Testing For Big Six E. coli Strains Delayed Until June

 The March 5 deadline for companies to begin testing for six additional strains of E.coli, the “Big Six,” has been extended 90 days to give meatpackers time to make sure their testing methods work, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced February 8.

The agency’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) will now begin routine sampling of E. coli serogroups O26, O45, O103, O111, O121 and O145 on June 4. That brings to seven the total number of banned E.coli strains. The strain, 0157.H7, was banned in 1994.

FSIS will initially sample raw beef trimmings and other raw ground beef product components. If the serogroups are found in meat test samples, those products will be prohibited from entering commerce. 

The USDA estimates that the ban on the additional six strains will reduce by 110,000 the number of foodborne illnesses reported in the U.S. each year.

 

When Art Meets Science, Purple Poop

Take one artist, one designer and seven Cambridge University biology undergraduates and what do you get? Purple poop.

Actually, what you get is E. chromi, an engineered strain of E. coli that secretes color in the presence of pollutants. Bacteria, such as E. coli, are sensitive to environmental pollutants. By equipping them with a pigment-producing device that switches on in the presence of various toxins, the team of scientists and artists created a way to use bacteria as an inexpensive, user-friendly biosensor.

These colorful bacterial colonies have a rainbow of potential applications as biosensors including a cheap, disposable biosensor for arsenic and probiotic drink that would alert patients to possible ailments by coloring their poop. A purple output may indicate the presence of a Salmonella infection, for example.

E. chromi won MIT's International Genetically Engineered Machine Competition in 2009, was a finalist for the 2011 Index Awards, and a winner of the 2011 World Technology Awards. Although it may sound unusual, it isn’t the only example of a bacterial biosensor. Recently, scientists at the University of California San Diego (UCSD) attached a fluorescent protein to some E.coli and synchronized the colony to blink on and off in unison like a flashing neon sign. When the blinking colony detected low levels of arsenic, it slowed its rate of flashing.

 

Investigation Of Michigan E. coli Outbreak Ongoing

An investigation of the Michigan E. coli outbreak linked to The Ambassador restaurant in the Upper Peninsula town of Houghton is still ongoing, a health department spokeswoman confirmed this morning.

At least seven people who ate at the restaurant in late December have confirmed cases of E. coli poisoning, four of them have been hospitalized, according to the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department.

Health officials have determined that the likely source of the outbreak was an ill food-handler at the restaurant and are urging anyone who who became ill with bloody diarrhea in late December or early January to contact the health department.

E.coli is a bacteria that can cause serious sometimes fatal infections if ingested. Symptoms of an E.coli infection include severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea that progressively Young children, the elderly, or those who are immunocompromised are most at risk. In about 8 percent of cases, patients can develop Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) a condition that causes kidney failure and requires hospitalization for treatment which includes dialysis and transfusions.

If you have legal questions about an illness or hospitalization associated with this outbreak, contact the foodborne illness attorneys at PritzkerOlsen P.A. for free consultation. A toll free number is also available: 1(888) 377-8900.
 

Long-Term Health Risks Of E. coli Poisoning

More than a quarter of a million Americans are sickened by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The most common STEC strain is E. coli O157:H7, the strain at the heart of the outbreak linked to The Ambassador restaurant in Houghton, Michigan that has sickened seven people.

Between 5 and 10 percent of those diagnosed with an STEC infection, develop a potentially life threatening complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS usually effects children under 10, but it can also effect adolescents and adults. People with HUS require hospitalization because their kidneys can fail. HUS usually runs its course within 15 days, but it can lead to serious long-term illness including:

Kidney Failure 

HUS is the leading cause of kidney failure in children. Impaired urine production during HUS can lead to long-term health consequences including chronic kidney impairment.

Neurological Damage 

During the acute stage of HUS, patients can experience seizures, stroke or coma. These can cause long-lasting or permanent neurological damage.

Diabetes 

During the acute phase of HUS, patients can develop diabetes, which can persist over the long term.

Gastro-intestinal problems

HUS patints are at risk of developing gall stones, irritable bowel syndrome, or experiencing a narrowing of the small intestine or colon.

 If you have legal questions about an illness or hospitalization associated with this outbreak, contact  the attorneys at PritzkerOlsen P.A. for a free consultation.

 

 

 

Ambassador E. coli Outbreak Raises Questions For Ill Food Workers, Managers

The Ambassador E. coli restaurant outbreak in Houghton, Michigan, may include more than the seven case patients already confirmed. Health officials in the Upper Peninsula are urging any families to report illnesses suffered by customers of the restaurant since December.

The reason others may have been infected is that the outbreak has been traced to an ill food worker who spread E. coli O157:H7 bacteria to diners. So far, authorities know of four people who were hospitalized with the outbreak strain of E. coli after eating at The Ambassador around Christmas time.

E. coli-infected people need to be isolated from school or work because they can shed the organism in their stool even when they are not showing symptoms of illness. Specific guidelines regarding return to work or school may vary depending on individual parameters; consultations with the local or state health department are recommended.
In some jurisdictions, health regulations spell out the responsibilities of food workers and their managers.
 
The national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen is investigating The Ambassador outbreak to understand the circumstances for claims and liability purposes. Our law firm has collected millions of dollars for those harmed in outbreaks of foodborne illness and attorneys from the firm will answer questions for any family involved in the Houghton, Michigan, outbreak. Free case consultations are available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or an attorney will call you if you leave your contact information.
 
E. coli O157:H7 is one of four infections that food workers must or should report to their managers. Normal protocol is that workers may not work if they have diarrhea or have been vomiting. Various food safety laws have different reporting requirements, but many agencies require a report be filed with health officials. Management responsibilities are to exclude any ill employees from the establishment until at least one test, and sometimes subsequent tests, show they are clear of the pathogen.
These rules generally stand for any toxic E. coli infection, Salmonella, Shigella or Hepatitis A. Four of The Ambassador E. coli outbreak victims were hospitalized with serious E. coli O157:H7 infections. In eight percent of infections involving this pathogen, patients develop life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and kidney function. Other complications can include stroke, severe anemia, heart attack and disorder of nervous systems, including the spinal cord.
A good E. coli lawyer will consider future illness, loss of income, future medical bills, loss of companionship and other considerations when representing a person harmed by unsafe food. Scientific studies show that the effects of an E. coli infection, even a mild one, can last throughout a person's life.

Western U.P. E. coli Outbreak Traced to Houghton's Ambassador Restaurant

The Ambassador restaurant in Houghton, Michigan, is the likely source of an Upper Peninsula E. coli outbreak that sickened at least seven people, including four who were hospitalized.

Medical Director Terry Frankovich said in a press release that the outbreak is under investigation by the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department. "The health department has determined that the likely source of the outbreak was an ill food-handler at the restaurant,'' Dr. Frankovich said.

Three of the initial cases were local and two were non-local -- one from Dickinson County and one from Wisconsin. Two other case patients were discovered later. The medical director said there is no on-going health risk at the restaurant, which remains open.

The type of E. coli that caused the illnesses -- type O157:H7 -- is capable of causing life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a disease that shuts down a person's kidneys and can lead to strokes, severe anemia, neurological disorders and heart attacks. Medical consequences of HUS can last a life time.
 
Restaurant liability in E. coli outbreaks is an issue in litigation when outbreaks such as these occur. E. coli attorneys at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., are investigating the case separately from public health officials. If you are a confirmed case patient of this outbreak or know a loved one who became sick after eating at The Ambassador around the Christmas holiday, call our firm for a free case consultation at 1-888-377-8900 or leave contact information and an attorney will call you.
 
Our law firm is one of the very few legal groups in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and our trial lawyers have recovered tens of millions of dollars for E. coli victims throughout the country. Securing fair claims for victims of food poisoning takes experience in a complicated and detailed area of the law. 

Minnesota High School Deer Experiment Causes E. coli Infections in 29 Students

A Minnesota high school science class received an inadvertent lesson in microbiology and pathology when 29 of 117 students in five class periods were sickened with E. coli O103:H2 traced to deer they shot, field-dressed, butchered, marinated and consumed as part of a class project.

The outbreak happened in the fall of 2010 after teachers oversaw a student  hunt for six whitetails. A seventh deer was gathered from the scene of a roadside accident and cleaned to make kabobs, like the others. The bamboo skewers were marinated in five-gallon buckets before being grilled.

The episode was studied by scientists at the Minnesota Department of Health and a paper was published in the latest edition of the CDC journal Emerging Infectious Diseases.

None of the 29 case patients in the outbreak suffered hemolytic uremic sydrome (HUS), a complication of toxic E. coli infection that shuts down a person's kidneys and can lead to stroke, heart attack, neurological damage and other severe illness.

Interviews with students in the class showed that hand-washing after handling raw venison was a factor in preventing E. coli transmission. Some mistakes that led to illness included using the same plate for handling raw and cooked venison and undercooking the meat.

The researchers did not identify the high school by name or location. The kids who got sick started to show symptoms a little more than two days after they prepared and ate the venison. If your child was sickened in the Minnesota high school deer E. coli outbreak of 2010, you may contact a food illness lawyer at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., for a free case consultation at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) Our firm currently represents E. coli victims from other outbreaks and we are one of the very few law firms in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. Our offices are located in Minneapolis.

E. coli Outbreak Tracked by Billing Data

Cafeteria billing information enabled a rapid investigation of an E. coli outbreak at a large company in Frankfurt, Germany, during last year's broader E. coli O104:H4 outbreak that killed 50 people and infected more than 4,000 others.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported on the so-called "satellite outbreak'' in the January 2012 issue of Emerging Infectious Diseases. The investigation found fenugreek sprouts to be the cause of the illnesses at the company. The origin of the sprouts was traced back to the same supplier of sprout seeds as was common to the rest of the outbreak.

"Using data sources independent of individual memory is quite useful,'' the authors wrote in a synopsis of the investigation.

The multi-country sprouts E. coli outbreak in Europe last spring was the largest outbreak ever described worldwide in terms of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a complication of toxic E. coli infection that shuts down a person's kidneys and often leads to other severe illnesses, including stroke, invasion of the central nervous system and heart attack.

The company that was studied in the investigation operated two cafeteria sites that were both served with salad bar items from the same central kitchen. Using the employee billing card system, salad bar purchases were highly associated with illness. The study focused on 60 case patients who were either hospitalized with bloody diarrhea or HUS or who self-reported onset of bloody diarrhea from May 8 through May 23. Only three of the case patients remained unexposed to salad bar items according to the payment system data.

 Beginning May 23, the cafeterias were closed for 1 week, and salad sales were suspended for a longer period. There were no additional cases.

The CDC report noted that sprout consumption throughout Frankfurt couldn't be studied effectively without billing data because of the intense media attention on the sprout hypothesis once it had been announced. "Also, it was thought that too much time had passed to successfully recall actually selected salad bar items consumed a few weeks previous,'' the report said.

This wasn't the first time that data sources were used in an investigation of an outbreak of foodborne illness. Credit card information and retail loyalty cards have been used in other investigations in Denmark, Iceland, Canada and the United States.

Participants in the Frankfurt, Germany, investigation included the Robert Koch Institute of Berlin and Wernigerode and Frankfurt's own Health Protection Authority.

Benefit For NC State Fair E. coli Victim Hunter Tallent

A benefit to raise money to cover medical expenses for two-year-old Hunter Tallent, who contracted and E. coli infection after attending the North Carolina State Fair, is being held this weekend.

The event called Hunter's Angels, will take place from Saturday at 10 a.m. through noon Sunday at Cole Creek Arena in Casar, according to WBTV.

The benefit will include a trail ride, auction, BBQ and New Year's Eve Party. A band and DJ are to be announced and will begin playing around dark. Trail rides start at 10 a.m. and go until 1 p.m. daily. BBQ is served at 1:30 p.m. and the auction starts at 3 p.m. Costs range from $10 per person for BBQ to $25 for a trail ride and food. 

Tallent is one of 11 people who contracted E. coli poisoning after attending the NC State Fair in Raleigh. The state traced the outbreak back to a livestock barn at the fairgrounds.
This is the the second time in recent years where an animal exhibit led to an outbreak at the North Carolina State Fair. In 2004, scores of people became infected from E. coli bacteria after attending an NC State Fair petting zoo.
 

Pennsylvania Child With HUS E. coli Faces Lifetime of Medical Repercussions

Months after 3-year-old Avala Pierce was hospitalized with an infection of E. coli O157:H7 tied to the summer 2011 outbreak at Cowans Gap State Park in Pennsylvania, the toddler is continuing to suffer ongoing seizures, has mobility issues as a result of a stroke and is now at risk for long-term kidney problems for the rest of her life.

Community members have rallied behind her, raising more than $1,400 to assist her family's financial strain. Her case is a reminder of how high the stakes are for child victims of E. coli poisoning. Children under 5 are in the age group most likely to suffer a potentially deadly complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). 

Avala's mother provided an update on her condition in an interview with Public Opinion, the local newspaper in Chambersberg, Pennsylvania. Her daughter was one of at least 14 people who fell ill with E. coli O157:H7 infection after a visit to the state park that included swimming. Health officials closed the beach for the remainder of the season as they searched unsuccessfully for the exact cause.

Avala spent many weeks at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center battling HUS kidney failure and other critical illnesses. She needed kidney dialysis for an additional month after she left the hospital.

Muti-state E. coli Outbreak Sickens 60 Including Two Minnesotans

An E.coli outbreak that was initially thought to be concentrated in the St. Louis area, includes 60 victims from states including two people from Minnesota.

 

The outbreak began in early October with reports of E. coli illnesses associated with eating food from salad bars at various Schnucks grocery stores in the St. Louis area. A team of state and federal health officials, traced the source of the contamination to a single lot of Romaine lettuce grown on a California farm.

The E. coli 0157:H7 strain at the heart of this outbreak caused severe illness and many patients required hospitalization, including one of the Minnesota patients, according to a story in the Star Tribune.

Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include abdominal cramping and bloody diarrhea. In severe cases,  hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or TTP HUS, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which can cause kidney failure, stroke, heart attacks, and brain injuries can also develop. Some infections can have long-term effects.

By state, the number of those sickened by the outbreak are as follows: Arizona (1), Arkansas (2), Georgia (1), Illinois (9), Indiana (2), Kansas (3), Kentucky (1), Minnesota (3), Missouri (37), and Nebraska (1).  

Those with legal questions regarding a hospitalization or illness associated with this outbreak should contact the foodborne illness experts at the law firm of PritzkerOlsen P.A. for a free consultation. 

Leafy Greens Are Common Culprits in Food Poisoning Outbreaks

Leafy greens, such as the Romaine lettuce likely responsible for a 10-state E. coli outbreak that sickened 60 people over the last two months, are the most common source of foodborne illnesses.

 Between 1990 and 2006, lettuce and leafy greens have been linked to 363 food poisoning outbreaks, more than any other non-meat food according to the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a nutrition watchdog group.

The 10-state outbreak was initially thought to have stricken 37 salad bar customers at Schnucks grocery stores in the St. Louis area. However, further testing linked the E. coli 0157:H7 strain to a single lot of Romaine lettuce grown on a California farm and 60 illnesses in 10 states.

Other recent outbreaks linked to romaine lettuce include a 2010  E. coli O145 outbreak involving fresh romaine lettuce from Freshway Foods, Sidney, Ohio that sickened 26 people from five states. That outbreak was the first time that strain was identified as the source of a foodborne illness outbreak in the U.S. And, in 2008, Washington State Health Department linked commercial, bagged romaine lettuce as the source of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Pierce and Thurston counties. 

Romaine isn't the only leafy green that has been linked to foodborne illness outbreaks. Iceberg, mesculan and spinach have all caused outbreaks. Most notably, the 2006 Dole brand bagged baby spinach outbreak which was one of the largest E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks ever linked to leafy green vegetables in the United States. More than 200 people in 26 states were sickened and three died before the spread of infectious disease ended. 

PritzkerOlsen is a national leader in food safety law. Contact our foodborne illness attorneys for a free consultation if you have legal questions about and illness or hospitalization associated with the recent outbreak.

CDC Adds Mystery to Romaine E. coli Outbreak: Schnucks, Grower and Distributor Not Named in Report

Yesterday, the CDC reported that an E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce has sickened 60 people in 10 states, including Arizona (1), Arkansas (2), Georgia (1), Illinois (9), Indiana (2), Kansas (3), Kentucky (1), Minnesota (3), Missouri (37), and Nebraska (1).  This was a large and virulent outbreak--30 people were hospitalized and 2 of them developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), one of the leading causes of kidney failure in the United States.

The outbreak started in early October of this year with reports of E. coli illnesses associated with eating food from salad bars at various Schnucks locations in the St. Louis, MO area. Although it is no secret that Schnucks grocery stores were linked to the outbreak, the CDC referred to Schnucks as "grocery store Chain A" in its outbreak report. Last night Schnucks said the chain is "grocery store Chain A" so why didn't the CDC just use the chain's name? Why the air of mystery?

Even more disturbing is that the CDC did not name the grower or the distributor because that information was not in the news:

The FDA and several state agencies conducted traceback investigations for romaine lettuce to try to identify the source of contamination. Traceback investigations focused on ill persons who had eaten at salad bars at several locations of grocery store Chain A and ill persons at university campuses in Minnesota (1 ill person) and Missouri (2 ill persons). Traceback analysis determined that a single common lot of romaine lettuce harvested from Farm A was used to supply the grocery store Chain A locations as well as the university campus in Minnesota during the time of the illnesses. This lot was also provided to a distributor that supplied lettuce to the university campus in Missouri, but records were not sufficient to determine if this lot was sent to this university campus. Preliminary findings of investigation at Farm A did not identify the source of the contamination. (CDC Nov. 7 Report)

Consumers should be told the names of Farm A and the distributor. Providing this type of information serves as a deterrent to companies by making it a bad public relations move to be sloppy about food safety.

CDC, update your report and name Schnucks, the grower and the distributor.

Schnucks Lettuce E. coli Outbreak Sickens Victims in MO, AZ, AK, GA, IL, IN, KS, KY, MN and NE

The CDC reports that 60 people from 10 states have confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 linked to Romaine lettuce. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Arizona (1), Arkansas (2), Georgia (1), Illinois (9), Indiana (2), Kansas (3), Kentucky (1), Minnesota (3), Missouri (37), and Nebraska (1). Contact our lawyers for a free consultation regarding a lawsuit against Schnucks and others.

Those sickened fell ill between October 10, 2011 and November 4, 2011. Ill persons ranged in age from 1 to 94 years, with a median age of 29 years old.  Among the 45 ill persons with available information, 30 (67%) were hospitalized, and 2 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths have been reported.

Lettuce E. coli Outbreak Investigation

Collaborative investigative efforts of state, local, and federal public health agencies indicate that romaine lettuce sold primarily at several locations of a single grocery store chain, Schnucks was the likely source of illnesses in this outbreak. Contamination likely occurred before the product reached grocery store locations.

During October 10 to November 4, 2011, public health officials in several states and CDC conducted an epidemiologic study by comparing foods eaten by 22 ill and 82 well persons, including 45 well persons who shopped at Schnucks during the week of October 17, 2011.

Analysis of this study indicates that eating Romaine lettuce was associated with illness. Ill persons (85%) were significantly more likely than well persons (46%) to report eating romaine lettuce in the week before illness. Ill persons (86%) were also significantly more likely than well persons (55%) to report shopping at a Schnucks grocery store location. Among ill and well persons who shopped at Schnucks, ill persons (89%) were significantly more likely than well persons (9%) to report eating a salad from the salad bar at Schnucks. Several different types of lettuce were offered on the salad bar at Schnucks.

Of 18 ill persons who reported the type of lettuce eaten, 94% reported eating romaine lettuce. No other type of lettuce or other item offered on the salad bar was reported to be eaten by more than 55% of ill persons.

Ill persons reported purchasing salads from salad bars at Schnucks between October 5 and October 24, 2011. A total of 9 Schnucks locations were identified where more than one ill person reported purchasing a salad from the salad bar in the week before becoming ill. This included 2 separate locations where 4 ill persons reported purchasing a salad at each location. For locations where more than one ill person reported purchasing a salad from the salad bar and the date of purchase was known, dates of purchase were all within 4 days of other ill persons purchasing a salad at that same location.

Romaine lettuce served on salad bars at all Schnucks locations had come from a single lettuce processing facility via a single distributor. This indicates that contamination of Romaine lettuce likely occurred before the product reached Schnucks grocery store locations.

The FDA and several state agencies conducted traceback investigations for Romaine lettuce to try to identify the source of contamination. Traceback investigations focused on ill persons who had eaten at salad bars at several Schnucks locations, and ill persons at university campuses in Minnesota (1 ill person) and Missouri (2 ill persons). Traceback analysis determined that a single common lot of Romaine lettuce harvested from Farm A was used to supply the Scnucks locations as well as the university campus in Minnesota during the time of the illnesses. This lot was also provided to a distributor that supplied lettuce to the university campus in Missouri, but records were not sufficient to determine if this lot was sent to this university campus. Preliminary findings of investigation at Farm A did not identify the source of the contamination. Farm A was no longer in production during the time of the investigation.

American Meat Institute Has A Beef With USDA's New E.coli Policy

When the USDA announced that it wanted to protect American consumers by banning six more serotypes of E. coli, food safety advocates cheered. After all who wouldn’t be happy with an effort to keep dangerous pathogens out of the food supply?

A handful of groups, including the American Meat Institute and the governments of Australia and New Zealand, as it turns out.

In September, the USDA announced that the E. coli serogroups O26, O103, O45, O111, O121 and O145 would be prohibited from entering commerce beginning March 5, 2012. The Big Six, as they are sometimes called, have been identified by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as the serotypes responsible for the greatest numbers of non-O157 shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths in the United States.

"Consumers deserve a modernized food safety system that focuses on prevention and protects them and their families from emerging threats. As non-O157 STEC bacteria have emerged and evolved, so too must our regulatory policies to protect the public health and ensure the safety of our food supply," Agriculture Under Secretary Elisabeth Hagen stated.


The USDA invited public comment, and, on Thursday, got one from the American Meat Institute’s Executive Vice President James H. Hodges who says current testing is good enough.

“USDA is proposing a solution in search of a problem,” Hodges said in a statement.

The Food Safety Inspection Service’s Draft Risk Profile includes comments from scientific experts that highlight knowledge gaps about the BIg Six such as “We found no consensus in the scientific community about precisely which features, or virulence factors, make an STEC harmful to humans.” The new policy also lacks a cost estimate for implementation, Hodges stated. “Given the many questions surrounding both its potential effectiveness and its costs, implementation should be delayed until a more thorough analysis is conducted and more is known.”

What is already known is that each of the Big Six have caused severe, sometimes life-threatening illness in people all over the country such as the May 2010 E. coli O145 outbreak linked to Freshway Foods Romaine lettuce, that sickened people in Michigan, Ohio, New York and Tennessee, three of whom contracted hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure and death. What more needs to be known?

 

 

23 Drinking Water Systems in Missouri Have Chronically Failed To Test Water Supply

Twenty three drinking water systems in Missouri have chronically failed to complete testing required by the state to ensure safe water supply, according to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (MDNR).

The 23 systems, listed below, have all had at least three major monitoring violations in a 12-month period. Lack of testing does not necessarily mean the water is unsafe, but is a crucial part of maintaining a safe water supply.

“MDNR requires all public water systems to test for bacteria at least once a month to verify these systems are providing safe drinking water to the public. The vast majority of community and non-community public water systems in Missouri complies with all monitoring requirements and meets all drinking water standards. Chronic violators are the exception rather than the rule. This current list of 23 systems represents less than one percent of the approximately 2,800 public drinking water systems in Missouri,” MDNR said in a press release.

Testing is the first step in identifying and correcting a problem. Water samples that test positive for total coliform bacteria are re-tested for E. coli bacteria, which can cause severe illness. If E. coli is confirmed in the sample, MDNR requires public water systems to issue an immediate boil water advisory to its customers, or, in the case of a non-community system, to provide them with an alternative water source, such as bottled water.

To view more details on the violators listed, visit the department's website.

County -- Public Drinking Water System
• Barry -- Jenkins Kwik Stop.
• Benton -- Hidden Valley Mobile Home Park, Last Chance Restaurant and Lounge, Sun Valley Subdivision, TT Campground.
• Camden -- Nantucket Bay.
• Dallas -- Fraternal Order of Eagles 4010.
• Greene -- Expressway Stop.
• Hickory -- Shadow Lake Golf Course.
• Jefferson -- Walker Hill Mobile Home Park.
• Maries -- Moreland’s Catfish Patch and Steak House.
• Miller -- Camp Bagnell Campground.
• Montgomery -- Danville Sinclair.
• Morgan Mallard Bay.
• Pettis -- Budget Host Super 7 Motel.
• Polk -- Valley View Acres.
• St. Louis -- Whispering Oaks Health Care.
• Stone -- Cedar Haven Resort, Cross Roads Store.
• Taney -- East Fork Subdivision, GDM Investment Project, Savannah Place Third Addition.
• Webster -- Eagle Stop.

 

To Prevent E. coli in Ground Beef Treat the Cow

An article by Elizabeth Weise for USA Today posed the question, “Who should pay to make ground beef safe from E. coli?" The article discusses two products, an E. coli vaccine and probiotics, that have made it possible to almost eliminate E. coli in ground beef.  Even though consumers are willing to pay extra for safer beef, ranchers are not eager to pay for the products because they have to be used months or years before the cows can be sold, according to the article:

It's hard to figure out who should pay for steps that would take place months and possibly years before the grill starts sizzling. The people who'd have to pay for them aren't the ones who would reap the direct benefits.

Researchers at Harvard University estimate that American beef consumers are willing to pay 1 cent to 2 cents a pound to reduce the risk of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses. "Common sense plus our paper and many others suggest consumers will pay more for safer food," says James Hammitt, who co-wrote a paper on consumer willingness to pay for food safety in the September edition of the journal Risk Analysis.

These interventions aren't perfect, but they're very good, says Guy Loneragan, a professor of food safety at Texas Tech University in Lubbock. "The question is no longer, 'Can we get the technologies?' We've got them, or they're soon to arrive. The question is 'How do we implement?' "

The vaccine is a Pfizer product. According to Pfizer:

Escherichia Coli Bacterial Extract vaccine with SRP technology has been shown to reduce the number of cattle testing positive for the bacteria by 85 percent. And those animals still testing positive show a 98 percent reduction in concentration of E. coli O157.

Pfizer acquired global rights to the vaccine from Epitopix LLC after Epitopix was given a conditional license from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to sell its vaccine in 2009.

Probiotics for cattle have been around longer than the vaccine. A number of companies sell probiotic products that can be mixed with feed to maintain intestinal health and aid digestion. These products first hit the market in 2002. Here is an excerpt from an article in beefmagazine.com dated October 1, 2002:

A new feed ingredient that contains probiotics or “good bacteria” can reduce the presence of E. coli 0157:H7 in live cattle by as much as 50%, according to researchers at Texas Tech University.

Feet have been dragging long enough. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and state agriculture departments need to work together to get this done immediately. We have had clients who suffered renal failure, had colostomies and had central nervous system damage, all because they ate beef contaminated with E. coli. To have a solution to this problem and not implement it is unacceptable.

Nancy Donley, the founder of STOP Foodborne Illness, told USA Today:

Consumers are happy to pay for additional safety, Donley says. "We need to do something at the source" before cattle go to slaughter, she says. "This is something we've been crying for for ages."

To read the USA Today article in full, click here.

 

E. coli Found At Cozy Vale Creamery Matches Strain that Sickened 2 Children in Washington

The E. coli O157:H7 strain discovered in environmental samples taken from Cozy Vale Creamery matches the strain that has sickened three people, including 2 children, according to a Washington State Department of Agriculture official.

On November 23, the Tenino, Washington-based diary issued a recall of raw milk products after routine tests by the agriculture department found E.coli O157:H7 in the milking parlor and processing areas of the dairy.

During the last three months, three Cozy Vale customers have contracted E. coli O157:H7 infections, but E. coli was never discovered in routine testing of the milk. 

Symptoms of E.coli poisoning include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that is often bloody and vomiting. Some infections are mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening. Children are among those who are especially at risk. In some cases, they can develop a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which causes kidney failure.

The recalled raw milk products include raw whole milk, raw skim milk and raw cream with “best if used by” dates up to and including December 6. The milk and cream were sold in pint, quart, half-gallon and gallon containers were sold at the on-farm store at 7018 Churchill Road, and at the following locations:

Marlene’s Market, 2951 S. 38th St., Tacoma, WA
Marlene’s Market, 2565 S. Gateway Center Pl., Federal Way, WA
Mt. Community Co-op, 105 Carter St., Eatonville WA
Olympia Food Co-op, 3111, Pacific Ave., Olympia, WA
Olympia Food Co-op, 921 Rogers, Olympia, WA
Olympia Local Foods, 2442 Mottman Rd S.W., Turnwater, WA
Yelm Co-op, 404 1st St., Yelm, WA

Contact our law firm for a free consultation.

Long-Term Health Risks For St Louis E. coli Outbreak Victims Include Renal Failure, Heart Disease

Victims of the St. Louis E. coli outbreak could face health problems later in life including hypertension, cardiovascular disease and renal impairment or failure. Those are the long-term health risks all victims of E. coli poisoning face, according to a study in the British Medical Journal.

Researchers discovered a correlation between the severity of the initial illness and the likelihood of health complications later in life. For example, compared with those who were mildly ill, those with severe cases were 1.3 times more likely to develop hypertension, 3.4 times more likely to develop renal impairment, and 2.1 times more likely to have a cardiovascular event, such as a heart attack or stroke.

“Our findings underline the need for following up individual cases of food or water poisoning by E. coli O157:H7 to prevent or reduce silent progressive vascular injury,” the study authors noted.“These long term consequences emphasize the importance of ensuring safe food and water supply as a cornerstone of public health.”

In St. Louis, 36 people had confirmed cases of E.coli poisoning associated with the outbreak. Symptoms of an E.coli infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that is often bloody and vomiting.

Some infections are mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening. Between 5 percent and 10 percent of patients can develop a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Clues that a person is developing HUS include decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired, and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (CDC) People with HUS should be hospitalized because their kidneys can fail. Most people with HUS recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent damage or die. E. coli patients can also develop a complication called TTP (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura) which damages damages blood vessles, causing tiny blood clost sto form throughout the body.

Anyone with legal questions about an illness or hospitalization associated with this outbreak can contact the foodborne illness experts at PritzkerOlsen P.A. for a free consultation.

Source: http://group.bmj.com/group/media/19%20November%202010%20-%20E%20coli%20infection%20linked%20to%20long%20term%20health%20problems.pdf

Cozy Vale Raw Milk Potential Source of E. coli Outbreak

Cozy Vale Creamery of Tenino, Wash. is recalling raw milk products because of possible E. coli contamination.

The recall was issued after the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA)
discovered E.coli in the milking parlor and processing areas on environmental swabs taken from the dairy. Since August, three Cozy Vale customers have contracted E. coli infections.

The recall includes raw whole milk, raw skim milk and raw cream with “best if used by” dates up to and including December 6. The recalled milk products sold in pint, quart, half-gallon and gallon containers were sold at the on-farm store at 7018 Churchill Road, Tenino, WA and at the following locations:

Marlene’s Market, 2951 S. 38th St., Tacoma, WA

Marlene’s Market, 2565 S. Gateway Center Pl., Federal Way, WA

Mt. Community Co-op, 105 Carter St., Eatonville WA

Olympia Food Co-op, 3111, Pacific Ave., Olympia, WA

Olympia Food Co-op, 921 Rogers, Olympia, WA

Olympia Local Foods, 2442 Mottman Rd S.W., Turnwater, WA

Yelm Co-op, 404 1st St., Yelm WA

Although the state of Washington permits the sale of raw milk, WSDA warns consumers that there are serious potential health risks associated with it.

The E.coli lawyers at PritzkerOlsen can answer legal questions about an illness or hospitalization associated with this recall. Contact them for a free consultation by calling 1 (888) 377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or by submitting information online here. 

E.coli, What Is It And How Did It Get In My Food?

The American Academy of Microbiology has put together an FAQ about E.coli to increase public awareness of the common, and sometimes deadly bacteria. Below is a summary.

What is E.coli?
Escherichia coli, or E.coli, is a single celled bacterium that lives in the gastrointestinal tracts of most animals, including humans. There are a variety of E.coli strains, some are good, others are not. The good strains aid digestion and protect us from harmful microbes. But if they move out of the gut and into the bloodstream they can be as harmful as the bad strains that cause disease and disrupt body function.

How does E.coli make us sick?
Some strains produce toxins that disrupt normal cellular function. Diarrhea, one of the main symptoms of an E. coli infection, happens when when the E. coli cause cells in the intestine to absorb less water, or release water into the intestine. In some cases E. coli can damage small vessel cells that line the intestines resulting in bloody diarrhea.

How does our food become contaminated with E.coli?
It all starts with poop. The source of E. coli in almost all food and water contamination events can be traced back to exposure to fecal matter at some point in the food chain; whether it is on the farm, at the processing plant, in transportation, during retail, at the restaurant, or even during preparation in our homes.

Most manure is devoid of harmful E. coli, but a small percentage of cattle carry pathogenic E. coli in their gut. These harmful E. coli are then shed in the cattle’s manure and, if applied to crops without first being composted, can be a source of contamination.

Wildlife may also contaminate food. Deer, birds, and pests native to agricultural areas can deposit feces that may contain pathogenic E. coli on plants.

Manure can cause contamination problems in food even when not used as fertilizer. Raw milk can be contaminated during the milking process. Or, when cattle are slaughtered, E. coli from their feces can occasionally make its way onto beef.

Contamination of food can also come through water. Spraying contaminated water on plants to irrigate, wash, or chill them can contaminate foods.

Food is not the only way we can ingest E. coli. Pathogenic E. coli contamination can be a problem in recreational water. If not properly cleaned and chlorinated, E. coli can survive in swimming pools and other recreational water sources.

What’s being done to prevent contamination of our food?

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspects meat, poultry and egg producers. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tests all other food and has best practices guidelines for farmers.
Some risks are considered so substantial that federal and state laws prohibit certain practices. for example, in most states unpasteurized (raw) milk is prohibited or can only be purchased directly from a farmer. milk that enters into the commercial pipeline must be pasteurized, a process by which milk is sufficiently heated to kill pathogens, like E. coli that may be present. Other processed foods and beverages (like juices) can also be pasteurized to reduce health risk

Source: The American Academy of Microbiology 

St. Louis E. Coli Outbreak Sickens 36

Over the last four weeks, three dozen people have been sickened by the St. Louis E. coli outbreak. Health officials leading the investigation believe that the infection rate has peaked, but say they still have not been able to determine the source. 

Interviews with patients established a link to salad bars at Schnucks grocery stores, but E. coli contamination was never found in any Schuncks store location. The investigation, which now includes suppliers and distributors to Schnucks stores, has included testing on 55 food samples.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is now the lead agency for the investigation.

The E. coli strain at the heart of this outbreak caused severe illness and many patients required hospitalization. Although there are now 36 confirmed cases, it's likely many more people who weren't tested also became ill, according to the CDC.

 E. coli poisoning symptoms include abdominal cramping and bloody diarrhea and in severe cases,  hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or TTP HUS, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which can cause kidney failure, stroke, heart attacks, and brain injuries.

 

The E. coli experts at the national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen P.A. can answer legal questions about an illnesses or hospitalizations associated with this outbreak. Contact them for a free consultation.
 

 

Discounts and E.coli At The Mall

Bargain shoppers beware, while grabbing some great deals at the mall, you may also be picking up some E.coli or other bacteria that can make you sick, according to a Fox News.com story.

Wherever there are a lot of people, there are a lot of germs. According to the story, there are eight places where bacterial levels are especially high:

  1. Restroom sinks: E. coli and other bacteria lurk on the faucet, handles and soap dispensers because people touch those surfaces right after using the toilet. To protect yourself, wash your hands thoroughly by lathering with soap for at least 20 seconds, then rinse well.
  2. Food court tables: Even if tables have just been wiped down, it doesn ’t mean they’re clean. If the rags are dirty, they’re spreading germs, not removing them. To protect yourself, carry disinfecting wipes that conatin alcohol and wipe the table before you sit down.
  3. Escalator handrails: "In our testing, we have found food, E. coli, urine, mucus, feces, and blood on escalator handrails," says Charles Gerba, in the story. To protect yourself, avoid touching handrails altogether, or use hand sanitizer afterward.
  4.  ATM keypads: these touchpads harbor viruses and bacetris incluing E. coli, especially the “enter” button. To protect yourself: "Knuckle" ATM buttons to avoid getting germs on your fingertips and be sure to wash your hands or use sanitizer afterward.
  5. Toy stores: can actually be germier than play areas, carousels, and other kid-friendly zones, Philip Tierno, director of clinical microbiology and immunology at New York University Langone Medical Center, in the story. "Kids lick toys, roll them on their heads, and rub them on their faces, and all that leaves a plethora of germs on the toys," he says. The goods their parents don’t buy end up back on the shelves, where your kid finds them. To protect yourself, wipe down any toy that isn’t in a sealed box or package with soap and water, alcohol, or vinegar before giving it to your child.
  6. Fitting rooms:  It’s actually the clothes, not the room. Skin cells and perspiration feed bacterial growth. To protect yourself, wear full-coverage underwear when trying on clothes, especially pants, bathing suits, and any other garment that touches your backside.
  7. Gadget shops: There’s no way for stores to clean every item after someone picks it up and looks at it. To protect yourself, wipe it down with a disinfecting wipe before you handle it. And use hand sanitizer when you’re done.
  8. Makeup samples: 
Heading to the makeup counter? A 2005 study found that between 67 and 100% of makeup-counter testers were contaminated with bacteria, including staph, strep, and E. coli. To protect yourself, avoid using public makeup samples to apply cosmetics to your lips, eyes, or face. Ask for a single-use unit instead. If that’s not available, use a tissue to wipe off the sample and then apply the product to the back of your hand.

News source: http://www.foxnews.com/health/2011/11/21/8-germiest-places-in-mall/?test=faces#ixzz1eRgXRnGy 

Raw Milk E. coli Outbreak Not The First Time Organic Pastures Has Had Food Safety Issues

Production at Organic Pastures, California’s largest producer of raw milk, was halted last week after an E.coli outbreak that sickened five children was linked to the dairy’s raw milk. While owner Mark McAfee maintains his milk is healthful and risk-free, this is not the first time the dairy has had trouble with food safety issues.

Over the last 15 months, the Fresno County Department of Health has inspected Organic Pastures 10 times. Of those, four were routine inspections where “significant violations” were found that required mandatory re-inspection. Some of these violations were for unsanitary conditions, such as a broken toilet, lack of hot water for hand washing in the bathroom sink, manure on barn walls and exit ramps and under barn mats, all of which were cited in a report from August 24, 2010. Other reports site the lack of a concrete pad at a docking station and beneath a mobile barn.

  • On September 12, 2008, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CFDA) issued a recall for raw cream manufactured at the dairy after tests showed it was contaminated with Campylobacter.
  • On September 7, 2007, the CFDA issued a recall for raw cream manufactured at the dairy after Listeria monocytogenes bacteria turned up on a routine inspection.
  • On September 21, 2006, the CFDA issued a recall after four children contracted E. coli infections after consuming raw milk products from the dairy.

Campylobacter, Listeria and E. coli are all dangerous pathogens that can cause serious sometimes fatal infections. With all foodborne illnesses, children are among those most a risk for serious complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which can lead to kidney failure.

A press release on the Organic Pastures website states:

“It is a common goal of Organic Pastures and the California Department of Public Health to
rapidly investigate any linkage between these cases and raw milk. Each month CDFA tests
all Organic Pastures’ products for pathogens, in addition Organic Pastures uses a third party for pathogen testing multiple times per week. All these tests have been negative. It
has been reported to us by the California Department of Public Health that as of today all
products collected from the ill patients have been negative for E. Coli 0157:H7.”

A review of all CFDA inspections does support the claim that the dairy is inspected each month. Four of the 10 inspections during the last 15 months were mandatory re-inspections. Had they not been required, the dairy would have had six inspections during a 15 month period.

In a USA Today story, McAfee says that because California has no test evidence that shows children drank contaminated milk, he finds the case "highly suspicious." But as Steve Lyle, of the CFDA countered in the story that "milk is perishable, so the product consumed by the children was not available for testing" by the time they got sick "and that's typically to be expected."

Anyone experiencing abdominal cramping or bloody diarrhea after consuming raw milk products should seek immediate medical attention. Anyone with questions regarding an illness or hospitalization associated with this outbreak should contact the national food safety law firm PritzkerOslen P.A. for a free consultation.


