An outbreak of E. coli has sickened at least 29 people in 12 states who ate I.M. Healthy Soy Nut Butter, a peanut-free alternative for people with food allergies. It is served at many daycares and schools. Most victims are children, 12 people were hospitalized, and 9 developed kidney failure.
Need a Texas Soy Nut Butter Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one was sickened by soy nut butter or granola, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.
FDA Shuts Down Manufacturer
The FDA shut down the company that makes SoyNut Butter after inspectors observed numerous violations of food safety, including mold growing on SoyNut Butter, water dripping from the ceiling into food surfaces, major fly and rodent infestations, no hot water or soap for hand-washing, broken equipment, and other serious problems.
Parents of 8 Year-Old Victim File 1st Soy Nut Butter Lawsuit
The parents of an 8 year-old boy who was hospitalized for nearly a month with E. coli have filed the first lawsuit against I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butter Co.
The boy “T.S.” regularly ate SoyNut Butter. On January 25, he developed abdominal pain that worsened over the next few days and was hospitalized on January 30. He required blood transfusions and dialysis for life-threatening Hemolyic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). He was discharged on February 23 and continues to recover.
The lawsuit (PDF) was filed on March 6, 2017 in federal court in Illinois — In RE: Mosby and Erin Simmons, et. al. vs. The SoyNut Butter Company — Case No. 1:17-cv-01756.
I.M. Healthy Soy Nut Butter Recall
I.M. Healthy Soy Nut Butter Co. recalled “Original Creamy” flavor on March 4 and expanded the recall to include all varieties of SoyNut Butter and granola on March 7, 2017. The same company has also recalled all types of “Carb Not Beanit Butter” that was only sold online under the Dixie Diner’s Club brand.
Protein Bar Recall
Pro Sports Line, a Washington-based customer of SoyNut Butter Co., recalled over 36,000 Yogurt Peanut Crunch Bars sold under the “20/20 Life Styles” brand on March 24 due to possible contamination with E. coli. No illnesses were reported.
How Many People Got Sick?
As of March 30, 2017, at least 29 illnesses have been confirmed in 12 states between January 4 and March 13: Arizona (4), California (5), Florida (1), Illinois (1), Massachusetts (1), Maryland (1), Missouri (1), New Jersey (1), Oregon (9), Virginia (2), Washington (2), and Wisconsin (1).
Outbreak Information
No one has died, but 12 victims ere hospitalized. Nine victims developed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure that can be deadly, especially in children under 5 years old. All 10 people who were interviewed by the CDC said they ate Soy Nut Butter or granola coated in it during the week before falling ill. Several victims ate it at daycare or school.
Montessori School Outbreak in Oregon
At least 4 out of 9 illnesses in Oregon were children and adults who ate SoyNut Butter at a single Montessori of Alameda School in Northeast Portland, Oregon.
Do Not Eat Any SoyNut Butter or Granola
Health officials and Maryland and the CDC are warning against eating any type of SoyNut Butter or granola due to the risk of food poisoning:
Do not eat, and childcare centers, schools, and other institutions do not serve, any I.M. Healthy brand SoyNut Butter varieties and sizes, or I.M. Healthy brand granola coated with SoyNut Butter.”
Outbreak Linked to E. Coli O157:H7
The outbreak is caused by a Shiga-toxin producing strain of E. coli O157:H7. This strain is particularly dangerous, with 5-10% of cases leading to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). Investigators said the strain had a unique “DNA fingerprint” that has never been seen in the PulseNet database before.
When Were Illnesses Reported?
The most recent illness was reported on March 13, 2017 and the earliest on January 4, 2017. The outbreak was originally reported on March 2 by officials in Maryland who confirmed an illness. They also warned consumers not to eat any I.M. Healthy Soy Nut Butter products. The number of cases may grow because it takes 2-4 for illnesses to be linked to an outbreak and reported to the government.
Symptoms of E. Coli Infection
The symptoms can appear as soon as 1 day after eating contaminated food, or up to 10 days later. There is a high risk of hospitalization and kidney failure for children, older adults, and people with vulnerable immune systems. The symptoms may include:
- Diarrhea (watery, bloody)
- Severe stomach pain
- Abdominal cramps
- Vomiting
- Low fever
- Less frequent urination
- Paleness
- Tiredness
Need a Soy Nut Butter Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas Soy Nut Butter lawyers for a free lawsuit review.
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