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Salmonella Contamination Confirmed at Peanut Corporation of America Georgia Facility

Jessica Smagacz — Sun, 18 Jan 2009 10:01:25 GMT

The recent salmonella outbreak has sickened hundreds of people nationwide and killed about six people. Now, the most recent news is that Peanut Corporation of America’s facility in Georgia has been confirmed to have salmonella contamination.

Investigations started after Minnesota health officials found salmonella bacteria in a five pound tub under the label of King Nut, manufactured by the Peanut Corporation of America.

The focus of the investigation was on the Peanut Corporation of America and peanut butter. The Washington Post reports that the investigation is now broader, focusing on peanut butter, baked goods and other products that contain peanuts. Apparently, health officials say about one-third of those who have gotten sick do not recall eating peanut butter. The main focus is on peanut paste (ground peanuts) produced at the Georgia facility owned by the Peanut Corporation of America. The company used paste in dozens of products, ranging from baked goods to cooking sauces. Companies are being urged to test their products or pull them from shelves as Kellogg did.

Companies such as Hy-Vee Inc recalled all products with the peanut butter ingredient used in their baking products. Hy-Vee’s peanut ingredient is from the Peanut Corporation of America. They are doing this as a precautionary measure. Another company is Perry’s Ice Cream who recalled select peanut butter ice cream products.

As discussed in our previous post: Peanut Corporation of America Recalls Peanut Butter produced in its Georgia facility, the Peanut Corporation recalled 21 lots of peanut butter made at the plant since July 1st. But this past Friday, the Peanut Corporation of America expanded the voluntary recall to include all peanut butter produced at the Georgia plant since August 8th and all peanut paste produced since September 26th. The processing of peanut butter at this facility has been suspended for now.

Washington Post reports that the Georgia plant will also be closed immediately for continuing investigation.

Salmonella poisoning can become a dangerous sickness. If you have eaten peanut butter, look out for these symptoms of salmonella: Diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.

These symptoms can last from 12 to 72 hours after a person is infected. According the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the salmonella infection is “usually diagnosed by culture of a stool sample.” The sickness usually lasts four to seven days. Salmonella can also spread from “the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. In some cases, treatment is necessary. Food injury is not to be taken lightly.

If you or someone close to you has salmonella poisoning, you may want to contact the attorneys at Childers & Schlueter, LLP to see how they can help protect your legal rights.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jessica Smagacz

Pet Food Recall May Prompt Property Damage Lawsuits

M. Brandon Smith — Fri, 16 Mar 2007 21:38:45 GMT

Menu Foods', one of the nation's largest manufacturers of dog and cat food, has issued a nationwide recall on its "cuts and gravy" style pet food after being linked to kidney failure in many animals. The pet food recall, which is estimated to include more than 60 million containers, was distributed to Wal-Mart, Kroger, Safeway, and other similar stores on Friday after more than 10 pets died from eating the contaminated pet food.

The recall covers the company's "cuts and gravy" style food, which consists of chunks of meat in gravy, sold in cans and small foil pouches between Dec. 3 and March 6 throughout the U.S., Canada and Mexico.
"At this juncture, we're not 100 percent sure what's happened," said Paul Henderson, the company's president and chief executive officer. However, the recalled products were made using wheat gluten purchased from a new supplier, since dropped for another source, spokeswoman Sarah Tuite said. Wheat gluten is a source of protein.

At this point the specific facts concerning the recall are still under investigation to determine why the popular pet food sold to millions of pet owners is causing so many animals to get sick and die. Although this recall has not been linked to any sickness in humans like the recent peanut butter recall, it will most likely prompt property damage lawsuits on behalf of those whose pets either got really sick and/or died from eating the contaminated pet food.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by M. Brandon Smith

The Culprit to the Salmonella Outbreak--Peanut Corporation of America and King Nut Peanut Butter?

Jessica Smagacz — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 21:35:54 GMT

Today the Washington Post released an article reporting that an Ohio peanut butter distributor issued a voluntary recall for two brands of peanut butter. This recall was announced after Minnesota health officials found salmonella bacteria in a tub of peanut butter that is given to schools and hospitals to distribute.

Washington Post writer, Steven Reinberg says, “The recall, and the Minnesota report, could be the breakthrough in the search for the source of a salmonella outbreak that has struck in 42 states so far.”

King Nut Companies of Solon, Ohio issued the recall of all peanut butter that is distributed under its label and manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America.

Peanut Corporation of America is based in Georgia, Texas, and Virginia. See our past post on Georgia part of the National Salmonella OUTBREAK. This discovery is possibly the culprit of the salmonella outbreak, especially in Georgia since Peanut Corporation of America is based in Georgia!

The company “said it took the action after salmonella was found in an open five-pound tub of King Nut peanut butter.” Interestingly enough, this recall comes after two years ago when ConAgra issued a recall on Peter Pan brand peanut butter (linked to around 625 salmonella case in 47 states).

There are 2,500 types of salmonella bacteria present in the United States. The salmonella found in the peanut butter is Salmonella Typhimurium, which is the most common of the salmonella bacteria.