 

St Louis E. coli Outbreak Sickens 33, Source Still Not Identified

The St. Louis E. coli outbreak has now sickened 33 people, but its source has still not been determined, according to the latest information from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Epidemiological evidence linked the outbreak to Schnucks salad bars, but a specific food item has not been determined. No evidence of E. coli contamination was found at Schuncks stores, so the investigation was widened to include suppliers and distributors to Schnucks. So far, 55 food samples have been tested, but none has tested positive for the E. coli strain responsible for the outbreak. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are continuing the search for the sourcee.

The E. coli strain at the heart of the outbreak is resistant to antibiotics. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include abdominal cramping and bloody diarrhea. Complications of E. coli poisoning include hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or TTP HUS, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which can cause kidney failure, stroke, heart attacks, and brain injuries.

Anyone with legal questions about an illness or hospitalization associated with this outbreak should contact the E. coli experts at the national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen P.A. for a free consultation.
 

Organic Pastures Dairy Owner: Our Raw Milk Not The Source Of E. coli Outbreak

Mark McAfee, the owner of Organic Pastures in Kerman, Calif., says the raw milk his dairy produces has never been a health threat and is not the source of the E. coli outbreak that has sickened five children, according to a story in the Fresno Bee.

On Tuesday, the California Department of Food and Agricultural issued a recall and quarantine of Organic Pastures raw dairy products, after health officials discovered that five children who contracted E. coli infections had all consumed raw milk from Organic Pastures before becoming ill.

The sale of raw milk, or milk that has not been pasteurized, is legal in some states including California. With its products in 400 stores and a customer base of about 75,000 people, Organic Pastures is California’s largest producer of raw milk and raw milk products.

On Wednesday, McAfee appealed the recall and quarantine saying he is sure his dairy products are not the source of the outbreak and that there is no risk in consuming them. “There is no current threat and there has not been a threat," McAfee told the Fresno Bee. Instead, he said, the source may have been raw milk products from another dairy. McAfee’s appeal was denied. E. coli has not been detected in laboratory testing conducted thus far on of samples from Organic Pastures.

Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include abdominal cramping and bloody diarrhea. Children are among those most at risk and can in some cases, including this outbreak, develop a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) which can lead to kidney failure.

Health officials urge anyone who developed symptoms after consuming raw milk to seek medical attention. Those with legal questions about an illness or hospitalization associated with this outbreak should contact the E. coli team at the food safety law firm PritzkerOslen for a free consultation. 

Organic Pastures E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Sickens Five Children Raw Milk Poses A Greater Risk to Kids, Officials Say

All five victims of the Organic Pastures raw milk E. coli O157:H7 outbreak are children, three of whom required hospitalization for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure.

Enthusiasts believe raw milk- milk from cows, sheep or goats that has not been pasteurized, contains healthful microorganisms that pasteurized milk does not. While there is no scientific evidence to support that claim, there is ample evidence that pasteurization kills dangerous pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria, that pose serious health risks, especially to children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

Despite its risks, the sale of raw milk is legal in some states. Raw milk and raw milk products caused 93 reported outbreaks of foodborne illness between 1998 and 2009, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC.) Those outbreaks sickened 1,837 people, 195 of whom required hospitalization, two of whom died. 

“One of the troubling issues about the sale of raw milk is that consumers are not adequately warned about the risks,” said Fred Pritzker, founder and president of PritzkerOlsen P.A., a national leader in food safety law. “I represent people sickened by raw milk due to contamination with Campylobacter jejuni, E. coli O157:H7 and other dangerous pathogens. Raw milk can cause kidney failure, paralysis and death. I know because I have stood by the bedsides of people who innocently drank raw milk and ended up hooked up to life support fighting for their lives.”

Earlier this week, a recall and quarantine of raw milk products produced by Organic Pastures of Fresno County, California was announced by California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Whiteford.

Under the recall, all Organic Pastures raw dairy products with the exception of cheese aged a minimum of 60 days are to be pulled immediately from retail shelves and consumers are strongly urged not to eat or drink any of the products. Until further notice, Organic Pastures may not produce raw milk products for the retail market. The order also affects Organic Pastures raw butter, raw cream, raw colostrum, and a raw product labeled “Qephor.”

Symptoms of an E. coli infection include severe abdominal cramping and watery or bloody diarrhea. Officials urge anyone experiencing these symptoms after consuming the products under reacll to seek medical attention. Anyone with legal questions about an illness or hospitalization associated with this outbreak should contact the foodborne illness experts at PritzkerOlsen for a free consultation.
 

The Risks of Raw Milk

This week, as New Jersey state senators ponder proposed legislation that would legalize the sale of raw milk, California food safety officials are recalling and quarantining Organic Pastures raw milk products after five children who drank raw milk from the dairy contracted E. coli infections. Three of the children were hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication of E. coli infections that can damage the kidneys and central nervous system and cause kidney failure, seizures, coma, and stroke.

Raw milk is milk that hasn’t been pasteurized. Proponents say drinking it can aid digestion, boost the immune system and ease the symptoms of allergies and asthma. There is no scientific evidence to back these claims. There is, however, a mountain of evidence that consuming raw milk can be dangerous and that pasteurization saves lives.

Raw milk is responsible for one of the deadliest outbreaks of foodborne illness in U.S. history, the 1911 streptococcus outbreak that killed 48 people and sickened more than 2,000,according to Preventative Medicine and Hygiene, by Milton Joseph Rosenau.

Raw milk products account for the bulk of all dairy product-associated outbreaks of foodborne illness reported to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Over the 36-year period between 1973 and 2009, a whopping 82 percent were caused by raw milk or cheese made from raw milk. Raw milk and raw milk products caused 93 reported outbreaks of foodborne illness between 1998 and 2009, according to the CDC. Those outbreaks sickened 1,837 people, 195 of whom required hospitalization, two of whom died.

“It is important to note that a substantial proportion of the raw milk-associated disease burden falls on children; among the 93 raw dairy product outbreaks from 1998 to 2009, 79% involved at least one person less than 20 years old.”

Most illnesses associated with the consumption of raw milk are caused by E. coli: O157, Campylobacter, or Salmonella, all of which can create serious, sometimes fatal infections. For all foodborne illnesses, children are among those considered most at risk.

The United States has been aware of the dangers of raw milk since the turn of the last century when the diseases it spread included: tuberculosis, typhoid fever, diptheria, scarlet fever, septic sore throat, malta fever and foot and mouth disease, according to Preventative Medicine and Hygiene. Between 1907 and 1911, raw milk caused five outbreaks that sickened more than 4000 people in the Boston area alone, according to Rosenau’s research. In Washington, during the same time period, 10 percent of all typhoid fever cases were traced to raw milk.

Those outbreaks were the impetus for improving the safety of milk through pasteurization. Pasteurization began in the 1920s and was widespread by 1950, according to the CDC:

“It led to dramatic reductions in the number of people getting sick from diseases that had previously been transmitted commonly by milk. Most public health professionals and health care providers consider pasteurization to be one of public health’s most effective food safety interventions ever!”

Many medical and scientific organizations recommend that consumers drink only pasteurized milk. They include: the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, and others. 

Sources: Preventative Medicine and Hygiene, by Milton Joseph Rosenau.

Organic Pastures Raw Milk E. coli O157 and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) Outbreak in California

Raw milk products produced by Organic Pastures of Fresno County, California are the subject of a recall and quarantine order announced by California State Veterinarian Dr. Annette Whiteford.

Under the recall, all Organic Pastures raw dairy products with the exception of cheese aged a minimum of 60 days are to be pulled immediately from retail shelves and consumers are strongly urged to dispose of any products remaining in their refrigerators. Until further notice, Organic Pastures may not produce raw milk products for the retail market. The order also affects Organic Pastures raw butter, raw cream, raw colostrum, and a raw product labeled “Qephor.”

The quarantine order came following a notification from the California Department of Public Health of a cluster of five children who were infected, from August through October, with the same strain of E. coli O157:H7. These children are residents of Contra Costa, Kings, Sacramento, and San Diego counties. Interviews with the families indicate that the only common reported food exposure is unpasteurized (raw) milk from Organic Pastures dairy. Three of the five children were hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious condition that may lead to kidney failure. There have been no deaths.

Evidence Implicating Organic Pastures

While laboratory samples of Organic Pastures raw milk have not detected E. coli 0157:H7 contamination, epidemiologic data collected by the California Department of Public Health link the illnesses with Organic Pastures raw milk. Surveys indicate that only about three percent of the public report drinking raw milk in any given week so finding 100% of these children drank raw milk and the absence of other common foods or animal exposures indicates the Organic Pastures raw milk is the likely source of their infection.This is epidemiological evidence that can be used in a lawsuit against Organic Pastures to recover medical expenses, lost income and compensation for pain and suffering.

Contact Attorney Fred Pritzker and his E. coli litigation team for a free consultation.

Update on the E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak in St. Louis Region Linked to Schnucks Salad Bars

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), CDC and FDA continue their investigation of the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in the St. Louis region that has been linked by epidemiological evidence to Schnucks salad bars. DHSS and the FDA are investigating the processing facilities of companies that supplied Schnucks with salad bar ingredients. The CDC is doing additional epidemiological studies.

Additional laboratory analysis is being done on E. coli isolates to determine who was sickened in the outbreak. Of the 51 people tested, 32 have confirmed cases of infection from the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7

One of the specimens collected November 2, 2011 tested positive for the strain of E. coli observed in the outbreak, including the specific “fingerprint” analysis.  However, that individual is considered a “secondary case” – one caused by exposure to an individual with the illness, not by exposure to the source of the illness.  If the secondary case was caused by exposure to an E. coli victim who ate from a Schnucks salad bar, the person with the secondary case may have a claim against Schnucks and others. Contact Fred Pritzker for a free consultation.

E. coli Probe Implicates NC State Fair's Kelley Livestock Building as Likely Source

The NC State Fair E. coli investigation has implicated the Kelley Building, a place where livestock exhibits were held, as the source of the E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least 27 people.

The announcement Thursday by NC state epidemiologist Megan Davies said the state has concluded its epidemiologic investigation and will no longer be posting daily case counts related to the outbreak. Eleven people are confirmed outbreak victims and 16 others are linked to the outbreak pending further microbiological testing. At least one of the 11 confirmed victims suffered life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is continuing to accept cases from this outbreak for a NC State Fair lawsuit. This would be the second time in recent NC Fair history where an animal exhibit led to an outbreak. In 2004, scores of people became infected from E. coli bacteria after attending an NC State Fair petting zoo.

For the current outbreak, here's a list of where the victims live, by county:

  • Wake - 13 
  • Sampson - 6 
  • Cleveland - 1 
  • Durham - 1 
  • Johnston - 1 
  • Lenoir - 1 
  • Orange - 2 
  • Wilson – 2

If you or a loved one have been sickened in this outbreak, contact an E. coli attorney at PritzkerOlsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) for a free case consultation. Our law firm recently won a settlement for a North Carolina family who lost a child to an E. coli infection linked to a goat.

Pima County Health Board Member: Hand Sanitizer Isn't Communism

In Arizona today, the Pima County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to reject a proposal by the county’s board of health that would have required food trucks to provide hand sanitizer and food festivals to provide a hand-washing station for every five portable toilets, according to a story in the Arizona Daily Star.

The supervisors, who previously rejected proposals from the health board to require hand sanitizer for all portable toilets and to post hand-washing reminders in restrooms, said the impact of such a measure on festivals large and small wasn't clear.

What is clear is that festivals and foodborne illness outbreaks go hand in hand. Health officials in North Carolina have been scrambling for weeks to pinpoint the source of an E coli outbreak associated with the Nortth Carolina State Fair that has sickened 12 people, seven of whom are children who required hospitalization after developing a severe complication of an E. coli infection called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States. Children with HUS are generally hospitalized for weeks or months and many require future kidney transplants.

The North Carolina outbreak is tragic, but not unusual.

The list goes on. While handwashing may not be able to prevent all cases of foodborne illness, it can prevent some, which is why the Pima County board of health wanted to make sure that people attending events in Pima County could wash their hands. "It doesn't mean they will, but if they can't, they won't," health board member Brad Brumm told the supervisors.

The supervisors were not swayed by statistics on fairs and foodborne illness or by Brumm and other health board members. People who want to wash, will have the common sense to carry their own hand sanitizer, Supervisor Ann Day said. Some festival organizers and food-truck operators agreed, saying the county doesn't need to legislate hand-washing, according to the story.

"Hand sanitizer isn't communism, it's common sense," Brumm said. But his comments fell on deaf ears. And dirty hands.

Officials Still Searching For Source of North Carolina E. Coli Outbreak

After two weeks of investigation, North Carolina health officials have been unable to pinpoint the specific source of the E. coli outbreak associated with the North Carolina State Fair.

State Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler told WRAL.com that he and other investigators are “perplexed” by the outbreak that includes 12 confirmed cases and 16 possible cases, according to the latest update from the N.C. Division of Public Health.

Troxler said safety is a priority at the fair, particularly after a 2004 E. coli outbreak linked to a petting zoo at the fair sickened 108 people. After that outbreak, a state law was passed requiring sanitation stations throughout the fair. In addition, Troxler said, all animals competing at the fair are inspected by a state vet, a private vet certifies the health of all petting zoo animals and the food vendors are all inspected at least once.

Investigators are awaiting results from some lab tests that may shed light on the outbreak. They have also established a case study control group of nearly 1,000 fairgoers who didn’t get sick.

The confirmed and suspected cases are from eight counties: Wake(13), Sampson( 6), Cleveland (1), Durham (2), Johnston (1), Lenoir, (1), Orange (2) and Wilson (2), according to the N.C. Division of Public Health.

Several of these cases are children who developed a severe complication of an E. coli infection called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States. Children with HUS are generally hospitalized for weeks or months and many require future kidney transplants.

The E.coli lawyers at PritzkerOlsen P.A. are experts in this field. To contact them for a free consultation click here or call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free).
 

Colorado E. coli Outbreak in Arapahoe County Jail

Six inmates at the Arapahoe County jail have been diagnosed with E. coli poisoning, prompting an investigation by the Colorado and Tri-County Health Departments. Arapahoe County Sheriff Grayson Robinson told reporters that the jail had six confirmed cases on Friday and 14 inmates have come down with symptoms of E. coli, which can include severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, mild fever, nausea and vomiting.

One inmate had to be treated at the hospital for dehydration, which if severe enough can cause high blood pressure and other complications. All of the inmates sickened lived in Pod 3.

The source of the outbreak is not yet known. Contact our E. coli lawyers for a free consultation.

Source: http://www.9news.com/news/local/article/228582/346/E-coli-outbreak-in-county-j

St. Louis E. Coli Outbreak Sickens 30, Source Still Unknown

Health officials are still searching for the source of the St. Louis E. coli outbreak that has sickened 30 people.

So far, 55 food samples including ingredients from area salad bars and from victims homes have been tested and none has tested positive for E. coli. There are no other specimens at the state lab believed to be connected to the outbreak on which testing is still pending.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
The CDC has set up a case study by contacting individuals in neighborhoods where patients have been identified.  The FDA is inspecting facilities of suppliers and distributors to area grocery stores.

Public health officials urge consumers to wash all produce thoroughly with water before eating, cook meat thoroughly, and wash their hands after using the restroom. They also urge anyone experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea or nausea, to seek medical attention.

Anyone with legal question about an illness associaed with this outbreak should contact the foodborne illness experts at PritzkerOlsen P.A. for a free consultation.
 

St. Louis Area Schnucks E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Has Elusive Food Source

The St. Louis area E. coli O157:H7 outbreak has been linked to Schnucks because a statistically high number of the outbreak victims ate food purchased at a Schnucks salad bar prior to illness. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) is leading a team of local, federal, and state public health experts in investigating the cause of the E. coli outbreak.  The investigation involves laboratory analysis, environmental sampling and interviews of reported cases.  This information is then combined to determine the possible cause(s) of the outbreak.

 

Numbers Update - October 7 to November 5

 
Number of individuals confirmed to have E. coli connected to the St. Louis investigation: 27
Number of food samples, connected to the St. Louis outbreak, tested to date: 55
Number of food samples confirmed to have E. Coli: 0

DHSS added two new cases based on lab results from specimens submitted to the State Public Health Laboratory last week.  The two cases have the same E. coli O157:H7 fingerprint as that observed in the outbreak.  One of the specimens is from a person in Boone County.  That case is being added to the count because the individual reported spending time in St. Louis during the timeframe established by the investigative team for the outbreak.  Investigators continue to work with public health officials to determine whether three other specimens previously submitted from Boone County are connected to the outbreak.

As indicated above, DHSS has tested 55 food samples in its search for the source of the outbreak. All of the samples have come back negative so far. This does not mean the E. coli victims do not have legal rights against Schnucks.

A few days ago, the FDA, working with DHSS, began to inspect facilities of distributors and/or producers located outside of Missouri.  If the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 is found at a distributor's plant facility, both Schnucks and the distributor may be held liable for the illnesses suffered by the E. coli vicitms.

In Michigan, Three Outbreaks, Three Months, One Strain: E. coli 0157: NM

Over the last three months, three E. coli outbreaks in Michigan have all been caused by E. coli 0157:NM, a rare strain of the pathogen.

Last week, Michigan health officials announced that three Maple Rapids residents had contracted E.coli infections. Two of them were children who required hospitalization for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious, potentially fatal complication of E. coli poisoning.

A source of this outbreak has not yet been determined. However, during the past three months, there were two other outbreaks of E. coli 0157:NM:

One prior E. coli O157:NM outbreak was linked to ground beef processed and distributed by McNees Meats and Wholesale LLC, of North Branch, Mich. A total of five confirmed E. coli cases and four probable cases were reported in Lapeer, Genesee, Isabella, and Sanilac counties. Illness onset dates range from July 18-30. Those sickened ranged in age from 15-88.

The other prior E. coli O157:NM outbreak involved three people who ate beef at the Clinton County Fair and were sickened by E. coli 0157:NM. The beef was supplied by McNees, according to a story in the Michigan Morning Sun.

Prior to the McNees outbreak, E. coli 0157:NM had not been seen in Michigan, according to the Michigan Department of Community Health's Bureau of Laboratories.

E. coli poisoning can have serious complications, including HUS, which most often affects children under the age of 10. It is characterized by damage and destruction of the red blood cells, which leads anemia, blood clots, and damage to blood vessel walls. Complications of HUS are severe and can include kidney damage, seizures, coma, stroke and damage to the central nervous system.

Contact our E. coli lawyers for a free consultation regarding legal help for victims of these outbreaks and their families.

Has St. Louis E. coli Outbreak Spread Across State Lines?

There are 25 confirmed cases of E. coli poisoning in the St. Louis outbreak associated with area salad bars, but other cases are under investigation including one in St. Clair County, Illinois.

State and local health officials in Illinois are awaiting results from laboratory testing on a case of shiga toxin producing E. coli to determine if it is linked to those in the St. Louis outbreak. St Clair county is one of a handful of Illinois counties that are part of the St. Louis metropolitan area.

Missouri health officials have been working with the Federal Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to determine the source and scope of the outbreak that began the first week of October.

Most of those who became ill reported eating food from a Schnucks salad bar, but because none of the samples taken from Schnucks locations has been positive for E. coli, the investigation has broadened to include, distributors and suppliers to grocery stores in the St. Louis area.

Health officials urge anyone who became ill after eating food from a salad bar in the St. Louis area to seek medical attention. Anyone with legal questions about an illness associated with this outbreak should contact the foodborne illness attorneys at PritzkerOlsen P.A. for a free consultation. 

Search Continues for Food Source of St. Louis E. coli Outbreak Associated with Schnucks Salad Bars

Investigators continue to look for the source of the E. coli outbreak in St. Louis, MO that has been associated with eating food from Schnucks salad bars in the St. Louis area.

The CDC has set up a case study by contacting individuals in neighborhoods where patients have been identified.  The case control study will enable investigators to compare data from participants with those who have become sick. 

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has been working in consultation with the FDA and enlisted additional assistance when it became known that products were obtained from distributors and/or producers located outside of Missouri.  The FDA will assist in the inspection of facilities that may have been part of the distribution chain.    

The State Lab has performed tests on 55 food samples. 17 of them came back negative (no E. coli contamination). 38 of the food samples were received Tuesday night.  Preliminary tests on these 38 samples were negative for E. coli.  Further testing is being done to confirm these results.

Even with these negative food sample results, there is still sufficient epidemiological evidence for some victims of this E. coli O157 outbreak to file lawsuits for medical expenses, lost wages, compensation for pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact our attorneys for a free consultation.

Schnucks Salad Bar E. coli Outbreak: The Search for the Food Source

As the E. coli outbreak in the St. Louis area continues to grow, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (MDHSS) is partnering with the CDC and FDA to find the food source. This is what MDHSS has reported to date:

  1. Number of people sickened in the outbreak: There are 26 confirmed and 25 suspected. Testing continues.
  2. Schnucks salad bar connection: To date, investigators have discovered that 85% of patients (17 of 20) who reported shopping at Schnuck's stores also reported obtaining food from the salad bar.
  3. Foods that have been tested or are now being tested: Initially the focus was on lettuce, strawberries and Caesar salad dressing from Schnucks salad bars in the St. Louis area, but additional food samples from 5 Schnucks stores are now being tested, including Bistro Salad Dressing, broccoli florets, deviled eggs, diced hard boiled eggs, honey Dijon dressing, Italian dressing, pineapple chunks, red wine vinaigrette, shredded carrots, shredded radishes, shredded zucchini, sliced red onions, and the following packaged salads that included salad bar ingredients:  Bistro Chopped Salad, Fresco House Salad, Fried Chicken Salad, Garden Salad, Italian Salad, and Turkey Cobb Salad.
  4. Negative E. coli tests: The Missouri State Lab has tested 17 food samples taken from individuals' homes and local Schnuck's salad bars, all of which were found not to contain E. coli or shiga toxin, its harmful byproduct. These samples included two strawberries retrieved from sick individuals' homes.  The remaining samples consist of lettuce, strawberries, and Caesar dressing taken from several Schnuck's stores in the region. 
  5. Case study and call center: The CDC will conduct a case control study to compare what the people who became ill ate with what was consumed by individuals that did not become ill.  This will enhance efforts to identify food(s) which may be the source of the E. coli.  The CDC is setting up a call center to contact residents in neighborhoods where patients have been identified using random digit dialing.
  6. Investigation of distribution chain: Yesterday, inspectors from the FDA arrived in St. Louis to assist in the inspection of facilities that may have been part of the distribution chain.

Our E. coli lawyers have been contacted by victims of this outbreak and their families and are investigating a lawsuit against Schnucks for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other damages. Contact our attorneys for a free consultation.

E. coli Sickens Boone County, Missouri Residents

As the St. Louis E. coli outbreak linked to Schnucks and other retailers continues to grow, the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services is reporting 3 confirmed and 2 suspected cases of E. coli infection, two of which required hospitalization. The first case was reported on October 26. All 5 of the people sickened required medical treatment, and two of them had to be hospitalized.

To date, the epidemiological investigation has not found a common link between the 5 people. E. coli outbreaks are generally caused by contaminated food; however, E. coli can also be transmitted by water and direct contact with contaminated animal and human feces. Because there are so many possible vehicles of transmission, it can be difficult to determine the initial cause of an outbreak.

 

North Carolina State Fair E. coli Outbreak Grows

The N.C. Division of Public Health is now investigating 30 cases (up from 27 yesterday) related to the North Carolina State Fair E. coli outbreak. Twelve cases are confirmed E. coli cases; 18 cases are still being investigated.

The latest numbers and counties involved include:

Wake - 13
Sampson - 7
Cleveland - 1
Durham - 3
Johnston - 1
Lenoir - 1
Orange - 2
Wilson – 2

The North Carolina State Fair ran from October 13 to the 23rd. The incubation period for E. coli can be as long as 10 days, so there will probably be few if any new cases of E. coli.

The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is responsible for the operation of the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh.  Contact our attorneys for information regarding whom E. coli victims can sue for compensation.

St. Louis E Coli Outbreak Investigation Eyes Schnucks Suppliers

Missouri health officials are enlisting the help of the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as the search for the source of the St. Louis E. coli outbreak expands to include suppliers and distributors from outside the state.

In an update about the investigation released yesterday, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) said that inspections of several Schnuck's stores and warehouses have all turned up clean. The investigation is now expanding to include distributors and/or producers located outside of Missouri which will require the resources of the FDA.

Laboratory testing to identify the specific strain and "genetic fingerprint" of the E. coli involved is underway. So far, 26 samples have been completed and they all match. This suggests that all 26 people are part of the outbreak and that only one specific organism is involved, DHSS said in the statement.

Food samples have also been submitted for laboratory testing to determine whether E. coli is present. So far, 17 samples have been submitted, and all have come back negative for E. coli.  These samples included two strawberries retrieved from sick individuals' homes, DHSS statement said. The remaining samples consist of lettuce, strawberries, and Caesar dressing taken from several Schnuck's stores in the region.

“Those products that were in question were not created by Schnucks,” Schnucks spokeswoman Lori Willis told the Morris Daily Herald. “There’s got to be a supplier involved in some way.”

Public health officials continue to urge anyone in the St. Louis area experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms, including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea or nausea, to seek medical attention.

Those with legal questions about an illness associated with this outbreak should contact PritzkerOlsen P.A., one of the nation’s leading food safety law firms for a free consultation. A toll free number is also available 1(888) 377-8900.
 

NC State Fair E. coli Outbreak Update: Most Cases in Raleigh-Durham area and Sampson County

National food safety lawyer Fred Pritzker is investigating the E. coli outbreak associated with the North Carolina State Fair that has sickened 27 people and hospitalized four children and one adult. Three children remain in intensive care, fighting kidney failure and other symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication of E. coli poisoning that can develop in young children.

“Despite the frequency and severity of these kinds of cases, event operators and participants often fail to take precautions necessary to prevent serious illness,” said Pritzker, founder and president of PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a national leader in food safety law. “The safety and well-being of children who attend these events should be a top priority. The tragedy of this outbreak is magnified by the ease with which it could have been prevented.”

There are nine confirmed E. coli cases and another 18 under investigation, according to the latest information from the North Carolina Division of Public Health. The latest numbers and counties involved:

Wake - 12
Sampson - 7
Cleveland - 1
Durham - 1
Johnston - 1
Lenoir - 1
Orange - 2
Wilson – 2

All of the E. coli victims reported attending the State Fair before becoming ill. Public health investigators are still trying to determine the exact source of the outbreak. 

Victims of E. coli poisoning may require hospitalization, suffer from long lasting or permanent medical conditions, lose wages or their jobs. Recovering expenses while recovering from a foodborne illness requires the expertise of an experienced food safety lawyer like the attorneys at PritzkerOlsen, P.A. If you have legal questions about an illness associated with this outbreak, contact them for a free consultation.

Schnucks E. coli Outbreak: Possible Cross Contamination in Salad Bar Could Make Pinpointing Exact Food Source Difficult

A Missouri E. coli outbreak has been linked to Schnucks salad bars in the St. Louis area. The epidemiological evidence gathered to date is sufficient to form the basis of a lawsuit against Schnucks for E. coli poisoning and its complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), but for food safety purposes, it would be advantageous to determine what food product was the initial source of the contamination. 

Through interviews with over two dozen victims, officials from the St . Louis County Health Department have learned that most of them ate something from a Schnucks salad bar. However, cross contamination issues will pose a challenge in determining which ingredient was the initial food source of the outbreak. What can happen is that a food product contaminated with E. coli bacteria can come into contact with a different food product, resulting in contamination of that product. For example, someone may inadvertently drop a piece of lettuce, in a bin of another kind of produce, or someone may use the same tongs for two different kinds of produce. This means one victim of this outbreak could have been sickened by one product from a Schnucks salad bar and another person could have been sickened by a different product.  Because the illnesses were spread out over the St. Louis area in several counties, even with cross contamination issues, there should be enough evidence to determine the statistically likely food product that was the initial cause of the outbreak. Time will tell.

Schnucks said in a statement yesterday that while it has not been identified as the source of the outbreak, it has removed “all items in question from salad bars across the company including Logli and Hilander stores in Rockford, Ill.” The company also stated that as of October 31, no tests taken from Schnucks stores have come back positive for E. coli. This is not surprising because the incubation period for E. coli is several days, and salad bar ingredients are perishable.

St. Louis residents experiencing symptoms of E. coli poisoning should seek medical help immediately.Those with legal questions about and illness or hospitalization associated with this St. Louis E. coli outbreak should contact the experienced team of foodborne illness lawyers at PritzkerOslen P.A.  Free case consultations are available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or submit our free consultation form and a lawyer will call.

 
 

Most St. Louis Area E. coli Victims Ate From Salad Bars at Schnucks Stores

An "overwhelming majority" of people who have tested positive for E. coli ate unspecified items from salad bars at various Schnucks locations, the St. Louis County Department of Health said through a spokesman.

That leaves more work to do for investigators in terms of finding the specific source of the St. Louis E. coli outbreak, but so far the scientific study of an outbreak that has sickened at least a couple of dozen people has landed at Schnucks. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch has talked to four people who said they were diagnosed with E. coli infections and had eaten produce from salad bars at Schnucks in High Ridge, Ladue, downtown St. Louis and Ballwin.

No recalls have been announced in conjunction with this outbreak, but Schnucks last week removed lettuce and other items from salad bars at various locations. This was done voluntarily and as a precaution.

If you or a loved one has experienced bloody diarrhea or other E. coli symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Physicians in the area around St. Louis have been alerted to this E. coli outbreak and will conduct proper testing to confirm a diagnosis. Children under age 5 are especially at risk for a life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is in contact with victims of this outbreak who ate from the salad bar at Schnucks. We are continuing to accept cases at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or leave your contact information and an attorney will call. Our firm is one of the few in the country who practice extensively in the complex area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected tens of millions of dollars for victims and their families. We currently represent E. coli outbreak victims, including those who have suffered HUS. 

NC State Fair E. coli Outbreak Growing

Health officials in Raleigh, North Carolina, worked through the weekend identifying more cases of E. coli infection associated with the 2011 NC State Fair. The latest results show that two people from as far east as Wilson County have been affected. 

Of the 24 cases related to the NC State Fair E. coli outbreak, nine have been confirmed and 15 are still being investigated. Here are the latest numbers and counties involved according to the North Carolina Public Health Division. 

  • Wake - 11 
  • Sampson - 7 
  • Cleveland - 1 
  • Durham - 1 
  • Johnston - 1 
  • Orange - 1 
  • Wilson – 2 

So far, five people have been hospitalized and three people have suffered kidney failure, the first major symptom of a complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Investigators have a lot of ground to cover because of all the food stands and animal exhibits at the Fair. They have launched a full scale epidemiological study to narrow down the possibilities of where the outbreak started.

If you or a loved one has recently experienced symptoms of E. coli infection, visit your health care provider immediately.  For answers to legal questions about claims against the State Fair and its vendors, call national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or leave your contact information online and a lawyer from the firm will call you.

Missouri E. coli Outbreak Puts 6 in Hospital

At least six people have required hospital stays in the current Missouri E. coli outbreak that investigators are still probing. Some Schnucks food stores have voluntarily pulled lettuce or other produce from store salad bars, but only as a precaution because public health officials haven't yet discovered the exact source of the outbreak.

So far, 24 of 34 stool samples from individuals suffering from gastroenteritis have tested positive for the outbreak strain of E. coli. Some have suffered kidney failure and other complications from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). These illnesses have been reported within a compressed time period. Health directors in St. Louis and outlying areas have put physicians on alert and have been urging people who had bloody diarrhea to immediately seek health care.

Outbreaks involving the human pathogen E. coli are preventable and people made sick from contaminated food have the right to compensation for pain and suffering, lost time at work, medical bills and more. An E. coli lawyer at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., has been assigned to investigate the Missouri outbreak and the firm has been in contact with victims. Our national food safety law firm is accepting cases at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or leave your contact information online and an attorney will call.

Michigan Health Officials Search For E. coli Outbreak Source

Health officials in Michigan are trying to pinpoint the cause of an E. coli outbreak that sickened three people including two children from Maple Rapids, Michigan who have been hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

HUS, a condition that develops after and E. coli infection, most often affects children under the age of 10. It is characterized by damage and destruction of the red blood cells, which leads anemia, blood clots, and damage to blood vessel walls. Complications of HUS are severe and can include kidney damage, seizures, coma, stroke and damage to the central nervous system.

E. coli, a bacterium normally found in the gut of animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, and deer, is spread by the fecal-oral route, through undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk or beverages. Symptoms of an E. coli infection include nausea, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea, which can sometimes be bloody. Health officials urge anyone in the Maple Rapids area with these symptoms to see a doctor right away.

The affects of an E. coli infection can be long lasting and expensive. The E. coli lawyers at PritzkerOlsen P.A., a national leader in food safety law, have helped families all over the country who have suffered the devastating affects of E. coli and HUS. Contact them for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling TOLL FREE at 1 (888) 377-8900.

2011 NC State Fair E. coli Investigation Advances With Attendee Disease Survey

North Carolina's E. coli outbreak, which has sickened at least 25 people in seven counties, appears to be associated with attendance at the NC State Fair in Raleigh. State Epidemiologist Megan Davies says Fair attendance is the only identified common link.

Davies is now surveying Fair attendees In order to identify specific activities at the Fair which may have been the source of illness. Her investigators need to interview people who attended the Fair but did not get sick and they will be calling some participants randomly to ask even more questions.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., also is conducting an investigation for the purposes of an NC State Fair lawsuit. Whether children or adults contracted the potentially deadly bacteria from a common food source or from an animal exhibit, victims should be able to pursue fair claims for medical bills, lost time at work, pain and suffering and future harms that could follow them because of their infection.

At least eight children are considered case patients in this outbreak and four of those children were hospitalized for kidney failure or other symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This is a life-threatening complication of E. coli O157:H7 infection that most often affects children under 5 but can even strike healthy adults of any age.

NC State Fair E. coli Investigation 

The N.C. Division of Public Health reports that it is now investigating 25 cases related to the E. coli outbreak.  Eight cases are confirmed E. coli cases; 17 cases are still being investigated.  The latest numbers and counties involved: 

  • Wake - 12 
  • Sampson - 7 
  • Cleveland - 1 
  • Durham - 1 
  • Johnston - 1 
  • Orange - 1 
  • Wilson – 2  

Escherichia coli are bacteria found in the feces of animals such as cattle, sheep and goats. Some types of E. coli bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7 can cause illness in people who consume water or food that has come in contact with the bacteria or who come in contact with infected animals. If people touch contaminated material, they can transfer the bacteria from their hands to their mouths, or to others.

Free consultations with an E. coli Lawyer

PritzkerOlsen is one of the very few law firms in the country practicing extensively in the complex area of foodborne illness litigation, collecting tens of millions of dollars for victims. Our lawyers currently represent E. coli and HUS survivors in outbreaks confirmed by public health officials and we are now accepting cases from the 2011 NC State Fair. You pay nothing until your case is won, which is part of the professional standard that is common in personal injury law. Call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or send your contact information online and an attorney will call you.

Schnucks Responds to E. coli Outbreak

Schnucks grocery stores in proximity to the St. Louis E. coli outbreak have responded by pulling certain food items on a precautionary, voluntary basis as more reports of illness from St. Louis County and beyond continue to come in.

An E. coli lawyer from PritzkerOlsen, P.A., has been assigned to investigate the St. Louis outbreak on behalf of victims and the firm is in direct contact with individuals who have been hospitalized.

Approximately two dozen people are believed to be part of the outbreak and a number of confirmed case patients have been treated at medical centers. Fresh produce from grocery store salad bars is one of the suspected culprits, but traceback efforts are ongoing and health officials haven't pinpointed the cause. No recalls have been announced.

Schnucks is the dominant food store chain in the area and a spokeswoman has confirmed that food safety experts for the company have removed certain items, including strawberries and lettuce. Different Schnucks locations took different precautions, the St. Louis Post Dispatch reported.

The E. coli strain at the heart of the outbreak is toxic and virulent., said Dr. Delores Gunn, director of the Saint Louis County Department of Health. She said there were 16 confirmed cases of shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections in less than 72 hours. Additional stool samples have been sent to the state laboratory for testing.

The outbreak hit hard this week and St. Louis County has been joined by state health investigators and infectious disease experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC). So far it has spread into four counties: St. Louis, Jefferson and St. Charles in Missouri and St. Clair County in Illinois.

St. Louis E. coli lawsuit:

A good E. coli lawyer will be able to hold responsible parties accountable throughout the food chain and accomplish compensation claims that are complete and fair to families who suffer. Free case consultations are available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or send your contact information online and an attorney will call you.

An extensive study of E. coli victims has shown that even people who are not hospitalized for E. coli infections can suffer vascular injury that can evolve into  hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure or structural and functional kidney impairment. We feel that any individual who has suffered gastroenteritis as a result of toxic E..coli  exposure should have an annual assessment by a physician and a blood pressure measurement coupled with a urinanalysis, kidney function testing and other checks.

Lawyer Investigating E. coli-HUS Outbreak Associated with the North Carolina State Fair in Raleigh

National food safety lawyer Fred Pritzker is investigating an E. coli outbreak associated with the North Carolina State Fair that continues to grow. To date, over 20 people have been sickened, most of them children. North Carolina counties with E. coli victims include: Cleveland, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Sampson and Wake counties.

Several children have developed a severe complication of an E. coli infection called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States. Children with HUS are generally hospitalized for weeks or months and many require future kidney transplants.

An epidemiological investigation into the source of the outbreak found that most of the people sickened attended the North Carolina State Fair before becoming ill. State and local health officials are investigating the possible source of the outbreak. In 2004, an E. coli outbreak linked to petting zoo at the North Carolina State Fair sickened 108 people. Fifteen of those patients developed HUS.

In this outbreak, though, some of the E. coli victims did not visit the petting zoo or touch animals. If food served at the fair was the source of the outbreak, it was probably something that was improperly cooked or something that is not cooked on site, like ice cream.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is accepting cases for a possible E. coli lawsuit. Our E. coli lawyers currently represents E. coli victims and is one of the very few law firms in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. Free case consultations are available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or submit your contact information online and an attorney will call you.

E. coli Victim Released from Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur, MO: Did Strawberries Make Her Sick?

Fruits and vegetables are the foundation of a healthy diet, but, like all foods, they carry a risk of foodborne illness. Harmful bacteria in the soil or water can contaminate produce where it grows. Or, fresh produce may become contaminated after it is harvested, during packing, storage or preparation. Eating contaminated produce can cause serious illness as Lindsay Schuessler, a 25-year-old elementary school teacher, discovered this week.

Schuessler was released from Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur on October 27 after being admitted over the weekend with an E. coli infection. Health officials who interviewed Schuessler about what she had eaten in the past seven to 10 days focused on fruits and vegetables, she told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. When county health officials visited her University City home, they removed some produce including strawberries and blueberries that she had purchased from the Schnucks grocery store at Ladue Road and Interstate 170, she told the paper.

Schuessler prepared and ate a salad from items she purchased from the store on October 16 and ate more produce including prepackaged salad throughout the week. The onset of illness was sudden and intense and left Schuessler weakened and exhausted, she said in the article. Her boyfriend, who did not eat the produce, did not get sick. "I try to eat so healthy, and I'm the one who got sick," she said in the story.

During the last month, four companies have announced recalls on salad greens. Over the summer, a papaya Salmonella outbreak sickened more than 100 people, 15 people got E. coli poisoning after eating strawberries and 20 people got Salmonellosis from cantaloupe. And the ongoing cantaloupe Listeria outbreak has sickened 133 people and killed 28 and caused one miscarriage.

The source of this E. coli outbreak has not been determined, but health officials urge anyone in St. Louis County with symptoms of an E. coli infcetion to contact a health provider. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhea, nausea and sometimes a fever. Complications of E. coli include hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or TTP HUS, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which can cause kidney failure, stroke, heart attacks, and brain injuries. And even a person with a mild case of E. coli can be at long-term risk for hypertension and kidney problems.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is investigating the St. Louis outbreak. Our legal group currently represents E. coli victims and is one of the very few law firms in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. Free case consultations are available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or submit your contact information online and an attorney will call you.

Source: http://www.stltoday.com/lifestyles/health-med-fit/fitness/article_3d050caf-9619-5b57-97cc-b1c682c01c67.html#ixzz1c5Dh7QAY

 

Schnucks Pulls Lettuce and Strawberries from Its Salad Bars in Response to St. Louis Area E. coli Outbreak

An antibiotic-resistant strain of E. coli is the cause of an outbreak that has stricken at least 22 people in the St. Louis area.There are 16 confirmed cases in St. Louis County, two in Jefferson County, two in St. Charles County, one in St. Louis City and one in St. Clair County. At least six people have been hospitalized.

