Recalls linked to salmonella concerns have been in the news a lot lately. From eggs and Ritz crackers to Goldfish crackers, the list of recalled products has gotten pretty long. Now, a woman in Mississippi is suing Pepperidge Farm and it’s ingredient manufacturer, Associated Milk Producers, Inc. after she allegedly fell ill and was hospitalized with salmonella poisoning after eating Goldfish crackers.
Recalls linked to salmonella concerns have been in the news a lot lately. From eggs and Ritz crackers to Goldfish crackers, the list of recalled products has gotten pretty long. Now, a woman in Mississippi is suing Pepperidge Farm and it’s ingredient manufacturer, Associated Milk Producers, Inc. after she allegedly fell ill and was hospitalized with salmonella poisoning after eating Goldfish crackers.
The lawsuit was filed in federal court and is the first of its kind since Pepperidge Farm “voluntarily recalled four different types of Goldfish on July 23 due to a possible salmonella contamination.” The recall was issued when it was discovered that “whey powder found in the four Goldfish products had the potential presence of Salmonella.”
The woman who filed the suit, Bailey Finch, is represented by Cory Watson Attorneys based out of Birmingham, Alabama. A native of Columbus, Mississippi, Finch alleges she had “no idea that certain flavors of the snack were possibly contaminated when she ate the ‘Blasted Xtra Cheddar’ variety on July 19, just days before the company issued the recall.” Shortly after consuming the Goldfish crackers, she fell ill and was “treated at DCH Hospital in Tuscaloosa, for severe stomach problems” before being transferred to “UAB University Hospital in Birmingham where she underwent four days of treatment for severe complications caused by the salmonella.” Those complications involved “organ failure and collapsed veins.”
According to Finch’s lawyers, the crackers she consumed were “defective and unreasonably dangerous.” They also argue that the defendants “should have known of the defects and the danger posed” and claims that “both Pepperidge Farm and Associated Milk Producers, Inc. failed to warn consumers of the threat posed by the crackers.” As a result of the companies alleged negligence, Finch is “seeking damages for medical expenses, mental and physical pain, emotional distress, lost wages and future medical expenses,” according to the suit.
When commenting on the severity of his client’s ordeal, attorney Bobby LeMoine said, “Salmonella kills. Pepperidge Farm failed in their duty to ensure that the food they produce is safe to eat, and as a result, our client almost lost her life.”
For those who don’t know, salmonella is a serious illness that shouldn’t be left untreated. It’s caused by an organism that can lead to serious infections in children, pregnant women, the elderly, and anyone else with a weakened immune system. Common symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, among others. In rare cases, salmonella infection can affect the bloodstream. When this happens, the illness can become more severe and even fatal. Anyone worried about Salmonella poisoning should reach out to their health care provider.
Sources:
Contaminated Goldfish crackers left Mississippi woman sick, hospitalized, lawsuit claims
Woman sues Pepperidge Farm, New Ulm whey supplier over tainted Goldfish cracker
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