In line with the international Jif peanut butter recall over potential salmonella contamination, the J.M. Smucker Company has become the target of several class actions. Similar to the Ozempic class action lawsuit, this situation highlights the significant repercussions companies can face when customer health is compromised. So far, however, plaintiffs have yet to prove that the J.M. Smucker Company is responsible for injury of any kind.

At Sparrow, we provide class action discovery and filing services. We’ve helped eligible class members join, stay updated on, and claim compensation in class actions concerning everything from real estate, such as the MLS real estate seller lawsuit, to consumer goods cases like this one. We’ve also helped countless consumers stay informed about important product recalls and other corporate missteps, as well as the subsequent class action settlements.

With our industry experience, we’ve written this article to break down the key facts of the Jif peanut butter recall. We’ll also provide updates on the major class actions that have been filed against the J.M. Smucker Co. so far. Finally, we’ll give you tips on how to stay updated on this ongoing case.

Let’s dive in!

What Caused the Jif Peanut Butter Recall?

The J.M Smucker Company issued a voluntary recall of 45 different Jif products after 16 salmonella poisoning cases were confirmed across multiple states across the United States in May 2022. Among the recalled Jif brand peanut butter include the creamy, crunchy, and natural peanut butter varieties. 

The FDA found that the source of the outbreak of salmonella infections was a Jif manufacturing facility in Lexington, Kentucky, where certain batches of Jif peanut butter were found to contain the harmful bacteria. 

Salmonella is a dangerous bacteria that can cause serious illness, especially in young children, the elderly, and those who have weak immune systems. Several adverse reactions can manifest following the consumption of a contaminated food, from stomach cramps to serious allergic reactions.

Salmonella contamination can occur at various stages of food production, from sourcing to shipping, but in this case, the cause was determined to have been some factor in the manufacturing process. 

Case Details: What Is the Jif Peanut Butter Recall About?

The Jif peanut butter recall was initiated after the discovery of salmonella contamination in several peanut butter products, which posed a significant health risk to consumers, especially those with weaker immune systems. Salmonella infections can lead to severe gastrointestinal symptoms like fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and even death.

The recall affected millions of jars of peanut butter and related products distributed across the U.S. and internationally. Products with lot code numbers ranging from 1274425 to 2140425 (if the first four numbers are between 1274 and 2140 and end in 425) were pulled from shelves. Despite this, numerous lawsuits have been filed since the recall by consumers who reported illness after consuming the contaminated peanut butter.

Allegations

One of the most common allegations in the lawsuit after the Jif peanut butter recall is that the J.M. Smucker Co. was negligent in maintaining adequate food safety standards at its Kentucky plant. Some of the prominent allegations from this class action include:

• Negligence: Pisciotti v. J.M. Smucker Company and other class actions alleged that the company was negligent in maintaining adequate food safety standards at its Kentucky manufacturing plant. The plaintiffs claimed that Smucker’s failed to implement proper sanitation and testing protocols, directly leading to the distribution of salmonella-contaminated peanut butter.
• Strict Liability: In the case Ward v. J.M. Smucker Company, the company was accused of being strictly liable for the injuries caused by the contaminated peanut butter, regardless of whether there was any negligence involved.
• Breach of Warranty: Several class actions have alleged that J.M. Smucker Company has breached implied warranty because the contaminated peanut butter did not meet the basic safety expectations of consumers. 

The above plaintiffs’ complaints hinge on the accusation that Smucker committed gross lapses in safety protocols, directly leading to the distribution of tainted peanut butter and the ensuing harm to consumers. Further investigations by the FDA or independent entities may be required to prove that.

Company’s Stance on the Case

While the J.M. Smucker Co. acknowledges the seriousness of the situation, it has not admitted liability or wrongdoing in connection with the salmonella outbreak. Several class action claims have already been dismissed due to a lack of sufficient evidence that the company acted irresponsibly. 

Courts have ruled that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate that they suffered from harm caused by consuming the allegedly contaminated peanut butter. In some cases, plaintiffs were unable to meet the legal requirements for class certification due to a lack of commonality between individual claims.

J.M. Smucker Co. has consistently stated that the Jif peanut butter recall was precautionary and that the company remains committed to consumer safety. Smucker’s voluntary recall and cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also serves to defend against accusations of negligence. However, the other class actions that are still active may gain traction as more evidence comes to light.

