in Sylvester, Georgia. Only Peter Pan and Great Value brand peanut butter with product code 2111 on the lid is affected by the salmonella. Last week, ConAgra recalled the affected products voluntarily.
Aleman’s Florida attorney is seeking class action status for his client’s lawsuit, which would protect customers who bought the peanut butter, whether they became ill from the product or not. So far, more than 100 people from around the state have expressed interest in joining this Florida products liability lawsuit.
Salmonella is a bacterial infection that can be serious, especially for those who are elderly, ill, or young. The foodborne illness causes fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps, among other symptoms. Aleman has stated that both he and his young son suffered seriously after eating the tainted peanut butter and falling ill.
A class action lawsuit would allow anyone who purchased the affected Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter to make a claim against the peanut butter manufacturer and even against the retailers selling the product in question.