The outbreak is continuing and as we said in our past post, it is affecting Georgia. The reports coming in of people who have salmonella poisoning occurred between September 3 and December 29, 2008. Dr. Rajal Mody, a CDC Epidemic Intelligence Service officer said, “Salmonella is typically transmitted through foods that are contaminated with animal feces.”

Most reported cases of salmonella occur in children, but with the current outbreak, ages of victims ranged from less than one year old to 103 years old.

The common symptoms of salmonella poisoning include fever, stomach cramps, and diarrhea—all of these symptoms can last from 12 up to 72 hours after coming into contact with this germ.

People can contract serious infections from salmonella, especially infants, elderly, and people with a weaker immune system.

Salmonella poisoning can lead to serious sickness and even death.

Look over salmonella symptoms, especially if you have eaten peanut butter because it could have been peanut butter from the Peanut Corporation of America based in Georgia.

If you or someone close to you has salmonella poisoning, you may want to contact the attorneys at Childers & Schlueter, LLP to see how they can help protect your legal rights.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jessica Smagacz

Georgia High School Student Killed in Car Accident, 2 other Hurt

Jessica Smagacz — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:04:19 GMT

This past Tuesday afternoon, an East Jackson Comprehensive High School student was killed in a car accident in Georgia, reports Gainesville Times. The car wreck occurred at Ga. 129 South and New Kings Bridge Road.

The Georgia State Patrol said from preliminary data that a car pulled out onto Ga. 129 in front of a tractor trailer. This tragic car crash killed the car’s driver, Kason Dubose, a 17 year old who attended East Jackson high. He was pronounced dead on the scene.

The car’s passenger, Brandon Garrett, 17 year old East Jackson High student and the truck driver, Kenneth Owens, 45 years old, were taken to the local hospitals to be treated for injuries. The truck driver was hospitalized with back injuries. The East Jackson High student is still in critical condition.

This was a terrible tragedy and our thoughts are with their friends and families.

School administrators are helping students deal with their loss as well as assisting Dubose’s family. A memorial service organized by the students was at 7 p.m. on Wednesday at Grove Level Baptist Church in Maysville. Funeral services are being set for 1 p.m. on Sunday in East Jackson Comprehensive High School’s auditorium.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jessica Smagacz

Voluntary Recall Of Zelnorm Issued After Prompt By FDA

M. Brandon Smith — Sat, 31 Mar 2007 23:02:54 GMT

The sale of Zelnorm, (tegaserod maleate) approved in 2002 for treatment of irritable bowel syndrome with constipation, has recently been suspended by its manufacturer, Novartis, after the drug has been linked to a significant number of cardiovascular risks. This decision was made after the United State Food and Drug Administration found the drug can lead to increased occurrences of heart attack, stroke and serious chest pains. Doctor's with patients taking Zelnorm are being asked by the FDA to work with their patients to find other suitable replacement medications and therapies.

Earlier this year, Novartis gave the FDA the results of new analyses of 29 clinical studies of Zelnorm for treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal tract conditions. The analyses showed 13 of 11,614 patients given Zelnorm had serious and life-threatening cardiovascular side effects, while just one of the 7,031 patients given dummy pills did, the FDA and Novartis said in separate statements.
The FDA has told Novartis it would consider allowing a limited reintroduction of Zelnorm "if a population of patients can be identified in whom the benefits of the drug outweigh the risks," the agency said.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by M. Brandon Smith

Richard R. Schlueter, Attorney At Law

Staff Writer — Sat, 01 Oct 2005 11:00:34 GMT

Mr. Schlueter went into private practice straight out of law school. This experience allowed him to gain a familiarity with many practice areas, including civil rights work, which prepared him to handle the needs and requirements of our clients.

A founding member of the firm, Mr. Schleuter has extensive trial and motion practice experience as an attorney practicing in the Federal and State Courts of Georgia. Mr. Schleuter currently represents victims in product liability and personal injury cases, and as well as representing victims of securities fraud.

Mr. Schleuter received the Jaycee's annual Brownfield Award for Leadership, and has been an award-winning participant in Pro Bono projects for representing financially disadvantaged plaintiffs.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Staff Writer

Harley Davidson Rider Tragically Killed In Motorcycle Accident

M. Brandon Smith — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 10:04:00 GMT

America’s largest Harley Davidson dealer, Bruce Rossmeyer was killed in a motorcycle accident on July 30. The accident occurred in western Wyoming on Highway 28, as Rossmeyer traveled from a Harley Davidson meeting in Denver, Colorado to Sturgis, South Dakota.

Rossmeyer, 66, was riding with a group of five other motorcyclists when they came upon a pickup truck pulling a camper trailer. The pickup driver slowed down and turned on his left blinker. Four motorcyclists in the group passed to the left of the pickup. However, the truck made its turn when Rossmeyer attempted to pass. He struck the driver side door, was thrown from his bike, and then came to rest under the truck. Unfortunately, he was not wearing a helmet at the time of the accident and was pronounced dead at the scene.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzT4x5AD5E8

Bruce Rossmeyer is best known as the owner of the Daytona Beach Harley-Davidson dealership, which is the largest dealership to date. He began his career in the motorcycle industry in 1994.