Missouri health officials have determined that the source is foodborne. A specific source has not been identified, but local salad bars are under investigation. Grocery stores have not been asked to pull items from their shelves, but at least one chain is doing so. Schnucks spokeswoman Lori Willis told Patch that it has pulled some items, including lettuce and strawberries, from its salad bars.

One thing that is known is that the E. coli strain at the heart of the outbreak is virulent and does not respond to antibiotics. Last year, St. Louis County saw a total of five cases of E. coli infection Dr. Delores Gunn, director of the Saint Louis County Department of Health, told St. Louis Public Radio. With this outbreak, she said, there were 16 confirmed cases in less than 72 hours.

Complications of E. coli include hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or TTP HUS, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, which can cause kidney failure, stroke, heart attacks, and brain injuries. And even a person with a mild case of E. coli can be at long-term risk for hypertension and kidney problems.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., has assigned an E. coli lawyer to investigate the St. Louis outbreak and the firm is accepting cases for a possible St. Louis E. coli lawsuit. Our legal group currently represents E. coli victims and is one of the very few law firms in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. Free case consultations are available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or submit your contact information online and an attorney will call you.

 

Sources: http://www.stltoday.com and patch.com.

Two Children in Michigan Hospitalized with E. coli-HUS

Two young children from Maple Rapids, Michigan have been hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) after contracting E. coli infections, according to the Mid- Michigan District Health Department (MMDHD).

A third Maple Rapids resident, who did not develop HUS, is recovering from an E. coli infection. Health officials have not yet determined the source of this outbreak of E. coli and HUS.

E. coli is a bacterium that is normally found in the guts of animals such as cattle, sheep, pigs, and deer. If spread by the fecal-oral route, through undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk or beverages, for example, an infection can develop.

Symptoms include nausea, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea, which can sometimes be bloody. diarrhea. One week following the onset of diarrhea, the kidneys can start to malfunction. When this happens, chemicals that are normally excreted in the urine start to build up in dangerous amounts. There is also a drop in the red blood cells causing anemia.

Young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of an E. coli infection. HUS most often affects children under five. It is characterized by kidney damage and loss of blood. Treatment requires kidney dialysis. 

St. Louis Co., Missouri E. coli Outbreak

St. Louis County, Missouri, is the center of a foodborne E. coli outbreak that has sickened 14 people in the past week, including 23-year-old Jasmine Bell. Health officials are scrambling to determine the source and urge parents to take any child with bloody diarrhea directly to a hospital emergency room for treatment and testing. 

James Bell of Florissant, Missouri, told a reporter that Jasmine, his daughter, has been hospitalized since Saturday with what hospital and health officials told him was a confirmed E. coli infection. Jasmine Bell started feeling sick during the middle of last week.

James Bell said his daughter is recovering after receiving fluids and medication and may be released soon from Christian Hospital in north St. Louis County. He said she works at a downtown St. Louis deli.

St. Louis area physicians have been alerted to the outbreak and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been notified.

E. coli poisoning from food can be a life-threatening experience, especially in children under 5 years of age, the elderly and others who have weakened immune systems. Bloody diarrhea and painful cramps are symptoms of the disease.

Feared complications of E. coli include hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or TTP HUS, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, where toxins released from E. coli organisms attack a person's red blood cells. Kidney failure, stroke, heart attacks, central nervous system disorders (including paralysis) and brain injuries can result and even a person with a mild case of E. coli can be at long-term risk for hypertension and vascular injury.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., has assigned an E. coli lawyer to investigate the St. Louis outbreak and the firm is accepting cases for a possible St. Louis E. coli lawsuit. Our legal group currently represents E. coli victims and is one of the very few law firms in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. Free case consultations are available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or submit your contact information online and an attorney will call you.

Source: St. Louis Post Dispatch, KTVI-Fox2

 

North Carolina State Fair E. coli Exposure Studied by State Health Officials

A North Carolina State Fair E. coli investigation is under way by state and county officials who have confirmed that seven children and two adults have been sickened by E. coli over the same time period. Three of the children remain hospitalized, fighting kidney failure and other symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS. E. coli HUS is a life-threatening complication of toxic E. coli poisoning that happens most often in children under age 5.

Wake County and North Carolina state health officials are now investigating what food or animals at the fair may have caused the outbreak. Eight of the nine case patients attended the event. In 2004, an E. coli outbreak at the North Carolina State Fairr was linked to an animal exhibit. In that case, 108 people were sickened and litigation is still pending.

In the current outbreak, seven individuals are from Raleigh and the rest of Wake County. The eighth and ninth confirmed cases were from outside Wake County – an infected adult in Johnston County and an infected child in Cleveland County.

Investigators also are looking into the possibility of more E. coli illnesses potentially linked to the fair. If you or a loved one has recently experienced bloody diarrhea or other E. coli symptoms, see your health care provider. Make sure to request a stool sample. For answers to legal questions about compensation for present and future harms,  call national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A. at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or leave your contact information and an attorney will call you.

Source: WakeGov.com; WRAL-TV

E. coli Outbreak Near Raleigh, N.C.

The health department in Raleigh, North Carolina, is investigating seven confirmed cases of E. coli infection in Wake County. The outbreak investigators are trying to determine first of all if the cases are related. If the answer to that is affirmative, health officials will probe for the root cause of the situation.

Two of the people sickened by E. coli were hospitalized in intensive care Tuesday. Two others have been released from the hospital. Severe harm to anyone who was stricken is an indicator of hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS. E. coli HUS is a life-threatening complication of toxic E. coli poisoning that involves kidney failure and can mushroom into a series of other extreme complications, including stroke, heart attack, paralysis or extreme anemia.

The North Carolina Division of Public Health is helping to investigate. Six of the case patients have been children and children under age 5 are in the age group most susceptiple to E. coli HUS.

Symptoms of pathogenic E. coli infection include bloody diarrhea and painful abdominal cramps. People who are experiencing these symptoms are encouraged to seek medical treatment. For answers to legal questions, call national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or leave your contact information and an attorney will call you. Case consultations are free and we don't get paid unless you win 

Wake County Community Health Director Sue Lynn Ledford said people  can help prevent the spread of E.Coli by practicing good personal hygiene, particularly hand washing.

Monroe Wisconsin E. coli Outbreak Extended to Children at Grade School

E. coli testing in Monroe, Wisconsin, will be completed this week among student at Abe Lincoln Elementary School, where two students were hospitalized last week with infections and two others were sickened. State and local health officials have confirmed that the illnesses were caused by the same strain of E. coli O157:H7 that caused an outbreak in Green County this summer that killed one person and infected eight others.

 Epidemiologists are still looking for the root cause of the outbreak, but Green County Health Department Officer RoAnn Warden has said inadequate hand-washing after using the toilet or changing diapers has contributed to the spread of the pathogen.  

Anyone can become infected by having contact with fecal material from infected people or animals (especially cattle), or by eating contaminated food or water. Symptoms include diarrhea, which often is bloody, and severe abdominal cramps, which typically occur three to four days after exposure to the bacteria. 

While most people recover within a week, some develop a severe infection. A type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can begin as the diarrhea is improving. This can occur among persons of any age but is most common in children under 5 years old and the elderly. Kidney failure is not the only risk of HUS. An infected person can suffer a cascading series of severe health problems that can result in paralysis, heart problems, stroke and other harms. 

An extensive study of E. coli victims over the long term has shown that even people who are not hospitalized for E. coli 0157:H7 infections can suffer vascular injury that can evolve into  hypertension, stroke, myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure or structural and functional kidney impairment. Our national food safety law firm feels that any individual who has suffered gastroenteritis as a result of E..coli 0157:H7 exposure should have an annual assessment by a physician and a blood pressure measurement coupled with a urinanalysis, kidney function testing and other checks.

Crappy Cell Phones, Literally

One sixth of cell phones in Great Britain have E.coli on them, according to a study released by scientists at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine and Queen Mary, University of London. And that’s just one of many bugs scientists found crawling all over the phones.

About 95 percent of Britains claim to wash their hands with soap where possible, but in 390 samples taken from 12 cities, researchers found bacteria on 92% of phones and 82% of hands. Those findings suggest that many people don’t wash their hands properly even after visiting the restroom, researchers say.

Once transferred to mobile phones, bacteria can survive and grow, then be transferred back to hands, or to faces or surfaces where the phone rests. It’s gross, but it’s also dangerous.

E.coli is a common bacteria that, if ingested, causes bloody diarrhea and stomach cramping. Children who suffer from E. coli poisoning can develop a life-threatening complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome.

In the United States, 73,000 people become sick from E. coli poisoning every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of those, 60 die. 

"I hope the thought of having E. coli on their hands and phones encourages people to take more care in the bathroom – washing your hands with soap is such a simple thing to do but there is no doubt it saves lives,” Dr. Ron Cutler, who led the study, told The Telegraph.

Source: http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/newsevents/news/2011/global_handwashing_day_2011.html

 

 

Abe Lincoln Elementary School Not the Source of Wisconsin E. coli Outbreak

The Monroe County School District says the Abe Lincoln Elementary School building is not the source of a recent E. coli 0157 outbreak that has sickened three students at the school, according to a letter to parents on the district’s website.

“Abe Lincoln building is not the source of infection but once an infected person enters the building, it is necessary to raise awareness and help prevent the spread of infection. We do not know the source of infection at this time,” the letter says. The school has added extra cleaning routines and taught classes about good hygiene.

The letter instructs parents to watch their children for symptoms of a gastrointestinal illness, teach and practice good hand-washing, refrain from sending home-made treats to school and to keep sick students home. Healthy students should continue to attend.

"We've had a couple of phone calls where parents are concerned about sending their kids to school," Monroe schools superintendent Larry Brown, told WKOW news. "We don't have any reason to believe kids should not be in school."

Test results released Friday, October 14, confirm that the bacteria from one of the three cases from the Abe Lincoln school is a genetic match to the E. coli outbreak in Wisconsin that sickened eight other people and killed one child.

If you have legal questions regarding an illness associated with this outbreak, contact PritzkerOlsen, a national leader in food safety law, for a free consultation.

Lincoln School E. coli Testing Under Way

Wisconsin E. coli testing for as many as 140 Monroe School District students has begun at Abe Lincoln Elementary School in response to an unexplained outbreak of E. coli O157:H7.

Public health officials are trying to understand if three recent illnesses at Lincoln are of the same exact strain as the one that caused a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 infections, including one child's death, late this summer.

The Green County Health Department and the Wisconsin Division of Public Health have recommended stool testing for all pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students who attend Lincoln. The kits are being distributed through the school nurse's office or the county health department offices and should be returned to the health department by 2 p.m. Monday, October 17, for delivery to the state lab.

Lincoln school has undergone a special cleaning and students and staff have been taught good hand washing techniques. If school children in the area display E. coli symptoms, health officials are recommending they stay home from school and day care facilities over the next few weeks.

Once test results are completed and shared with parents, the next step in the investigation will be to find what food source is responsible for the outbreak.

Families who have legal questions about E. coli compensation in this situation should call food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., one of the few legal groups in he country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. This area of law is complicated and Pritzker's E. coli lawyers have years of experience, collecting tens of millions of dollars for E. coli outbreak patients in Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois and beyond the Upper Midwest. Free case consultations are available at the firm's offices by calling 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free), or leave your contact information and one of our attorneys will promptly call you. 

Beef Recalled Due to Possible E. coli Contamination

Los Angeles-based Commercial Meat Co.'s recall of almost 400,000 pounds of ground beef possibly tainted with E. coli O157:H7, comes just two weeks after Tyson Fresh Meats Inc. of Emporia, Kansas recalled 131,300 pounds of ground beef products potentially contaminated with the same bacteria.

Meanwhile, in Green County, Wisconsin, E. coli O157:H7 has caused a cluster of illnesses resulting in the hospitalizations of two children and the death of another.

There is no way to tell by looking at it, if ground beef is tainted with E.coli. Cooking meat to an internal temperature of 160 degrees or higher kills harmful bacteria. When preparing ground beef, consumers should use a food thermometer to verify that the meat has been cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees.

Here are some of the USDA’s other tips for reducing the risk of foodborne illness when preparing ground beef:

  • Wash hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry.
  • Wash cutting boards, dishes and utensils with hot, soapy water.
  • Immediately clean spills.
  • Keep raw meat, fish and poultry away from other food that will not be cooked.
  • Use a meat thermometer to measure internal temperature.
  • Consumers should only eat ground beef or ground beef patties that have been cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160° F.
  • Refrigerate raw meat and poultry within two hours after purchase, or after one hour if temperatures exceed 90° F.
  • Refrigerate cooked meat and poultry within two hours after cooking.

Source: www.fsis.usda.gov

Commercial Meat Ground Beef Recall Due to Possible E. coli Contamination

A California company is recalling 377,775 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Because Commercial Meat Co. of Los Angeles did not hold its product after FSIS discovered a problem during routine testing, 377,775 pounds of potentially tainted beef was shipped to restaurants in California and Nevada, as well as one Federal establishment in California for further processing.

The products subject to recall were produced between September 7, 2011 and October 6, 2011. Each case bears a label with the establishment number "EST. 4873" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The following ground beef products are subject to recall:

  • 5,10 and 20 lb. cases of ground beef patties
  • 10,15,20,30,40 and 50 lb. cases of ground beef taco
  • 5,10,15,20,25,30,40,50 and 60 lb. cases of ground beef chili 
  • 5,10,15,20,30,40,50 and 60 lb. cases of bulk ground beef

No illnesses have been reported in what is the largest E coli ground beef recall so far this year. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a healthcare provider.

E.coli O157:H7 is a bacterium that can serious or fatal infection. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea and dehydration. Children, who are especially vulnerable to foodborne illness, can develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe condition that is the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States. It is fatal in 5-10% of the cases.

The food safety experts at the law firm of PritzkerOlsen have helped families all over the country who have endured the hardship and loss that a foodborne illness can create. If you have legal questions about an foodborne illness contact them at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free consultation form online.

Wisconsin School E. coli Illnesses Investigated in Monroe and Green County

Abe Lincoln Elementary School in Wisconsin's Monroe School District is the focus of a public health investigation over two child E. coli O157:H7 cases. Investigators want to know if the latest illnesses are associated with a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 cases that occurred elsewhere in the area in August and early September.

Green County Health Department and Wisconsin Division of Public Health are interviewing families to try to identify possible sources of these E. coli infections. Two children have been hospitalized and area health care providers have been alerted to watch for other cases of E. coli in Green County. Pending lab tests will reveal what strain of E. coli is at work in the most recent illnesses and whether it matches, genetically, the previous cluster, which reportedly included the death of a child at UW Madison hospital who contracted E. coli HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome.

PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is a national food safety law firm that has won tens of millions of dollars for E. coli victims nationwide. We also are investigating the outbreak in the area around Monroe, Wisconsin. If you believe someone in your family has been infected, see a physician immediately. A free case consultation with PritzkerOlsen is available at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or leave your contact information and an experienced E. coli lawyer from our firm will call.

 People who are infected with E. coli are very contagious. The highest incidence of illness from Shiga toxin-producing  E. coli is in children under 5 years of age. Most people infected with E. coli O157:H7 develop diarrhea (often bloody) and abdominal cramps 2-8 days (3-4 days, on average) after swallowing the organism, but some illnesses last longer and are more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by stool sample culture. E. coli HUS, on average, develops in 5 to 15 percent of case patients. Kidney failure occurs in these instances just as initial symptoms begin to clear. Many other complications can follow and HUS patients can face a lifetime of special medical risks and issues that should be compensated by the parties responsible for allowing the pathogen into our food supply.

Media source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel  

Tyson Ohio E. coli Ground Beef Recall Includes Kroger, Save-A-Lot and Supervalu

 The Tyson ground beef E. coli recall includes hamburger sold at Kroger, Save-A-Lot and Supervalu stores in Ohio, the state where four children in one family were stricken earlier this month with E. coli O157:H7 infection.

One of those children, from Butler County, was hospitalized and the public health investigation that ensued collected leftover ground beef from the patients’ home. The meat tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 at the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s laboratory. That finding prompted this week's recall by Tyson of 65 tons of ground beef.

PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a national food safety law firm, is providing free case consultations to all victims of this outbreak at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or leave your contact information and a lawyer will call you.

The products subject to recall have a "BEST BEFORE OR FREEZE BY" date of "SEP 12 2011" and the establishment number "245D" ink jetted along the package seam. What follows is a nationwide listing of the stores where the recalled ground beef was distributed: 

Nationwide, State-Wide, or Area-Wide Distribution

Food 4 Less Stores in IL and IN

Food Lion Stores in FL, GA, NC, SC, VA, WV

Harvey's Stores in FL, GA, SC

Jay-C Food stores in IN

Kroger Stores in AR, IL, IN, KY, MI, MS, MO, OH, TN

Payless Super Market Stores in IN

Reid's Stores in SC

Ruler Food Stores in IN

Save-A-Lot Stores East of the Rocky Mountains

Scott's Stores in IN

Supervalu Stores Nationwide

Delaware

Dover AFB in Dover Delaware

Illinois

Hilander, 2206 Barnes Blvd, Rockford IL-Illinois

Hilander, 3134 11th Street, Rockford IL-Illinois

Hilander, 2514 S. Alpine Rd., Rockford IL-Illinois

Hilander, 2601 N. Mulford Rd., Rockford IL-Illinois

Hilander, 3710 N. Main St., Rockford, IL-Illinois

Hilander, 1715 Rural St., Rockford IL-Illinois

Hilander, 4860 Hononegah Rd., Roscoe IL-Illinois

Indiana

Payless Super Market, 1845 N. Scatterfield Rd., Anderson IN-Indiana

Payless Super Market, 1900 Applewood Center Dr., Anderson IN-Indiana

Payless Super Market, 3050 Meridian, Anderson IN-Indiana

Ruler Food Store, 624 E. 16th St.,Bedford IN-Indiana

Ruler Food Store, 360 E. Main St., Bloomfield IN-Indiana

Owen's, 1245 S. Jefferson, Huntington IN-Indiana

Owen's,  2718 Guilford, Huntington IN-Indiana

Payless Super Market, 65 Beck Lane, Lafayette IN-Indiana

Payless Super Market, 2513 Maple Point Dr., Lafayette IN-Indiana

Owen's, 903 Lincolnway S., Ligonier IN-Indiana

Ruler Food Store, 600 West Broadway St., Loogootee IN-Indiana

Ruler Food Store, 120 E. 2nd St., Madison IN-Indiana

Ruler Food Store, 1307 West Main St., Mitchell IN-Indiana

Ruler Food Store, 1503 West Broadway, Princeton IN-Indiana

Ruler Food Store, 805 S. Main St., Salem IN-Indiana

Owen's, 302 W. Market, Warsaw IN-Indiana

Owen's, 2211 E Center St., Warsaw IN-Indiana

Payless Super Market, 1032 Sagamore Pkwy West, West Lafayette IN-Indiana

North Carolina

Bottom Dollar, 1327 E. Dixie Drive, Asheboro NC-North Carolina

Bottom Dollar, 1810 Hwy 64-70 S.E., Hickory NC-North Carolina

Bottom Dollar, 3136 E. Kivett Drive, High Point NC-North Carolina

Bottom Dollar, 235 East Plaza Drive, Mooresville NC-North Carolina

Bottom Dollar, 1136 W. Pine Street, Mount Airy NC-North Carolina 

 

Ohio Ground Beef E. coli Outbreak Prompts Tyson Hamburger Recall

An Ohio E. coli outbreak has prompted a ground beef recall by Tyson Fresh Meats Inc. as state and federal health experts investigate a possible connection. The E. coli O157:H7 illnesses are located in Butler County, an area north of Cincinnati centered in Hamilton, Ohio.

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service published the Tyson recall notice (see below) for 131,300 pounds of ground beef after the agency was notified of the Ohio outbreak, which has illness onset dates rangining from September 8 through September 11. The Class I High Health Risk recall did not say how many people have been sickened or whether the outbreak involves cases of HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome.

National E. coli lawyers at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., also are investigating this ground beef outbreak, providing free consultation for victims interested in an Ohio E. coli lawsuit at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). Our law firm is one of the very few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected tens of millions of dollars for E. coli victims around the country.

USDA said the on-going investigation involved collecting leftover ground beef from the "patients’ home" on Sept. 19. The sample tested positive for E. coli O157:H7 by the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s laboratory.

The recall involves certain Kroger-brand ground beef, Butcher's Brand ground beef and generic label ground beef shipped to distribution centers in Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina,  Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Maryland, Illinois, Missouri, New York, Texas and Wisconsin. The potentially contaminated ground beef was produced by Tyson in Emporia, Kansas.

September 2011 Tyson ground beef E. coli O157:H7 recall:

  • 5-pound chubs of Kroger-brand "GROUND BEEF 73% LEAN - 27% FAT," packed in 40-pound cases containing eight chubs. Cases bear an identifying product code of "D-0211 QW." These products were produced on Aug. 23, 2011 and were shipped to distribution centers in Ind. and Tenn. for retail sale.
  • 3-pound chubs of Butcher’s Brand "GROUND BEEF 73% LEAN - 27% FAT," packed in 36-pound cases each containing 12 chubs. Cases bear an identifying product code of "D-0211 LWIF." These products were produced on Aug. 23, 2011 and were shipped to distribution centers in N.C. and S.C. for retail sale.
  • 3-pound chubs of a generic label "GROUND BEEF 73% LEAN - 27% FAT," packed in 36-pound cases each containing 12 chubs. Cases bear an identifying product code of "D-0211 LWI." These products were produced on Aug. 23, 2011 and were shipped to distribution centers in Del., Fla., Ga., Md., Ill., Ind., Mo., N.Y., Ohio, Tenn., Texas and Wis. for retail sale.

The products subject to recall have a "BEST BEFORE OR FREEZE BY" date of "SEP 12 2011" and the establishment number "245D" ink jetted along the package seam.

Palo Duro Ground Beef Recall Due to Possible E. coli Contamination

Palo Duro Meat of Amarillo is recalling 40,000 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The products subject to recall include:

  • 40-lb boxes containing four 10-lb chubs of fine ground beef.
Each case bears “Est. 7282” inside the USDA mark of inspection and a production code of 19110.

The frozen product was produced on Sept. 9, 2011, and shipped to two Georgia warehouses for further distribution including six school districts in Georgia associated with the National School Lunch Program. Most of the beef was not distributed and remains at the the warehouses. FSIS is not aware of any product having been served as part of school lunches in the districts. No illnesses have been reported.

Palo Duro discovered the problem when by lab tests confirmed a positive result for E. coli O157:H7 on September 22 and issued the recall the next day. E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. Those most at risk of infection are the very young, seniors and people with weakened immune systems.

Ground beef must be cooked to an internal temperature of 160 degrees to kill harmful bacteria. The only way to confirm that ground beef has been cooked properly is to use a food thermometer.


Source: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/News_&_Events/Recall_075_2011_Release/index.asp 

Pride & Joy Creamery Recalls Raw Milk Due to E. coli Risk

Pride & Joy Creamery, LLC of Granger, Washington, has issued a recall of raw milk because testing of the raw milk by the Washington Department of Agriculture (WSDA) discovered that the product was contaminated with Shiga-toxin-producing E. coli.

WSDA and other public health officials are exploring the possibility that there has been human illness linked to this milk.

The recalled milk is sold only in gallon, half gallon and quart containers and bears the expiration dates of 9/30/2011 and 9/31/11. It was sold from an on-farm store at 2145 Liberty Road in Granger, WA and from the following retail outlets in King, Pierce, Snohomish and Skagit counties:

  • Sno-isle
, 2804 Grand Avenue
, Everett, WA 98201
  • Truhealth
,18001 Bothell-Everett
, Suite 109
,Bothell, WA 98012
  • Marlenes Market
,2951 S. 38th ST.
Tacoma, WA 98409
  • Marlenes Market,
 2565 s. Gateway Center Place
Federal Way, WA 98003
  • Skagit Valley Food,
 202 S. 1st Street
Mt. Vernon, WA 98273
  • Manna Mills,
 21705 66th Ave, West
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043
  • Madison Market
,1600 Madison
Seattle, WA 98122
  •  Nature’s Market, 
26011 104th Ave, SE
Kent, WA 98030
  • Sunshine Corner, Nutrition
15220 SE 272th, Suite F
Kent, WA 98042

E.coli infections can severe diarrhea, stomach cramps and bloody stool. Symptoms generally appear three to four days after exposure, but can take as long as nine days to appear. Health officials are recommending that anyone experiencing these symptoms contact a health care provider. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), is a serious complication of E. coli poisoning in which red blood cells are destroyed and the kidneys fail. Infants, children, pregnant women, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are especially at risk.

 Source: http://agr.wa.gov/News/2011/pridejoycreameryrecall.aspx

Wisconsin E. Coli Outbreak: 9 Sick, 1 Child Dead, Investigators Seek Source

E. coli HUS Children Our E. coli attorneys are investigating a Wisconsin E. coli outbreak that has killed a 20-month old child and sickened nine other people. Two victims of this outbreak have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication of E. coli poisoning which can lead to kidney failure and can cause seizures, strokes, heart failure, hypertension, pancreatitis and other life-threatening medical problems. Our attorneys have handled many of these cases and held companies accountable for the illnesses and wrongful death caused by contaminated food.

State and local health officials from the Green County Health Department are investigating the E. coli O157:H7 infections in Green County, and others reportedly scattered around the county, according to the story. The Wisconsin E. coli outbreak began in mid-August and continued into September. A source of the outbreak has not yet been identified.

E. coli O157:H7 infections are particularly dangerous in children and the elderly.  Symptoms of an E. coli O157:H7 infection may include stomach cramping, mild fever, vomiting, nausea and bloody diarrhea. 

 

Pritzker Olsen E. coli attorneys have a national practice and have won millions for E. coli victims throughout the United States, including Wisconsin. Green County cities and towns: Albany, Brodhead, Brooklyn, Browntown, Juda, Monroe, Monticello, and New Glarus. Green County is south of Madison, WI.

News Source: http://www.jsonline.com/features/health/129853283.html

Wisc. Green County E. coli Outbreak

Wisconsin public health officials are investigating a cluster of nine E. coli O157:H7 illnesses, including one that led to the death of a 1-year-old child from Green County, Wis. The 20-month-old girl died Sunday after a one-week hospital stay in Madison, the Captial Times newspaper reported.

Investigators, including E. coli lawyers for PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a leading national food safety law firm, are investigating the outbreak to determine its origin and protect others from becoming ill. Case patients are from all around the county and some households have multiple people who are ill. To hire a lawyer for a possible Green County E. coli lawsuit, call for a free case consultation at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or submit contact information online.

RoAnn Warden, director of the Green County Health Department, told the newspaper that two patients have been diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication stemming from toxic E. coli infection that causes kidney disease and can also lead to heart problems, stroke, severe anemia, central nervous system impairment and brain damage. 

E. coli causes an estimated 73,000 cases of infection and 61 deaths in the United States each year. Most people infected with E. coli O157:H7 develop diarrhea (often bloody) and abdominal cramps 2-8 days (3-4 days, on average) after swallowing the organism, but some illnesses last longer and are more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by stool sample culture. While most people recover within a week, some develop a severe infection and are left to deal with health concerns the rest of their lives.

 

E. coli Ban Cheered for Food Safety

The federal government's expanded ban against six more types of toxic E. coli will undoubtedly save lives and prevent serious illness by further cleaning up the nation's supply of ground beef.

The new rule to be imposed in steps by the U.S. Department of Agriculture applies to the so-called Big Six -- a half-dozen types of non-O157:H7 E. coli  strains that emit powerful Shiga toxins that can lead to kidney failure, stroke, seizures, vascular injury, pancreatitis, central nervous system damage and brain injury. HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome, is the most serious complication of toxic E. coli infection

"Eating a hamburger should not be a high-risk activity,'' said Fred Pritzker, founder and president of PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a firm that has collected tens of millions of dollars over the years for victims of E. coli infection and HUS.

Under the change, E. coli O26, O45, O113, O111, O121 and O145 are added to the currently banned E. coli. O157:H7. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O157:H7 is responsible for 63,153 foodborne illnesses and 20 deaths each year in the U.S. At the same time the CDC noted that in 2010 illnesses caused by all of the other pathogenic forms of E. coli caused more illnesses than E. coli O157:H7.

From a legal perspective, the new rule will provide crucial protection in court for victims of ground beef E. coli outbreaks. Under the rule, it will be illegal to sell raw meat to the public if its contains any of the Big Six types of E. coli.  The so-called "adulterant'' status imparts strict liability on purveyors and leaves no room for excuses from meatpackers and others in the supply chain. The USDA ban holds them more accountable for tainted ground beef.

Pritzker and other food safety experts see the ban as a powerful deterrent because producers now will have to test for the additional pathogens. If meat tests positive for any of the bacteria, companies are allowed to divert it into cooked products because proper heat treatment kills the bugs.

Failure to Diagnose E. coli Infection in Seven-Year-Old Leads to Emergency Blood Transfusion

A seven-year-old girl who had been sent home from a hospital four times, required an emergency blood transfusion by the time doctors correctly diagnosed that she was suffering from E. coli poisoning, according to a story in the Shields Gazette.

“I was made to feel like I was being a silly parent. I felt like they didn’t believe me,” said Sarah Coulson, the girls’s mother. “I’m angry and I can’t stop thinking about it. We could have put her to bed and she might not have woken up. It was only my husband making me take her to hospital that meant she got the treatment she needed.”

"Failure to diagnose an E. coli infection can lead to serious harm, including severe dehydration, hypertension, colitis and kidney failure," said food safety attorney Fred Pritzker. "That this young girl was sent home four times is unconscionable."

When the Coulsons first brought their daughter to the hospital in South Tyneside, England, they were sent home with a prescription of rehydration salts.  After their daughter became sicker, they returned and were again sent home. The next day they brought her back and doctors took samples performed and examination and sent her home again with a directive to drink more water. Later, a pediatrician performed another examination, and sent them home again, according to the story.

The Coulsons then decided to seek another opinion and brought their daughter to the Royal Victoria Infirmary where she was admitted immediately to the intensive care unit and spent two days receiving treatment, including a blood transfusion.

One Child Remains Hospitalized From August E. Coli Outbreak at Cowans Gap

One of the 14 people who became ill during the Cowans Gap E. coli outbreak remains hospitalized at the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center in Pennsylvania, according to a story in the Chambersberg Public Opinion. The patient, a child, is being treated for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication of E. coli poisoning. HUS leads to kidney failure and can cause seizures, strokes, heart failure, hypertension, pancreatitis and other life-threatening medical problems.

Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the Cowans Gap outbreak, but because all of the victims swam in the lake prior to becoming ill, the lake was closed to swimming and wading as a precautionary measure in mid-August and will remain closed for the rest of the year.

Water in Pennsylvania state park lakes and pools is tested twice weekly during the season. Since the closure, the park has added a third test each week and all results have been within the normal range, officials said.  In addition to testing samples from the lake, officials are looking at samples from the drinking water, sewer systems, rest rooms, concession stands and outside food vendors. 

Symptoms of an E. coli O157:H7 infection may include stomach cramping, mild fever, vomiting, nausea and bloody diarrhea. Health officials recommend that people who visited the park and become ill contact their health care providers.  

 

121 Years of Meat Inspections

With major E.coli outbreaks and ground beef recalls in the news this summer, meat inspection has been a topic of news and conversation, a conversation, it turns out, that we, as a nation, have been having for more than a century. On this date in 1890, the United States passed its first meat inspection law. 

Today, the United States is the world’s largest producer and consumer of both beef and chicken and the third-largest producer and consumer of pork, according to US Census data. As the industries have grown, so have the challenges of keeping consumers safe and the number of laws that govern the industries.

Facing stringent restrictions in foreign markets 121 years ago, U.S. producers and meat packers urged the government to create a program that would help them compete as exporters. The Meat Inspection Act  of 1905 was initially approved for salted pork and bacon intended for export, but was amended the following year to include the inspection and certification of all live cattle for export, as well as live cattle that were to be slaughtered for beef exports.

 

It took 14 years and the publication of "The Jungle," Upton Sinclair’s 1905 novel that exposed the filthy conditions and the exploitation of workers in a Chicago meatpacking house, before regulations governing the process of beef production were enacted.

The filthy conditions described in the book created a firestorm of public debate. Sinclair urged President Theodore Roosevelt to support the presence of federal inspectors in the meat-packing houses and, in 1906, both the Food and Drug Act and the Meat Inspection Act were passed into law.

More than a century later, we’re still struggling to find the best way to keep consumers safe from foodborne illness. This summer, E coli contamination prompted McNees Meats and Wholesale LLC. of North Branch, Michigan to recall about 360 pounds of ground beef,  JB Meats of Avondale, Ohio to recall more than 70,000 pounds of ground beef. And Cargill recalled 36 million pounds of ground turkey after a Salmonella outbreak sickened 111 people in 31 states.

http://www.fsis.usda.gov/about/Agency_History/index.asp

Early Plasma Exchange May Improve Outcome for E. coli-HUS Patients

If performed early enough after the onset of illness, plasma exchange may be an effective treatment for symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a rare but potentially fatal complication of E. coli infection, according to results from a small Danish study published in The Lancet.

E. coli-HUS, which affects young children more frequently than adults, is characterized by acute hemolytic anemia, abnormally low platelet count and renal insufficiency. Most cases are associated with enteritis resulting from a Shiga toxin that is released by certain strains of E coli.

Senior author Martin Tepel, MD, from the Department of Nephrology, Odense University Hospital, Denmark, and his group used plasmapheresis to treat four women and one man ranging in age from 44 to 77 years old. All of them had symptoms of HUS associated with E coli, including enteritis, bloody diarrhea acute hemolytic anemia, abnormally low platelet count, acute kidney injury, and progressive central nervous dysfunction.

All the patients contracted E coli 0104:H4 infections while visiting northern Germany last spring. The patients were treated daily with plasma exchange by centrifugation and substitution with fresh frozen plasma.

After treatment, median platelet counts increased, median lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) concentrations decreased and renal function and neurological status improved. Researchers also found an association between the time therapy was initiated and how quickly the treatment showed affect.

Five to eight days after they began treatment, all of the patients were discharged from hospital with normal neurological status. The authors of the study say these results show plasma exchange, if performed early enough after the onset of illness, could be an effective treatment for HUS in adults and merits further study

Texas Child Food Poisoning Case Triggers Restaurant Health Inspection

In Texas, a  Corpus Christi toddler spent a week in the hospital battling infection from E. coli and Salmonella, the girl's mother told KRIS-TV. The station's report said Nueces County health authorities are investigating a refrigeration problem at a restaurant where the girl had eaten chicken strips.

The restaurant Wings-N-More emptied a deli case where a health inspection found raw chicken strips stored at 68-degrees -- almost 30 degrees above the maximum recommended temperature, KRIS reported.

According to KRIS, the inspector wrote that he "had the manager verify the temperature of the product. At that time he did discard all the product that was in the deli case. He is going to keep the product on ice while he gets the refrigeration company out to get the unit fixed."

The 2-year-old girl's mother said her daughter was placed in isolation at Driscoll Children's Hospital for three days during her hospitalization, which ended this week.

Each year in the United States about 48 million people (1 in 6 Americans) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die each year from foodborne diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Salmonella was the leading cause of estimated hospitalizations and deaths, responsible for about 28 percent of deaths and 35 percent of hospitalizations due to known pathogens transmitted by food. E. coli O157:H7 is one of the seven pathogens that cause 90 percent of all estimated illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths.

Young children, older adults and people whose immune systems are weakened are the most susceptible to severe illness by infection from E. coli and Salmonella. 

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., represents victims of food poisoning in foodborne illness cases against restaurants, meatpackers and all other food purveyors. Our firm is one of the very few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected tens of millions of dollars in food poisoning awards for victims around the country. Free case consultations are available by calling 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by sending contact information for a lawyer to call you at no expense. 

Cowans Gap Reopens to Boating, Fishing

The lake at Cowans Gap State Park reopened for boating and fishing today after a two-week closure. The lake was closed to all water activities two weeks ago amid reports of E. coli illnesses associated with swimming in the lake.

Although the Cowans Gap E. coli outbreak has not definitively been linked to the lake, it was closed as a precautionary measure and still remains closed to swimming and wading. 

So far, 14 cases of E. coli O157:H7 — 11 from Pennsylvania and three from Maryland — have been reported. All of them swam in the 42-acre lake between July 12 and July 31 and became ill a short time later.

Symptoms of an E. coli poisoning contamination include stomach cramping, vomiting and bloody diarrhea. In severe cases, including several of the children involved in this outbreak, a complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can develop. In addition to E. coli kidney failure, HUS can cause severe seizures, strokes, heart failure, hypertension, pancreatitis and other life-threatening medical problems.

Water in Pennsylvania state park lakes and pools is tested twice weekly during the season. Since the closure, the park has added a third test each week and all results have been within the normal range, officials said. To pinpoint the source of the outbreak, officials are testing samples from the lake, drinking water, sewer systems, rest rooms and concession stands. Outside food vendors also are being tested. Health officials recommend that people who have visited the park and become ill contact their health care providers.
 

Boil Water Advisory Lifted at Cowans Gap

A boil water advisory put into effect Friday, August 19, after E. coli bacteria was found in a well at Cowans Gap State Park in Pennsylvania has been lifted. Drinking water samples taken from the well have all come back with good results, park officials said Monday.

The E. coli bacteria found in the well was not the same strain that has apparently sickened at least 14 people who swam in the 42-acre lake between July 12 and July 31.

Some of the victims are children who contracted E. coli infections and then developed kidney failure (renal failure) from a complication of E. coli called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). In addition to kidney failure, HUS can cause severe seizures, strokes, heart failure, hypertension, pancreatitis and other life-threatening medical problems.

Although some of the victims did drink the water at the park, all of them swam in the lake, officials said. The source of contamination in the park's lake is still unknown. All lake activities remain closed until all sampling results are complete, officials said.

Cowans Gap State Park is in Fulton County, Pennsylvania.
 

Michigan Ground Beef E. coli Outbreak

Certain restaurants in Armada, Lapeer and North Branch, Michigan, received McNees Meats ground beef tainted with E. coli O157:NM -- a shiga-toxin producing type of E. coli that can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (HUS-TTP).

McNees Meats in North Branch is recalling a ton of ground beef sold to restaurants and directly to consumers from its own retail location. The product has been linked to an outbreak of E. coli O157:NM that has sickened at least five people. In addition, the ground beef is the probable cause of four other illnesses. This McNees ground beef E. coli outbreak is under investigation in Lapeer, Genesee, Isabella and Sanilac counties of Michigan. A public health alert has been issued.

The illnesses were reported from July 18 to 30 and affected people ages 15 to 88. Two-thirds of the individuals affected were hospitalized -- a high percentage for an outbreak of Shiga Toxin E. coli. It is believed that the contaminated ground beef consumed by case patients was from restaurants supplied by McNees or purchased directly from the company. 
The initial recall was for 360 pounds of ground beef products, but that was expanded to 2,200 pounds on August 11. The recall covers 1- and 10-pound bagged packages of “McNees Ground Beef Bulk,'' 1 to 1.5-pound packages of  "McNees Ground beef patties,'' 1-pound packages of “McNees Ground Round'' and 1 and 2-pound packages of  “McNees Ground Beef Bulk” sold in red and white plastic bags. Each product bag bears the establishment number "EST. 33971'' within the USDA mark of inspection. 
Michigan health and agriculture officials first warned USDA of the E. coli outbreak on August 4.
As a result of the epidemiologic investigation, investigators determined there is a link between the ground beef products produced on July 15 and July 21. 
  
Most people infected by E. coli get better within five to seven days. Initial symptoms often include painful cramps and bloody diarrhea. Children under 5 years of age, the elderly and those with weak immune systems are more likely to develop severe or even life-threatening illness, such as HUS or TTP. Persons who are ill with symptoms and have consumed ground beef recently should consult with their medical provider and ask about being tested for an E. coli infection.
 
For answers to legal questions pertaining to possible McNees E. coli litigation, contact Pritzker Olsen Attorneys, a leading national firm in the area of  foodborne illness. An E. coli lawyer with direct experience in ground beef E. coli claims will answer questions and provide a free case consultation. Call 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or submit contact information online and a lawyer from our firm will call you. 

9 sickened in Michigan E Coli Outbreak Linked to McNees Meats

Our attorneys are continuing their investigation of an E. coli O157:NM outbreak in Michigan that has been linked to the consumption of ground beef from McNees Meats and Wholesale LLC, a meat-processing and retail establishment in North Branch, Michigan. Nine people have been sickened. Known case patients range in age from 15 to 88 and live in Michigan counties of Lapeer, Genesee, Isabella, and Sanilac. The outbreak started in mid-July.

