The FDA quietly released a tiny bit of information about a Salmonella outbreak yesterday. Six people who ate Coconut Smiles Organic have been diagnosed with Salmonella infections. The only statement about the outbreak is: “Six illnesses have been reported by individuals who ate Coconut Smiles Organic purchased from Natural Grocers.” It was posted in a recall notice at the FDA web site.
The recalled product is Natural Grocers brand Coconut Smiles Organic, sold at Vitamin Cottage Natural Food Markets. The recalled product is packaged in clear plastic bags weighing 10 ounces with the “Natural Grocers” label. All packages with packed-on dates before 18-075 are recalled. You can find the packed-on date in the bottom left-hand corner of the label. The UPC number on the product is 8034810.
The recalled product was distributed to 145 Natural Grocers stores in Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Idaho, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. Routine testing by the company found Salmonella in some packages. And a sample taken by the FDA also tested positive for Salmonella bacteria.
We don’t know where the ill persons live, their ages, or illness onset dates. We also don’t know the serotype of Salmonella bacteria that made them sick.
If you purchased this product, do not eat it, even if you are going to cook with it. Cross-contamination can occur if this product is in your home, and your pantry, countertops, refrigerator, and utensils could pick up the bacteria.
The symptoms of a Salmonella infection can include fever, abdominal pains and cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea that may be bloody. This infection can be serious. Usually about 20% of people in these outbreaks need to be hospitalized. And the long term consequences of Salmonella food poisoning can be serious, including endocarditis, reactive arthritis, and high blood pressure. If you have eaten this product and have experienced these symptoms, see your doctor.
The law firm of Pritzker Hageman helps people sickened by contaminated products protect their legal rights, and get justice and compensation. Our lawyers represent their clients and the families of children sickened with bacterial infections in personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits against retailers, food producers, food processors, restaurants, schools, and others. Attorney Fred Pritzker recently won a multi-million dollar verdict for a young client who had to undergo brain surgery after a Salmonella infection. Class action lawsuits may not be appropriate for outbreak victims because the cases are so very unique.
