Officials from The Florida Department of Health recently sent out a warning to Florida residents about a possible salmonella threat. Peanut butter sold in the state may have potentially been tainted with salmonella. According to The Florida Department of Health, Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter may be dangerous to eat. At this time, only the brands Peter Pan and Great Value, with a product code starting with 2111 are believed to be affected.

Officials are asking anyone who has purchased peanut butter recently to check their cupboards and pantries. Any Peter Pan and Great Value brand of peanut butter should be examined for its product code. According to officials, the product code is usually printed on the lid of the peanut butter container.

Anyone who finds that their Peter Pan or Great Value peanut butter has a product code that begins with the numbers 2111 should not eat the peanut butter. At least one resident of Alachua County, in Florida, has fallen ill after eating the peanut butter. ConAgra Foods, based in Sylvester, Georgia has already issued a voluntary recall of the product and grocery stores across the country are removing the peanut butter from their shelves. Nevertheless, officials worry that some customers have already bought the affected product.

Salmonella can cause potentially serious illness. Anyone who experiences symptoms such as stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever after consuming a product may be suffering from a foodborne illness. While in some cases, the illness will pass on its own, it is advisable to seek medical attention. If you have been injured by a food product, you may also want to seek the help of a qualified attorney as well. A good attorney can help ensure that you get the best care possible and that you understand all your legal rights.

In this particular case, it seems that up to 288 cases of foodborne illness across 39 states may be linked to Peter Pan peanut butter, according to research conducted by state health agencies and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some of the alleged cases may have occurred as early as August 2006. The fact that the potential hazard has taken this long to come to light may mean that some legal action may be taken. In most legal action taken in food poisoning cases, a “product liability” legal theory is used to prove personal injury.

The Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission both alert customers to products suspected of causing personal injuries and illness in customers. You can contact these agencies to get information about current products that may cause injury or harm.