All nine victims reported consuming ground beef either at local restaurants supplied by McNees or by purchasing beef directly from the company. McNees has recalled 2,200 pounds of beef believed to be tainted by E.coli O157:NM.  State, federal and local health officials are working together to determine how widely the tainted products were distributed.

 E. coli infections can cause severe, bloody diarrhea and abdominal cramping. In some cases E. coli can lead to more dangerous conditions like thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause permanent kidney damage. Several of the victims of this outbreak have been hospitalized.

Cowans Gap E. coli Sickens 14 in Pennsylvania and Maryland, 5 with HUS

Our E. coli lawyers continue to investigate an E. coli O157 outbreak associated with swimming in the lake at Cowans Gap State Park in Pennsylvania. We are looking at cases involving children who contracted E. coli infections and then developed kidney failure (renal failure) from a complication of E. coli called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This is a horrendous illness that, in addition to kidney failure, can cause severe seizures, strokes, heart failure, pancreatitis and other life-threatening medical problems. Our attorneys represent children with E. coli HUS throughout the United States. Contact our attorneys.

The Cowans Gap E. coli outbreak has sickened 14 people, all but one children. The outbreak victims swam in the lake between July 12 and July 31, most during the weekend of July 30-31. Swimming in the lake prior to becoming ill was the only factor in common among all of the ill individuals.

To date, the E. coli victims include the following:

  • 11 people from Pennsylvania, most from the south-central region of the state
  • 3 people from Maryland who visited Cowans Gap in July.

In the process of investigating the outbreak, Pennsylvania health officials found a different strain of E. coli in well water at the park. The new strain of  E. coli bacteria was found in the raw water supply well that had not yet  been treated with the chlorine system. Park officials are urging visitors to boil all water or use bottled water for drinking, making ice, brushing teeth, washing dishes, and food preparation until further notice. Boiling kills bacteria and other organisms in the water.

Cowans Gap State Park is located near McConnellsburg, Pennsylvania, in Fulton County. 

Cincinnati JB Meats E. coli Outbreak

At least two Cincinnati E. coli hamburger illnesses have been tentatively associated with J.B. Meats, a local producer that has in turn recalled 72,800 pounds of ground beef patties due to possible contamination by the human pathogen E. coli O157:H7.  The recalled products were sold to restaurants in the Cincinnati area over the past year, but the company did not immediately identify the restaurants.

Cincinnati health officials notified J.B. Meats August 12 of an investigation of two E. coli O157:H7 illnesses, WLWT News 5 reported. The Cincinnati Health Department had discovered that the patients came down with their infections on July 20 and 21, four days after consuming ground beef possibly linked to J.B. meats, the station reported.

The company told WLWT that the recall is precautionary, stretching back one year from now and covering 5- and 10-pound clear packages of ground beef and ground beef patties in various size packages. All the recalled ground beef from J.B. Meats is in packaging stamped with the establishment number “EST. 1188” within the Ohio Department of Agriculture’s mark of inspection.

E. coli O157:H7 is banned from ground beef under federal law because it readily survives if the meat isn't cooked evenly at a temperature of 160 degrees. In 5 to 15 percent of infections, patients develop life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (E. coli HUS) or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP-HUS) -- conditions that routinely result in kidney failure but can also cause stroke, seizure, paralysis, heart problems and serious anemia. Children under the age of five are most at risk.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is investigating the Cincinnati J.B. Meats E. coli outbreak and will scrutinize plant conditions and whether proper procedures were followed to protect against E. coli contamination. Restaurants, too, could be held liable in a Cincinnati E. coli lawsuit.

Individuals or families affected by this outbreak can receive free case consultations by submitting contact information or calling an E. coli lawyer at the firm at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE). Our firm has a national reputation for having spent so many years practicing extensively in the area of E. coli litigation and collection millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning. We also are actively involved in numerous efforts to prevent outbreaks and clean up the U.S. food supply. 

Oregon Strawberry E. coli Outbreak Reportedly Caused by Deer Feces

The strawberry E. coli outbreak that killed a person in Oregon and sickened at least 14 others was caused by deer feces found in strawberry fields in Washington and Yamhill counties, Oregon health officials said.

Dr. Katrina Hedberg,  Oregon Public Health's state epidemiologist, said there were six samples that positively matched the E. coli O157:H7 strain that was found in the people who were infected. Strawberries from the affected fields were produced last month by Jaquith Strawberry Farm, which is located in Newberg. Jaquith sold its strawberries to buyers who then resold them at roadside stands, farm stands and farmers' markets.  

According to the agency's press release, investigators believe they have identified those operators and locations that possibly resold Jaquith strawberries. Jaquith finished its strawberry season in late July, and its strawberries are no longer on the market. But health officials are concerned that some of the berries may be stored in home freezers and they are warning the public to be on guard. 
If you or a loved one has suffered an E. coli O157:H7 infection that you think may have been caused by contaminated strawberries, contact a physician immediately. For answers to legal questions about a possible strawberry E. coli lawsuit, contact an E. coli lawyer at PritzkerOlsen, P.A. Our firm is one of the very few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected tens of millions of dollars for E. coli victims throughout the country. For a free case consultation, send contact information or call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free).
 
Oregon Strawberry E. coli Outbreak Consumer Information:
 
None of the following have been implicated in this outbreak:  
  • Berries other than strawberries;  
  • Strawberries sold since Aug. 1;  
  • Strawberries sold in supermarkets;  
  • Strawberries picked at Jaquith Strawberry Farm's U-pick field;  
  • Strawberries grown in southwest Washington state.  
People sickened include residents of Washington, Clatsop, and Multnomah 
counties in Oregon. Of the confirmed cases, seven have been hospitalized, and 
one elderly woman in Washington County died from kidney failure associated with 
E. coli O157:H7 infection.

E. coli Outbreak Linked to Jaquith Farm Strawberries in Oregon Caused by Deer Droppings

Oregon health officials have confirmed that deer droppings caused the E coli poisoning outbreak from strawberries that sickened 15 people and killed one woman. Of the ten samples taken from Jacquith Strawberry Farm in Newberg Oregon, six matched the deadly strain of E. coli 0157:H7.

The Jaquith Strawberry Farm E. coli Outbreak has sickened people in five Oregon counties: Multnomah, Washington Clackamas, Yamhill and Clatsop. 

“An Oregon Public Health Communicable Disease team has been investigating the outbreak for several weeks,” said Katrina Hedberg, M.D., M.P.H., Oregon Public Health state epidemiologist. “There were six samples that positively matched the E. coli that was found in the people who were infected.”

Strawberries from the affected fields were produced last month by Jaquith Strawberry Farm, which is located in Newberg. In response to this outbreak, Jaquith Farm has recalled its products. At this time, the Oregon Department of Agriculture believes it has identified those operators and locations that possibly sold Jaquith strawberries. Jaquith sold its strawberries to buyers who then resold them at roadside stands, farm stands and farmers' markets.

The following list (not all-inclusive) provides current locations known to have distributed Jaquith farm strawberries:

  • Astoria Farmer's Market Downtown
    June 25, July 2, July 9, July 17, and July 23
    Bart & Tammy VanDomelen
  • Vancouver Farmer's Market
    Last two-thirds of growing season
    Crawford Nursery and Produce (34849 SW Tongue Lane, Cornelius, OR)
  • Lake Oswego Farmer's Market
    Last two-thirds of growing season
    Crawford Nursery and Produce (34849 SW Tongue Lane, Cornelius, OR)
  • Tillamook Farmer's Market
    Last two-thirds of growing season
    Crawford Nursery and Produce (34849 SW Tongue Lane, Cornelius, OR)
  • Ilwaco, WA Farmers Market in July
    June 23-July 28
    Ed Rice
  • Farmers' market at 6th & Esther St., Vancouver, WA
    July 9, 16, 23
    Valley Berry Farms
  • Farmers' market in Bend, OR (berry patch)
    June-July
    Valley Berry Farms
  • Farmers' market at 3rd & Miller St., Gresham, OR (Farmer's Outlet Booth)
    June-July
    Debbie Loury
  • Fir Point Farms, 14601 Arndt Rd NE, Aurora, OR
    June-July
    Lee Farms and Fir Point Farms
  • Growers Outlet
    16145 NE Glisan, Portland, OR
    June 11-July 18
  • Lee Farms, 21975 SW 65th, Tualatin, OR
    June-July
    Lee Farms and Fir Point Farms
  • Fir Point Farms, 14601 Arndt Rd NE, Aurora, OR
    June-July
  • Roadside stand at NW Laidlaw and Bethany Blvd Portland, OR
    June 13-July 20
    NW Fresh Produce
  • Retail outlet at 18300 NW West Union Rd, Portland, OR
    June 13-July 20
    NW Fresh Produce
  • Petrich General Store
    23915 SW Scholls Ferry Rd., Hillsboro, OR
  • Ray's Produce
    205 N. Main St., Newberg, OR
    June 21-July 25
  • Ray's Old Town Produce
    22464 SW Pine St., Sherwood, OR
    July 10-July 17 & July 23
  • The Barn
    5211 NE 148th, Portland, OR
    July 8-July 23
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    9400 SW Heikes Dr, Hillsboro, OR
    June 27-July 28
    Dave Heikes
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    34840 SW Johnson School Rd., Cornelius, OR
    July 8, 15, and 22
    Duyck's Peachy Pig Farms
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    Marlin and Hwy 101 in Astoria, OR
    June 23-July 28
    Ed Rice
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    Otis in Lincoln City
    June 23-July 28
    Ed Rice
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    1690 Thatcher Rd, Forest Grove, OR
    June 23-July 28
    Ed Rice
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    136th and NE Sandy, Portland, OR
    June 11- July 18
    Louisa
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    Garden Home Rd & Multnomah Blvd in Portland, OR
    July 5-July 23
    Hand's Berry Stands
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    Town of Rainer on Main St (Hwy 30)
    July 5-July 23
    Hand's Berry Stands
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    Walker Rd and Cedar Hills Blvd
    July 5-July 23
    Hand's Berry Stands
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    Tigard Grange in Tigard, Oregon
    July 5-July 23
    Hand's Berry Stands
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    4th St in Cornelius, OR
    July 5-July 23
    Hand's Berry Stands
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    67380 E Hwy 26, Welches, OR
    Mid June-end of July
    Hoodland Produce
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    22173 Fisher Rd., Banks, OR
    June 21-July 27
    Peggy Estes
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    28150 SE Hwy 212, Boring, OR
    July 16-July 22 Schedeen Farms
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    845 NE 10th, Gresham, OR
    July 16-July 22
    Schedeen Farms
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    24500 SW Scholls Ferry Rd., Hillsboro, OR
    Third week of June to Third week of July
    Smith Berry Barn
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    Berry Stand-on College St in Newberg, OR
    June 20-mid July
    Steve Jaquith
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    12930 SW Scholls Ferry Rd Tigard, OR
    June 15-July 22
    Westgate Baptist Church
  • Roadside/ farm stand
    Roy Rogers Rd. 1/4 mile South of Scholls Ferry Rd., Sherwood, OR
    June-July
    Joe & Jerry's Berry Fruit Stand
  • Roadside / farm stand
    Hwy 99 & McDonald Lane, McMinnville, OR
    June 1-July 22
    Ray's Produce Inc
  • Roadside / farm stand
    23rd & Sandy, Portland, OR
    June-July
    Ron Spada
  • Roadside / farm stand
    8481 SE Jannsen Rd., Clackamas, OR
    July 8-July 23
    Hartnell Farms
  • Roadside / farm stand
    146 W Columbia Hwy., Troutdale, OR
    June-July
    Troutdale Fruit Stop
  • Roadside / farm stand
    Skyline Blvd & NW Cornell, Portland, OR
    June-July
    Tim Rice
  • Roadside / farm stand
    2318 SE 302nd Ave., Troutdale, OR
    July 17-July 23
    Shelly Burns
  • Roadside / farm stand
    4640 SW Hillsboro Hwy, Hillsboro, OR
    June 10-June16
    Florentine Salazar
  • Roadside / farm stand
    34035 Hwy 213, Molalla, OR
    July 7-July 23
    Valley Berry Farm
  • Roadside / farm stand
    Dayton Ave & Hwy 99, Dundee, OR
    June 18-June 30
    Debbie Carlile
  • Roadside / farm stand
    1601 NE Market St., Fairview, OR
    July 16-July 20
    Windance Farms
  • Roadside / farm stand
    2124 Mason Rd., Hood River, OR
    July 15-July 25
    Wells & Sons Produce Stand
  • Roadside / farm stand
    845 N Columbia River Hwy, St. Helens, OR
    June 14-July 29
    Lana Dee Farms
  • Roadside / farm stand
    51925 Columbia River Hwy, Scappoose, OR
    June 14-July 29
    Lana Dee Farms
  • Roadside / farm stand
    6485 NW Cornelius Pass Rd., Hillsboro, OR
    June 14-July 29
    Lana Dee Farms
  • Roadside / farm stand
    1675 NW Cornelius Pass Rd June 14-July 29
    Jim Fields
  • Roadside / farm stand
    76 Gas Station Lot on Sunset Hwy & Glencoe Rd., North Plains, OR
    June 14-July 29
    Jim Fields
  • Roadside / farm stand
    30240 NW West Union Rd., North Plains, OR
    June 14-July 29
    Ken Fields
  • Roadside / farm stand
    Baseline & 331st St, Hillsboro, OR June 14-July 29
    Ken Fields
  • Roadside / farm stand
    138th & Farmington, Beaverton, OR
    June-July
    Williamson Family Fruit Stand
  • Roadside / farm stand
    5801 SW TV Hwy, Hillsboro, OR
    June-July
    Williamson Family Fruit Stand
  • Roadside / farm stand
    124th & Stark St., Portland, OR
    July 16-July 22
    Schedeen Farms

Attorneys Investigating E. coli and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Associated with Cowans Gap State Park in Pennsylvania

Our attorneys are investigating an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Pennsylvania that has sickened at least 13 people, including children who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).  The outbreak has been associated with swimming in the lake at Cowans Gap State Park.

Those sickened in the outbreak include:

  • six people from Franklin County
  • four from Lancaster County
  • one from Huntingdon County
  • two from Maryland.

During this outbreak, eight children have been treated at Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, Hershey, for HUS. Of those, five had been in the lake at Cowans Gap.

Those sickened swam in the Cowans Gap lake from July 12 and July 31.

 

E. coli Outbreak in Utah Possibly Linked to Water at Camp Shawnee in Ogden Valley

An E. coli outbreak has sickened eleven girls who attended Camp Shawnee, an Ogden Valley summer camp, according to the Weber-Morgan Health Department. Investigators found E. coli bacteria in the kitchen water and spigots at Camp Shawnee and Camp Ben Lomond, which share a water system.

Utah health investigators are awaiting test results to determine if the E. coli bacteria found in the water system is the same E. coli strain that sickened the girls. The girls sickened in this outbreak spent August 2 to 5 at Camp Shawnee.

One girl, Emily Buck, had to be hospitalized for two days, according to news reports. E. coli can cause severe dehydration, and research has shown that even mild cases of E. coli poisoning can increase the risk of kidney problems later in life.

National Beef Packing Ground Beef Recall Due to Possible E. coli Contamination

National Beef Packaging Co. of Dodge City, Kansas is recalling 60,000 pounds of ground beef due to to possible E. coli contamination. So far, the recall affects grocery stores chains mainly in the southeastern U.S. including Winn-Dixie Stores Inc., Publix Super Markets Inc. and Kroger Co. Those chains have stores in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina and Tennessee, but the meat could have been sold throughout the country.

If ingested, E. coli can cause serious illness or death. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced the recall Friday after the Ohio Department of Agriculture found the bacteria. No illnesses have been reported. The company has launched an investigation.
 

Michigan McNees E. coli Probe Continues

An E. coli outbreak in Michigan and a related public health alert are still in effect as state and federal officials continue to investigate the distribution of 2,200 pounds of recalled ground beef from McNees Meats. USDA has linked the hamburger meat to five confirmed E. coli cases and four probable cases.

This outbreak of E. coli O157:NM is especially concerning because two-thirds of the confirmed and probable cases had to be hospitalized. Known case patients range in age from 15 to 88 and live in Michigan counties of Lapeer, Genesee, Isabella, and Sanilac. The outbreak started in mid-July.

If you or a member of your family believes they have been sickened by contaminated ground beef as part of this outbreak, immediately contact a physician. If you have questions about a Michigan E. coli lawsuit, contact an E. coli lawyer at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a nationally recognized leader in food poisoning litigation. Our law firm is one of the very few in the country practicing extensively in this area and we have collected tens of millions of dollars for E. coli outbreak victims. Call for a free case consultation at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE)

The Michigan Departments of Community Health (MDCH) and Agriculture and Rural Development are working on the outbreak with local health agencies and USDA to determine how widely the recalled products were distributed. McNees Meats has a retail location in North Branch, Michigan, and some of the ground beef was sold to area restaurants.

Click here for McNees E. coli recall information 

 E. coli is a life-threatening human pathogen that can cause severe, bloody diarrhea. In children, the elderly or people with compromised immune systems, it is especially dangerous. E. coli can lead to more dangerous conditions like thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause permanent kidney damage. Even non-complicated infections of E. coli O157 have been observed to cause long-term health concerns, including vascular injury.  

E. coli O157:NM Outbreak Linked to Michigan Ground Beef

E. coli O157:NM is a dangerous pathogen at the center of a Michigan foodborne illness outbreak linked to ground beef products from McNees Meats and Wholesale, LLC, in North Branch, Michigan. So far, five confirmed cases are included in the outbreak and four more cases are likely part of the outbreak, according to Michigan Departments of Community Health (MDCH) and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). Cases have been reported in Lapeer, Genesee, Isabella, and Sanilac counties with onset dates between July 18 and 30, 2011.

Typically, the most common E. coli strain that is reported in the news media when an outbreak like this occurs, is E. coli O157:H7. However, "E.coli O157: NM differs from E. Coli O157:H7 in that it lacks the flagellar H antigen, making it non-motile (NM)," according to the E. coli lawyers at Pritzker Olsen.

The company initially recalled only 360 pounds of beef in connection with the outbreak, but has since expanded the recall to 2,200 pounds of ground beef products, according to the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The current list of recalled products includes:

  • 1 and 10-lb. clear packages of “McNees Ground Beef Bulk.”
  • 1 to1.5-lb., approximate weight clear plastic bags of “McNees Ground beef patties.”
  • 1-lb. packages of “McNees Ground Round.”
  • 1 and 2-lb packages of “McNees Ground Beef Bulk” sold in red and white plastic bags.

"It is concerning that two-thirds of the confirmed and probable cases in this outbreak had to be hospitalized," said Dr. Dean Sienko, Interim Medical Director for MDCH. "People who shop at McNees Meats are advised not to eat ground beef they have purchased there and to throw out any McNees ground beef that may be in their refrigerators or freezers."

People who have been sickened in an E. coli outbreak may be able to file an E. coli lawsuit and recover money for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages. The E. coli attorneys at Pritzker Olsen have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of E. coli victims and victims of other food borne pathogens.

Contact the E. coli lawyers at Pritzker Olsen for a free case evaluation >>

Michigan E. coli Ground Beef Recall Update from McNees

An initial ground beef E. coli O157 recall issued by McNees Meats and Wholesale LLC of North Branch, Michigan has been expanded. The updated recall includes about 2,200 pounds of ground beef products that could be contaminated with E. coli O157:NM, according to the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service. Below is a list of the recalled products after the expansion:

  • 1 and 10-lb. clear packages of “McNees Ground Beef Bulk.”
  • 1 to1.5-lb., approximate weight clear plastic bags of “McNees Ground beef patties.”
  • 1-lb. packages of “McNees Ground Round.”
  • 1 and 2-lb packages of “McNees Ground Beef Bulk” sold in red and white plastic bags.

The packages have the establishment number EST. 33971 inside the USDA mark of inspection. Production dates for the recalled products are as follows: July 7, July 15, July 21, July 28 and Aug. 4, 2011. They were sold at retail stores and restaurants in Armada, Lapeer and North Branch, Michigan and also directly to customers from McNees' own retail establishment.

E. coli O157:NM Ground Beef Outbreak Investigation

The investigation has been ongoing since Aug. 4 and is being carried out by the Michigan Departments of Community Health (MDCH) and Agriculture and Rural Development (MDARD). According to the Michigan Department of Community Health:

A total of five confirmed Shiga-toxin producing E. coli cases and four probable cases have been reported in Lapeer, Genesee, Isabella, and Sanilac counties. Illness onset dates range from July 18-30. Those affected range in age from 15-88.

 

People who think they may be sick with E. coli from ground beef should first visit a doctor and get tested to see if E. coli is the pathogen making them sick. If their case of E. coli can be linked to the same strain involved in the E. coli ground beef outbreak, victims may be able to file an E. coli lawsuit against the ground beef producer or the restaurant that served the tainted beef. Victims may be able to recover expenses for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages.

It takes an experienced foodborne illness attorney to win such cases. The E. coli lawyers at Pritzker Olsen have recovered millions of dollars for people sickened by E. coli and other foodborne pathogens.

Contact the E. coli lawyers at Pritzker Olsen for a free case evaluation >>>

Michigan E. coli Outbreak Linked to Eating McNees Ground Beef

Eating ground beef has become a high risk activity, and consumers need to be informed of that risk. In Michigan 9 people have E. coli infections because they ate ground beef processed by McNees Meats and Wholesale LLC, a meat-processing and retail establishment in North Branch, Mich.

Six of the people sickened landed in the hospital. Because most of the people sickened were adults, it is likely that at least one developed thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and/or hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). These severe complications of an E. coli O157 infection cause kidney failure, central nervous system damage (strokes, seizures, paralysis, etc.), pancreatitis and death.

The victims of this outbreak and their families need to know the following:

  1. They are not to blame even if the ground beef was cooked at home. McNees is still responsible for the pain and suffering caused by their ground beef.
  2. E. coli O157 food poisoning is preventable with good sanitation and product testing.
  3. The USDA, which is supposed to police the beef industry, is also supposed to promote the industry--bad idea.
  4. You have the right to sue McNees and any other parties that are legally responsible for the E. coli infection and every medical problem resulting from it.
  5. You have the right to ask for expected future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and income loss. Our attorneys hire experts to come up with these figures. You can contact Fred Pritzker, lead attorney for our E. coli cases, for a free consultation.
  6. Sadly, you are not alone. For support, and you need it, visit Stop Foodborne Illness. This is a nonprofit organization run by families who have gone through what you are going through now.

E. coli and HUS Linked to Lake at Cowans Gap State Park in PA

An outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 has been linked to swimming at the lake in Cowans Gap State Park in Pennsylvania. Dr. Andre Weltman of the Pennsylvania Health Department told the media that there are six confirmed E. coli 0157:H7 cases involving children who had been swimming in the lake over the past month: 4 from Franklin County, one from Huntingdon County and one from Maryland.

At least four of these children have hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe illness that is the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States. To date, three of the children with E. coli HUS have required dialysis for kidney failure. When HUS progresses to this point is when a lot of other problems surface, including seizures, brain damage, pancreatitis, heart failure, blindness and other serious health problems. It is fatal in 5-10% of the cases.

In response to this outbreak, Pennsylvania officials closed the lake at Cowans Gap State Park yesterday in the late afternoon:

All water activities at Cowans Gap State park including swimming, wading, boating and fishing is prohibited until further notice. We are doing this to insure that we have safe water in the lake for these recreational activities.

McNees Ground Beef Recall after 3 Confirmed E. coli O157 Cases in Michigan

Update: Since this post was first written, the number of confirmed cases of E. coli O157 reported in this outbreak has risen from 3 to 5..

Five confirmed cases of E. coli O157  and 4 probable cases have been linked to ground beef processed and distributed by McNees Meats and Wholesale LLC., a North Branch, Michigan, company.  Those sickened live in the following Michigan counties: Lapeer County, Genesee County, Isabella County, and Sanilac County.

Six of the people sickened were hospitalized. E. coli can cause severe dehydration, colitis, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) and other serious medical problems. We have had clients who were hospitalized for months.

Illness onset dates range from July 18-30. Those affected range in age from 15-88.

Michigan health officials informed the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) of the outbreak on August 4. Epidemiological evidence quickly pointed to McNees ground beef as the source.

In response to this outbreak, McNees Meats recalled approximately 360 pounds of ground beef product products.

The products subject to recall include:

  • 36 - 10 lb. Bags of “McNees Ground Beef Bulk.”

Each clear plastic bag bears establish number “EST. 33971” within the USDA mark of inspection. The products subject to recall were produced on July 15, and July 21, 2011, and sold to restaurants in Armada, Lapeer and North Branch, Mich. The products were also sold from a retail establishment owned by McNees Meats and Wholesale, LLC.

Our E. coli food poisoning attorneys are available for a free consultation regarding a lawsuit against McNees Meats and Wholesale LLC.

Jaquith Strawberry Farm Strawberries Implicated in E coli Outbreak in Oregon

Our attorneys are investigating an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Northwest Oregon associated with eating fresh strawberries from Jaquith Strawberry Farm in Newberg, Oregon.  According to the Oregon Department of Public Health, at least 10 people were sickened last month, including one person who died.

Attorney Fred Pritzker recently won over a million dollars for a family whose loved one died in Oregon. "The victims of this outbreak and the family of the person who died deserve compensation," said Pritzker. "Sellers of contaminated products need to be held accountable, even if wild animals were the source of the contamination."

Ten people have confirmed E. coli O157:H7 infections caused by a single strain. These individuals include residents of Washington, Clatsop, and Multnomah counties. Six other people in northwest Oregon also have recently developed an E. coli O157:H7 infection and appear to be part of this outbreak. Of the confirmed cases, four have been hospitalized, and one elderly woman in Washington County died from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), kidney failure associated with E. coli O157:H7 infection, There were 12 females and four males among the cases, and their ages ranged from 4 to 85. They fell ill between July 10 and July 29.

Jaquith sold its strawberries to buyers who then resold them at roadside stands and farmers’ markets. In response to this outbreak, Jaquith has recalled its products.

None of the following have been implicated in this outbreak:

  • Berries other than strawberries;
  • Strawberries sold since Aug. 1;
  • Strawberries sold south of Benton County or east of Multnomah County;
  • Strawberries sold in supermarkets;
  • Strawberries picked at Jaquith Strawberry Farm’s U-pick field.

When a potential outbreak is investigated, public health officials ask a slate of questions of those who have been sickened, family members and health care providers. The questions are to find common exposures and “trace back” to the source.

“If someone gets sick, we ask questions about everything from what they’ve eaten, to whether they’ve been to common gatherings, to whether they’ve been swimming in a particular place, and then out of this we try to find commonalities,” he said.“The commonality among these cases has been strawberries at roadside stands and farmers’ markets supplied by this one farm last month.”

While investigating the farm, William Keene, senior epidemiologist with Oregon Public Health, saw dear roaming through the strawberry field. Keene is having deer feces tested for E. coli to determine if deer are the source of the E. coli contamination, Keene told the Oregonian.

 

Death of Child in Indiana from E. coli

Another child has died from an E. coli infection. Health officials are looking at the petting zoo at the Hendricks County Fair as a possible source of the illness.

We are currently representing a family whose little boy contracted an E. coli infection after visiting another petting zoo. In that case, the boy developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), but survived.

Petting zoos at fairs and other locations need to be safer for children:

  • Soap and warm, running water should be available for washing hands in or near the petting zoo and at many stations throughout the fairgrounds.
  • Most people do not understand that animals can have dangerous pathogens like E. coli O157:H7 on them. Large warning signs with eye-catching graphics should be displayed throughout the petting zoo area and the entire fairgrounds.
  • Staff at the petting zoo should discuss the importance of hand washing with visitors.

The family of the young girl who died, Kalei Welch, wants to get out the message about hand washing:

"The petting zoo part of a fair really can be a dangerous place because they're touching the animals," said Marc Monte, senior pastor at Faith Baptist Church in Avon, Indiana, and spokesman for Kalei's family. "The animals sometimes have this bacteria on them. If hands are not washed or if they depend on just the sanitizer, that can be not a good thing."

E. coli in Water at Elk Lake Resort in Deschutes County, Oregon

Deschutes County, Oregon Health Department has issued a health advisory to Elk Lake Resort area visitors regarding E. coli-contaminated water at the resort.

"This case is similar to cases we recently settled involving water served at a restaurant," said E. coli attorney Fred Pritzker. "The well water that was servicing the restaurant became contaminated with E. coli, and dozens of people were sickened."

The Elk Lake Resort warning:

It has been reported in the past week that recent visitors to the area have become ill with symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea.

Elk Lake Resort has been cooperating closely with Deschutes County Health officials and has voluntarily closed the restaurant (cabins are still operating with a "boil water" alert) until the health investigation is complete. Although not confirmed to be the cause of illness, the drinking water at the resort has tested positive for E-coli bacteria.

Deschutes County Health Services Department officials continue to investigate the cause of illness and will not know any conclusive sources of the reported illnesses until next week, if a source is identified at all.

The warning cautioned visitors at Elk Lake Resort to drink only bottled water and avoid ice or drinking water from resort plumbing.

USDA Grant to Support Rearch of E. coli O157 Supershedders

Microbiologist Andy Benson and his research team at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln received a five-year, $2.35 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study cattle known as “supershedders,” animals that shed an unusually large number of E. coli O157:H7.

E. coli O157:H7 long has been known to colonize the bovine gut. Although it causes no disease symptoms in the animals, it can be transmitted to humans through improperly cooked beef, among other ways.

"Studies looking at animal-level factors have shown that while many animals may be carriers of the organism, a small portion of animals shedding the organism at very high levels may account for much of the transmission risk," added Benson, the W. W. Marshall professor of biotechnology in UNL's department of food science and technology.

Benson hopes this newly funded research will lead to pre-slaughter intervention strategies to prevent E. coli O157:H7 illness in humans.

The goal is to try to associate organisms in the cattle's gastrointestinal tract with genes in the animals to see if some of those interactions are causing certain animals to become supershedders of the E. coli pathogen, while others that may have E. coli present do not shed it in unusual numbers.

If those relationships can be understood, it may be possible to develop breeding and genetic programs to reduce the number of animals that shed high levels of E. coli O157:H7, salmonella, campylobacter and other pathogens.

"While epidemiologically oriented approaches have provided extensive information about the transmission patterns of the organism, they have essentially failed to come up with meaningful and effective pre-harvest interventions that work in beef production," Benson said. "On the other hand, breeding strategies, which have heretofore never been considered as an approach, could be implemented as a relatively simple intervention with potentially huge payoffs, ultimately reducing numbers of 'supershedders' that are released into feeding operations."

The USDA grant was part of the Food Safety Foundational Awards from the National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

Source: Press release from the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Nebraska

Dyspepsia and E. coli

“Dyspepsia” is defined as “painful, difficult, or disturbed digestion, which may be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea and vomiting, heartburn, bloating, and stomach discomfort.”

Many of our foodborne illness clients sickened by E. coli have these complaints long after the passing of their acute illness. Is there a relationship between these symptoms and the initial illness?  Emerging medical studies offer strong evidence of just such a connection.

In 2000 there was a massive water-borne E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Walkerton, Ontario, Canada. The only good thing to come of it was the unprecedented opportunity to study the long-terms effects on those individuals exposed to bacterial dysentery. One such recent study, “Prevalence of Uninvestigated Dyspepsia 8 Years After a Large Waterborne Outbreak of Bacterial Dysentery: A Cohort Study,” published in the journal, Gastroenterologyconcluded that “this 8-year study has demonstrated a greater than 2-fold increase  in the prevalence of dyspepsia in subjects exposed to acute gastroenteritis compared with nonexposed individuals, suggesting that acute enteric infections have the ability to trigger symptoms that affect the upper, as well as the lower GI tract, with long-lasting consequences.”

Dyspepsia is a descriptive term that often surfaces in western literature. Derived from Greek dys-, "difficult, bad" + pepsis, "digestion," dyspeptics have painful symptoms as referenced in this quote from Seneca, the first century Roman philosopher:

“Pain, scorned by yonder gout-ridden wretch, endured by yonder dyspeptic in the midst of his dainties, borne bravely by the girl in travail. Slight thou art, if I can bear thee, short thou art if I cannot bear thee!”

Emerging medical literature is showing that dyspepsia, decreased kidney function, high blood pressure and allied medical problems are long-term consequences of E. coli O157:H7 even in those individuals who were previously thought to have made a full recovery. 

Attorney Fred Pritzker represents E. coli victims and their families nationwide. To contact Fred, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free consultation form.

Food Safety Program That Tests for E. coli and Other Dangerous Pathogens on the Chopping Block

On the heals of the deadly outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli O104:H4 (E. coli O104:H4) infections in Germany linked to fresh sprouts, Congress may eliminate the Microbiological Data Program, the only national program screening U.S. fruits and vegetables for this and other non-O157 E. coli strains. The program tests about 15,000 samples annually of sprouts, lettuce, spinach, tomatoes, cantaloupe and cilantro for a cost of about $4.5 million.  The House has already voted to eliminate the program, and the Senate will be making its decision soon.

It is vitally important for the Microbiological Data Program to continue testing fruits and vegetables because the likelihood is that E. coli O104:H4 and other dangerous mutations of E. coli will show up in the United States. E. coli O104:H4 has the ability to stick to cells in the intestine (characteristic of enteroaggregative E coli) and make Shiga toxin (characteristic of Shiga-toxin-producing E coli, for example E. coli O157). It is the Shiga toxin that cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/ct-met-pathogen-program-20110704,0,7549423.story

E. coli Outbreak at Camp Lutherhaven in Idaho Sickens 5 Staff Workers

Five staff workers at Camp Lutherhaven on Lake Coeur d’Alene tested positive for E.coli O26, according to news reports.

All five experienced abdominal cramping and diarrhea. One had bloody diarrhea, and some experienced nausea.

According to the Coeur d' Alene Press:

The five staff workers worked in the camp kitchen and four were food handlers during the camp’s start-off week June 19 to June 24.  They were excluded from kitchen duty as soon as their illnesses were known. The five also shared living quarters.

“I’m thankful we caught it when we did,” said Bob Baker, Camp Lutherhaven executive director. “We’ve put everything in place to stop this in its tracks.”

Because these staff workers were food handlers, it is possible others have been infected. This can happen when sick food handlers do not adequately wash their hands.

The source of the outbreak is under investigation. Recent E. coli outbreaks at summer camps have involved contaminated well water and contaminated hamburger.


 

E. coli from Opelika Splash Park Sickens 13 Children and 2 Adults

The Alabama Department of Public Health continues its investigation of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Lee County. Thirteen children and two adults who either played in the Splash Park or swam in the pool at the Opelika SportsPlex and Aquatic Center between June 4 and June 22 were identified with severe gastrointestinal illness. Five children have been confirmed positive for E. coli O157:H7 infection.

Four children were initially hospitalized and two remain hospitalized.

“Based on the information that we have now, it appears that the common source of exposure was the Aquatic Center,” said State Health Officer Dr. Donald Williamson. “Because of the risk for outbreak of illness, it is essential that public pools and water parks follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines for adequate chlorine and pH levels.”

Parents should be alert for symptoms of illness. If a child has nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or abdominal cramps parents should seek medical attention for their child. People with diarrhea caused by potential waterborne pathogens, such as E. coli, should not use recreational water venues such as swimming pools, water slides and water parks for two weeks after symptoms resolve.

Splash Park in Opelika, Alabama May be Source of E. coli Outbreak

At least four children may have been sickened by contaminated water at the Splash Park at the Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatic Center. Dr. Mary McIntyre, medical officer of the Bureau of Communicable Disease, said, “Based on what we know now, four children who were in the Splash Park between June 12 and June 18 have been hospitalized at East Alabama Medical Center with gastrointestinal illness.” Two of the children have tested positive for E. coli.

"Proper pool maintenance prevents E. coli outbreaks," said E. coli attorney Fred Pritzker. "If the Splash Park is the source of this outbreak, the city should be held accountable. These four children suffered severe pain, and their parents have medical bills to pay and have lost time from work."

The health department’s Bureau of Clinical Laboratories is conducting tests on water samples and specimens from the affected children, and two children have been found positive for E. coli infection. At this time it appears that the common exposure is the Splash Pool at the Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatic Center. This common exposure may be sufficient to prove that the Splash Pool was the source of the outbreak, even if the water samples come back negative.

E. coli infections can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States. Even in cases where a child does not develop HUS, the child is at greater risk of future kidney problems because of the E. coli infection.

Evolution Creates Dangerous E. coli Strain

The E. coli strain that has sickened thousands in Germany is a combination of two E. coli strains, according to research published in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases:

  1. Enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC)which stick to the intestinal lining with a “stacked brick” adherence pattern and usually cause prolonged, watery diarrhea.
  2. Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, or STEC—which causes hemorrhagic colitis (bloody diarrhea and can result in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a leading cause of kidney failure.

This deadly combination was the result of evolution. "The most likely scenario is that an EAEC strain acquired the ability to produce Shiga toxin from a STEC strain," Edward Dudley, an assistant professor of food science at Penn State told Penn State Live.

E. coli can swap genetic material across different E. coli strains and across bacterial species, according to Dudley:

It's a fascinating organism because it has the ability to pick up new genes from other organisms and evolve into a variety of types. It's like they're playing a game of poker and shuffling cards back and forth and somebody comes up with a jackpot hand that allows it to become something nasty.

Dr. Helge Karch of the University of Münster and team leader of the research published this week told the New York Times:

“I think it is human-specific,” Dr. Karch said. And that increases the mystery of where it goes between outbreaks.

Dr. Karch thinks it smoldered in human populations, causing mild illnesses in most and occasionally causing severe disease. Then, somehow, it was passed to the bean sprouts by someone who harbored the bacteria. And since sprouts are eaten raw, they were highly infectious.

The strain is so rare, Dr. Karch said, that those infected had no immunity. An epidemic caught fire.

Texas E. coli Outbreak Associated with Jason's Deli

Guacamole Food PoisoningA Central Texas E. coli outbreak may have been caused by food served at Jason’s Deli in Killeen, Texas. Epidemiological evidence points to guacamole used as spread for the "California Club" sandwich at the deli as the most likely source of the outbreak, according to News Channel 25.

Channel 25 reports that investigators “concluded that the guacamole was likely contaminated on-site, possibly by an object or employee during the food preparation stage.” If a restaurant food handler has E. coli, the bacteria can be transmitted to others if food is contaminated with the food handler’s feces (poop). Two simple measures can prevent this: 1) adequate hand washing and 2) sending home food handlers who are sick with gastrointestinal illness involving vomiting or diarrhea.

Here are the basics of the outbreak as reported by Channel 25:

A report of five confirmed cases of E. coli stemming from an undisclosed Killeen restaurant left many Central Texans demanding to know exactly where the contamination came from.

The cases date back to April 2011, when at least 11 people became sick after eating at a local restaurant.  Doctors confirmed five of them had a strain of the bacteria Escherichia coli (O157:H7) that has been known to result in hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially fatal complication that can lead to kidney failure. Two were hospitalized.

Everett, WA E. coli Outbreak Associated with Visit to the Animal Petting Farm at Forest Park

Four people who visited the Animal Petting Farm at Forest Park in Everett, Washington have suspected cases of E. coli, according to the Snohomish Health District . One of them, a child, was hospitalized for 3 days.  

Animal manure can harbor E. coli O157 and other dangerous pathogens. If contaminated manure gets on animal fur, it is possible for E. coli bacteria to get on the hands of anyone who pets the animal. Also, the ground and surfaces such as fencing can be contaminated. E. coli is usually associated with cows, but other animals can carry E. coli bacteria. 

Below is a video of Dr. Gary Goldbaum of the Snohomish Health District discussing the E. coli outbreak associated with the Animal Petting Farm in Everett, WA. 

 

Germany's Raw Sprouts E. coli Outbreak

The latest update on Germany's raw sprouts E. coli outbreak is that 36 people have died and 817 have suffered the ravages of E. coli HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has tallied 2,508 infections all together involving the outbreak strain of E. coli O104:H4.
 
Since June 10, when German officials concluded that sprouts from an organic  farm in the northern state of Lower Saxony were the source of the outbreak, counts of infection, HUS and E. coli death have increased by 221, 22 and five respectively, authorities have announced.
 
The outbreak spread to other countries in the European Union and the CDC has reported five cases in the U.S. (four from people who traveled to Germany) but the vast majority of cases are in Germany, including 35 of the 36 deaths.
 
