On behalf of Weisman, Kennedy & Berris Co., L.P.A. posted in Products Liability on Thursday, October 4, 2012.

A product recall can be an indicator of serious production issues that will cost the company involved significant amounts of money. For recalled food products, though, the issues can be not only expensive to the company, but also very dangerous to consumers. A widespread recall of nut butters in Ohio has been enacted, with several major stores being affected.

The nut butters being recalled are private-label peanut butters and almond butters carried by Target, Heinen’s and Trader Joe’s stores. The recall is due to a possible salmonella contamination. These butters were manufactured by Sunland Inc., which has been forced to recall over 70 potentially dangerous products in total. The questionable products were produced between May 1 and Sept. 24, the day when the company issued the recall.

So far, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have linked the recalled products to 30 salmonella infections occurring in 19 different states. Heinen’s is using its customers’ preferred customer cards to alert those customers who have purchased the recalled nut butters from the store by email or by phone. Those customers can return the products for a full refund or have been advised to throw them away if they prefer.

Although there have been no reported cases of salmonella occurring in Ohio so far, residents who become infected may be able to seek compensation for related costs through the courts. A successful suit would have to prove negligence on the part of the company.

Source: Beacon Journal, “Peanut butter, almond butter recall now includes Trader Joe’s, Heinen’s, Target stores,” Lisa Abraham, Sept. 25, 2012