When Ohio residents go to the grocery store, they expect to make informed purchases. They may know that some products are not good for them, but at least they make their purchases knowing what should be in the products they buy. Sometimes, products contain contaminants unknown to consumers that cause serious illnesses. For example, Pinnacle Foods recently recalled one of its products due to contamination from toxins. The company could face product liability claims as a result.
The company, which owns Vlasic, Birds Eye and Duncan Hines, also owns the Armour Star brand. It was recently discovered that the brand’s ready-to-eat dried, sliced beef may be contaminated with clostridial toxin and staphylococcal enterotoxin. The potentially affected and recalled products were manufactured Jan. 2 through Jan. 9 and are stamped with “EST.” 2AD inside the mark of inspection from the United States Department of Agriculture.
During a food safety assessment on April 27, the USDA discovered the contamination. Consumers are urged not to consume the product and either return it to the store where it was purchased or throw it away. The toxins discovered in the recalled products can cause food poisoning, the symptoms of which include nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. So far, the agency has not received any reports regarding illnesses from the affected products, but that could change.
If it turns out that anyone in Ohio suffers food poisoning from this or another contaminated food product, it may be possible to receive compensation for the harm done by pursuing a product liability claim. Not every case will warrant filing such a claim, however. It may be a good idea to consult with an attorney who can review the case and determine any potential legal options available under the circumstances.
Source: USA Today, “Pinnacle Foods chipped beef recalled nationwide by USDA for possible toxin contamination“, Zlati Meyer, April 30, 2018