While HUS is most often observed in children under 5 years of age, in this outbreak the great majority of cases are adults, with around two thirds being women,

Tennessee E. coli Investigation Diverges

The Tennessee E. coli outbreak that has sickened 11 people in northeast counties of the state appears to be made up of various different strains of E. coli O157:H7 and non-O157 STECs. The investigation continues, but no so far no source to any of the different strains has been discovered.

STEC means shiga toxin-producing E. coli -- the group that can cause severe infection and leads to HUS E. coli in 5 percent to 10 percent of cases. Public health officials have told various news outlets that two HUS cases from Southwest Virginia -- children who were treated in a Northeast Tennessee hospital -- were of a different strain than any of the Tennessee cases. One of those children -- a 2-year-old girl from Dryden, Virginia -- tragically died.

David Kirshke, director of the Northeast Tennessee Regional Health Office, which serves Carter, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Johnson, Sullivan, Unicoi and Washington counties, told the Bristol Herald Courier that public health officials are still investigating and haven't given up on trying to find the various sources of the poisonings. Eleven cases of E. coli are typically more cases than Northeast Tennessee sees in an entire year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta is assisting in the investigation.

Meanwhile, public health reminders are abounding in the region -- including advice to restaurants and home cooks to heat all ground beef products to 160 degrees throughout to kill potential bacteria. E. coli O157:H7 and other STECs originate in the guts of cattle and other animals. The organisms are expelled in feces and become impacted on animal hides. From there the microbes can flake onto meat in the slaughtering process, or E. coli can spread from nicked intestines.

The federal government has banned E. coli O157:H7, in particular, from ground beef and cuts of beef intended for grinding. Despite private and government testing regimes, ground beef E. coli outbreaks still occur and lead to E. coli lawsuits to hold meatpackers accountable for selling product with potentially lethal pathogens.

Northeast Tennessee E. coli Outbreak

The Northeast Tennessee E. coli outbreak has grown to include an 11th victim as health officials continue to search for the source of the outbreak, the Sullivan County Regional Health Department said in a press release.

The outbreak in eight northeast Tennessee counties may soon include three more cases pending test results. All of those illnesses are in addition to two severe infections to children from Southwest Virginia. Tragically, a 2-year-old girl died and was confirmed to be infected with E. coli O157:H7, possibly from food.

Officials are reminding families in the region that E. coli O157:H7 is found in ground beef and other meat and can survive grilling or cooking if not cooked to an internal temperature of 160 F. Officials have also said some infections can be caused by swimming in contaminated waters and inadvertently swallowing the water. E. coli O157:H7 also can contaminate raw milk, many varieties of fresh produce, shelled nuts, cheese and other food.

National E. coli lawyers at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., are investigating the outbreak and accepting cases from families and individuals who have been afflicted. If you or a loved one has experienced sharp stomach pain and watery or bloody diarrhea as part of a gastrointestinal illness, immediately see a physician. For answers to legal questions, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or send contact information. An E. coli lawyer will call you.

E. coli O157:H7 is a strain of bacteria that produces a toxin that can cause hemorrhagic colitis. This illness can develop into an extremely serious condition known as HUS, or  hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause kidney failure, brain damage, strokes, and seizures in young children and the elderly. E. coli O157:H7 has caused numerous sporadic cases as well as outbreaks of foodborne disease resulting in illnesses and deaths. This pathogen can survive both refrigerator and freezer storage.  

Here is the official notice from Sullivan County, dated June 7:

"To date, 11 cases of E.coli have been reported in our region...one of which is in Sullivan County. The source of the bacteria has not been identified and our staff is working closely with the Northeast Regional Health Office in Johnson City to investigate the source of illness. PLEASE NOTE...The cases in our region ARE NOT related to the outbreak in Germany.''

Tennesse E. coli Probe Follows Tragedy

The E. coli death of a 2-year-old Dryden, Virginia, girl and the hospitalization of her brother are being investigated along with at least six other cases from northeast Tennessee as an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7.

Dr. David Kirschke, medical director of the Northeast Regional Health Office in Johnson City, has told reporters that the cases were discovered in the seven-county area in recent weeks: Greene, Carter, Johnson, Hawkins, Hancock, Washington and Unicoi Counties. No cause has been determined.

Kirschke told the Knoxville News Sentinel newspaper that health officials have been interviewing families stricken by the pathogen about their recent food histories and other possible exposures. He told the newspaper that seven of the eight case patients are infected by the same strain of E. coli. He also said several of the patients ate meat that was not thoroughly cooked.
 
E. coli lawyers at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., have launched their own investigation into the outbreak and are accepting cases from families whose loved ones have fallen ill. If the outbreak is linked to contaminated ground beef or other meat, consumers can hold manufacturers responsible and seek compensation for medical expenses, lost hours at work, future work restrictions, pain and suffering and other harms. Our firm also has handled E. coli wrongful death litigation to hold sellers of contaminated food accountable for lethal bacteria in meat and other products.
 
Our firm is one of the very few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning all over the U.S. Free legal consultations are available for calling Pritzker Olsen directly at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by sending in our contact form.
 
E. coli HUS
 
In 5 to 15 percent of  Shiga toxin E. coli infections, including E. coli O157:H7, case patients develop a life-threatening complication known as HUS E. coli, or hemolytic uremic syndrome. The disease attacks a person's red blood cells, causing kidney failure, coma, strokes, anemia,  heart problems and central nervous system disorders. Even people who suffer mild HUS cases can expect a lifetime of medical expenses for treatments that will be continuing for the rest of their lives.

E. coli in Bean Sprouts Studied as Cause Agent in Germany's Massive Outbreak

E. coli in bean sprouts may be the cause of Germany's massive outbreak of  E. coli O104:H4, according to the latest from the investigation by public health officials. A variety of media reports say the sprouts appear to have come from a grower in northern Germany -- the center of the outbreak.

While testing is under way to confirm the cause, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control is reporting 658 cases of HUS, or hemolytic uremic sydrome, and 1605 non-HUS Shiga toxin E. coli cases.   Twenty-two people have died in the outbreak.

While HUS is predominantly observed in children under 5 years of age, in this outbreak the great majority of cases are adults, with more than two thirds being women, The agency said most case patients have a history of travel to the North of Germany (mainly Schleswig-Holstein, Lower Saxony, North-Rhine-Westphalia and Hamburg). Within the EU also Denmark, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom have reported cases of HUS, related to the ongoing outbreak as well as cases of non-HUS STEC cases. 

Tulsa Church Daycare E. coli Outbreak

Tulsa child E. coli cases have drawn investigators to a church daycare center where three of the four case patients are enrolled for child care. The Tulsa City-County Health Department announced the investigation this week, saying two siblings infected by E. coli have been hospitalized.

All of the children sickened in the outbreak are younger than 10, Health Department spokeswoman Kaitlin Snider said. An agency press release identified the daycare center as located at Boston Avenue United Methodist Church. Health officials said they cannot be certain that the church or its child-care program is the source of the infection, but they are closely investigating that angle. The center has capacity to care for more than 100 children.. 

"The source of E. coli can be challenging to confirm," Health Department Director Bruce Dart stated in a news release. He stressed that there is no indication that this infection is related to the outbreak in Germany that has killed at least 18 people. Nor have health officials drawn any links between what is happening in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and a similar-sized child E. coli outbreak in Amarillo, Texas, where seven young people have been sickened.
PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a leading national food safety law firm, is investigating both outbreaks and accepting cases from affected families. Our firm has handled many child HUS E. coli claims cases for families whose young  Over the years we have recovered millions for victims of E. coli. Our attorneys can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or send a contact form online and a lawyer will call you.
 

CDC Says Germany's HUS E. coli Outbreak Not Expected to Spread in U.S.

The HUS E. coli outbreak centered in Germany has infected at least four Americans who were traveling there and two U.S. military men in Germany have been tested for the outbreak strain of E. coli O104:H4.

According to the World Health Organization, the total case count has grown to 1,823, which includes 552 cases of life-threatening HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome. At least 18 individuals have died and the unprecedented outbreak remains very active. The vast majority of illnesses have been in Germany.

At a press conference in the U.S., Chris Braden of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said the CDC has no reason to believe and no expectation that the outbreak will spread in the United States. Of the four travelers who were sickened, three remained hospitalized with HUS -- a complication of E. coli infection that causes kidney failures, coma, stroke, anemia, vascular injury and other severe medical difficulties by attacking a person's red blood cells and fragmenting them. The three HUS case patients are from Massachusetts, Michigan and Wisconsin.

The source of the outbreak remained unknown, but the focus has been on salad ingredients including cucumbers, lettuce and tomatoes. The Food and Drug Administration says very little produce for salads is imported from Spain and Germany, but inspectors will test any shipments for E. coli before they reach America.

Meanwhile, the CDC will continue to monitor the European E. coli outbreak. The effort includes surveillance of medical cases where an American has become sick with HUS or other diarrheal illness caused by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli. after traveling to Europe since April 1, 2011. 

Child E. coli HUS Outbreak In Amarillo, TX

Four young children in Amarillo, Texas, have been hospitalized with HUS and three others have been sickened -- all by E. coli O157:H7. The outbreak or cluster has prompted city health officials to warn Amarillo area residents to practice good hand hygiene to help keep it from spreading.

Dr. Roger Smalligan, the public health authority for Potter and Randall counties, told Amarillo Globe News that an investigation is in progress to determine the cause. Six of the seven children had some contact with each other and several of the children are related to each other, Smalligan said. He wouldn't say if the Amarillo child E. coli outbreak was in a daycare setting, as some outbreaks are.

The four children hospitalized with HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome, are all under age five -- the age group most susceptiple to HUS. HUS is a life-threatening condition in which the body’s blood cells are fragmented by Shiga toxin, causing blocked circulation in the kidneys and elsewhere or bleeding in the brain. Once an infection from a type of E. coli that emits Shiga toxin has been established, no therapeutic interventions are available to lessen the risk of HUS from developing.

Smalligan said no specific food has been linked to the illness as of yet. Officials also are investigating whether international travel, exposure to infected animals, human-to-human contact with infected individuals or nonpublic sources of water might have played a role. Amarillo Public Health Director Matt Richardson said the investigation could take some time.

Parents of children sickened in this outbreak may have legal questions about rights to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages and other harms. National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A.,, is investigating the outbreak while also providing free case consultations at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). An E. coli lawyer from the firm will call you if you provide contact information.  No fees are charged unless the firm obtains a settlement for you from the responsible party, most often from their insurance group.
 
E. coli O157:H7 and other forms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli originate in the guts of cattle and other animals and is expelled through their feces, which can contaminate food or water in microscopic amounts.  The bacteria is spread when molecules are ingested. The microbes also can be spread from infected individuals if they don't wash their hands well after going to the bathroom or after changing the diapers of an infected child.

German E. coli Outbreak Kills 16

The German E. coli outbreak  that has killed 16 people and caused nearly 400 cases of  HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome, involves a stain of the pathogen that has not been seen in the United States.

Robert Tauxe, a foodborne disease expert at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),  told The Associated Press that it is extraordinary to see so many cases of HUS from a foodborne illness outbreak. "There has not been such an outbreak before that we know of in the history of public health," Tauxe told the AP. Officials are frantically searching for a cause, but the number of new cases has dropped off.

The CDC's Tauxe said two people from the U.S. are among more than 1,150 people in total who have been  sickened in the outbreak, which was initially thought to be caused by contaminated cucumbers but now is undetermined. The two U.S. victims had recently traveled to Hamburg, where the outbreak started several weeks ago.

The outbreak also has infected people in other European countries, including Denmark, France, the Czech Republic, the U.K., the Netherlands and Switzerland.

Tennesse E. coli Cases Hint at Outbreak

Two children from Tennesse have been treated at Vanderbilt University hospitals in Nashville for serious E. coli infections and the Tennessee Department of Health has been notified of eight E. coli cases statewide so far this year.

State Health Department spokeswoman Shelley L. Walker told the Marshall County Tribune in Lewisburg, Tennessee, that the office has been notified of two E. coli infections in residents of South Central Tennessee, but it was not immediately clear if the two cases were the children treated at Vanderbilt University Medical Center and Vanderbilt Children's Hospital.

"There is no evidence to suggest at this time that there is an ongoing outbreak in that region,'' Walker told the newspaper.

A pharmacist who asked not to be named was the source of the newspaper's information on the two Tennessee child E. coli cases. The father of one of the children called the newspaper to say his daughter was recovering, but declined to say more. The Marshall County newspaper story said health officials conducted food history interviews to investigate any possible common source of the infections.

The pharmacist said one of the children received kidney dialysis treatment, an indicator that she may have suffered from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially deadly disease caused by powerful Shiga toxins emitted by certain types of E. coli, including E. coli O157:H7.

Children under age 5 are most susceptible to HUS, but it can affect people of any age, including healthy adults. Most people infected with E. coli O157:H7 develop diarrhea (often bloody) and abdominal cramps 2-8 days (3-4 days, on average) after swallowing the organism, but some illnesses last longer and are more severe. Infection is usually diagnosed by stool sample culture.

Signs and symptoms of HUS may include: fever, abdominal pain, pale skin tone, fatigue and irritability, small, unexplained bruises or bleeding from the nose and mouth, decreased urination and swelling of the face, hands, feet, or entire body. Persons who experience these symptoms should seek emergency medical care.

To have an E. coli attorney at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., review your case, please submit a contact form or call our office at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). Our investigators are aware of the Tennessee cases and are monitoring reports of a possible outbreak. PritzkerOlsen is a national leader in foodborne illness law and is one of the very few legal groups practicing extensively in this area. Over the years we have won millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning and we are actively involved in efforts to prevent outbreaks and protect families from contamination of our food supply.

Cucumber E. coli Outbreak in Germany

An active cucumber E. coli outbreak in Germany, now extending into Sweden and other western European countries, is attracting worldwide attention after hundreds of people have fallen ill, including more than 200 people who have contracted life-threatening hemolytic uremic sydrome (HUS). At least five people have died.

According to reporters from Reuters news agency and Science Insider, the outbreak strain of E. coli O104 has been found in cucumbers grown in Spain and sold at a big market n Hamburg, Germany, that resells to restaurants, caterers and other outlets. 

Stockholm-based European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC), which monitors diseases in the European Union, said it had reports of 214 HUS cases, a complication that causes kidney failure and can lead to stroke, paralysis, heart problems, brain infection, severe anemia and other severe health conditions. Children under the age of 5 are most susceptible.

The agency said at least nine HUS cases in Sweden have been linked to the outbreak, including four people who had recently travelled to northern Germany. Scientists have speculated that manure from infected animals used on an organic farm might have spread the bacteria to cucumbers.

E. coli O104 is one of six major non-O157:H7 types of E. coli that emit powerful Shiga toxin, which attack and fragment a person's red blood cells. 

E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Researchers Study Effect of Distiller's Grains

E. coli O157:H7 outbreak researchers in Nebraska are continuing their study of cattle fed a percentage of wet distillers' grains -- an ingredient already known to lead to greater prevalance of E. coli O157:H7 in manure.

The USDA studies at the agency's Clay Center animal research station are important because the wet distillers' grains are being used as a relatively inexpensive feed supplement in the beef cattle "finishing phase" -- the last 120 to 140 days before slaughter. The grains are a byproduct of corn ethanol manufacturing.

From a food safety perspective, higher levels of E. coli O157:H7 in cattle manure is problematic. It raises the threat that potentially deadly human pathogens will enter the food supply and make people sick with life-threatening hemoloytic uremic syndrome (HUS).  National E. coli lawyers at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., represents victims of E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks and are actively following the study results in hopes that more prevention measures can be developed.

In early experiments with 608 steers, the Clay Center researchers showed that the incidence and prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in manure, and the incidence on hides, was significantly higher for cattle whose corn-based feed included 40 percent wet distrillers' grains than those whose feed did not include them In follow-up studies, the researches want to determine what causes the difference in E. coli levels, and what can be done to reduce them.

 There's a working hypothesis that the fiber component of hay may scrape the 
gut wall, physically removing the organism and contributing to reduced colonization of E. coli in the intestinal tract. In general, research supports that cattle on grain-based diets shed higher 
levels of generic E. coli in their feces than cattle on a high-forage diet.
E. coli O157:H7 grows harmlessly in the guts of beef cattle and can contaminate cuts of beef during slaughter when manure flakes off hides or knives nick the animals' intestinal tracts. Sample testing for E. coli O157:H7 is mandatory and the U.S. banned the pathogen from ground beef in 1994 because the micro-bugs can survive in under-cooked hamburgers and meatballs, injuring people who eat them..

E. coli Death Won't Be Topic at Milk Rally

Raw milk E. coli deaths and raw milk Campylobacter outbreaks won't get much attention today in Washington, D.C., when supporters of raw milk rally against public health protections that restrict the distribution of what scientists know to be a dangerous food.

The Food and Drug Administration is one of the targets. To protect public health and put limits on the business of selling unpasteurized milk, the FDA wisely uses its interstate commerce authority to block distribution of raw milk across state lines. But Contgressman Ron Paul has just introduced legislation attempting to legalize those sales.

Grassfed on the Hill, a D.C. area private milk buying group and target of a recent FDA sting on purchasing raw milk, has organized the Capitol Hill rally where they plan to milk an actual cow and drink the fresh milk. The rally is expected to draw hundreds of raw milk supporters.

From a public health policy viewpoint, this latest P.R. stunt by raw milk enthusiasts will certainly obscure or distort the risks that people -- especially children -- face from consumption of milk not pasteurized to kill microscopic pathogens that can cause serious illness and death. The organisms can pass through a cow's udders and also enter the milk supply through cow feces in the milking environment. 

The mainstream view that unpasteurized milk is unsafe is held by local, state and federal health officials from coast to coast, including FDA, CDC, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American Medical Association. The FDA simply wants to protect the public from disease.

Raw milk has been found to contain numerous pathogens that can cause serious illness, including Campylobacter, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Brucella.  Ppasteurization was developed many years ago  to reduce diseases that were commonly caused by raw milk.

Getting sick from one of these germs can lead to a wide variety of illness. Some germs cause diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, fever, headache, and body aches lasting for a couple of days to several weeks. Most healthy people with this type of illness recover, but hospitalization rates are usually 10-30%. Severe complications can include bloodstream infections, a polio-like paralysis, kidney failure, and death.  For example, E. coli O157:H7 infections lead to a severe complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in 10% of children and HUS is fatal 5% of the time. In addition HUS survivors often suffer from lifelong medical issues, including the need for kidney transplants in some.

Illnesses from raw milk are particularly dangerous for people with weakened immune systems, such as the elderly, children, and people with cancer, an organ transplant, or HIV/AIDS. Germs found in raw milk and raw dairy products can be especially dangerous to pregnant women, sometimes leading to abortion, stillbirth, or severe disease in newborns. 

If you or a loved one has been sickened in an outbreak caused by raw milk, contact national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). Our law firm is one of the very few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness, recovering millions for victims of food poisoning. 

E. coli Lawyer Hopes U.S. Takes Heed of E. coli O111 Outbreak Linked to Raw Beef

A deadly food poisoning outbreak making headlines in Japan involves a type of E. coli not routinely tested for in the United States -- a lesson that national E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzker is hoping will speed policy changes here.
 
The current Japanese beef E. coli outbreak involves E. coli O111, one of six prevalent non-O157:H7 strains of E. coli not routinely screened for in the United States even though they produce the same potentially deadly toxin as E. coli O157:H7, which the U.S. government banned from ground beef in 1994. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has estimated that these six non-O157:H7 strains cause approximately 113,000 illnesses and 300 hospitalizations annually in the United States, yet to date there are no policies to control them.
 
Pritzker, who represents victims in practically every major outbreak of food poisoning in the U.S., said Japan's tragedy with E. coli O111 could accelerate positive change in the U.S., which has been inching too slowly toward classifying the six non-O157:H7 shiga toxin producing types of E. coli as pathogens that demand pre-market screening. 
"Japan's nightmare with E. coli O111 should trigger changes in our own country,'' Pritzker said. "We shouldn't have to wait for a similarly sized disaster to strike here. It's another impetus for our government to get moving.'' 
The Japan beef E. coli outbreak has killed two six year old boys, a 70-year-old woman and another member of that woman's family. The number of outbreak cases has topped 70, involving at least three Japanese prefectures. Food safety investigators have linked the infectious disease outbreak to Korean-style steak tartar (raw beef) at a restaurant chain. Strains of the pathogen O111 with the virulence to cause life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) were detected among many hospitalized patients. 
 
Attorney Fred Pritzker can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or by contact form. Mr. Pritzker is the founding partner of PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a Minneapolis, MN law firm that represents victims of food poisoning nationwide. Mr. Pritzker has won tens of millions for food poisoning victims and has appeared on national and local news programs to discuss foodborne illness lawsuits and food safety.

Bell County Texas E. coli Outbreak

An E. coli outbreak in Bell County, Texas, has been reported by the local health department, but no announcement has been made as to what may be causing people to be sickened by the toxic bacteria. A story by News Channel 25 of Waco, Killeen and Temple said at least five cases of E. coli infection in Bell County have been reported.

The Bell County Health Department is asking anyone with bloody diarrhea to seek medical attention immediately. The outbreak is under investigation, and, at this point no one has died.

Toxic types of E. coli bacteria live in the intestines of animals, especially cows. Once shed via manure, they can contaminate various foods, including ground beef. E. Coli O157:H7 is banned from ground beef because it's so dangerous. Once ingested -- even in very small exposures -- a person can fall ill and possibly take a turn for the worse. An estimated 8 percent of E. coli victims develop a life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome HUS.

 National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., represents E. coli outbreak victims and others who become sick from foodborne illness 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free.) Over the years we have collected tens of millions of dollars for those whose lives have been disrupted by food poisoning. In addition, E. coli lawyers at our fiirm are actively involved in efforts to prevent E. coli outbreaks. To contact an E. coli lawyer at the firm for a free case consultation, you can make your initial contact online and an attorney will get back to you.

E. coli O157:H7 Lettuce Packaging Study

Current packaging conditions do not promote increased virulence of E. coli O157:H7 in bagged, shredded lettuce. That is what scientists at the USDA have written after looking at three lettuce packaging types and determining threat levels of E. coli.
 
The scientists said widely used Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) provides consumers with the best protection against the food safety threat of E. coli in shredded lettuce. Writing in the Journal of Food Protection, the USDA Agricultural Research Service scientists said the two other packaging types were associated with greater E. coli virulence factors.
 
One of the study authors, Manan Sharma, told FoodProductionDaily.com that consumers must be aware that danger levels rise once a package is open. Bags that are not completely consumed should be stored at appropriate temperatures in household refrigerators to minimize temperature abuse. Temperature abuse can lead to clustering of the bacteria.
 
Outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 have been associated with leafy greens on numerous occasions, including a 2006 spinach E. coli outbreak that sickened more than 200 people and killed three. Thirty one of the victims developed life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a complication that often results in kidney failure and can cause a cascade of damage to other parts of the body -- including the heart and brain. HUS is the leading cause of E. coli deaths and children under the age of 5 are the most prone to suffer from the complication.
 
If you or a loved one has been sickened in an E. coli outbreak of any kind, your legal questions about an E. coli lawsuit or food poisoning claim will be answered by an attorney at PritzkerOlsen, PA., 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or contact us online for a free case consultation.

Using A Food Thermometer Can Help Prevent Cases of Food Poisoning

Food poisoning illnesses in the U.S. happen far more often than are reported, causing tens of millions people to get sick every year. The Food and Drug Administration estimates that two to three percent of all foodborne illnesses lead to secondary long-term illnesses. For example, shiga toxin-producing strains of E. coli can cause kidney failure in young children and infants -- the first of many life-threatening conditions that can stem from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
 
Salmonella can lead to reactive arthritis, or Reiter's syndrome. Listeria can cause meningitis and stillbirths; and Campylobacter may be the most common precipitating factor for Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).
 
If you really consider how serious food poisoning can be, chances are good you will start using a food thermometer in home cooking to check the temperature of everyday foods. Think about this: USDA research indicates that one out of every four hamburgers turns brown in the middle BEFORE it has reached a safe internal temperature of 160 degrees. For thinner foods, like hamburger, you can use a digital read instant thermometer.
 

What follows here is a home guide to safe cooking temperatures from USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service. It lists foods and safe doneness temperatures:

Ground Meat & Meat Mixtures

Beef, Pork, Veal, Lamb       160

Turkey, Chicken                   165

Fresh Beef, Veal, Lamb

Medium Rare                        145

Medium                                  160

Well Done                              170

Poultry

Chicken & Turkey, whole         165

Poultry breasts, roast               165

Poultry thighs, wings                165

Duck & Goose                           165
 
Stuffing (cooked alone or in bird)   165
 
Fresh Pork
 
Fresh (raw)                                   160
 
Ham                                               160
 
Ham Pre-cooked (to reheat)      140
 
Eggs & Egg Dishes
 
Eggs          Cook until yolk & white are firm
 
Egg dishes                                  160
 
Leftovers & Casseroles            165
 

Final CDC Update on Filbert E. coli Outbreak

The DeFranco & Sons hazelnut E. coli outbreak sickened eight people in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan from December 20 to February 16 -- hospitalizing four of them, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in its final update on the outbreak.

The outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 was found on hazelnuts and mixed nuts containing hazelnuts by public health laboratories in Minnesota, California and Wisconsin. "Source tracing identified a common distributor for the hazelnuts consumed by ill persons: DeFranco & Sons in Los Angeles, California.''

Most of the potentially contaminated nuts were sold in bulk bins across the country and in Cello bags of Sunripe brand filberts, according to the DeFranco recall announcement. The hazelnuts were grown in Oregon. They fall to the ground from trees and are gathered from there, where it is possible they can come in contact with animal fecal contamination harboring E. coli O157:H7. In Canada right now, there are fears that shelled walnuts grown in the U.S. are behind a separate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7.

If you are a victim of the hazelnut E. coli outbreak who is interested in joining hazelnut E. coli litigation, contact PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a leading national food safety law firm representing victims in nearly all major outbreaks of foodborne illness in the U.S.   An E. coli attorney at Pritzker will provide a free consultation at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or respond to information you provide on our hazelnut E. coli contact form.

E. coli in Walnuts Recall in Canada

Possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination of shelled walnuts sold in Canada has prompted an expanded recall as Canadian food and health agencies continue to investigate a multi-provincial outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections.

The shelled walnuts recalled this week by three retailers in London, Ontario and Calgary, Alberta, are product of the United States. This is an expansion of a previous public warning issued last week. about shelled walnuts and products containing walnuts distributed by Amira Enterprises Inc. of Montreal.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is warning the public not to consume raw shelled walnuts described in a recall announcement because the products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The CFIA said it is monitoring the effectiveness of the recall.

In the U.S., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been investigating a hazelnut E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to Oregon-grown shelled hazelnuts. As of April 1, 2011, eight persons infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli serotype O157:H7 were reported from  Minnesota (3),  Wisconsin (4) and Michigan (1).

Laboratory testing conducted by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture on in-shell hazelnuts recovered from a patient's home identified E. coli O157:H7 matching the outbreak strain by DNA analysis.

Walmart and BJ's Anchor E. coli Recall Distribution List in NJ, PA, NC, MD

As of 10 a.m. EDT Saturday, March 26, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), listed various Walmart and BJ's Wholesale Club stores as retail locations associated with the recall of Seltzer's Lebanon Bologna issued by Palmyra Bologna Company, a Pennsylvania processor. The recall was prompted by an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 linked to the bologna that has sickened at least 14 people in 5 states: Maryland (3 cases), New Jersey (2 cases), North Carolina (1 case), Ohio (2 cases) and Pennsylvania (6 cases). Below is the Seltzer's bologna recall retail distribution list

New Jersey - NJ Walmart - undisclosed locations in New Jersey

BJ's Wholesale Club 1910 Deptford Center Rd. Deptford, New Jersey

BJ's Wholesale Club 152 Route 73 Voorhees, New Jersey

North Carolina - NC BJ's Wholesale Club 2370 Walnut St. Cary, N.C.

Pennsylvania - PA Walmart - undisclosed locations in Pennsylvania

BJ's Wholesale Club 1785 Airport Rd. South Allentown, Pennsylvania

Maryland -MD Walmart - undisclosed locations in Maryland

Note from the FSIS regarding this retail distribution list: "FSIS has reason to believe that the above retail location(s) received various sizes of Seltzer's Beef Lebanon Bologna that have been recalled by Palmyra Bologna Company, Inc. This list may not include all retail locations that have received the recalled product or may include retail locations that did not actually receive the recalled product."

Grocery stores can be held liable in foodborne illness outbreaks: Bologna E. coli: Attorneys Investigate Grocery Store Liability. The same information is true for stores like Walmart and BJ's Wholesale Club that sell grocery items and have delis. Contact our E. coli lawyers for a free consultation: 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our contact form for review by our attorneys.

For Outbreak Linked to PA, E. coli Lawyer Says Victims Need Health Warning

 In response to an E. coli outbreak centered in Pennsylvania, E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzker is calling on the maker of Seltzer’s Lebanon bologna to notify customers who have been sickened about the long-term risks of infection by this pathogen.

Pritzker said in a press release that Palmyra Bologna Company of Palmyra, Pennsylvania, should implement a public awareness campaign to inform victims of E. coli O157:H7 and their loved ones to consult with their physicians about getting the testing and treatment that their good health demands.
 
“As the entity that should have prevented this outbreak in the first place, it is only appropriate that the company explain the risks and pay for needed medical care that could otherwise be neglected,'' said Pritzker, who represent victims of E. coli poisoning and other types of foodborne illness.
 
Health officials have associated Palmyra’s Seltzer's brand beef Lebanon bologna products with an outbreak that has sickened 14 people in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, New Jersey and North Carolina. Each year in the United States, more than 265,000 people are sickened by E. coli O157:H7 or other shiga toxin-producing types of E. coli. The vast majority of these people have illness previously thought to have low risk for future complications, but recent research proves there is elevated, long-term risk for hypertension, kidney impairment and cardiovascular disease that should be checked annually.
 
The research by Dr. William F. Clark, published late last year in the British Medical Journal, says that people who suffer E. coli O157:H7 poisoning but do not go on to develop the much more serious complication, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), nevertheless have a 33% greater risk of hypertension, a more than two-fold increase in cardiovascular events and a three-fold increase in the occurrence of  kidney impairment. 
“Case patients in this outbreak deserve to understand these risks and obtain the annual assessments suggested by the study authors,’’ Pritzker said. “It is time for the company responsible for this outbreak to take action.”  
 
Attorney Fred Pritzker can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or through his food poisoning contact page regarding this E. coli bologna outbreak. Mr. Pritzker is the founding partner of PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a Minneapolis, MN law firm that represents E. coli victims nationwide. Mr. Pritzker has won millions for food poisoning victims and has appeared on national and local news programs to discuss foodborne illness lawsuits and food safety.

E. coli Lawyer Calls on Bologna Maker To Pay Expenses of E. coli Victims

E. coli lawyer  Fred Pritzker is calling on Palmyra Bologna Company, Inc., maker of Seltzer’s Lebanon bologna products, to pay medical expenses and other costs incurred by victims of a bologna E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Ohio, New Jersey and North Carolina.  To date, 14 people have confirmed cases of the outbreak strain of E. coli 0157:H7

After an epidemiological investigation, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) determined that there is a link between certain Seltzer’s Lebanon bologna products and the cases of E. coli O157:H7. In severe cases, E. coli 0157:H7 can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (E. coli HUS), a life-threatening condition that can lead to kidney failure, pancreatitis, blindness, seizures, strokes, other serious health problems and death.

In response to this outbreak, Palmyra Bologna Company, Inc., of Palmyra, Pennsylvania, recalled 23,000 pounds of Lebanon bologna that was sent to distribution centers in California, Colorado, Maryland, New York and Pennsylvania for further distribution to retail stores. The recalled bologna was sold in packages labeled "SELTZER'S BEEF LEBANON BOLOGNA." The recall was announced on March 22, 2011. The recall does not involve any Seltzer’s Lebanon bologna product produced since December 31, 2010. 

"Palmyra Bologna Company should immediately pay for hospitalization and other direct costs to alleviate the victim’s financial burden while related legal issues, including pain and suffering, are pending,’’said attorney Fred Pritzker, who represents victims of E. coli outbreaks. “The families deserve that peace of mind.’’
 
Mr. Pritzker can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or through his contact page regarding this E. coli bologna outbreak. Mr. Pritzker is the founding partner of PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a Minneapolis, MN law firm that represents E. coli victims nationwide. Mr. Pritzker has won millions for food poisoning victims and has appeared on national and local news programs to discuss foodborne illness lawsuits and food safety.

Bologna E. coli Outbreak Victimizes 14

A bologna E. coli outbreak has grown to include 14 people with infections from the same strain of E. coli O157:H7, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said today in an E. coli outbreak investigation announcement. The CDC's report says that as of March 22, 2011, 14 persons infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli  have been reported from Maryland (3 cases), New Jersey (2 cases), North Carolina (1 case), Ohio (2 cases) and Pennsylvania (6 cases).

Investigation by health officials from affected states, the USDA and the CDC has associated the illnesses with beef Lebanon bologna made by Palmyra Bologna Company, of Palmyra, Pennsylvania. Palmyra is recalling approximately 23,000 pounds of Lebanon bologna products that may be contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7 and consumers are advised to check below for the list of recalled products.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., has launched its own investigation into this outbreak and is reaching out to victims about a possible bologna E. coli lawsuit. For answers to questions about E. coli litigation, including a free case consultation, contact an attorney at the firm at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or we will respond to your contact information. Our firm is one of the very few law groups in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have recovered tens of millions of dollars for victims of E. coli and other types of food poisoning.

E. coli Bologna Outbreak Information

According to the CDC, reported dates of illness onset range from January 10, 2011 to February 15, 2011. Ill persons range in age from 1 to 70 years, with a median age of 13.5 years. Seventy-nine percent are male. Among 13 ill persons for whom information is known, 3 or 23 percent, reported being hospitalized, and none have reported hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a type of kidney failure that is associated with E. coli O157:H7 infections. No deaths have been reported.

 Lebanon bologna is a fermented, semi-dry sausage that is similar in appearance to salami. An extensive food history questionnaire given to 13 of the victims resulted in a strong correlation to eating beef Lebanon bologna and four ill persons have been identified who purchased Seltzer Brand Lebanon bologna at four different grocery store locations in three states before becoming ill.
 
Recall Information
 
For consumers, here is the list of Lebanon bologna products that may be contaminated with E. coliO157:H7: 
  • 6-ounce packages of "SELTZER'S BEEF LEBANON BOLOGNA" with lot code "01351" and best-by date of "Apr. 20 2011" printed on the package.
  • 12-ounce packages of "SELTZER'S BEEF LEBANON BOLOGNA" with lot code "01351" and best-by dates of "Apr. 20 2011" or "Apr. 21 2011" printed on the package.
  • 16-ounce packages of "SELTZER'S BEEF LEBANON BOLOGNA" with lot code "01351" and best-by date of "Apr. 22 2011" printed on the package.

Seltzer's Bologna Linked to E. coli Illnesses

Seltzer's bologna E. coli outbreak has sickened at least four people in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and North Carolina. The type of E. coli is O157:H7, the dominant variety that is associated with life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

The case patients in this outbreak fell ill between January 28 and February 12 and  public health officials are still investigating. To date, the bacteria has not been found in samples of the bologna, but epidemiologists have linked it to the outbreak based on eating patterns of those who were afflicted. Meanwhile, consumers are being warned not to eat Seltzer's beef Lebanon bologna that was produced in December 2010.

If you or a loved one has suffered gastrointestinal illness after eating the product, see a doctor.  For answers to legal questions about a possible Seltzer's bologna lawsuit, call PritzkerOlsen, P.A., at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our contact form. A lawyer will call you and provide a free case consultation.

To date, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has not released a list of retailers who handled Seltzer's bologna that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. But consumers can check their own inventory for the following recalled items:

6-ounce packages of "SELTZER'S BEEF LEBANON BOLOGNA" with lot code "01351" and best-by date of "Apr. 20 2011" printed on the package. 

12-ounce packages of "SELTZER'S BEEF LEBANON BOLOGNA" with lot code "01351" and best-by dates of "Apr. 20 2011" or "Apr. 21 2011" printed on the package.

16-ounce packages of "SELTZER'S BEEF LEBANON BOLOGNA" with lot code "01351" and best-by date of "Apr. 22 2011" printed on the package.

 

Lebanon Bologna E. coli Outbreak Investigated in New Jersey, PA, NC

A beef Lebanon bologna E. coli outbreak in New Jersey, North Carolina and Pennsylvania has sickened at least four people -- a group of illnesses that state and federal health officials have associated with Lebanon bologna products made by Pennsylvania-based Palmyra Bologna Company, Inc.

A Seltzer's beef Lebanon bologna recall was announced today and the investigation into the outbreak is continuing. The four case patients had matching E. coli O157:H7 illnesses with onset dates between January 28 and February 12, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced in a news release. Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should contact a health care provider. For legal questions or to receive a free case consultation, call food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A. at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our contact form. Our firm is one of the few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of E. coli O157:H7 and other types of food poisoning.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Children under age 5, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible to infections. Even mild E. coli O157:H7 infections can cause long-term health consequences throughout a person's life -- a reality that demands thorough claims recovery..

Seltzer's Beef Lebanon Bologna E. coli O157:H7 Recall

The recalled beef product is similar in appearance to salami. It is a fermented, semi-dry sausage. Palmyra Bologna Company is recalling approximately 23,000 pounds of its Seltzer's beef Lebanon bologna products, each package bearing a label with establishment number "EST. 474" inside the USDA mark of inspection, The products subject to recall were produced in December 2010 and were sent to distribution centers in California., Colorado., Maryland., New York and Pennsylvania for further distribution to retail stores.  The FSIS will publish a corresponding list of stores.  

For consumers, here is the list of Lebanon bologna products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7: 

  • 6-ounce packages of "SELTZER'S BEEF LEBANON BOLOGNA" with lot code "01351" and best-by date of "Apr. 20 2011" printed on the package.
  • 12-ounce packages of "SELTZER'S BEEF LEBANON BOLOGNA" with lot code "01351" and best-by dates of "Apr. 20 2011" or "Apr. 21 2011" printed on the package.
  • 16-ounce packages of "SELTZER'S BEEF LEBANON BOLOGNA" with lot code "01351" and best-by date of "Apr. 22 2011" printed on the package.

Sprout Salmonella and E. coli Outbreaks Averted by Shutdown of MD Processor

The production of bean sprouts without adequate sanitation poses a significant public health risk because of the pathogens such as Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella and Escherichia coli, better known as E. coli.

Those food poisoning concerns prompted the Food and Drug Administration this month to shut down a sprout processor in Mount Airy, Maryland, until the owners empty the place and start over with a hired sanitation expert. Vegi-Pak Farm LLC  and its president, Sun Ja Lee, and general manager, Brian W. Lee, signed a consent decree that triggered the closing, the FDA said in a press release.

Vegi-Pak Farm grows, processes, packages and distributes ready-to-eat soybean sprouts and holds and distributes tofu and mung bean spouts. The products are sold to markets in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C. The operation has been in trouble before with state and federal regulators for insanitary conditions.

Violations found during FDA’s September 2010 inspection of the facility included the presence of numerous flies, inadequate removal of waste, inadequate conveyance of liquid waste; inadequate screening against pests; inadequate cleaning and sanitizing of processing equipment; inadequate hand washing facilities and poor employee sanitation practices.  Inspections conducted by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene in August 2010 and in April and July 2008,  found similar conditions at Vegi-Pak Farm, the FDA said.

E. coli sprout outbreaks and Salmonella sprout outbreaks happen in the U.S. with sporadic regularity. These are serious foodborne illnesses that can result in long-term health conditions, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in E. coli victims and Reiter's Syndrome, or reactive arthritis, in Samonella victims.

If you or a loved one has been sickened as part of an E. coli sprouts outbreak or Salmonella sprouts outbreak, contact a food poisoning lawyer at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our contact form. An attorney from our firm will provide a free case consultation and answer any questions you might have about a sprouts lawsuit.

Shiga Toxin E. coli Study in East Lansing

E. coli outbreak researchers at Michigan State University will study strategies to reduce the amount of E. coli released by cattle under a $2.5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The hope is that a reduction in E. coli O157:H7 will correspond with a decrease in the number of foodborne illnesses in humans.

The intestines of cattle are the primary reservoir for E. coli O157:H7 bacteria and other types of E. coli that emit powerful Shiga toxin once ingested by humans. The animals shed the bacteria in feces and it can contaminate butchered meat and many other foods depending on circumstances. Michigan State said in a press release that molecular biologist and epidemiologist Shannon Manning will lead the multi-disciplinary shedding study.

