State demands peanut records

-JournalInquirer

02/17/2009- To get more information on where contaminated peanut butter was shipped in Connecticut, the state Department of Consumer Protection has demanded that King Nut Co. and the Peanut Corp. of America produce a list of companies that received their peanut products between Jan. 1 and Feb. 2 and delivery records.

The subpoena dictates that all information must arrive no later than March 1 by 4:40 p.m.

DCP has also requested records relating to any microbiological test findings on their peanut products between January 2007 and February 2009 that determined the presence of salmonella or other pathogenic bacteria.

In addition, DCP asked for the names of all product distributors and processors.

“Given the FDA’s report on the severely contaminated conditions in that food processing facility, we are seeking this information immediately,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Jerry Farrell said. “Given the broadening scope and time period of this case we want more data directly from the source and quickly.”

Several weeks ago state DCP food inspectors and the state Department of Health Laboratory confirmed the presence of salmonella in an unopened 5-pound tub of King Nut peanut butter found at City Line distributors of West Haven.

That was one of the first proven links between a nationwide salmonella outbreak and its source.

Two weeks ago Food and Drug Administration inspectors documented unsanitary conditions at the Peanut Corp.’s facility, including dead roaches, mold in areas where finished products were stored, and rainwater leaking from skylights into the production room.

The inspectors identified four different strains of salmonella.

“The Peanut Corp. of America found salmonella in its products a dozen times in the past two years and sold them anyway,” Farrell said. “Consumers deserve much more protection and concern than the company has shown. I want the records confirming that none of those tainted shipments came into our state.”

If you or someone you love were diagnosed with Salmonella poisoning after eating peanut butter made by Peanut Corp. of America, or any product made with ingredients supplied by this company, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the peanut butter lawyers of Ennis & Ennis, P.A. today for a nationwide free legal consultation. Our experienced peanut butter recall attorneys can answer any questions you may have about the peanut butter Salmonella recall, King Nut recall, Peanut Corporation of America recall, and potential peanut butter recall lawsuits. Call toll free or fill out our free online case evaluation form on this page.