On August 6, 2007, ConAgra Foods Inc. announced plans to reopen its Georgia manufacturing plant linked to a February 2007 Salmonella outbreak. After reports of illnesses, the company traced the outbreak to Peter Pan and Great Value peanut butter, both manufactured at the plant.

The company attributed the outbreak to three problems at the plant: a leaking roof and two instances of malfunctions within the sprinkler system. The moisture from these events activated dormant Salmonella bacteria, which then came in contact with the peanut butter before it was packaged.

More than 600 consumers in 47 states reported illnesses after eating the product, and ConAgra faces several product liability lawsuits as a result of the outbreak.

ConAgra claims to have spent at least $15 million repairing the roof, installing new equipment and creating a system to better separate raw materials from finished products.

Source: “ConAgra to reopen Georgia plant linked to Salmonella outbreak,” Insurance Journal, August 8, 2007.