Part of the research goal is to better understand shedding of E. coli from Michigan cattle and dairy cows with the goal of enhancing detection methods and control strategies. Maybe there are farming practices that could reduce colonization of the microbes inside the animals. The research team expects to develop new ideas for direct-fed antimicrobials, vaccines, therapies and other control strategies that can reduce the frequency and level of Shiga toxin E. coli shedding.   

The grant was awarded through USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The agency supports research that promotes and enhances the scientific discipline of food safety. 
 
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a life-threatening condition caused by E. coli O157:H7 in 5 to 15 percent of case patients. It is one of the most dangerous results of food poisoning. The condition can develop in any person of any age, but children under 5 are most susceptible and they almost always suffer kidney failure. HUS E. coli also can cascade into a multitude of other health problems, including anemia, stroke, inflamation of the brain, heart problems and central nervous system disorders, including paralysis. 
 

Better E. coli Test Could Lower HUS-TTP

Ever since USDA Inspector General Phyllis Fong exposed as superficial our nation's  testing methodology to find E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef, we realize more and more the need to improve our defense against this very dangerous pathogen.

Fong delivered a report last month that showed the USDA's method for test-sampling cuts of beef meant for ground beef  --  beef trim -- is an insufficient screen to keep the bacteria out of hamburger -- which is still the most likely vector to cause multi-state outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 poisoning. In 5 to 15 percent of these infections, the organism causes life-threatening hemoloytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).  Children under 5 are most susceptible to HUS, which is the leading cause of E. coli death and can ravage any person of any age with a cascade of medical problems starting with kidney failure.

The Center for Public Integrity, a non-profit organization committed to investigative journalism, helped bring Fong's concerns to life with the following, reader-friendly description of the problem. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) will be in charge of fixing it. Here's the Center for Public Integrity's take, with a few practical edits:

"Most of the ground beef consumed domestically is made of beef trim, the various bits left on a carcass after the choice cuts have been butchered. A device similar to a carrot peeler is used to slice roughly 4-inch pieces of trim off the cow, which are stacked into large bins, and sent off for testing before being ground. Under the current N-60 method, inspectors test 60 of these slices for E. coli. The process is overseen by the (FSIS).

Fong warned that, in situations where E. coli is present in 1 percent of the inspected bin, the current screening method would miss it over half the time. Or, as the report puts it, “if the contamination level is very low, FSIS is more likely to miss contamination than to detect it.” 
Fong's report  recommends that FSIS move towards a system that would allow them to identify the highest risk plants, focusing inspection resources where they are most needed. E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzer, who represents HUS-TTP victims and others sickened by foodborne illness, has applauded the inspector general's candor and the FSIS's willingness to remedy the problem. Pritzker can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free).
 

Hazelnut E. coli Investigation Continues

The Food and Drug Administration is testing for E. coli O157:H7 at an Oregon hazelnut packing company and the California distributor that sold the filberts to retailers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, and other states.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has associated the hazelnuts recalled by D. DeFranco and Sons with an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that sickened seven people in December and January. One victim is from Michigan and there are three each from Minnesota and Wisconsin. The Minnesota Department of Health has provided the first microbiological link between the hazelnuts and the outbreak. Tests ordered by the state confirmed the presence of the outbreak strain of E. coli in hazelnuts taken from the home of one of the victims.

DeFranco, based in Los Angeles, announced an  E. coli hazelnut recall last week. Many of the potentially tainted in-shell filberts were sold in bulk bins at grocery stores. The Oregonian newspaper in Portland, Oregon, reported that most of the hazelnuts came from a processor in Oregon -- George Packing Co. of Newberg. The co-owner of the company is a state senator, Larry George. The firm has resisted FDA attempts to obtain its list of farmers for purposes of the traceback investigation.

Yet George and Polly Owen, manager of the Hazelnut Marketing Board in Oregon, say change is needed in the industry to incorporate tougher food safety measures. Oregon produces nearly all the filberts grown in the United States. There are 650 hazelnut farms in Oregon but only 20 processors. There is speculation that the filberts were contaminated from contaminated patches of ground beneath hazelnut trees. The nuts are harvested after they fall to the orchard floor. E. coli O157:H7 is expelled into the environment in feces from cattle and other animals, including deer.

E. coli O157:H7 Found in Hazelnuts

E. coli O157:H7 matching the hazelnut E. coli outbreak strain has been found in shelled hazelnuts taken from the home of a Minnesotan who became ill, the Minnesota Department of Health said. The laboratory result was the first microbiological confirmation associating in-shell hazelnuts distributed by D. DeFranco and Sons with an outbreak that has sickened three people in Minnesota, three in Wisconsin and one in Michigan.

Based on purchase information associated with the positive hazelnut sample, the health department traced the product to a December 9, 2010, shipment from DeFranco, based in Los Angeles, California. Late last week, DeFranco recalled in-shell hazelnuts sold in bulk bins at grocery stores along with Cello bags of Sunripe brand hazelnuts and mixed nuts containing hazelnuts with sell-by dates of June 30, 2011. Click here for detailed hazelnut recall information.

Minnesota is one of at least four states investigating the outbreak in cooperation with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The initial association between hazelnuts and the outbreak was based on food history questionnaires that showed six of seven victims having eaten bulk hazelnuts. Traceback efforts are ongoing to determine where in the supply chain the nuts became contaminated.

If you or a loved one has been sickened in this outbreak and has questions about a possible hazelnut E. coli lawsuit, call an attorney at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our online contact form. A lawyer at the firm will provide a free case consultation and explain how E. coli litigation works. Our firm is one of the very few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning.

E. coli Filbert Illness Warning in Canada

An  E. coli filbert recall that was extended to Canada by the same wholesaler who recalled the hazelnuts in the U.S. has been expanded by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as officials continue to investigate a pair of cases of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses that match the outbreak strain in the United States.

The E. coli filbert outbreak has sickened at least seven Americans, three in Minnesota, three in Wisconsin and one in Michigan. Three of the seven were hospitalized and no one developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) -- a life-threatening condition that strikes up to 15 percent of people who become infected with E. coli O157:H7.

Canada's two cases are under investigation by the Public Health Agency of Canada to see if victims at in-shell filberts that are part of the recall. The recalled nuts sold by D. DeFranco and Sons of Los Angeles, California, were distributed in Alberta, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Ontario and may have been distributed nationally.

As in the U.S., the recall in Canada involves bulk in-shell filberts and mixed nuts containing filberts that were repackaged by stores or sold in bulk bins. It also involves Cello-bagged Sunripe brand hazelnuts and mixed nuts containing hazelnuts with sell-by date of 6-30-11. The bulk nuts would have been purchased at stores beginning in mid-November. DeFranco's shipments of the filberts in question ended December 22.

E. coli traceback investigations are in progress to determine where in the food chain these filberts were contaminated by E. coli O157:H7, a human pathogen that is banned in the U.S. from ground beef. Hamburger is the most common carrier of the bacteria, but it also attaches to leafy green vegetables, other fresh produce, raw milk, cider, and other food. Oregon dominates U.S. filbert production and it is important in that state for growers to harvest the crop of nuts from the ground before the autumn rainy season. Experts speculate that the hazelnuts involved in the current outbreak came in contact with E. coli on the ground. The pathogenic microbe is expelled into the environment from cattle feces and the feces of other animals.

Families who have questions about a filbert E. coli lawsuit should contact an attorney for an explanation of how E. coli litigation works. Law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) has collected millions of dollars for victims of E. coli and has been representing victims around the country for many years. Our firm is one of the very few attorney groups in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and our lawyers are actively involved in efforts to clean up the U.S. food supply.

Filberts E. coli Outbreak Probe Continues

E. coli investigators assigned to the filberts E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan will continue their probe this week, trying among other things to find where and how in the supply chain the in-shell hazelnuts became contaminated.

An official from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture told the Minneapolis Star Tribune that part of the effort will be in Oregon, where the filberts are believe to have been harvested. Oregon grows more than 95 percent of the U.S. supply of hazelnuts. The nuts are gathered from the ground after they fall from trees that are 50 to 60 feet tall. It's possible the bacteria contamination occurred at that point, but the handling of the produce in packing, storage and distributions also will be probed.

In addition, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will be looking closely at PulseNet, the CDC's surveillance network for outbreaks. The system can match the genetic fingerprints of human pathogens that come from the same source. Doctors' offices around the country are required in many states to send E. coli samples and other pathogen samples to state labs for molecular subtyping.  So far, the CDC has said there have been seven people infected by the same strain of E. coli O157:H7: One in Michigan and three each in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Forty-three percent have been hospitalized. 

Hazelnut E. coli Recall

Meanwhile, retailers and consumers remain under warning not to sell or eat in-shell hazelnuts and mixed nuts containing hazelnuts distributed by D. DeFranco and Sons of Los Angeles, California. Six of the seven victims of the outbreak reported buying filberts from bulk bins in grocery stores, but the recall also involves Cello-bag packages of Sunripe brand hazelnuts with a sell-by date of June 30, 2011.

DeFranco recalled all hazelnut and mixed nut products distributed from November 2, 2010, to December 22, 2010. Recalled product was shipped to stores in Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Recalled products would have been purchased after November 2, 2010.  Important to this recall, because of the bulk sales, is a list of retail stores that received potentially contaminated hazelnuts. National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen has compiled the complete hazelnut stores list on its website, obtained from the Minnesota Department of Health.

E. coli attorneys at PritzkerOlsen are accepting cases from this outbreak at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or a lawyer will call you immediately to follow up on a contact form that you submit online. Our firm is one of the very few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. We have collected tens of millions of dollars for E. coli victims all around the country, operating from our main office in Minneapolis. PritzkerOlsen also is actively engaged in various efforts to stop food poisoning by keeping dangerous pathogens out of our food supply.

 

Filbert Seller Should Pay E. coli Victims

The filberts E. coli outbreak in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan prompted our office to issue the following press release today, through Business Wire:

E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzker is calling on D. DeFranco & Sons, a Los Angeles, California, wholesaler to pay medical bills and other costs incurred by victims of the multi-state E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with eating in-the-shell hazelnuts, also known as filberts. Forty three percent of the people infected by the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been hospitalized for treatment, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

To date, the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 (read about PFGE) has sickened one person in Michigan, three in Minnesota and three in Wisconsin. In Minnesota, all three cases were men over the age of 50. Case patients were residents of Hennepin, Redwood, and Stearns counties. Two were hospitalized. The Wisconsin cases occurred in La Crosse and Brown County and included a child and two adults. 
"It is only fair that DeFranco & Sons pay for hospitalization and other direct costs while related legal issues, including pain and suffering, are pending,’’ Pritzker said. “The families deserve that peace of mind.’’
In response to this outbreak, DeFranco issued a recall of in-the-shell hazelnuts and mixed nut products distributed from November 2 to December 22. Recalled hazelnut products were shipped to stores in Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. For a list of stores involved in the recall, see Hazelnuts (Filberts) Recall List.
Attorney Fred Pritzker can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or through his website, www.pritzkerlaw.com. Mr. Pritzker is the founding partner of PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a Minneapolis, MN law firm that represents E. coli victims nationwide. Mr. Pritzker has won millions for food poisoning victims and has appeared at international symposiums and on national news programs to discuss foodborne illness lawsuits and food safety.

MN WI E. coli Hazelnut Recall Outbreak

Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan tied E. coli O157:H7 infections to hazelnuts, otherwise known as filberts, to a distributor based in Los Angeles, California -- D. DeFranco & Sons. This multi-state outbreak of E. coli infections currently includes seven case patients and there are reports that two people in Canada were sickened by E. coli O157:H7 with the same genetic fingerprint.

DeFranco is recalling in-shell bulk hazelnuts and cello-bagged Sunripe hazelnuts in the U.S. and Canada. These potentially contaminated filberts were shipped in the U.S. to stores in Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. A list of stores that received hazelnuts recalled for E. coli in all those states has been posted by food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., which has launched its own separate investigation into the outbreak. The retail list was obtained from the Minnesota Department of Health.

E. coli in Filberts

E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks caused by shelled nuts are not unheard of. The bacteria, which emits a powerful toxin when consumed by humans, harbors in the guts of cows and other animals and is expelled into the environment by way of feces.  Prevention of microbial contamination in these products lies in the application of good agricultural, manufacturing and storage practices, using food safety approved plans.

Public health officials have not announced where the suspect hazelnuts originated or how they may have become contaminated, but more than 90 percent of the U.S. crop of filberts is raised in Oregon.  Six of the seven victims in this outbreak reported eating shelled hazelnuts purchased in bulk bins. Recalled products would have been purchased after November 2, 2010. Also included in the recall are Sunripe Hazelnuts, Sunripe Large Hazelnuts in 1-pound packages, and Sunripe Mixed Nuts in 2-pound. and 4-pound packages, all with a “Sell-By” date of 6/30/2011. 

People who are victims of this outbreak may have questions about recovering compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering. E. coli lawyers at PritzkerOlsen are accepting cases at 1-888-377-8900 and offering free case consultations. If you fill out a contact form, a lawyer will contact you and discuss how E. coli litigation works. Our attorneys do not get paid by you until they obtain a settlement or verdict on your behalf. Over the years we have collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of E. coli and other foodborne illness.

Filbert E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak MN WI MI

 A filbert E. coli outbreak in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan has sickened seven people with confirmed E. coli O157:H7 infections traced to a California wholesaler D. DeFranco & Sons. DeFranco's recall of hazelnuts was announced Friday for hazelnut and mixed nut products distributed from November 2, 2010, to December 22, 2010. Recalled product was shipped to stores in Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

All confirmed case patients in this outbreak reported eating in-the-shell filberts, most purchased in bulk bins at grocery stores. Also included in the recall are Sunripe Hazelnuts, Sunripe Large Hazelnuts in one-pound. packages, and Sunripe Mixed Nuts in two-pound and four-pound packages, all with a sell-by date of June 30, 2011. Click here for a combined list of filbert E. coli recall stores in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan where product was delivered.

The three Minnesota cases occurred in men over age 50 in Hennepin, Redwood and Stearns counties. The three Wisconsin cases occurred in La Crosse and Brown County and included a child and two adults. None of the Wisconsin case patients were hospitalized, but there have been E. coli O157:H7 hospitalizations elsewhere in this outbreak. The Minnesota Department of Health said two Minnesota filbert E. coli case patients were hospitalized for a time, but have recovered. 

Routine monitoring by the health departments in the respective states identified E. coli O157:H7 cases with the same DNA fingerprint. The individuals became ill between December 20, 2010, and January 28, 2011. The California Department of Public Health helped trace the filberts to DeFranco.

If you or a loved one has been sickened in this outbreak, you may be curious about a potential filbert E. coli lawsuit. E. coli lawyers at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., are conducting their own investigation of the outbreak and will answer questions about victims' rights to compensation at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by completing our online contact form. Our law firm is one of the very few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected tens of millions of dollars over the years for victims of food poisoning.

 

Beware of Secondary E. coli O157:H7

Researchers in Scotland found that 11 percent of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses reported from 1999-2008 were attributable to secondary, or person-to-person, spread, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported.

The study covered 2,228 E. coli O157:H7 infections and found that secondary cases of infection are just as prone to result in life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), as primary cases. Researchers reported that the mean (midpoint) percentage of HUS developing in case patients was 11 percent..

As previously reported many times in this blog by food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., transmission of E. coli O157:H7 to humans requires only a low infectious dose of bacteria. That's a major reason for why so many people are sickened by exposure to others who are infected.

The Scotland study said the results indicated that E. coli O157:H7 patients need immediate advice about infection control in the home, accompanied by immediate stool sampling and monitoring. And not just for primary or index cases, but also for their contacts. "We must continually raise professional and public awareness of secondary spread,'' the CDC summary of the research said.

E. coli Lawyer Pritzker Says Poisoning Cases Rarely Result in Prosecution

E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzker told Minnesota Public Radio today that Minnesota state officials would make rare news if they were to file criminal charges against a raw milk farmer from Gibbon, Minnesota, who currently is under fire on contempt of court allegations.

"The level of prosecution in foodborne illness cases is practically nil," said  Pritzker, a national attorney based in Minneapolis who specializes in seeking damages for food contamination victims.  "In all the years that I've been doing this I have yet to see a manufacturer, producer, actually prosecuted and convicted for any outbreaks.'' 

The audio of the MPR report can be heard below:

Steil and MPR have provided consistent and comprehensive coverage of the story.

The Minnesota case began to unfold last spring when state epidemiologists traced an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 to raw milk dairy products from the farm of Michael Hartmann. State investigators inspected the farm last spring after associating its products to eight E. coli illnesses. It was re-inspected in October after the state linked seven more cases of food borne illness to Hartmann milk, this time Campylobacter and cryptosporidium. Hartmann was defiant and more conflict arose late last year when the Hartmann farm was caught selling its products in the Twin Cities against a state prohibition. The contempt of court charges arose when state officials reported that raw milk products embargoed by the state as unsafe had disappeared from Hartfmann's farm.

For his part, Hartmann has denied wrongdoing and has accused the state of overstepping its authority. But the state says in its contempt of court brief that Hartmann "has consistently refused to comply with food law for more than a decade." According to MPR, state authorities have said the case could warrant felony charges.

Mr. Prtizker, founder and president of national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., said the most recent example of a criminal investigation in a foodborne illness outbreak dates to the 2008-2009 peanut product Salmonella outbreak linked to now-defunct  Peanut Corporation of America. Nine deaths and more than 700 illnesses were attributed to the company's tainted peanut butter, peanut paste and other items. 

Pritzker represented the families of several victims killed in the outbreak. He said even though emails show company officials knew the peanut butter could be contaminated, a two-year federal criminal probe has failed to indict anyone. "If that case doesn't get prosecuted then really I think it's sending the signal that they're not going to do much of anything unless somebody basically says 'I want to harm someone'," he said.
 
Pritzker said prosecutors are reluctant to tackle cases unless they can win big sentences. In some cases food law only provides misdemeanor penalties.

 

FDA Sweep of E. coli Cheese Makers Includes Confiscation at Bravo Farms

E. coli O157:H7 and Listeria monocytogenes were found in stocks of Bravo Farms cheese recalled in connection with last year's Bravo Farms Gouda cheese E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that sickened 38 people who bought or sample cheese at Costco stores in Arizona, Colorado, California, New Mexico and Nevada.

In addition, state and federal investigators found conditions at Bravo Farms, based in Traver, California, that were not food safe: a colony of flies in a processing area, bare-handed cheese processing, improper handling of equipment, containers and utensils, a rabbit inside the facility and pests. Of  the 24 unpasteurized cheese samples investigators took, 15 tested positive for Listeria and one tested positive for E. coli O157:H7.

In a complaint filed with the  the Eastern District of California, FDA authorities said the facilities at artisan cheese company Bravo Farms are ripe for cross-contamination and "not of suitable size, construction, and design to facilitate maintenance and sanitary operations for food manufacturing purposes."

The federal court sanctioned a seizure by federal agents of more than 80,000 pounds of recalled Bravo Farms cheese to ensure it is destroyed. The confiscation included 97 wedges of raw-milk Gouda cheese of the type recalled because of the outbreak.

John Sheehan, director of the FDA's dairy division, told the Los Angeles Times that the actions are part of an FDA review of artisan cheese makers. He said the inspections came from concerns "about raw-milk cheese made under artisanal conditions" and a flurry of nine artisan cheese recalls last year, including at least two that were associated with outbreaks. As of October, the FDA had inspected 102 facilities, some big, some small. Of the 147 samples taken, 32 tested positive for Listeria, the Times reported. The inspections continue.

Bravo Farms Lawsuit 

The cheese-making conditions at Bravo Farms are important to a cheese E. coli lawsuit filed against Bravo Farms and Costco by national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., with assistance from local counsel in Arizona. E. coli lawyers at Pritzker Olsen represent seven victims of the Gouda E. coli outbreak, including four members of the same family who suffered infections from contaminated raw milk Dutch Style Gouda cheese from the Costco store in Glendale, Arizona, last fall.

Our firm is conducting its own investigation and continues to accept new cases from those who were made ill.  E. coli O157:H7 is a strain of E. coli that produces large quantities of a potent toxin that damage the intestine and a person's red blood cells with potentially fatal health consequences. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is the leading cause of E. coli death and the leading cause of kidney failure in children worldwide.

If you or a loved one were sickened after eating Bravo Farms cheese, contact our office for a free case consultation at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by completing our E. coli lawsuit contact form

E. coli Lawsuit Looms in Cheese Startup

An E. coli lawsuit against Bravo Farms and Costco looms as a check against the cheese E. coli outbreak that sickened 38 people in five Western states as Bravo Farms returns this month to making cheese at its creamery in Tulare, California.

Law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., and its local counsel filed the suit in U.S. District Court in Arizona on behalf of four family members who suffered infections of E. coli O157:H7 matching the outbreak strain after eating Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese at a Costco store in Glendale, Arizona, on October 15, 2010. Costco, which sold and sampled the cheese in Arizona, Colorado, California, New Mexico and Nevada, also is named in the lawsuit. E. coli attorney Fred Pritzker, founder and president of PritzkerOlsen, also represents three other victims of the outbreak. If you or a loved one suffered gastrointestinal illness after sampling or buying cheese at Costco in October or November, you may have a claim in this outbreak to recoup medical costs and receive other compensation. Mr.  Pritzker can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our Bravo Farms E. coli lawsuit contact form.

E. coli O157:H7 can cause one of the most severe forms of foodborne illness and public health investigators at the federal and state level detected the exact strain of this pathogen in packages of Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese as was found in the 38 case patients. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) counts this outbreak as one of only two multi-state outbreaks of E. coli 0157:H7 to happen in 2010. The cheese was made from raw milk, which the CDC and FDA has warned for years is at risk for contamination from an assortment of pathogens carried by cows.

Bravo Farms co-owner Jonathan Van Ryn told The Business Journal in Fresno that Bravo Farms is working exclusively with pasteurized milk while restarting cheese-making operations after a long shutdown related to the outbreak. Van Ryn told the newspaper that Bravo Farms might make raw milk cheese again but likely would age it longer than the 60-day requirement. He also said Costco is willing to do business with the company in the future but that there is no plan to sell cheese there in the next couple months. Van Ryn said that in all the investigation related to the outbreak, no one determined how the gouda cheese became contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

Zillman Meat Market E. coli Update

The Zillman Meat Market E. coli outbreak in Marathon County, Wisconsin, has spread to three people in Michigan, officials said in a press release. The investigation into the source of the E. coli is ongoing but Marathon County health officials identified the type of E. coli as E. coli 045. 

In November and early December several persons in the Wausau, Wisconsin, area  developed illness from E.coli contracted from eating smoked ready-to-eat meat products processed at Zillman Meat Market in Wausau, the Marathon County Health Department said.

The county is repeating an earlier warning "not  to eat or serve any ready-to-eat smoked meat products purchased from Zillman Meat Market between September 30, 2010 and December 28, 2010.''

The three newest cases were reported in Michigan in December, 2010, after ready-to-eat smoked meat products were shared with family members. The State Department of Health Services assisted in identifying the Michigan cases.

If you or a loved one has been sickened in this outbreak, contact an E. coli lawyer at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our contact form for a free case consultation. Our firm is a leading practitioner of foodborne illness litigation and we currently represent multiple people sickened by E. coli in other outbreaks. Over the years we have collected millions for victims of food poisoning.

 

Zillman Meat Wisconsin E. coli Advisory

A Wisconsin E. coli outbreak linked to Zillman Meat Market has been announced by the Marathon County Health Department in Wausau. Four people have developed E. coli poisoning, including one person hospitalized.

The presence of E. coli in Zillman Meat Market wild game is under investigation by the Marathon County Health Department, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. A Marathon County E. coli press release said the four victims contracted infections from eating smoked ready-to-eat meat products processed from wild game from September 30, 2010, through November 13, 2010.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., has successfully represented Wisconsin E. coli victims and our firm is monitoring the Zillman Meat Market investigation to determine the original source and the extent of the contamination. Free case consultations are available at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or by completing the contact form on the side of this Web page. Our firm is one of the few in the country practicing extensively in foodborne illness litigation and we have recovered millions for food poisoning victims.

Note to Consumers:

Here is the full text of this Wisconsin E. coli health advisory. "We are advising persons not to eat or serve any ready-to-eat smoked meat products purchased from Zillman Meat Market.  This includes smoked ready-to-eat meat products, both custom and retail, purchased at the store.  Further recommendations about what to do with the smoked meat products will be forthcoming based on the continuing investigation.  Please hold the smoked meat products until we have more information.  Fresh meat products properly cooked are not affected by this advisory.'' 

E. coli Symptoms

Anyone who has fallen ill after eating any ready-to-eat smoked meat products purchased from Zillman in Wausau should immediately contact a physician. The incubation period for E. coli infection ranges from 1 to 8 days, though typically it is 3 to 5 days. Signs and symptoms of illness include abdominal cramping that can be severe, vomiting and diarrhea that can be watery or bloody. If there is a fever it is usually low grade.

E. coli infection can develop into hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and/or thrombotic thrombocytopenic pupura (TTP).  These life-threatening illnesses are closely related and involve destruction of red blood cells (HUS) and platelets (TTP).

Our law firm represents E. coli victims nationwide, including victims who develop HUS and TTP.  We have recovered millions from meat processors who sold products contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 and other strains of E. coli.

 

WA OR Cheese E. coli Outbreak Giving Sally Jackson Pause to Shut Down

The gourmet cheese E. coli outbreak in Washington, Oregon, Minnesota and Vermont has prompted the owner of Sally Jackson Cheese to tell a news reporter that she plans to shut down the business she started 30 years ago.

At least eight confirmed illnesses from the same identical strain of E. coli O157:H7 have been associated with Sally Jackson raw milk cheese by the Food and Drug Administration and its state partners. The FDA has warned consumers not to eat any cheese from the north-central Washington farmstead creamery because of possible E. coli contamination. All cheeses were recalled. Inspections by the state and FDA found multiple unsafe conditions, including findings that Sally Jackson wore manure-soiled clothing during cheese production and milked livestock and stirred cheese curds with bare hands that went unwashed. E. coli O157:H7, a potentially deadly human pathogen, harbors in the manure of cows and other livestock.

Sally Jackson told Associated Press Reporter Shannon Dininny that she disputes findings in the report but plans to shut down her business. She said Washington state had ordered her to upgrade her aging, wooden facility a month ago. The state also said she was operating without a milk producer permit and required her to get one. Her customers have included upscale restaurants across the country and some Whole Foods stores, which issued recalls.

Victims of this outbreak who have legal questions about financial recoveries from a company that makes people sick and then shuts down should consult a foodborne illness attorney with experience holding food companies large and small accountable for their actions --  even in instances of bankruptcy. In 2009, national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen was at the forefront of litigationin the peanut butter Salmonella outbreak that killed nine people and sickened more than 700 others. In that 2009 case, millions of dollars were recovered for victims despite the company closing and filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy.

In the case of Sally Jackson Cheeses of Oroville, Washington, our firm is conducting its own investigation and is in contact with potential victims. This is the second E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in the past four months associated with gourmet raw milk cheese. In the previous outbreak linked to raw milk Bravo Farms gouda cheese sampled and sold at Costco stores in Arizona, Colorado, California, New Mexico and Nevada, Pritzker Olsen represents seven victims and has filed a cheese E. coli lawsuit in Arizona.

To contact an E. coli lawyer at the firm, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page. Besides representing victims of food poisoning, our group of lawyers is actively involved in efforts to make the U.S. food supply safer and they have appeared before conventions of food producers to speak about the liability issues surrounding disease spread from contaminated food.

E. coli Prompts Whole Foods to Recall Sally Jackson Raw Milk Cheeses

Whole Foods Market is recalling all Sally Jackson cheese from its stores in California, Nevada, Washington State and Washington, D.C., an FDA press release said. Late last week the agency warned people not to eat the cheese, which is made in Oroville in northeast Washington.

The gourmet cheese maker recalled all of its cheeses because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a potentially deadly human pathogen. Public health officials have said raw milk cheese from Sally Jackson could possibly be the cause of an E. coli outbreak that has infected at least eight people. An investigation by the FDA and its Washington and Oregon health partners found that the cheese was processed under conditions that created high risks of contamination.
 
Food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen also is investigating the outbreak and is prepared to inspect the milking and cheese making facilities at Sally Jackson Cheese. Washington state health inspectors earlier this month discovered the plant was operating without a milk producer license and required the company to apply for one. Other food safety violations also were found, including overnight storage of raw milk outdoors during winter months.
 
In a Sally Jackson E. coli lawsuit, the facts of the case determine who is liable (legally responsible to pay victims compensation) and where a lawsuit should be filed. An experienced attorney should be contacted regarding these and many other issues. Pritzker Olsen provides free case consultations to individuals and families who complete the contact form on the side of this Web site or call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). We currently represent seven victims of a similar cheese E. coli outbreak associated with raw milk Gouda cheese produced by another West Coast manufacturer. Cheese E. coli litigation already has been filed by our office in that outbreak. 
 
At Whole Foods, the recalled cheese was cut and packaged in clear plastic wrap and sold with a Whole Foods Market scale label. Some scale labels also list “Sally Jackson” as part of the description. All of the following Sally Jackson cheese products are included in this Whole Foods recall:
  • Cow’s milk cheese
  • Goat’s milk cheese
  • Sheep’s milk cheese
  • Cow’s milk cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves
  • Sheep’s milk cheese wrapped in chestnut leaves
  • Goat’s milk cheese wrapped in grape leaves

The Next Cheese E. coli 0157:H7 Outbreak

 

 

Consumers should not eat Sally Jackson cheese due to a risk of E. coli 0157:H7, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

"All Sally Jackson cheeses on the market should be avoided because the products were processed under conditions that create a significant risk of contamination, and because Sally Jackson cheeses have been identified as one possible source of several cases of Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 infections,'' FDA said Friday in a press release.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., has opened a cheese E. coli claims center for members of the public who have been sickened after eating artisanal raw milk cheese, including any style of Sally Jackson cheese. A cheese E. coli lawsuit already has been filed by PritzkerOlsen on behalf of an Arizona family sickened by E. coli 0157:H7 in raw milk cheese sold and sampled at Costco in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada. We are representing 7 people sickened in that outbreak, including a woman who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and almost died.

Cheese E. coli victims may call the firm at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this web page.  An attorney will contact you for a free consultation and answer any legal questions about a 
Sally Jackson cheese lawsuit.

Cheese products from the Oroville, Wash., company were distributed nationwide, including Alaska and Hawaii, to restaurants, distributors, and retail stores. An investigation by the FDA and its Washington and Oregon health partners found that the cheese was processed under conditions that created high risks of contamination and is one possible source of illness in the ongoing investigation.

Sally Jackson brand cheeses are made from raw cow, goat, and sheep milk.The three types of cheese are all soft raw milk cheeses in various sized pieces. The products do not have labels or codes. The cow and sheep milk cheeses are wrapped in chestnut leaves, the goat cheese is wrapped in grape leaves and all are secured with twine. The cheeses may have an outer wrapping of waxed paper.

Cheese E. coli Outbreak Recall 17 States

Sally Jackson cheese E. coli concerns have prompted nationwide recall of all Sally Jackson cheese and the FDA has released a tentative list of 17 states where this potentially tainted cheese made from raw milk was distributed to restaurants or retail stores. At least eight people have been sickened in this outbreak currently associated with artisanal cheese from the Sally Jackson creamery in Oroville, Washington

E. coli 0157:H7 recall of Sally Jackson cheese: 

  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • District of Columbia
  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Massachusetts
  • Minnesota
  • Missouri
  • Montana
  • New York
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington 

The FDA stressed that this may not be a complete list and that numerous re-sellers of Sally Jackson brand cheese can be found on the internet. The recalled cheeses were sold in various sized pieces. The products do not have labels or codes. The cow and sheep milk cheeses are wrapped in chestnut leaves, the goat cheese is wrapped in grape leaves and all are secured with twine. The cheeses may have an outer wrapping of waxed paper.

In Minnesota, public health officials told reporter Mike Hughlett of the Star Tribune that two people in late September and early November were sickened with E. coli O157:H7 after eating artisanal cheese. A Minnesota Department of Health spokesman said one of the case patients was hospitalized for a day and was infected with E. coli strains that genetically matched the outbreak. But so far, investigators have not been able to pinpoint the brand of cheese they ate, the newspaper reported.

E. coli lawyers at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., currently represent cheese E. coli 0157:H7 patients from an earlier outbreak and they are actively investigating the situation involving Sally Jackson cheese. To contact an attorney for information about a potential Sally Jackson cheese lawsuit, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

Pritzker Olsen investigators are prepared to examine the condition under which these recalled cheeses were made. An FDA document obtained by the law firm says the products were processed under conditions that create a significant risk of contamination of the unpasteurized raw milk and finished cheese. According to the FDA Inspectional Observation report, there were "problems related to the sanitation of the facility, its employees, equipment, and utensils as well as problems with facility construction and maintenance.'' A final compliance report is pending and will be obtained by the law firm.

E. coli Attorney: Oregon and Washington E. coli Outbreak Possibly Associated with Sally Jackson Cheese

E. coli attorney Fred Pritzker is alerting the public to an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Oregon and Washington that may be associated with Sally Jackson cheese. The FDA was notified of this outbreak by State Department of Agriculture, the Washington Department of Health, and the Oregon Public Health Division.

E. coli Outbreak Prompts Recall of Sally Jackson Cheese

Sally Jackson Cheese of Oroville, Washington, recalled all cheese products, including cow, goat, and sheep, because they may be contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteria. E. coli O157:H7 causes a diarrheal illness, often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly, but our law firm has had HUS clients in their early twenties. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage, severe hypertension, stroke, seizures, heart failure, pancreatitis and death.

Sally Jackson brand cheeses made from raw cow, goat, and sheep milk were distributed nationwide to restaurants, distributors, and retail stores. The three types of cheese are all soft raw milk cheeses in various sized pieces. The products do not have labels or codes. The cow and sheep milk cheeses are wrapped in chestnut leaves, the goat cheese is wrapped in grape leaves and all are secured with twine. The cheeses may have an outer wrapping of waxed paper.

E. coli lawyers at  PritzkerOlsen, P.A., are monitoring this Sally Jackson cheese E. coli outbreak and have established a claims center for members of the public who have been harmed. For a free case consultation, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our free consultation form. Our firm is one of the few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have recovered millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning.

We currently represent E. coli HUS victims and have years of experience representing victims of food poisoning against large national retailers and food manufacturers.

Missouri Woman's E. coli Death Stems from Family Thanksgiving Dinner

An E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak in Jasper County, Missouri, has killed a 51-year-old Carthage woman and sickened several other people, including two others who had confirmed cases of E. coli 0157:H7 infection.

Jasper County Health Department Director Tony Moehr said the outbreak stemmed from contaminated food or beverage served at the Thanksgiving family dinner November 27. An investigation is attempting to determine which food or beverage item caused the outbreak. Food contaminated with E. coli may not look or smell spoiled.  Moehr previously said the woman who died on December 8 contracted hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a complication of E. coli 0157:H7 infection that is the leading cause of E. coli death.

More than 20 people attended the family dinner and 11 experienced gastrointestinal illness. Moehr said the second confirmed E. coli infection occurred in a Jasper County resident who attended the event. A third case was reported in Dade County, also involving an attendee.  “We have identified seven or eight additional illnesses related to that gathering, but we don’t have the test results back for them. These cases occurred around the same period of time but were not as severe,'' Moehr told reporter Wally Kennedy at the Joplin Globe newspaper. 

Moehr said people started to become ill on November 30. The first E. coli case was confirmed Dec. 6. "It could have come from a variety of sources, but it was something that was consumed at that event,'' Moehr told the newspaper.
 
E. coli O157:H7 is a strain of E. coli that produces large quantities of a potent toxin that can damage the intestine with potentially serious health consequences.  Most people recover without antibiotics or other specific treatment in 5-10 days. But in 5 to 15 percent of E. coli 0157:H7 cases, patients develop HUS -- a disease that attacks a person's red blood cells, altering blood-clotting or causing blocked circulation in the kidneys or elsewhere. In the U.S. every year, about 80 people die from E. coli-related HUS. Once an infection has been established, no therapeutic interventions are available to lessen the risk of the course HUS will take.
 
National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., currently represents E. coli HUS survivors and all victims of E. coli 0157:H7 outbreaks. Our firm is one of the few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning. PritzkerOlsen also is actively involved in efforts to make our food supply safe from E. coli and other dangerous human pathogens. If you have legal questions about an E. coli illness suffered in this outbreak or any other outbreak, call an attorney at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) for a free case consultation. If you complete the contact form on the side of this web page, an attorney will call you.

Jasper County HUS E. coli Death

An HUS E. coli death in Jasper County, Missouri, is under investigation by public health officials who say the victim was one of 11 people who fell sick at a family gathering over Thanksgiving weekened.

The Jasper County Health Department has collected leftover food  from the family event as part of the effort to determine the cause of the E. coli outbreak. Health Department Director Tony Moehr told reporter John Hacker of the Carthage Press that he believes the outbreak is isolated to those exposed at the family event. Names of the victims, including the HUS E. coli  patient who died, have not been released out of respect for the family's privacy. 

HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome, is a life-threatening condition in which the body’s blood-clotting mechanisms are altered, causing blocked circulation or bleeding in the brain or kidneys. Kidney failure is a common result. Once an infection has been established, no therapeutic interventions are available to lessen the risk of the course that HUS will take. Across the United States, HUS E. coli kills about 80 people a year.

 

Bravo Farms Cheese E. coli Update

There could be one more federal update on the Bravo Farms Cheese E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least 38 people in Arizona, Colorado, California, New Mexico and Nevada, but this is what we know so far.

  • Opened and unopened packages of Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda Cheese sold and sampled at Costco stores have tested positive for the outbreak strain of E. coli 0157:H7 -- a rare strain that has not been seen before by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
  • Bravo Farms of Traver, California, expanded its recall November 23 to include all cheeses after tests also found the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes in cheese samples.
  • Since mid-October, the number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is as follows: AZ (19), CA (3), CO (11), NM (3) and NV (2). There have been 15 reported hospitalizations, 1 case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and no deaths.  Patients range in age from 1 to 85 years and the median age is 16 years.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen is representing various  victims of this cheese E. coli outbreak and has established a claims center for members of the public to receive free case consultations for litigation purposes. The number to call is 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web site.

Pritzker Olsen has filed a lawsuit through its local counsel in Arizona on behalf of a family of four who contracted E. coli O157:H7 infections after consuming Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda Cheese at the Costco store located in Glendale, Arizona, on October 15, 2010. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona against Bravo Farms Cheese, LLC and Costco Wholesale Corporation.

The Costco and Bravo Farms lawsuit alleges that the family suffered gastroenteritis, including severe cramping and diarrhea, from the Gouda cheese, which investigators have linked to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that has sickened at least 33 people in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico.

The cheese E. coli lawsuit seeks compensation for the family for medical expenses, travel expenses, wage loss, pain, suffering, emotional distress and other damages.

Milk Confiscated by Minnesota Officials

Minnesota agriculture officials this week confiscated about 400 gallons of raw milk that a Gibbon farmer delivered to a house in a suburb of Minneapolis where customers were waiting to pick up their orders, according to search warrant documents obtained by Minnesota Public Radio. No charges were filed, but the action appears to be part of an ongoing state investigation that began this summer with an outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7 that public health investigators linked to the Hartmann farm in Gibbon. The farm has been under state orders to stop selling raw, unpasteurized milk.
 
Farm owner Michael Hartmann told the radio station that 30 to 40 consumers were at the scene, protesting the confiscation. He has argued that the state has no regulatory power over his operations because he is a farmer selling directly to consumers and that the Minnesota Constitution gives him that right.
 
The Minnesota Department of Health issued a news release earlier this year saying Hartmann’s farm was implicated as the source of an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections in May and June. As a part of that illness outbreak, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture ordered Hartmann to stop selling milk until he addressed alleged unsanitary conditions on his farm. The agency also directed him to comply with the state law that allows for the sale of unpasteurized milk only on the farm at which the milk was produced.
 
Then in October, the state health department again issued a news release that routine disease surveillance had detected additional illnesses linked to consumption of raw dairy products from the Hartmann dairy farm in Sibley County. State epidemiologists said the illnesses included three people infected with a bacterium called Campylobacter jejuni, and four people infected with a parasite called Cryptosporidium parvum. 

Prison E. coli Cases Probed in Idaho

Food safety inspectors for the state of Idaho were inspecting a prison south of Boise for evidence of E. coli bacteria in the wake of an outbreak of serious food poisoning, the Associated Press is reporting.

The story said five individuals at the privately run Idaho Correctional Center became sick around December 1. Tests from at least two of the victims identified a toxin associated with E. coli bacteria that can cause serious illness. Sarah Correll, staff epidemiologist at Idaho's Central District Health Department, said in the AP story that no new cases have been discovered and the inmates who were sickened are recovering.

