Officials at the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and numerous state agencies have now definitively linked the source of a distinct strain of Salmonella (Typhimurium) to peanut butter and peanut paste manufactured by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) at their peanut processing plant in Blakely, Georgia. The peanut butter was sold under the King Nut brand label to nursing homes, cafeterias, schools, and colleges where those most susceptible to salmonella poisoning — children and the elderly — were likely to have consumed the contaminated product.  The peanut paste was sold to hundreds of companies for use in crackers, cookies, cakes, ice cream, and numerous other products.

Although over 3800 products have now been recalled, the vast majority of persons with Salmonella Typhimurium were found to have consumed to three major products - Austin brand peanut butter crackers, Keebler brand peanut butter crackers, and King-Nut peanut butter.

As of Sunday, March 15, 2009, 691 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium have been reported from 46 states.  Additionally, one ill person was reported from Canada. Illnesses began on September 1, 2008 and are still occurring.  Patients range in age from <1 to 98 years.  Over 150 persons have been hospitalized and 9 have died.

Ron Simon and Simon & Luke, L.L.P. currently represent numerous families sickened by the tainted peanut butter, including the releatives of two persons who died. 

If you or a loved one have contracted salmonella after consuming these products, please call us toll free at 1-888-335-4901 for a free consultation on your legal rights.