Settlement Details

Although several lawsuits were filed following the Jif peanut butter recall, many of them are still in the early stages. No significant settlements have been finalized. Consumers who were affected by the salmonella contamination can seek legal advice to explore potential avenues for compensation. For now, the J.M. Smucker Co. continues to cooperate with regulatory agencies and has committed to addressing any lingering safety concerns related to its products.

Timeline of Action for Jif Peanut Butter Recall 

The timeline of events surrounding the recall of Jif peanut butter primarily centers on the FDA’s investigation. Most of the class action lawsuits related to the recall either have not significantly progressed or were dismissed very soon after filing. 

Here is a timeline of key events related to the Jif peanut butter recall:

• May 2022: The J.M. Smucker Co. issued a nationwide voluntary recall of Jif peanut butter products after the FDA identified a salmonella outbreak linked to the company’s Lexington, Kentucky manufacturing facility.
• June 2022: Additional cases of salmonella surface, leading the FDA to expand the recall to include additional products and lot codes.
• July 2022: Lawsuits begin to be filed against the J.M. Smucker Co., mostly by customers seeking compensation for medical expenses and damages due to salmonella poisoning.
• August 2022: The FDA concludes its investigation, confirming the source of contamination and establishing updated safety protocols for the manufacturing process.
• February 2023: An FDA warning letter is issued to the J.M. Smucker Co. regarding violations of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act due to the presence of salmonella in their Lexington, Kentucky manufacturing facility.

Various lawsuits are still being pursued against the J.M. Smucker Co., but they are still in legal limbo and awaiting actionable evidence specific to their complaints. So far, the warning letter proving J.M. Smucker Co.’s negligence is one of the strongest pieces of evidence, but time will tell if the ongoing class actions can be to good effect. 

Meanwhile, the company continues to implement corrective measures to prevent future contamination and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. 

How to Stay Updated on the Jif Peanut Butter Recall

If you were affected by the Jif peanut butter contamination, it’s essential to stay informed about any new developments to get your compensation and prevent your unclaimed settlement funds from being redistributed. 

Here are some key steps you can take to stay updated on the Jif peanut butter recall:

1. Visit the Official Jif Recall Website

This is one of the most accessible outlets for getting updates on whether there are any settlements or other major developments. Although it is likely biased towards publishing news favorable to Jif and the J.M. Smucker Company, it will be in their best interest to publish information about a settlement here should one be approved.

2. Check News Articles From the FDA

The FDA will be the primary entity conducting the investigation into why the contamination happened and whether Smuckers is staying on top of its efforts to implement better safety standards. Any new evidence of negligence on the part of the J.M Smucker Company will be posted on the FDA’s website first.

3. Follow News Outlets

National news outlets frequently report on updates related to product recalls and the lawsuits surrounding them, so checking reputable sources can quickly inform you about any class actions that you might be eligible to join. Since we specialize in class action discovery, Sparrow is also following this case closely to report on class action progress and possible settlement agreements, so make sure to check back on our Sparrow blog for updates.

4. Consult Legal Counsel

Given that many of the class action lawsuits are being dismissed, you may want to discuss your options regarding the Jif peanut butter recall. If you know or have a lawyer on retainer, it may be best to ask them to keep you posted on a class action that would most likely get a settlement. 

5. Enable Email Notifications

Finally, make sure you subscribe to email notifications from the news sources you would like to follow in order to be promptly notified about updates as soon as they get published. You can always turn off email notifications after you’ve received a settlement payment and no longer need updates on the case.

Key Takeaway

Although the Jif peanut butter recall has yet to result in a favorable class action, most of the class action dismissals so far have been due to the plaintiffs being unable to prove that they were actually injured by consuming Jif brand peanut butter products. This can be because they did not actually consume the peanut butter, or they exhibited symptoms that cannot be conclusively determined as being caused by salmonella food poisoning.

The class actions that are likely to gain traction are those that are headed up by those who had actually consumed the contaminated peanut butter and exhibited symptoms of salmonellosis. At the moment, the Jif peanut butter recall is still waiting for enough evidence. But in the event that J.M. Smucker Co. agrees to settle with one or more of them, this blog will be updated with the information you need to join and get compensated. 

Need help filing a claim to any class action settlements? Sparrow can give you specialized guidance and resources to gain prompt compensation. We specialize in removing the hassle of filing claims and surely getting payouts from class actions. Start a conversation with us today!