The state inspectors were at the prison doing both food and water inspections, the story said.

Many types of E. coli release a powerful toxin--called a "verotoxin" or a "Shiga toxin"--that attacks the lining of the intestine. The most prominent Shiga toxin E. coli type is 0157:H7.  In most cases of  E. coli O157:H7, severe abdominal cramps are followed by watery, then bloody, diarrhea that subsides within a week or so. In 5 to 15 percent of reported E. coli O157:H7 infections, the Shiga toxins enter the bloodstream, causing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which often leads to kidney failure and also can lead to anemia, internal bleeding, central nervous system disruption and stroke. HUS is the leading cause of E. coli deaths. 

Killing E. coli in Lettuce With Irradiation

Texas researchers say they have found a way to kill E. coli in lettuce and other fresh produce using low doses of irradiation that don't also destroy the texture of the food.

The goal was to kill E. coli 0157:H7, Salmonella and other pathogens in leafy green vegetables and other fresh produce, including fruits. The team of Texas AgriLife Research engineers at Texas A&M University says it has developed a way to cut by as much as half the amount of irradiation needed to kill 99.999 percent of these organisms. 

Dr. Carmen Gomes, AgriLife Research food safety engineer, and her colleagues found they could significantly reduce the amount of radiation needed to achieve the result if the produce was packaged in a Mylar bag filled with pure oxygen. Besides the food safety benefit, it is a way to preserve quality of the produce, she said in a Texas A&M report. Previously, higher doses of radiation were proven effective in killing harmful bacteria, but they made the food mushy. In other words, tests showed modified packaging containing either pure oxygen or the nitrogen/oxygen mix increased the sensitivity of E. coli, Salmonella or Listeria to radiation without changing the way the radiation affected the vegetables.

The AgriLife Research Food Safety Engineering Team at Texas A&M began work in 2002 with a $1 million U.S. Department of Agriculture grant. The team is the only one in the nation doing research that focuses on accurate dose calculations and dose distribution within a variety of complex-shaped foods, such as blueberries, bagged spinach and lettuce, mangoes and cantaloupes, according to the university.

E. coli in lettuce, spinach and other fresh produce has been identified over the past several years as an emerging public health threat. As recently as last month, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said that fresh produce increasingly has been implicated in viral disease outbreaks.

"Fewer than 10 infectious viral particles are sufficient to cause disease and these organisms are resistant to (chlorine) disinfectants at concentrations that reduce bacterial levels. Contamination of fresh produce could pose a health risk to humans because fresh produce is eaten raw. High levels of viral contamination can result in large outbreaks,'' according to a letter in CDC's Emerging Infectious Diseases publication.

According to a 2010 study published by the Produce Safety Project, 39 percent of E. coli outbreaks and 54 percent of E. coli illnesses linked to FDA-regulated food items were attributable to produce at an estimated cost of $39 billion per year.

When people are sickened or killed in these outbreaks, they have turned to national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., for representation in Salmonella and E. coli litigation. Our firm represents victims of food poisoning around the country and has collected millions of dollars for families and individuals who incur large medical expenses, remarkable pain and suffering and losses to income from infections caused by contaminated food. To speak to a food safety lawyer at our firm, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

Ground Beef E. coli Testing Results

Ground beef E. coli testing results this year by USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) have yielded slightly lower rates of positive E. coli O157:H7 test results and less sampling of ground beef at federal plants, according to federal documents reviewed by Pritzker Olsen, a national E. coli law firm.

By law, E. coli 0157:H7 in ground beef is an adulterant and is capable of causing severe illness and death in those who consume it. FSIS inspectors test for it at federal plants, retail stores and in imports. FSIS data reviewed by Pritzker Olsen shows that fewer samples have been taken at meatpacking facilities this year while more samples have been taken and tested at retail stores.

The latest results are from FSIS routine sampling programs. Information is based upon data in the FSIS electronic data system as of November 28, 2010. 

A year ago by this time, FSIS had tested 11,003 ground beef samples for E. coli 0157:H7 at plants. Thirty-six were positive for a percent positive ratio of .33.  As of November 28 this year, FSIS tested 10,531 ground beef samples for E. coli 0157:H7 at plants. Twenty-nine were positive for a percent positive ratio of .28.

In 2009, through November, FSIS tested 582 raw ground beef samples at retail stores. Two tested positive for a percent positive ratio of .34 percent. This year, inspectors have tested 820 raw beef samples at retail stores, finding zero positive results.

Regarding imports, last year's program through the end of November tested 99 samples for E. coli 0157:H7. Three were positive for a percent positive ratio of 3.03. This year, FSIS tested 29 import ground beef samples through November. One was positive for a percent positive ratio of 3.45.

Below is the complete FSIS data set, which also includes testing for raw ground beef components -- cuts that are typically made into ground beef after they leave the plant:

Results from Analysis of Raw Ground Beef and Raw Ground Beef Component Samples for E. coli O157:H7
Raw Ground Beef (RGB)
Source As of November 29, 2009 As of November 28, 2010
Number Analyzed Number Positive Percent Positive Number Analyzed Number Positive Percent Positive
Federal Plants 11,003 36 0.33 10,531 29 0.28
    Verification
10,564 35 0.33 10,236 26 0.25
    Follow-up
439 1 0.23 295 3 1.02
   
Retail Stores 582 2 0.34 820 0 0.00
    Verification
570 2 0.35 820 0 0.00
    Follow-up
12 0 0.00 0 0 0.00
   
Imports 99 3 3.03 29 1 3.45
 
Raw Ground Beef Components (RGBC)
Source As of November 29, 2009 As of November 28, 2010
Number Analyzed Number Positive Percent Positive Number Analyzed Number Positive Percent Positive
Federal Plants 2,310 25 1.08 2,524 10 0.40
    Trim Verification
1,122 8 0.71 1,191 3 0.25
    Follow-up to RGB Positive
708 9 1.27 568 4 0.70
    Follow-up to RGBC Positive
169 7 4.14 109 3 2.75
    Other RGBC Verification
206 0 0.00 159 0 0.00
    Bench Trim Verification
105 1 0.95 497 0 0.00
   
Imports 677 2 0.30 496 3 0.60

Study of E. coli 0157:H7 in Gouda Cheese

E. coli 0157:H7 in Gouda cheese persists beyond the 60-day aging requirement, a study by microbiologists shows. The finding by experts in Vermont is published this month in the Journal of Food Protection and it informs the current Bravo Farms Gouda E. coli outbreak.

This E. coli outbreak has spawned more than one E. coli lawsuit because the contaminated Gouda was sold and sampled at Costco stores in five states: Arizona, Colorado, California, New Mexico and Nevada. In all, 38 people have been confirmed as victims of the outbreak by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and Bravo Farms has recalled all of its cheeses.

The cheese linked to the outbreak is Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda, which was labeled as  being made from raw milk. The Vermont study was conducted to examine the fate of E. coli O157:H7 during the manufacture and aging of Gouda and stirred-curd Cheddar cheeses made from raw milk. Cheeses were manufactured from unpasteurized milk and  experimentally contaminated with one of three strains of E. coli O157:H7.

According to a synopsis of the study, overall, bacterial counts in both cheese types increased almost 10-fold from initial inoculation levels in milk, then dropped significantly over 60 days. But even after 108 days, the E. coli remained detectable in Gouda and Cheddar.  Results were in agreement with previous studies, the authors wrote.

"Our results suggest that the 60-day aging requirement alone is insufficient to completely eliminate levels of viable E. coli O157:H7 in Gouda or stirred-curd Cheddar cheese manufactured from raw milk contaminated with low levels of this pathogen,'' the synopsis of the Vermont study said. The authors are affiliated with the University of Vermont's Department of Nutrition and Food Sciences.
National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., currently represents seven people sickened in the five-state Gouda cheese E. coli outbreak. Additional cases are being accepted by the firm at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by completing the contact form on the side of this Web page. An E. coli lawyer at the firm will provide a free case consultation and answer all legal questions pertaining to the outbreak and your needs for compensation to cover medical expenses, lost income and pain and suffering. PritzkerOlsen is a leading national E. coli law firm and we have collected millions of dollars for victims of E. coli and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), an associated disease that can lead to severe illness and death.

Costco-Bravo Farms Gouda Cheese Outbreak Victims Represented by Pritzker Olsen Attorneys

Our firm, one of only a few in the world that specializes in foodborne illness cases, is representing many of the victims from the Costco - Bravo Farms Gouda cheese outbreak that was first announced in November.

Gouda Cheese OutbreakThe Gouda cheese produced by Bravo Farms and sold at Costco retail locations in five western states was apparently made from raw milk. Raw milk is milk that has not been pasteurized. Federal regulations require that such cheese be aged for sixty days or more.

Doug Powell, a respected food scientist and journalist, posted a reference to an article just published in the Journal of Food Protection that concludes, “In agreement with results of previous studies, our results suggest that the 60-day aging requirement alone is insufficient to completely eliminate levels of viable E. coli O157:H7 in Gouda or stirred-curd Cheddar cheese manufactured from raw milk contaminated with low levels of this pathogen.” The full abstract of the article is reprinted below.

Not long after Bravo Farms announced the E. coli O157:H7 recall, testing at the plant revealed the presence of another deadly pathogen, Listeria. On November 26, Bravo Farms recalled all of its cheeses.

Thus, it appears the problem is not limited to the dangers inherent in the 60 day curing rule – Bravo Farms appears to have a much more fundamental problem with sanitation. But all of this does point to yet another example of the dangers with raw milk. It also raises all sorts of alarms about Costco’s due diligence and its failure to assure the quality of the products it sells. The concern is all the greater since Costco offered free samples of Bravo Farms gouda cheese.  

Article Published in the Journal of Food Protection

Behavior of Escherichia coli O157:H7 during the Manufacture and Aging of Gouda and Stirred-Curd Cheddar Cheeses Manufactured from Raw Milk

Authors: D'Amico, Dennis J.1; Druart, Marc J.2; Donnelly, Catherine W.2

Source: Journal of Food Protection®, Volume 73, Number 12, December 2010 , pp. 2217-2224(8)

Publisher: International Association for Food Protection

Abstract:

This study was conducted to examine the fate of Escherichia coli O157:H7 during the manufacture and aging of Gouda and stirred-curd Cheddar cheeses made from raw milk. Cheeses were manufactured from unpasteurized milk experimentally contaminated with one of three strains of E. coli O157:H7 at an approximate population level of 20 CFU/ml. Samples of milk, whey, curd, and cheese were collected for enumeration of bacteria throughout the manufacturing and aging process. Overall, bacterial counts in both cheese types increased almost 10-fold from initial inoculation levels in milk to approximately 145 CFU/g found in cheeses on day 1. From this point, counts dropped significantly over 60 days to mean levels of 25 and 5 CFU/g in Cheddar and Gouda, respectively. Levels of E. coli O157:H7 fell and stayed below 5 CFU/g after an average of 94 and 108 days in Gouda and Cheddar, respectively, yet remained detectable after selective enrichment for more than 270 days in both cheese types. Changes in pathogen levels observed throughout manufacture and aging did not significantly differ by cheese type. In agreement with results of previous studies, our results suggest that the 60-day aging requirement alone is insufficient to completely eliminate levels of viable E. coli O157:H7 in Gouda or stirred-curd Cheddar cheese manufactured from raw milk contaminated with low levels of this pathogen.

Publication date: 2010-12-01

HUS Caused by Raw Milk in Connecticut

E. coli in raw milk caused an outbreak of hemolytic uremic syndrome HUS in Connecticut in 2008 that has been studied by epidemiologists who have written a research paper on the topic.

On July 16, 2008, the Connecticut Department of Public Health identified two unrelated children who had experienced hemolytic uremic syndrome after consuming raw milk from the same farm. The authors investigated the situation further and found 12 more cases of people affected by raw milk from the same farm. The details of their study are chronicled in the December 15 issue of Clinical Infectious Diseases.

Led by Dr. Alice Guh of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the group identified 14 cases, seven of which were confirmed through genetic fingerprint testing. Five case patients required hospitalization and a total of three experienced HUS. No deaths were reported.  E. coli O157:NM outbreak strains were isolated from stool specimens of 6 case patients and 1 milking cow. The total estimated outbreak cost was $413,402. 

"Despite acceptable regulation milking standards and sanitation procedures (at the farm), it is believed that fecal contamination from an asymptomatic cow occurred during milking or the handling of milk'' causing the outbreak, the researchers stated.

Despite known medical hazards of raw milk consumption, attempts to ban raw milk sales in Connecticut have been unsuccessful. The 2008 raw milk HUS E. coli outbreak resulted in proposed legislation to prohibit nonfarm retail sale, strengthen advisory labels, and increase raw milk testing for pathogens.
 
HUS is a complication of E. coli infection that often leads to kidney failure and can lead to the damage of other organs and the body's nerve system. Young children are most prone to develop HUS, but it can affect people of any age. Once an infection has been established, no therapeutic interventions are available to lessen the risk of the development of HUS, which can lead to paralysis, brain damage and heart problems. HUS is the leading cause of E. coli deaths

AZ CO Cheese E. coli Probe Continues

The Arizona, Colorado, California, New Mexico and Nevada cheese E. coli outbreak investigation will continue this week as the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continues to identify potential sources of contamination at Bravo Farms Cheese Factory.

Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda Cheese sold and sampled at Costco in the five-state outbreak region has been confirmed as the likely cause of the outbreak, which has sickened at least 38 people, including 19 in Arizona and 11 in Colorado.  There have been 15 reported hospitalizations, 1 case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and no deaths.

Pritzker Olsen law firm is representing 7 people sickened in the Costco and Bravo Farms E. coli and HUS personal injury and is continuing to accept new cases at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by completing the contact form on the side of this Web page. Already our firm has filed an E. coli lawsuit through its local counsel on behalf of a family of four who contracted E. coli O157:H7 infections after consuming Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda Cheese at the Costco store located in Glendale, Arizona, on October 15. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona against Bravo Farms Cheese, LLC, a California limited liability corporation, and Costco Wholesale Corporation, a Washington corporation. 

 The Costco and Bravo Farms lawsuit seeks compensation for the family for medical expenses, travel expenses, wage loss, pain, suffering, emotional distress and other damages. Pritzker Olsen is a national E. coli, HUS and listeriosis law firm and our attorneys have won millions for E. coli, HUS and listeria victims. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said the strain of  E. coli 0157:H7 causing the outbreak has never been detected before in the CDC's PulseNet database that tracks the spread of enteric diseases in the United States..

According to the most recent CDC update on the investigation, the FDA is continuing to work with its state partners to investigate Bravo Farms in Traver, California, and to identify potential sources of contamination.  Additional investigative activities are ongoing and include:

  • Conducting surveillance for additional illnesses that could be related to the outbreak.
  • Gathering and testing food products that are suspected as possible sources of infection to see if they are contaminated with bacteria.
  • Following epidemiologic leads gathered from interviews with patients, food purchase information, or from patterns of processing, production and/or distribution of suspected products.
  • Investigating where in the distribution chain the point of contamination could have occurred.
  • Costco is cooperating and assisting with this ongoing investigation.

 

Bravo Farms Cheese E. coli Recall Expands

Bravo Farms Cheese Factory in Traver, California, is recalling all of its cheese almost three weeks after an E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak prompted the initial recall by Costco Wholesale Corporation. The Fresno Bee is reporting that the latest action stems from an inspection by the California Department of Food and Agriculture. State inspectors found  Listeria and E. coli contamination at its Traver plant, Bravo Farms partner Jonathan Van Ryn told the newspaper..

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese sampled and sold at Costco in Arizona, Colorado, southern California, is linked to an outbreak of at least 33 E. coli infections in those states, including 15 people hospitalized. The label says the cheese is made from raw milk.
 
Van Ryn told the Bee that the company decided to stop selling all of its cheese until state and federal inspectors continue to study the source of the contamination. "We have not isolated the problem yet and we are just trying to make sure we have it figured out," Van Ryn said. "The best thing to do was to pull everything back."
 
Bravo Farms sells a variety of cheeses at retail stores throughout the U.S., mainly on the West Coast, including gouda, pepper jack, Tulare cannonball and several different styles and flavors of cheddar cheese. The newspaper said it is unclear how long the company will stop selling its cheese or what economic impact it will have. A special message to customers about the outbreak is on the company's website. It begins: "First and foremost to the people sickened in recent weeks, we are taking this very seriously and are deeply saddened.''
 
At least one Bravo Farms E. coli lawsuit has been filed. The Costco and Bravo Farms suit was filed on behalf of an Arizona family whose members all fell ill to the contamination in Dutch Style Gouda cheese they sampled at Costco. The family is represented by law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a national food safety law firm involved in practically every major outbreak of foodborne illness litigation.
 
PritzkerOlsen founder and president Fred Pritzker is spearheading these cases for the firm and he is continuing to accept new clients. For a free case consultation call 1-888-377-8900 or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

Costco and Bravo Farms Lawsuit Filed by Pritzker Olsen Food Safety Attorneys

Our law firm has filed a lawsuit in Arizona through its local counsel on behalf of a family of four who contracted E. coli O157:H7 infections after consuming Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda Cheese at the Costco store located in Glendale, Arizona, on October 15, 2010.  The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona against Bravo Farms Cheese, LLC, a California limited liability corporation, and Costco Wholesale Corporation, a Washington corporation.
 
The Costco and Bravo Farms lawsuit alleges that the family suffered gastroenteritis, including severe cramping and diarrhea, from the Gouda cheese, which investigators have linked to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that has sickened at least 33 people in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico.
 
One of the children was seen by a medical professional, who took a stool sample. The stool sample tested positive for E. coli O157:H7.  Further testing revealed that the genetic fingerprint of the E. coli O157:H7 matched the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7. The complaint states that officials from the Arizona Department of Health interviewed the parents about the illnesses in their family, and determined the entire family contracted E. coli O157:H7 from eating contaminated Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese at Costco.
 
“This family suffered severe illnesses that disrupted their lives and put them at risk for serious complications,” stated Fred Pritzker, the family’s attorney. “The contaminated Gouda cheese should never have been sold to the public, and Bravo Farms and Costco need to be held accountable.”
 
The Costco and Bravo Farms lawsuit seeks compensation for the family for medical expenses, travel expenses, wage loss, pain, suffering, emotional distress and other damages. Other families and individuals affected by this outbreak may call Fred Pritzker at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or reach him through the contact form on the side of this Web page. Fred is the founding partner of PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a Minneapolis, Minnesota, law firm that  represents E. coli victims nationwide. Mr. Pritzker has won millions for food poisoning victims and has appeared on national and local news programs to discuss foodborne illness lawsuits and food safety.

Attorney Brendan Flaherty Quoted in Cheese Market News

Our law firm is representing several people sickened in the Costco and Bravo Cheese E. coli outbreak. Brendan Flaherty, one of our attorneys, was quoted in the November 19 edition of Cheese Market News, the weekly newspaper of the nation’s cheese and dairy/deli business:

“Companies like Costco are very good because they have retail records with customer numbers that enable them to contact customers directly,” says Brendan Flaherty, an attorney with Pritzker Olsen in Minneapolis. His firm represents injured people in claims involving foodborne illness. Pritzker Olsen represents some plaintiffs in the Bravo Farms recall, including an 85-year-old Arizona woman whose condition developed into life-threatening hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS).

 “Because Costco is a club, if you purchased a recalled product at Costco, you’ll receive a message from the store explaining that you have a recalled product that shouldn’t be consumed,” says Flaherty. “The exception is samples, because there’s no record of who sampled a product.”

That was the case with the Bravo Farms recall. The company was participating in a Costco Road Show, in which a sampling program accompanied retail sales. After CDC identified the outbreak, FDA was able to test unopened Bravo Farms products that Costco had pulled from its shelves as well as opened packages from infected people’s refrigerators. All contained a rare strain of E. coli that was then matched to an identical strain found in environmental samples at the company’s plant.

Future Risks for E. coli O157:H7 Vicitms and Compensation for Future Medical Expenses

by Attorney Fred Pritzker

Survivors of E. coli O157:H7 poisoning and their families are desperate for information. They want to know what will happen to them in the future as a result of their illness.

A new medical journal article entitled “Long term risk for hypertension, renal impairment, and cardiovascular disease after gastroenteritis from drinking water contaminated with Escherichia coli O157:H7: a prospective cohort study” (BMJ 2010;341:c6020doi:10.1136/bmj.c6020) addresses those concerns. Sadly, the results of this study are worrisome. 

In 2000 there was a significant E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Walkerton, Ontario, Canada. A community well was infected with E. coli O157:H7 and more than 2300 people developed gastrointestinal illness as a result. Although most of those people were not specifically tested for E. coli O157:H7 (because of the rural hospitals were overwhelmed by the number of sick people), it was assumed they were outbreak victims. The study was conducted because of “Concerns about the potential for [long term] progressive subclinical disease” in outbreak case-patients. 

Participants in the study who experienced acute gastroenteritis (defined as a diarrheal illness lasting more than three days, or diarrhea with more than 3 loose stools per day or any amount of blood diarrhea) were:

  • 1.3 times more likely to develop hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • 3.4 times more likely to develop both structural and functional renal (kidney) impairment
  • 2.1 times more likely to report a physician diagnosis of a cardiovascular event (i.e. heart attack, stroke or congestive heart failure)

The authors conclude:

Our findings underline the need for following up individual cases of food or water poisoning by E. coli O157:H7 to prevent or reduce silent progressive vascular injury. Hypertension is the most common treatable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, and given the silent nature of hypertension and renal impairment, annual blood pressure monitoring and periodic monitoring of renal function may be warranted for individuals who experience acute gastroenteritis after exposure to food or water contaminated with E. coli O157:H7…

This study means that our E. coli O157:H7 clients are entitled to the cost of significant future medical care necessary to recognize and treat the medical problems identified in this article. It also means that E. coli O157:H7 victims need to share this information with their doctors (who might not otherwise be familiar with these findings). 

A free copy of this study may be found here.

Continue Reading...

NM Confirms E. coli in Costco Gouda Cheese

New Mexico's role in the Costco Gouda cheese E. coli outbreak has yielded a positive lab finding important to the investigation. A New Mexico newspaper reported that state experts found a genetic match between an intact sample of Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese sold at Costco and the outbreak strain of E. coli 0157:H7.

Previously, state and federal officials had only matched the Costco outbreak strain of E. coli to previously opened packages of the cheese taken from case patients' homes. In New Mexico and four other states, there are at least 37 confirmed illnesses in a cheese E. coli outbreak that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has linked to Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda sold and sampled at Costco from October 5 through Nov. 1. Of the 37 known cases, 19 were in Arizona, 10 in Colorado, 3 in California, 3 in New Mexico and two in Nevada. Cases in New Mexico include a 41-year-old man, a 7-year-old girl from Bernalillo County and a 4-year-old boy from Valencia County who are all recovering. 

"Collaboration with the Dairy Division of the New Mexico Department of Agriculture led to the collection of the intact samples of cheese that definitively linked a specific brand to human cases," Dr. C. Mack Sewell, state epidemiologist for the Department of Health, told the Alamogordo Daily News.

A Costco cheese E. coli lawsuit is one way for victims of this outbreak to receive fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other harms. Law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is in touch with victims and continuing to accept cases at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by completing the contact form on the side of this Web page.

 Our firm is a leading national practitioner of foodborne illness litigation and we represent victims of food poisoning in practically every major outbreak. PritzkerOlsen also is actively involved in efforts to prevent the entry of potentially deadly pathogens like E. coli 0157:H7 into the U.S. food supply.

 

AZ Costco Gouda Cheese E. coli Update

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a link between the Costco Cheese E. coli outbreak and Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda Cheese made from raw milk. The latest CDC update on the Costco Gouda Cheese E. coli outbreak issues a warning to consumers and physicians in Arizona, Colorado, California, Nevada and New Mexico.

Costco customers from these states who have any of this cheese should not eat it and health care professionals should be aware of this outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7 when treating people with bloody diarrhea and other symptoms of E. coli infection. To date, 37 persons infected with this rare strain of E.coli O157:H7 have been confirmed, the CDC said. The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is as follows: AZ (19), CA (3), CO (10), NM (3) and NV (2). Dates of illness onset range from October 16, 2010 through October 27, 2010. Patients range in age from 1 to 85 years and the median age is 16 years. There have been 15 reported hospitalizations, 1 case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and no deaths.

Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese was one of  several cheeses offered for sampling and sale at the “cheese road show” that was held at Costco Warehouses between October 5 and November 1 in Arizona, California, Colorado, New Mexico and Nevada.  This cheese (Costco Item 40654) is manufactured by Bravo Farms of Traver California.

Law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., has been in contact with victims of this outbreak and is continuing to accept cases from families and individuals affected by it. The firm has established a Costco cheese E. coli claims center where people can receive advice and free case consultations from an E. coli lawyer by completing the contact form on the side of this Web page or calling 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free).

PritzkerOlsen is a leading national practitioner of foodborne illness litigation, involved in practically every major outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7 and other outbreaks of food poisoning. The firm is actively involved in efforts to elminate dangerous pathogens from the U.S. food supply and  has collected millions of dollars for victims.

Costco Colorado Cheese E. coli Part Two

The Colorado Costco cheese E. coli outbreak has expanded and investigators have identified a second type of cheese sold at Costco that sampled positive for E. coli 0157:H7. The Colorado Department of Health and Environment announced the recall of Mauri Gorgonzola cheese with sell-by dates of January 13, 2011, and January 14, 2011. E. coli 0157:H7 was found in an unopened package tested at the state health department’s laboratory.  

The gorgonzola  was tested as part of the public health investigation into  the Costco gouda cheese E. coli outbreak that has resulted in 10 confirmed illnesses in Colorado, 15 in Arizona, 3 in southern California, 3 in New Mexico and 2 in Nevada. However, the DNA fingerprint of the gorgonzola cheese does not match the outbreak strain of E. coli associated with Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese. Colorado officials say the two incidents appear to be separate and to date no illnesses associated with the gorgonzola cheese have been identified.

Still, consumers are cautioned not to eat Mauri Gorgonzola cheese that was sold only at Costco stores in Colorado.  The recalled 1-pound wedges of cheese can be identified by the following information contained on a white sticker on the package: “DISTRIBUTED BY DPI Specialty Foods Tualatin, OR, ITALY 34449” with sell by dates of “01/13/11” or “01/14/11.” The Costco item number is 34449. 

In regard to the Colorado E. coli outbreak that has been preliminarily linked to Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda Cheese, investigation continues by state and federal agencies. The outbreak strain of E. coli has been detetected in two samples of open cheese taken from the homes of separate case patients. Initially there were eight confirmed illnesses in Colorado, but an update provided this week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said 10 state residents are recognized victims. Of the 33 total victims in 5 states, 15 were hospitalized and one developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

A claims center for families and individuals affected by the outbreak has been established by law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., in advance of a cheese lawsuit against Bravo Farms and Costco. To contact an E. coli lawyer at PritzkerOlsen, call 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or  complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

Cheese E. coli Update AZ CO CA NM NV

Health investigators have found more evidence of E.coli 0157:H7 contamination in Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda Cheese sold and sampled at  Costco. The cheese was made from raw milk, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in its latest E. coli outbreak update.
 
The Costco cheese E. coli outbreak has now sicked 33 people in Arizona, Colorado, southern California, Nevada and New Mexico. The number of ill persons confirmed in each state with this strain is as follows: AZ (15), CA (3), CO (10), NM (3) and NV (2). There have been 15 reported hospitalizations, 1 case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and no deaths. 

The CDC said lab testing on two opened packages of Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda Cheese purchased at Costco from two different case patient’s homes has identified E. coli O157:H7 matching the outbreak strain. There have been three other findings of E. coli 0157:H7 in Costco-sold gouda cheese from Bravo Farms, but more tests are needed to determine if they have the same genetic fingerprint as the outbreak strain. One finding was in a previously unopened sample of  Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda Cheese obtained from a Costco store.

Additional investigation is being conducted for a Bravo Farms cheese lawsuit for E. coli and HUS. A major unanswered question is where in the processing or distribution chain did the contamination occur? Almost certainly, raw milk is a leading suspect.

If your or a loved one has been sickened in this outbreak, national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., has established a claims center to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and additional harms. Call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page for a free case consultation with an E. coli lawyer. Our firm is in contact with victims of this outbreak and is continuing to accept additional cases. We have years of experience representing E. coli victims in outbreaks of foodborne illness and we represent case patients in practically every major outbreak.

E. coli 0157:H7 infections are not to be taken lightly. When ingested by humans, the bacterium releases a powerful toxin that attacks red blood cells, often causing bloody diarrhea and painful cramping as initial symptoms. Many healthy adults withstand infections with no medical assistance, but in 5 to 15 percent of cases the organism causes HUS, the leading cause of kidney failure in children worldwide. HUS and TTP patients (thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura) also are at risk for brain damage, paralysis, anemia, strokes and heart complications. Children under the age of 5 and older adults are most susceptible to developing HUS TTP, which can have life-long consequences.

Bravo Farms Cheese E. coli Lawsuit

Bravo Farms Cheeses LLC is working with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to determine where in the process of making Dutch Style raw milk Gouda cheese the product became contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7.

Bravo Farms Co-owner Bill Boersma told the Visalia Times-Delta newspaper that the creamery gets its raw milk from a Tulare County dairy, which is not being identified. The milk is not pasteurized, but does undergo a fermentation process to protect it and make it safe for consumption, Boersma told the newspaper. The cheese is aged 60 days and Boersma says the company is not sure at which point it became tainted. He noted that other Bravo Farms cheeses have not been affected. 

Several labs across the country are testing the recalled cheese and will make a determination as to a source soon, Boersma said. CDC has preliminarily associated Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese with an outbreak of 25 E. coli infections in Arizona, Colorado, southern California, New Mexico and Nevada. More cases could show up. The Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese was featured in a Costco  promotion, which included sampling at stores. 
Costco has published a recall notice, saying lot codes less than 0233 are affected. The E. coli cheese was sold primarily in 1.5 pound packages but also in 8-ounce pieces in some California retail stores. 
E. coli lawyers at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., are accepting cases for an E. coli cheese lawsuit against Bravo Farms of Traver, California, and Costco. PritzkerOlsen is a leading national practitioner of foodborne illness litigation and is already in contact with victims of this  outbreak. A gouda cheese E. coli claims center has been established at PritzkerOlsen for members of the public, available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by completing a contact form on the side of this Web page.
 
Our firm is involved in practically every major E. coli outbreak in the United States as a representative for victims. Over the years, we have collected millions of dollars for case patients and their families and our attorneys are actively involved in efforts to eliminate harmful and potentially deadly pathogens from the U.S. food supply.

E. coli Lawyer to Costco and Bravo Farms: Pay Medical Bills for E. coli Victims

E. coli attorneys at Pritzker Olsen law firm are investigating the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese (Costco item number 40654) sold or tasted at Costco stores in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada and New Mexico.

The firm also is attempting to verify if the Bravo Farms Gouda cheese associated with the outbreak was a raw dairy product and whether Costco and Bravo Farms followed company food safety policies.

“The investigation of this outbreak may take time. We are calling on Costco and Bravo Farms to pay the medical bills of the E. coli victims immediately,” said food poisoning attorney Fred Pritzker. “These victims and their families deserve this much while they are waiting for further compensation from the companies for lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress and other damages.”

The Bravo Farms and Costco E. coli outbreak has sickened at least 25 people, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): AZ (11), CA (1), CO (8), NM (3), and NV (2). Nine victims were hospitalized, and one may have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States.

E. coli symptoms include severe and often bloody diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps. Children, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems are most at risk for further complications such as E. coli HUS. Hospital bills, other medical expenses and lost wages for E. coli victims can be a financial hardship for families.

Attorney Fred Pritzker can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or through his website, www.pritzkerlaw.com. Mr. Pritzker represents E. coli victims nationwide. He has won millions for food poisoning victims and has appeared on national and local news programs to discuss foodborne illness lawsuits and food safety. He is listed in the current edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

UPDATE on Costco Cheese E. coli Outbreak

E. coli 0157:H7 has been found in an opened package of Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda Cheese purchased at Costco by a victim in the five-state Costco Gouda Cheese E. coli outbreak.

Additional testing is ongoing to confirm the result while state and federal health investigators look for additional illnesses that could be related to this outbreak, which so far has sickened 25 people in Arizona, Colorado, California, Nevada and New Mexico. 

This update on the Costco cheese E. coli outbreak was provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which is investigating where in the distribution chain the point of contamination could have occurred. So far,  there is a preliminary link with one of several cheeses offered for sampling and sale at the Costco “cheese road show” that was held between October 5 and November 1 in the five states where people are sick. "This cheese is Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda Cheese (Costco Item 40654), manufactured by Bravo Farms of Traver, California,'' the CDC said.

Members of the public who have experienced symptoms of E. coli infection, including bloody diarrhea and painful stomach cramps, should see a doctor and the results of any positive stool culture will be communicated with health officials. A gouda cheese E. coli outbreak claims center has been established at law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., to provide representation in a Bravo Farms cheese lawsuit. To contact the claims center for a free case consultation from an E. coli lawyer, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

CO Costco Cheese E. coli Outbreak

A Colorado Costco cheese E. coli outbreak has sickened eight individuals in the state while federal health officials are warning consumers not to eat Bravo Farms Dutch-style Gouda cheese. Costco sold and offered the cheese as free samples for in-store tastings during a cheese road show from October 5 to November 1.

Besides Colorado, the Costco cheese E. coli outbreak has sickened 11 in Arizona, 1 in California, 3 in New Mexico and 2 in Nevada. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that nine of these Gouda cheese E. coli outbreak victims were hospitalized, including one possible case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)

In Colorado, people n the following counties have become ill: Douglas (4), Arapahoe (3) and Boulder (1)

CDC is collaborating with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment and the other states in tracking this outbreak, which involves a rare strain of E. coli 0157:H7. Dates of illness onset range from October 16 through October 24, but illnesses that started after October 24 may be confirmed at later dates. The CDC said patients in this outbreak have ranged in age from 2 to 81 years and the median age is 14 years.

Preliminary laboratory testing conducted on an opened package of Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda Cheese purchased at Costco from a case patient’s home has indicated the presence of E. coli O157:H7. Additional laboratory testing is currently ongoing to confirm this result, including tests by Costco.

According to Bravo Farm's Web site, the California company's cheeses are made from fresh raw milk from its family's farm. Unpasteurized milk presents a human health risk for E. coli infection and other pathogens.

The E. coli attorneys at Pritzker Olsen, a national food safety law firm, are investigating this Colorado Costco cheese E. coli outbreak and attorney Fred Pritzker has contacted epidemiologists and other food safety experts as part of the firm’s investigation. The firm has established a claims center for members of the public and free case consultations are available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by completing the contact form on the side of this Web page.

Meanwhile, Colorado and Tri-County health officials are urging individuals experiencing signs or symptoms of E.coli infection to immediately contact their health care provider. Health care providers also should immediately report any suspected infection to state or local public health authorities. The Tri-County Health Department, which serves Adams, Arapahoe and Douglas counties, has the highest number of cases in this outbreak and has been heavily involved in the investigation with the state, FDA and CDC.

“I’m very proud of Tri-County staff, who played a major role in linking illnesses with the cheese served and sold at Costco,” said Dr. Richard L. Vogt, executive director of Tri-County Health Department. 

Apple Cider E. coli Outbreak in Maryland

Seven Maryland E. coli 0157:H7 cases are under investigation and a Baltimore television news station reports that a potential association exists with the consumption of unpasteurized Baugher's apple cider.

ABC2 News reports that three of seven cases have resulted in hospitalization and that the cluster of infectious disease is being probed by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

 Baugher's farm and restaurant of Westminster in Carroll County also features a fruit market and bakery. ABC2 News said the orchard has issued a voluntary recall of all its apple cider due to its potential for contaminants. No other Baugher's products are affected, the station said.

Drinking unpasteurized milk, juice or cider is one proven way people sometimes become infected by E. coli 0157:H7, a potentially deadly human pathogen that causes bloody diarrhea and can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failures in children worldwide. 

E. coli O157 lives in the intestines of healthy cattle and other animals. E. coli O157 can be found in water, food, soil, or on surfaces that have been contaminated with animal feces. Symptoms usually last 5 to 10 days. People with mild symptoms usually recover on their own without treatment. Antibiotics are not helpful for treating E. coli O157 infections, and may even increase the likelihood of developing HUS.  Antidiarrheal agents should not be used either.
 
If you or a loved one has been sickened in this outbreak or have symptoms of E. coli infection, contact a physician immediately and they will alert the health department of any confirmed illness. For answers to legal questions about compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering and future harms that may be related to the long-term effects of E. coli, contact an experienced E. coli lawyer at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a leading national food safety law firm that represent HUS E. coli victims and others who fall ill to E. coli outbreaks and other foodborne illness clusters. For a free case consultation call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

AZ Costco Cheese E. coli Outbreak

An Arizona Costco cheese E. coli outbreak is under investigation by state and federal health officials who say that at least 11 people in Arizona may have been sickened by a product sold by Costco at Cheese Road Shows in October.

Besides Arizona, another 14 people have been sickened by the same exact outbreak strain of E. coli in New Mexico, Colorado, Nevada and California.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Costco warned consumers in a press release on Thursday to avoid Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese because the cheese may be related to this outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7 infections. 

 Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda E. coli Facts:

Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese was offered for sale and in cheese sampling events at Costco Wholesale locations.

As of Thursday, 25 people have fallen ill since mid-October. The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is as follows: AZ (11), CA (1), CO (8), NM (3) and NV (2). There have been 9 reported hospitalizations, 1 possible case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and no deaths

E. coli is the name of a type of bacteria that lives in your intestines. Although most types of E. coli are harmless, some types can make you sick. The worst type of E. coli, known as E. coli O157:H7, causes bloody diarrhea and can sometimes cause kidney failure and even death.

E. coli lawyers at  PritzkerOlsen, P.A., are monitoring this Costco cheese E. coli outbreak and have established a claims center for members of the public who have been harmed. For a free case consultation, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page. Our firm is one of the few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have recovered millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning.

We currently represent E. coli HUS victims and have years of experience representing victims of food poisoning against large national retailers and food manufacturers.

Raw Milk Causes Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Two Colorado Children

by E. coli Attorney Fred Pritzker

An article in the Denver Post today tells the story of the Pierce family in Colorado. Two of their children were part of the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that was linked to Billy Goat Dairy south of Longmont, Colorado. The children contracted E. coli O157:H7 infections that developed into hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe illness that causes kidney failure and can lead to brain damage, heart problems, blindness, pancreatitis and death.  

The children were in the hospital for three weeks. I have stood by the bed of a child sickened with HUS and looked into the faces of anguished parents. To add to the tragedy of these cases, E. coli O157:H7 and the resulting HUS are preventable with basic sanitation measures.

In the Denver Post article, it says the owner of Billy Goat Dairy is now taking measures to prevent E. coli O157:H7. Why weren’t those measures in place before he distributed milk to consumers? 

He removed a manure pile in the goat pasture, put in a gutter system to drain water outside the milk parlor, bought a commercial refrigerator and dishwasher, and is working on a shareholder handbook that suggests such safety tips as not leaving milk in the car while running errands on the way home from the dairy.

Isn’t it obvious that a pile of manure that can harbor dangerous pathogens like E. coli shouldn’t be in the pasture with the goats that are being milked and that water that could be contaminated with the same should not flow into the milking area? Why was the dairy able to operate when it didn’t have a commercial refrigerator or dishwasher?

Colorado does not allow the sale of raw milk, but it does allow people to become part owners in herd-sharing operations and have access to the raw milk produced by the herd. State legislators need to immediately either eliminate this option or give the Colorado Department of Agriculture the authority and direction to enact strict, enforceable regulations regarding specific measures dairies must take before they can distribute raw milk to anyone.

The children sickened in this outbreak did not sign a contract not to sue Billy Goat Dairy. They have legal rights and an avenue to pursue medical expenses and compensation for pain and suffering. Contact me for more information about your child’s legal rights.

E. coli Outbreak Develops in Huron County MI

Huron County, Michigan, E. coli outbreak has developed recently with three confirmed illnesses and a fourth individual who is awaiting laboratory tests. A fifth person suspected of E. coli 0157:H7 infection tested negative for the pathogen.

According to the Huron County Health Department, three of the case patients are hospitalized, raising the possibility that one or more has developed life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). On average, five to 15 percent of people infected with E. coli 0157:H7 develops HUS or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

The Huron Daily Tribune quoted the county's health services director, Cindy Rochefort, as saying the cause of the outbreak has not been determined. As the public health investigation continues, area physicians and medical institutions have been alerted to look for HUS E. coli symptoms.

