When we think about defective products, we often think about dangerous automobile parts, hazardous home appliances, and defective medical devices that can result in serious and deadly injuries. Yet most of us are also quite familiar with food product recalls, and we take note when we hear about a salmonella outbreak or another potential foodborne illness caused by a contaminated grocery item. In recent news, JIF peanut butter products have been recalled due to possible salmonella contamination, according to a report from NPR. When a recall like this happens, what do consumers need to know? Is it possible to file a product liability claim after contracting a foodborne illness caused by a contaminated product? Our Santa Fe personal injury lawyers have information to help you.
Understand Food Recalls and Contamination
Many food products that are recalled are subject to a recall due to contamination with a dangerous bacteria. For example, as we noted above, the recent JIF peanut butter recall is linked to salmonella contamination. Many other food recalls are conducted due to the possibility of salmonella contamination, as well as E.Coli contamination, such as in recent spinach recalls, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). With any food products that pose a risk of foodborne illness, it is particularly important to pay attention to recall instructions.
You should also be aware that some types of food recalls may not be as dangerous as others to you or your children. For example, sometimes food products are recalled because they may contain traces of nuts after advertising that they have been produced in a nut-free facility. For such recalls, the injury risk to consumers without nut allergies may be insignificant. Other food product recalls can also occur due to minor mislabeling issues, which ultimately may not pose a serious risk to most consumers.
You Should Stop Using Any Foods Recalled Due to Contamination
Any time a food product is recalled due to contamination and a risk of foodborne illness, you should stop using the product immediately. Most recall notices instruct consumers to discard the potentially contaminated product, while others might request that you return the product to the location where it was purchased for a refund or replacement. Regardless of the specifics of the recall instructions, you should not consume anything that could put you at risk of becoming ill due to salmonella, E.Coli, or another type of foodborne illness.
You May be Eligible to File a Claim
If you were seriously sickened by a dangerous food product, you may be eligible to file a product liability lawsuit against the company responsible for cultivating, manufacturing, packaging, or labeling the food product. A product liability lawyer in Santa Fe can assess your case and discuss your options for filing a claim.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney in Santa Fe
Do you have questions about seeking compensation after an injury caused by a dangerous or recalled food product? One of our experienced Santa Fe personal injury attorneys can assist you. Contact Slate Stern Law to learn more about the services we provide to plaintiffs who have been injured in New Mexico.