Rossmeyer also supported numerous children’s charities. He participated on the Board of Directors for Camp Boggy Creek, a camp for seriously ill children. The Camp’s biggest fundraiser event, initiated by Rossmeyer himself, is a charity motorcycle ride called “Ride for Children”. Also, he served on the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Volusia/Flagler counties, as well as Broward county. "He was a champion for kids here," said Joe Sullivan, chief professional officer for the Boys & Girls Club of Volusia and Flagler Counties. His personal contributions and fundraising endeavors have helped raise millions of dollars for children’s charities.

Daytona Beach Mayor Glenn Ritchey stated that: the news "is a terrible tragedy for our area. In addition to being a prominent businessman, Bruce Rossmeyer was involved in many charitable activities for the community. He'll be greatly missed. My heart goes out to his family."

Rossmeyer leaves behind his wife, Sandy Rossmeyer, five children and seven grandchildren. This unfortunate tragedy demonstrates that even the most experienced motorcycle riders can be involved in motorcycle accidents. Despite a motorcyclist’s experience, knowledge, and safety precautions, he/she can still sustain serious injuries as shown here.

We wish Mr. Rossmeyer's family and friends all the best in the sad days ahead following this tragic motorcyle inccident.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by M. Brandon Smith

Fatal Five Vehicle Accident leaves one Motorcyclist Dead

Jessica Smagacz — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 15:40:46 GMT

A tragic five-vehicle accident on Westbound I-285 in Georgia shut the highway down for two hours today leaving one motorcyclist dead, reported the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

This accident included an SUV, an 18-wheeler and three motorcycles.

Because of this accident, I-285 westbound west of Flat Shoals Road and I-285 southbound at I-20 were closed. The ramps reopened around 1:30 p.m.

Five people on the three motorcycles were injured and taken into area hospitals. One is in serious condition and four in moderate condition.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jessica Smagacz

Georgia Food Inspectors Under Scrutiny from Themselves

Jessica Smagacz — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 11:24:28 GMT

Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that the FDA now wants states to evaluate and assess their own inspection plans. FDA wants to implement this new plan even after Georgia failed to prevent the salmonella outbreak that was traced back to the Peanut Corporation of America’s Blakely peanut plant, “exposing broad gaps in the nation’s food safety system.”

Apparently, FDA is required to evaluate the performance of states it pays to inspect food processors. However, FDA hasn’t formally reviewed Georgia’s performance since 2001. “During that time, eight people contracted botulism from chili sauce canned in Augusta, contaminated peanut butter from Sylvester sickened hundreds, and salmonella-tainted products from Peanut Corporation of America have been blamed for nine deaths and more than 700 illnesses.”

Inspectors at the state Agriculture Department went with the “no-news-is-good-news approach” and thought they were doing a fine job. Oscar Garrison, Georgia’s assistant agriculture commissioner for consumer protection referring to the FDA, said, “If they haven’t raised issues, they don’t have any issue with how we conducted those inspections. That’s all we have to go on.”

Currently, FDA delegates about 80 percent of food processing inspections to state regulators. “Agencies with food safety responsibilities often don’t communicate with each other and, in some cases, are prevented by law from sharing information. When catastrophes such as the Peanut Corporation salmonella outbreak occur, no single federal, state or local agency has the authority to take charge.”

FDA is now shifting more responsibilities to the states because of their chronic inadequate budgets. Georgia has until October to complete its first evaluation. They have to examine certifications that inspectors have adequate training that laboratories are properly funded and that state regulations conform with federal food safety standards.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jessica Smagacz

Miley Cyrus’ Grandfather Died of Mesothelioma Cancer

Jessica Smagacz — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 00:25:47 GMT

The star of the hit show “Hannah Montana,” Miley Cyrus, is “beloved by children everywhere.” Her father, Billy Ray Cyrus, plays her father on Hannah Montana. The Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center reported that in an interview with Miley and her father, they spoke about some sad circumstances with the death of Miley’s grandfather.

Miley’s grandfather, Ron, was a steelworker and left metal works trade to return to college. He became a leader of the AFL-CIO and a Kentucky state legislator.

Ron Cyrus later contracted mesothelioma. This is an aggressive but rare form of cancer. It affects the lining in of the lungs, abdomen, and the heart. It is most likely that Ron contracted this cancer from coming into contact with asbestos when working with steel.

“Asbestos, a known carcinogen, is linked to mesothelioma, as well as lung cancer and asbestosis. When inhaled, asbestos fibers can work their way into soft tissues, resulting in the development of mesothelioma.”

It takes a long time for mesothelioma to be diagnosed because it develops decades after the initial exposure.

Unfortunately, Ron Cyrus died from this deadly cancer on February 28, 2006.

For more information on Mesothelioma, check out our past post here.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Jessica Smagacz