March 31, 2017 — A Kentucky-based company that makes SoyNut Butter was shut down by FDA inspectors as the number of E. coli victims continues to rise nationwide.
There are now 29 illnesses in the outbreak, with 83% of those cases in children, according to an updated case count from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Twelve people were hospitalized, including 9 who had Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).
Florida, Illinois, and Massachusetts were added to the list of outbreak states, which now includes: 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).
SoyNut Butter is manufactured by Dixie Dew Products, Inc., at a facility in Erlanger, Kentucky. The facility was shut down by the FDA after inspectors documented numerous food safety violations.
Those violations included a hole in the ceiling dripping liquid onto food surfaces, pipes dripping liquid into food kettles, SoyNut Butter left in the kettles over the weekend, mold growing on the butter, no hot water or soap for hand-washing, safety equipment broken for years, and a nozzle used to make SoyNut Butter in a pool of water on the floor.
The inspectors also observed a major pest infestation:
“An apparent 3-inch diameter rodent defiled marking that penetrated the box and the product. … An apparent fly infestation was observed .… Small, apparent flies and larvae, too numerous to count, were inside an unplugged chest freezer… and flying throughout the laboratory.”
The recalls may expand to include other Dixie Dew Products. In addition to SoyNut Butter, the company also made marinara sauces, meat glazes, dessert toppings, and many other food products.
On March 24, Pro Sports Line recalled 36,000 20/20 Life Styles Yogurt Peanut Crunch Protein Bars due to a possible risk of contamination with E. coli. The company is based in Washington state and it was a customer of SoyNut Butter Company.
Do I have a SoyNut Butter Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting SoyNut Butter induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with E. coli, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
