Sickened by Salmonella? We Can Help.

What is Salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacterium that has over 2,300 varieties and lives in the intestinal tracts of infected mammals and amphibians. The bacteria are easily transmitted through the feces of humans and animals to other humans and animals. The two most common types of Salmonella in the United States are Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Typhimurium. Together, they account for half of all human infections.

Salmonella outbreaks are most commonly associated with undercooked eggs, milk, poultry, and meat, but the bacteria can also contaminate fruit and produce.

What are the symptoms of Salmonella poisoning?

A person who is infected with Salmonella contracts salmonellosis, which can lead to fever, diarrhea, severe abdominal cramping, headaches, and vomiting. In the very young, the very old, and in people with weakened immune systems, salmonellosis can be fatal.

Symptoms normally appear within 12 to 72 hours after infection occurs and last four to seven days.

How can Salmonella poisoning be prevented?

• Wash hands and clean surfaces and utensils often and thoroughly in warm, soapy water. Hands should be washed for 20 seconds before and after handling food and after changing diapers, going to the bathroom, and handling pets.
• Don’t cross-contaminate foods. Separate meat, poultry, and seafood from other foods in your grocery cart, your refrigerator, and when preparing meals.
• Cook food to proper temperatures. The following food temperature and cooking guidelines are suggested:
• Beef, veal and lamb steaks, roasts, and chops – 145 °F
• Egg dishes and casseroles – 160 °F
• Fish – 145 °F
• Ground beef, veal, and lamb – 160 °F
• Leftovers – 165 °F
• Pork – 160 °F
• Poultry – 165 °F
• Sauces, soups, and gravy should be brought to a boil.
• Refrigerate and freeze food promptly.
• Food should not be thawed or marinated at room temperature.

Recent Salmonella Outbreaks

Tomatoes sicken hundreds and hospitalize dozens

In 2008, raw, fresh Roma, plum, and round red tomatoes contaminated with the saintpaul strain of Salmonella sickened hundreds of people across the country and put dozens in the hospital. To contain the spread of the outbreak, numerous restaurants and supermarkets pulled raw tomatoes from their menus and shelves. At least five people in Pennsylvania fell ill.

Contaminated cantaloupes recalled across the country

In 2008, the FDA halted the importation of cantaloupes from Agropecuaria Montelibano, a distributor in Honduras, after the fruit sickened people in 16 states. Following this announcement, many companies recalled cantaloupes purchased from the distributor, including T.M. Kovacevich International, Inc., based in Philadelphia, PA.

Peanut butter contaminated with Salmonella

In 2007, an outbreak of Salmonella-contaminated peanut butter sickened over 600 people in 47 states, including Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. The source of the bacterium was linked to Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter.

What to do if You Get Salmonella Poisoning

Seek immediate medical help. When receiving medical treatment, ask that a stool culture be done. This is the only way to confirm Salmonella poisoning by the county board of health. If your illness isn’t confirmed, you could lose your right to compensation for your pain and suffering.

Take action to ensure your safety. Contact your health department to share important information about your Salmonella illness. Save the leftover jar by covering it with a plastic bag. Place it in the refrigerator so it may later be tested to confirm the bacteria. Be sure to wash your hands, as good hygiene is important in preventing the spread of Salmonella.

Seek legal help quickly. The longer you wait to get advice from an experienced attorney, the harder it will be to prove your Salmonella case.

We Have the Experience to Help You

Our law firm has represented the victims of national and local outbreaks of tainted food. We’ve helped people with Salmonella, hepatitis, and other foodborne illnesses to get the compensation they deserve.

Food Poisoning News

• Tomato Salmonella Outbreak Reaches Western Pennsylvania
• Salmonella Prompts PA Cantaloupe Recall
• Moisture Spread Salmonella into Peanut Butter

Get Answers to Your Questions:

• Do you have a case? Find out the criteria we use to determine if you have a legal claim.
• Do you need a lawyer? See how hiring a lawyer gets you a better outcome.
• How much will it cost? You pay nothing unless we win money for you.

Victim of Salmonella? Contact Us Now For a Free Evaluation of Your Legal Case.

Call us toll-free at 1-866-943-3427 or get online legal help, and we'll give you a free evaluation of your claim.