Law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., currently represents HUS victims and is investigating the Huron E. coli outbreak. If you or a loved one lives in the area of the outbreak or has eaten recently at a restaurant in the county and believe you may have developed an E. coli infection, seek medical care immediately. For answers to legal questions about HUS litigation and compensation, call our firm at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

PritzkerOlsen is a leading food poisoning law firm involved in virtually every foodborne illness outbreak in the United States. The firm has collected millions of dollars on behalf of people injured or killed as a result of adulterated food, including hemolytic uremic syndrome victims who have suffered kidney failure, heart problems, brain damage, anemia, central nervous system damage and other complications.We understand the long-term nature of medical issues surrounding HUS and the implications of current and future pain and suffering for victims and their families.

BJ's Wholesale Club Hamburger E. coli

BJ's Wholesale Club stores in eight northeastern and eastern states have been identified as retailers that sold Cargill ground beef that was potentially contaminated with E. coli 026.

Cargill's recall of 8,500 pounds of hamburger meat affects BJ's Wholesale Club customers in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and New Jersey.

Public health officials in Maine and New York have traced at least three E. coli 026 infections to the Cargill hamburger, which was produced June 11 for use or freezing by July 1. Two of the illnesses are in Maine and one is in New York. The first infection took hold on June 24.

Maine officials brought the E. coli cluster to the attention of federal authorities, including USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service in early August. The three people sickened in this outbreak fell ill with the identical strain of E. coli 026 -- one of many shiga toxin-producing E. coli types. (The most prevalent is O157:H7). 

Law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is among parties concerned that the outbreak could spread if consumers unknowingly pull tainted meat from their home freezers. Eating ground beef is a well-established mode of shiga toxin E. coli (STEC) transmission, including for serotype 026.

Cargill E. coli lawsuits have been filed in the past and PritzkerOlsen is conducting its own investigation into the current ground beef recall and cluster of E. coli 026 illnesses. To contact our firm call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page. An E. coli lawyer will consult with you at no charge.

Symptoms of E.coli include abdominal cramping followed by diarrhea that progressively worsens and is often bloody. Healthy adults can withstand infections, sometimes without treatment. But young children, older adults and people with weakened immune systems are at risk for severe illness.

In 5 to 15 percent of infections, patients develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is a life-threatening condition in which the body’s blood-clotting mechanisms are altered, causing blocked circulation, kidney failure, bleeding in the brain and other health consequences. Do not make the mistake of taking E. coli 026 lightly, especially in hamburger.

Cargill E. coli 026 Ground Beef Recall Connected to Illness in Maine and NY

An E. coli ground beef recall by Cargill Meat Solutions Corp. relates to E. coli 026 illnesses in Maine and New York that have been convincingly associated with the recalled meat. People began getting sick June 24.

This Cargill E. coli ground beef recall is for 8,500 pounds of hamburger products that may be contaminated with E. coli 026 -- a shiga toxin-producing type of E. coli that is potentially lethal. USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service believes there is an association with Cargill's recalled ground beef and a cluster of illnesses in Maine and New York.

The same genetic fingerprint has been found in E. coli 026 bacteria that has infected two people in Maine and one person in New York. This indistinguishable E. coli strain in case patients who ate suspect ground beef prompted the recall and will result in further investigation by FSIS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health officials.

The Cargill E. coli 026 recall and outbreak also is being investigated by law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a leading food safety law firm that practices extensively in the area of E. coli litigation and other food poisoning lawsuits. If you or a loved one has been sickened in this outbreak or have information that may be pertinent, contact us at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

Over the years, PritzkerOlsen has collection millions for E. coli survivors and their families, pressing giant corporations, smaller meatpackers, restaurants, grocery retailers and food companies for accountability.

Cargill E. coli Ground Beef Recall Information for Consumers:

Cargill Meat Solutions Corp. of  Wyalusing, Pennsylvania, is recalling about 8,500 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O26. This includes 42-pound cases of "GROUND BEEF FINE 90/10," containing three chubs weighing  approximately 14 pound each. These products have a "use/freeze by" date of "07/01/10," and an identifying product code of "W69032."

Please note that these Cargill products were repackaged into consumer-size packages and sold under various retail store brand names in supermarket meat cases. The initial retail distribution list includes certain BJ's Wholesale Club stores in Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Virginia, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey and New York.

The ground beef products under recall bear the establishment number "EST. 9400" inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were produced on June 11, 2010, and were shipped to distribution centers in Connecticut and Maryland for further distribution.

Northwestern Michigan Fair E. coli Cases

Three E. coli cases in children who attended the Northwestern Michigan Fair are under investigation by state and county health officials.

The illnesses began in the children between August 15-17. The Grand Traverse County Health Department said the victims appear to be infected with a shiga toxin-producing E. coli strain. E. coli 0157:H7 is the most prevalent shiga toxin E. coli, but there are many other types.

Dr. Michael Collins, medical director for the county health department, told UpNorthLive.com that it seems likely the kids contracted their infections from animals at the fair, but officials also are testing the fairground's water supply.

Because of the cluster of E. coli illnesses, physicians in northwestern Michigan have been put on notice to order stool cultures for people showing symptoms of E. coli infection.

 

E. coli symptoms include abdominal cramping followed by diarrhea that progressively worsens and is often bloody.

In five to 15 percent of E. coli cases, the toxins enter the bloodstream, causing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure, anemia, internal bleeding, and the destruction of vital organs.

About 5 percent of the children who develop hemolytic uremic syndrome are killed by it. Those who survive are often left with permanent disabilities, such as blindness or paralysis.

If your family is involved in the Northwestern Michigan Fair E. coli cluster, answers to your legal questions about compensation for medical expenses and other harms can be answered by an E. coli lawyer at PritzkerOlsen, P.A. at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). Free case consultations also are available by completing the form on the side of this Web page.

PritzkerOlsen is a leading practitioner of foodborne illness litigation and has a record of winning lawsuits for people infected with E. coli and other pathogens at fairs, livestock shows and petting zoos.

WI Petting Zoo HUS E. coli Tragedy

A Wisconsin petting zoo may be the source of hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, for the 18-month-old daughter of a couple from Lomira, Wisconsin.

The child is battling a life-threatening HUS condition, including full HUS kidney failure, and she is expected to remain hospitalized for several weeks at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee.

Greg Kottke. the toddler's father, told The Northwestern newspaper from Oshkosh that his family wants all parents to know what can happen with E. coli and the signs to watch out for. HUS develops in five to 15 percent of people who contract shiga toxin-producing E. coli -- mostly E. coli 0157:H7 -- and children under 5 are the most susceptible of any age group.

The newspaper story said the parents believe their daughter is yet another victim of a petting zoo E. coli infection. County fair petting zoos and other animal exhibits present a child HUS risk and operators of these events know the risk and have industry guidelines to follow to prevent infection.

Still, some event managers do not comply fully with HUS prevention standards -- including guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention -- and tragedies occur.

The daughter of Greg Kottke and Julie Lambrecht developed a low-grade fever about five days after visiting the petting zoo on July 25. When she developed bloody diarrhea, they rushed her to the emergency room at St. Agnes Hospital.

"They couldn't find anything really wrong, so we took her home,'' Kottke said.

The next day they brough her to see her pediatrician and she was admitted to the hospital because she was dehydrated. When her kidneys failed, she was transported to the hospital in Milwaukee.

She remains on dialysis and has been receiving blood transfusions.

"She's a doll, a beautiful little girl, the highlight of my days," Kottke said of his daughter. The family still has hope she will have a full recovery but it is a long waiting game. 
Dodge County Health Officer Jody Langfeldt told the newspaper that the department is watching to see if other HUS E. coli cases are reported.
 
Pritzker Olsen attorneys are highly experienced in representing HUS survivors, including many who have contracted E. coli at petting zoos and animal exhibits. We represent HUS survivors throughout the United States and are involved in virtually every E. coli O157:H7 outbreak. 
 
In petting zoo HUS cases, the primary mode of transmission is from feces of an animal to the mouth of the person by unconscious hand-to-mouth contact. Because animal fur, skin, and saliva can become contaminated with fecal germs, people can become infected when they pet, touch, or are licked by animals.

Persons can also be exposed through contact with an animal’s living area, its bedding, fence rails or objects such as food and water dishes. Small children who touch animals or their space are particularly vulnerable because they often put their hands in their mouth.

All petting zoos should be equipped with ample hand-washing stations and take other precautions for the safety of attendees.

Valley Meat E. coli Recall Covers 1 Million Pounds of Ground Beef

The Valley Meat E. coli recall announced by USDA covers 1 million pounds of frozen patties and bulk ground beef, including hamburger sold under the following brand names: Valley Meat Co., Bigger Valley Burger, Supremas Beef Patties, Hearst, The Butcher's Cut, Valley Meat Co. Certified Black Angus Beef Burgers and Smashburger.

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said the recall was prompted by possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination. In connection with the recall, FSIS announced a cluster of  seven matching E. coli O157:H7 infections in California. The outbreak continues to be investigated and officials urge consumers in California, Texas, Arizona and Oregon to check freezer stocks for the tainted products.

All packages recalled by Valley Meat Company of Modesto, Calif., bear the Establishment number EST 8268 inside the USDA mark of inspection. The suspect ground beef was produced between October 2, 2009, and January 12, 2010, but the first illnesses were detected months later.

Click here to see the complete Valley Meat E. coli recall list. Many of the products in this Valley Meat E. coli recall are individually quick frozen patties, known in the industry as IQF pattties.

E. coli lawyer Fred Prtizker has called on Valley Meat to pay all medical expenses, lost wages and travel costs of the victims of this outbreak. His firm, Pritzker Olsen, is conducting its own investigation. Pritzker said that while other legal issues, including compensation for pain and suffering, are pending, the families deserve the peace of knowing these immediate costs are covered. 

Pritzker also stated that he believes food service providers should do more to ensure that meat suppliers are following state-of-the-art techniques to keep deadly pathogens out of the food supply.

“It is really up to food service providers to demand that the meat they provide to customers is produced under the safest possible conditions,” Pritzker said. “Food service providers have the market power to change dangerous practices.”

Pritzker Olsen is a leading national practitioner of foodborne illness litigation and has years of experience winning ground beef E. coli lawsuits. Over the years the firm has collected millions for its clients and lawyers for the firm are actively involved in efforts to eliminate potentially deadly pathogens from our food supply.

Free case consultations in the Valley Meat E. coli outbreak can be obtained by calling 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by completing the contact form on the side of this Web page.

California Hamburger E. coli Outbreak and Valley Meat Hamburger Recall

A California hamburger E. coli outbreak and recall has been announced by USDA today; starting with a 1 million-pound recall of Valley Meat hamburger that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a potentially deadly human pathogen.

Valley Meat Company of Modesto, California, produced about 1 million pounds of frozen hamburger patties and bulk hamburger meat  from October 2, 2009, to January 12, 2010, that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The potentially tainted hamburger was sold to retailers and restaurant suppliers in California, Arizona, Texas and Oregon.

Seven E. coli O157:H7 laboratory-confirmed infections -- all sharing the same genetic fingerprint -- have been reported by the California Department of Public Health.

Law firm Pritzker Olsen, which represents victims in practically every major outbreak of foodborne illness, strongly urges consumers in California, Arizona, Texas and Oregon to check their freezers for the recalled hamburger meat.  Click here to see the complete FSIS Valley Meat E. coli recall list. 

 Consumers should look for any frozen hamburger marked with the USDA establishment number EST 8268 inside the USDA mark of inspection. That means it was produced by Valley Meats in Modesto.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and in the most severe cases, kidney failure. The very young, seniors and persons with weak immune systems are the most susceptible.

In 5 to 15 percent of cases, individuals develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) -- related conditions that are life threatening due to kidney, brain, nervous system and heart damage that can result from the release of powerful toxins from E. coli.

If you or a loved one has symptoms of E. coli infection, including bloody diarrhea and painful stomach cramps, see your physician immediately and request that a stool culture be taken.

For answers to legal questions about this California hamburger E. coli outbreak, call Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page. Our firm is a leading national practitioner of foodborne illness litigation and we have won millions for our clients.

Our lawyers have won many hamburger E. coli lawsuits against large manufacturers, restaurants and other purveyors of contaminated meat. We also advocate strongly and actively for stronger food safety laws nationally and at the state level to keep potentially deadly pathogens like E. coli O157:H7 out of hamburger and the rest of the food supply.

E coli HUS in Indiana Girl May Have Stemmed from Rush County Fair

The mother of 4-year-old Kathleen Ragan told an Indianapolis television station that her daughter is severely ill with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) after touching animals at the Rush County Fair.

Angel Campbell-Ragan told 24 Hour News8 TV that Kathleen has been sick with an E. coli infection and HUS for almost three weeks and has at least 10 more days of kidney dialysis ahead of her.

The family used hand sanitizers at the county fair, but Kathleen's mother said her daughter is in the habit as a little girl to chew on her fingertips. She said her child may have ingested E. coli bacteria that was caught under her fingernails.

No outbreak has been announced by the Indiana State Department of Health, but a spokesman for the agency reminded families that animal fairs are a common transmission source for pathogens that animals shed in their manure.

 

HUS is a life-threatening condition in which the body’s blood-clotting mechanisms are altered, causing blocked circulation or bleeding in the brain or kidneys. Children under 5 are most likely of any age group to develop HUS, but it can harm individuals of any age.

Law firm Pritzker Olsen has years of experience representing families whose children are stricken by HUS, sometimes as a result of food poisoning and other times from animal fairs. Our experience is that children and adults often suffer long-term medical consequences, and not just with their kidneys. Strokes, heart problems, anemia, brain damage, paralysis and central nervous system damage are possible consequences.

To contact an HUS attorney at our firm, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this web site.  Over the years we have collected millions for our clients and we are actively involved as a firm in efforts to prevent outbreaks of  E. coli and other pathogens.

 

Bison E. coli Outbreak Reaches Baltimore

A 28-year-old man who regularly eats Great Range Ground Bison fell sick with E. coli O157:H7 last month and was confirmed by Maryland health officials to be part of the Rocky Mountain Natural Meats E. coli outbreak.

Pritzker Olsen law firm is representing the man, who lives in Baltimore. He was called several days ago by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene with information that the E. coli bacteria that made him sick shares the same DNA fingerprint with five cases in Colorado and one in New York.

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced July 2 that there is an association between this E. coli outbreak and ground buffalo meat produced by Rocky Mountain Natural Meats of Henderson, Colorado.

Pritzker Olsen already represents a woman from Lakewood, Colorado, in a Colorado buffalo E. coli lawsuit filed this week against Rocky Mountain Natural Meats. In that case, 53-year-old Fran Vanse was hospitalized for several days after eating contaminated buffalo purchased at a King Soopers grocery store in Lakewood.

Our Maryland client has been eating Great Range Ground Bison for years. He ate ground buffalo last month and fell ill on June 14. When his illness progressed to bloody diarrhea, he saw a physician in Lutherville, Maryland, where a stool culture was ordered.
 
Great Range Ground Bison and Nature’s Rancher Ground Buffalo are two of the brands USDA has associated with this outbreak. They are included in the Rocky Mountain Natural Meats recall, issued July 2 for 66,000 pounds of ground buffalo and other bison products.
 
Pritzker Olsen has launched its own investigation into the Great Range Ground Bison E. coli outbreak and continues to accept cases. To contact an E. coli attorney at the firm, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the online contact form on the side of this Web page.
 
Our firm is a leading national practitioner in foodborne illness litigation and we have collected millions for victims of food poisoning. 

Colorado Goat Milk Outbreak Expands

A second child has been hospitalized with severe illness after drinking unpasteurized goat milk  from Billy Goat Dairy in Longmont, Colorado.

That is the report from Boulder County Public Health, which noted that the first child hospitalized on June 27 remains hospitalized.

Lab tests have confirmed that non-pasteurized milk products from Billy Goat Dairy are associated with illness in 30 people, according to the health agency.

Said Murielle Romine, communicable disease control program coordinator:  “My hope is that this helps people to understand how dangerous consuming unpasteurized milk really is - especially for children and people with weakened immune systems.”
 
This Colorado goat milk outbreak includes both Campylobacter and E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria . The same genetic strain of Campylobacter found in raw goat milk from the dairy and the strain of E. coli found in the goats are identical matches to the pathogens found in the ill people. 
 
Law firm Pritzker Olsen is conducting its own investigation of the outbreak and is available to answer legal questions from victims and their families. Our firm recently filed a raw milk Campylobacter lawsuit in Pennsylvania on behalf of a man  who became paralyzed from severe infection.  
 
If you or a loved one has fallen ill after drinking raw goat milk products from Billy Goat Dairy, see a doctor immediately. For a free case consultation regarding compensation for medical expenses, travel, lost wages and other harms, call Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.
 
Campylobacter can cause fever, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, and vomiting and can lead to Guillain-Barré syndrome, permanent paralysis, and possibly death. E. coli infection can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal cramping, and vomiting. Serious cases of E. coli can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), causing kidney failure, heart problems, brain injury, paralysis and possibly death.

Rocky Mountain Natural Meats Lawsuit

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen has filed a Rocky Mountain Natural Meats E. coli lawsuit in Jefferson County District Court on behalf of a woman who was sickened by contaminated bison meat.

According to the complaint filed in Golden, Colorado, a retail package of buffalo made by Rocky Mountain Natural Meats was the source of an E. coli O157:H7 infection suffered by 53-year-old Fran Vanse of Lakewood, Colorado.

The lawsuit, filed with local counsel Reilly Pozner of Denver,  says state health department officials investigated her illness and concluded that Ms. Vanse is part of a Colorado buffalo E. coli outbreak linked to the defendant's meat. She is one of at least six people to contract E. coli O157:H7 from eating bison from Rocky Mountain Natural Meats.

Lawyer Fred Pritzker, founder and president of Pritzker Olsen, is currently in contact with other victims from this outbreak and is accepting additional cases. The firm has launched its own independent investigation. If you have information or questions, call Fred at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the online contact form on the side of this Web page.

Our firm is a leading practitioner of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected millions over the years for victims of food poisoning. 

According to the complaint in Jefferson County, Ms. Vanse purchased the contaminated meat in June from the King Soopers grocery store in Lakewood. She experienced classic E. coli symptoms including diarrhea and stomach pain and was hospitalized for several days at Exempla Saint Joseph Hospital in Denver. After being released from the hospital, she continued to be sick for about a week.

On July 2, 2010, Rocky Mountain Natural Meats recalled 66,000 pounds of bison product that USDA has said may be adulterated with E. coli O157:H7. 

The meat was sold nationwide in certain grocery stores and in some restaurants via foodservice distributors in Arizona and Utah.

The Colorado lawsuit on behalf of Ms. Vanse alleges that Rocky Mountain Natural Meats negligently manufactured, distributed and sold a food product that was unreasonably dangerous. 

Colorado Buffalo E. coli Victim to File Lawsuit

A Colorado woman confirmed to be part of the Rocky Mountain Natural Meats buffalo E. coli outbreak has retained law firm Pritzker Olsen to represent her in a lawsuit against the company. 

The 53-year-old woman from Lakewood, Colorado, was hospitalized with an infection of E. coli O157:H7 that state health officials have matched to the outbreak strain of E. coli using DNA fingerprint analysis.

She consumed buffalo meat produced by Rocky Mountain Natural Meats of Henderson, Colorado, before the company announced a recall July 2 of 66,000 pounds of bison products that it said may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a potentially deadly bacterium.

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service has said publicly that the cluster of matching E. coli illnesses in Colorado is associated with the recalled buffalo products. One additional confirmed outbreak case is in New York.

Pritzker Olsen law firm represents individuals and families nationwide in cases involving foodborne illness. The firm is involved in virtually every major foodborne illness outbreak and has obtained some of the largest verdicts and settlements in foodborne illness cases.

The firm is conducting its own investigation of the Colorado bison E. coli outbreak and is accepting additional cases. To contact attorney Fred Pritzker for a free case consultation, call 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or complete the online contact form on the side of this Web page. 

 

Ground Buffalo E. coli Outbreak tied to Three Brands of Colorado Bison

The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)  has found an association between ground bison made in Colorado and an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that so far involves six DNA-confirmed cases -- five in Colorado.

Rocky Mountain Natural Meats of Henderson, Colo. recalled

66,000-pounds

of product distributed in food stores throughout the United States and in restaurants via foodservice distributors based in Arizona and Utah.

Some bison steak medallions and bison sirloin steaks are included in the recall, but FSIS specifically cited ground buffalo in its news release for the 4th of July weekend. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is involved in the investigation. 

"FSIS determined that there is an association between the ground bison products and the cluster of illnesses in the state of Colorado,'' the FSIS news release said.
 
Law office Pritzker Olsen also is investigating. The firm is a national leader in E. coli litigation and other foodborne illness lawsuits. We have years of direct experience representing E. coli victims, including those who have become severely sick from eating contaminated hamburger.
 
Contaminated ground bison can be just as dangerous as contaminated ground beef because pathogens can be located in the center of the meat, where they can survive cooking temperatures that are below 160 degrees. Color is not a reliable indicator of whether ground meat is done, so a food thermometer is required to be food safe.
 
E. coli 0157:H7 lives in the intestines of cattle and other animals without harming them. But when the organisms are ingested by humans, they emit a powerful toxin that attacks the person's red blood cells.

Colorado Bison E. coli Outbreak and Recall

Federal health officials are investigating a Colorado outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7 that they have associated with contaminated bison meat from Rocky Mountain Natural Meats.

Five case patients have been identified in Colorado as well as one case patient in New York. The USDA, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health departments in Colorado and New York have used molecular subtyping to recognize the same DNA fingerprint.

In connection with this Colorado bison E. coli outbreak, Rocky Mountain Natural Meats is recalling approximately 66,000 pounds of ground and tenderized steak bison products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The recall was announced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The cluster of Colorado bison E. coli illnesses was found to have illness onset dates between June 4, 2010 and June 9, 2010.  Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should contact a health care provider. 

For answers to legal questions about this outbreak, contact law firm Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or complete the online form on the side of this Web page. Our firm represents victims of food poisoning and is a leading practitioner of E. coli litigation and other foodborne illness lawsuits.

We are investigating the Colorado bison E. coli outbreak and believe more victims may be identified. If you have information, contact our firm.

The Recall Notice from USDA contains the following specific information for consumers:

  • 16-ounce packages of “GREAT RANGE BRAND ALL NATURAL GROUND BISON.” These products have a “sell or freeze by” date of June 21, June 22 or June 24, 2010.
  • 16-ounce packages of “NATURE’S RANCHER GROUND BUFFALO.” These products have a “sell or freeze by” date of June 22, 2010.
  • 16-ounce packages of “THE BUFFALO GUYS ALL NATURAL GROUND BUFFALO 90% LEAN.” These products have a lot number of 0147.
  • 12-ounce packages of “GREAT RANGE BRAND ALL NATURAL BISON STEAK MEDALLIONS.” These products have a “sell or freeze by” date of June 23 and June 24, 2010.
  • 12-ounce packages of “GREAT RANGE BRAND ALL NATURAL BISON SIRLOIN STEAKS.” These products have a “sell or freeze by” date of June 20, June 23 and June 24, 2010.
  • 15-pound boxes of “ROCKY MOUNTAIN NATURAL MEATS, INC. BISON 10 OZ SIRLOIN STEAK.” These products went to restaurants and bear a Julian Code of 0141.

The products subject to recall bear the establishment number “EST. 20247” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These products were produced between the dates of May 21, 2010 through May 27, 2010, and were distributed to retail establishments nationwide and food service distributors in Utah and Arizona.

 

Fred Pritzker Featured on NBC26 News

The NBC television news affiliate in Green Bay, Wisconsin, has featured national food safety lawyer Fred Pritzker for his views on raw milk.

The topic has been a hot one in America's Dairyland ever since Governor Jim Doyle vetoed a bill earlier this year that would have legalized raw milk sales.

As photojournalist Mike Fisher reported on NBC26, some Wisconsin farmers continue their fight to sell raw milk despite opposition from the dairy industry, public health officials, pediatricians, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Pritzker, the president and founder of law firm Pritzker Olsen, agrees with the ban and Doyle's veto. He told the station what he has been saying for years: Unpasteurized milk is inherently unsafe due to possible contamination by E. coli O157:H7 and  a range of other pathogenic bacteria stemming from cows. 
"I think the Governor is right, I'm representing people all over the country in raw milk cases who have been harmed grievously by drinking raw milk." 
 
Click here for a more in-depth look into the dangers of raw milk
Mr. Pritzker and his firm are involved in virtually every national outbreak of foodborne illness and they have collected large sums on behalf of people injured or killed by adulterated food. In addition, the firm is devoted to educating the public about food safety issues and advocating for badly needed food safety legislation. Pritzker Olsen has pushed for increased funding for the federal, state and local agencies charged with protecting our food.
 
Mr. Pritzker and members of his firm are frequent commentators on food safety issues and have been interviewed by and profiled in a number of media outlets including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Associated Press and CNN.
 
He has received numerous accolades including selection by his peers as one of The Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and one of Minnesota’s Top 100 Lawyers. He is also a Civil Trial Specialist certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and the Minnesota State Bar Association. He is a former president of the Minnesota Association of Justice and a former governor of the American Association of Justice.
 
Mr. Pritzker received his B.A. with honors from Northwestern University in 1972 and his J.D. cum laude from the University of Minnesota Law School in 1976.

Three More Sick in MN Raw Milk Outbreak

Two school-age children who drank raw milk from the Hartmann dairy farm have developed infections of E. coli O157:H7 in an outbreak that has grown to eight illnesses since May 26.

The Minnesota Department of Health's latest update on the Hartmann milk E. coli outbreak also said the third new case is an infant who lives in the same household as one of the first five cases.

 

The state said 28 environmental and animal samples obtained by health officials from the Hartmann farm in Gibbon have now tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. Twenty-six samples had the same DNA fingerprint as the outbreak strain. These positive samples include environmental samples from the dairy barn where the cows are milked, the health agency said.

The strain of E. coli O157:H7 that defines the Hartmann outbreak has not previously been found in Minnesota.

This outbreak includes a toddler who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition that occurs in 5 to 15 percent of people infected by E. coli O157:H7. A person of any age can develop HUS, but children are the most susceptible. Possible injuries extend far beyond kidney failure to a person's neurological and cardiovascular systems.

Pritzker Olsen, which is based in Minnesota, currently represents a Pennsylvania man who was paralyzed from food poisoning he suffered recently from drinking contaminated raw milk. Our firm is a leading practitioner of food borne illness litigation and we have handled many HUS cases for families seeking fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages and other harms.

To talk to an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Olsen about food poisoning legal options, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the far right side of this Web page. 

 

Hamburger E. coli Infection and Risks

 In 1994, the USDA declared E. coli O157:H7 an adulterant in raw hamburger and the sale of raw ground beef known to contain this pathogen was prohibited.

To this day various studies have shown that eating undercooked hamburgers is a major risk factor for sporadic E. coli infections and outbreaks of the disease.

At home, the best way to protect against hamburger E. coli infection is to cook the burgers until a digital read-out thermometer shows they have reached 160 degrees at their core.

When you can't use a thermometer or you are eating out, studies have show that you can still decrease your risk of hamburger E. coli  by ensuring that the inside of the hamburger is not pink. Because ground beef sometimes turns brown prematurely, hamburger that is not pink on the inside may still not be adequately cooked.

Going from research, if you are eating a hamburger outside your home, you reduce your chance of getting hamburger E. coli poisoning if the meal is from a fast food restaurant chain where cooking temperature often is automated.

E. coli O157:H7 is a pathogen that colonizes in the intestines of cattle without harming them. At slaughter, the bacteria can contaminate muscle meat, sometimes from a nicked intestine or during the removal of the animal's hide, which can be smeared with feces.

O157:H7 is a strain of E. coli that produces large quantities of a potent toxin that forms in humans and causes severe damage to the lining of the intestine. The disease produced by the bacteria is called Hemorrhagic Colitis and it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in young children.

Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 70,000 Americans each year are infected with E. coli O157:H7, many of whom are hospitalized. HUS or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) develop in five to 15 percent of cases. A person of any age can develop these complications, but children are most susceptible to HUS.

Besides kidney failure, HUS can lead to clotting, heart problems, central nervous system interruption, coma, stroke, brain damage and paralysis.

If you or a loved one has experienced an E. coli infection or HUS-TTP, you may be part of an outbreak that is being tracked by public health officials.

For answers to legal questions about compensation for illness, call food poisoning law firm Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

A hamburger E. coli lawyer at our firm can provide you with a free case consultation and guide you through the legal system if we accept your case. We currently represent HUS victims of ground beef E. coli outbreaks and are involved in practically every major outbreak of foodbone illness.

Hartmann Dairy Linked to Raw Milk E coli Outbreak by Minnesota Scientists

The Hartmann dairy farm in Gibbon, Minnesota, has been positively identified by state officials as the source of a raw milk E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least five people, including a toddler who was hospitalized with life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)..

A press release from the Minnesota Department of Health said lab tests provided evidence that the same strain of E. coli O157:H7 bacteria found in the victims of this outbreak was found in multiple animals and at multiple sites on the Hartmann farm.  This strain of E. coli has not previously been found in Minnesota.

The health department also reported that cheese samples collected last week from the Hartmann farm contained another form of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli, "demonstrating that an ongoing pathway of contamination existed on the farm."

State officials have embargoed dairy products on the Hartmann farm while the investigation continues. 

At least two of the Minnesota raw milk E. coli victims were young children. Kids are the most likely of any age group to develop HUS from an infection of E. coli

Now that there is solid evidence that the Hartmann dairy farm is the source of E. coli in this outbreak, the family of the HUS victim can seek compensation on behalf of their child and themselves for the medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering and other expenses and losses.

This is not a matter of being lawsuit happy. The financial strain on a family dealing with child HUS is so enormous that it can put a strain on relationships and may prevent a child from getting the best care both now and in the future. 

Food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen has represented children with HUS E. coli and is recognized as a national leader in foodborne illness litigation. Over the years we have collected millions for victims of food poisoning while also staying actively involved in food safety efforts to reduce and prevent dangerous outbreaks.

To understand you legal rights in regards to the Hartmann E. coli outbreak,  call an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

Coping with Ground Beef E. coli Outbreaks

Ground beef E. coli outbreaks continue to occur in the United States despite advances in the ability to detect and identify the sources of E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

Because an estimated 20 ground beef E. coli illness occur for every one that is reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the problem is bigger than most of us think.

Traditionally, summer months are considered high season for ground beef E. coli outbreaks, partly because cattle shed more of these pathogens when the days are long. Meat packers take steps to prevent contamination and they test for the bacteria because it is outlawed in ground beef. But the system is far from fail-proof.

In addition, consumers struggle more in warmer months to keep their ground beef out of the "Danger Zone" — temperatures between 40 and 140 °F. In that range, bacteria can cluster and multiply quickly.

E. coli O157:H7 bacteria survive refrigerator and freezer temperature and most scientists believe it takes only a small number of the organisms to cause serious illness and even death, especially in children.

Consumers can protect themselves by ensuring ground beef is cooked to at least 160 degrees, but most people don't use a meat thermometer when they are grilling hamburgers. Just remember that color is NOT a reliable indicator that ground beef or ground beef patties have been cooked to a temperature high enough to kill E coli. 

In 2009, according to a review of federal records by  law firm Pritzker Olsen, more than 1 million pounds of ground beef and beef cuts intended for grinding were recalled from market by USDA-inspected slaughter plants and processors.

One of the largest recalls covered 545,699 pounds of E. coli-contaminated ground beef produced by Fairbank Farms of Ashville, N.Y. The CDC linked the ground beef to 26 E. coli infections in eight states.  Our law firm is representing a young child who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) after consuming Fairbank Farms beef.

Pritzker Olsen is a national leader in ground beef E. coli litigation and we have collected millions for victims of E. coli O157:H7 poisoning, including those with HUS. To contact a ground beef E. coli lawyer at our firm, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or fill out the contact form on the side of this Web page.  We provide free case consultations and can explain how you owe us nothing until we win your case.

Minnesota Raw Milk E. coli Outbreak Could Result in More Illnesses

A state health official is worried that the illness count in Minnesota's raw milk E. coli outbreak could increase as investigators continue to probe the outbreak's association with raw milk from the Hartmann Dairy Farm, also known as M.O.M.'s.

The Star Tribune reported that state officials have little doubt that the Gibbon, Minnesota, dairy farm produced the raw milk containing  E. coli O157:H7. The Department of Health announced Wednesday that four E. coli infections are considered to be part of the outbreak because they have matching genetic fingerprints.

Three of the four were hospitalized, including a toddler who developed life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

"I am concerned that we are going to hear about more cases,"  Dr. Kirk Smith, supervisor of state Health Department foodborne disease investigations, told the Star Tribune. It often takes up to two weeks for cases to surface, he added.

The newspaper reported that in 2001, Hartmann Dairy Farm's license to sell Grade A milk was revoked after state inspectors discovered unsanitary conditions, including chickens roaming and defecating in the milking parlor.
 
Meanwhile, the Minnesota Department of Health is urging people not to drink milk recently purchased from Hartmann Dairy Farm, aka M.O.M.'s. The milk may be labeled organic and consumers may be unaware that the milk has not been pasteurized. 
 
Anyone who has experienced illness after consuming dairy products from Hartmann’s Farm should immediately consult their health care provider. For answers to legal questions, families can call food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our free consultation form on the side of this Web page.
 
Pritzker Olsen is based in Minneapolis and has a national reputation as a leading practitioner of foodborne illness litigation, including raw milk cases. Currently we represent a Pennsylvania man who developed Guillain Barre syndrome. He became so sick from drinking contaminated raw milk that he received intensive hospital care for severe neurological damage and paralysis that stemmed from food poisoning.

Minnesota Child with HUS Associated with Consumption of Raw Milk

A Minnesota toddler has been hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) after consuming raw milk, according to the Star Tribune.

The Minnesota HUS case is part of an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections. Three of the four E. coli cases are linked to unpasteurized milk produced at the Hartmann Dairy Farm in Gibbon, Minnesota, also known as M.O.M.s, or Minnesota Organic Milk.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is characterized by damage and destruction of the red blood cells, which leads to a lower than normal number of red blood cells (a condition called anemia), blood clots, and damage to blood vessel walls. Complications of HUS are severe and can include the following:

  • Hemolytic anemia and associated blood complications
  • Abnormal kidney function
  • HUS Kidney failure (renal failure) that may require a kidney transplant (renal transplant) - illness accompanying kidney failure is called uremia (develops when urea and other waste products are retained in the blood)
  • Gall stones - probably caused by rapid hemolysis, breaking open of red blood cells and the release of hemoglobin
  • Elevated pancreatic enzyme levels that could lead to insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus and or HUS pancreatitis
  • Central Nervous System (CNS) disturbances such as irritablilty, behavior changes, disorientation, delerium, hallucinations, dizziness and tremors
  • HUS Seizures
  • HUS Coma
  • HUS Stroke
  • HUS Encephalopathy
  • Respiratory disease syndrome
  • Convulsions
  • Heart problems, including heart attack (myocardial infarction), cardio myopathy, cardiogenic shock, congestive heart failure (HUS heart attack and heart failure)
  • Cortical blindness, caused by damage to the visual area in the brain's occipital cortex
  • HUS Thrombocytopenia (platelet deficiency in the blood)
  • Death

Many people who suffer this devastating illness have life-long and very severe medical problems that show up long after the acute phase of the illness is over. This is one reason why it is important to contact an HUS lawyer to discuss your legal rights.

As in this case, many HUS victims are children. Their parents suffer along with them. The fear and uncertainty of loving a child with chronic medical problems is a constant stressor that intrudes on the parents and siblings of a child with HUS.

A recent medical journal article supports the notion that the impact of HUS is not limited to the disease survivor. The paper, Emotional and Behavioral Changes in Parents of Children Affected by Hemolytic-Uremic Syndrome Associated With Verocytotoxin-Producing Escherichia Coli: A Qualitative Analysis, concludes:

This [data] demonstrated that intense emotional distress was commonplace at the 1-year follow-up, demonstrating that emotional strain is present long after the acute phase of the child’s illness. The finding that fear of unknown long-term repercussions, relapse, and reinfection were still causing distress and rumination 1 year later suggests that dealing with an infected child is chronic stressor…

On a personal note, my wife and I are the parents of 25 year-old young man with a genetic disorder characterized by physical and cognitive challenges. Loving a child with medical issues is one of the most challenging problems faced by parents. It affects virtually every family decision and not a day goes by without its consequences reverberating throughout the home.

Are parents compensated for this emotional stress? The answer is two-fold: it depends on the law of the state in which the illness occurred and, sadly, not enough.

Many states only allow recovery for the diseased individual. Some allow recovery, but only in cases in which the parent was in the “zone of danger” (meaning they were at risk for injury as well). Fewer still recognize the obvious harm and loss that parents suffer when their children face a life of medical problems related to E. coli O157:H7-induced Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. It’s never right when common sense and the medical literature recognizes a problem for which the law offers little or no remedy.

For a free consultation with an attorney, please call 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or submit our online free consultation form.

HUS Victim Sickened by E. coli O145 Featured in New York Times is Client of Pritzker Olsen Law Firm

Pritzker Olsen client Emily Grabowski was featured in a May 27, 2010 New York Times article about the E. coli O145 outbreak involving fresh romaine lettuce from Freshway Foods, Sidney, Ohio.

Ms. Grabowski, a college freshman in New York, is one of 26 confirmed and 7 probable cases related to this outbreak. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

As of May 20, 2010, a total of 26 confirmed and 7 probable cases related to this outbreak have been reported from 5 states since March 1, 2010. The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is: MI (11 confirmed and 2 probable), NY (5 confirmed and 2 probable), OH (8 confirmed and 3 probable), PA (1 confirmed), and TN (1 confirmed). The reported cases in Tennessee and Pennsylvania do not reflect expansion of the outbreak but retrospective identification of cases using the PulseNet system – these cases are part of the original cluster due to the original implicated lot of lettuce from March.

As a result of her E. coli O145 illness, Ms. Grabowski developed Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), a potentially lethal condition known to cause severe kidney damage, neurologic deficits and hypertension.

This outbreak, another one involving leafy green vegetables, points to the need for significant regulation of an industry responsible for repeated outbreaks.

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued its final report on the outbreak on May 21, but so far refused to identify the farm at which the implicated romaine lettuce was grown.

Pritzker Olsen, a national food safety law firm, represents a number of people from this outbreak and is involved in virtually all major outbreaks of foodborne illness.

Hartmann Dairy Raw Milk Linked to E. coli Outbreak in Minnesota

State health officials have linked three cases of E. coli O157 poisoning with raw milk from Hartmann Dairy Farm in Gibbon, Minn. The Minnesota Department of Health and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture are continuing to investigate a cluster of four E. coli O157:H7 illnesses that all have the same “pulsed field gel electrophoresis” (PFGE) patterns, or DNA fingerprint. Three of the four cases report a link to milk from Hartmann Farm; the fourth case is under investigation. Three of the four people were hospitalized as a result of their illness; one case has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

The Minnesota Department of Health urges anyone who may have recently purchased milk from the Hartmann Dairy Farm, also known as M.O.M.’s, to discard the product and not consume it. The milk may be labeled organic and consumers may be unaware that the milk has not been pasteurized. In addition, consumers should not eat cheese, ice cream or other dairy products from the farm, which also may have been made from raw, unpasteurized milk.

Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 illness typically include stomach cramps and diarrhea, including bloody diarrhea.People typically become ill two to five days after eating contaminated food. E. coli O157:H7 disease sometimes leads to a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure and can occur a week or more after the onset of diarrhea. People who have developed symptoms after consuming unpasteurized milk should seek immediate medical attention. Those most at risk of developing complications from E. coli infection include the very young, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

Minnesota law prohibits most raw milk sales, except for occasional purchases directly at the farm where the milk is produced. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture investigates complaints and cases of food-borne illness associated with the sale of raw milk. Enforcement actions can be taken in cases when sales of raw milk are identified and people become ill from consuming the raw milk.

Officials from both agencies warn the public against drinking raw milk because it may contain harmful bacteria that can cause life-threatening illnesses. Raw milk is not treated or pasteurized to remove disease-causing bacteria.

Pasteurization is the only effective method for eliminating the bacteria in raw milk and milk products. Pasteurization uses heat applied for a length of time sufficient to destroy harmful bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7 without significantly changing milk's nutritional value. Despite claims to the contrary, the body of scientific evidence shows no meaningful difference in the nutritional value of pasteurized and unpasteurized milk. Pasteurization prevents a variety of infections that can be spread by consumption of milk. All milk shipped between states is required, by law, to be pasteurized.

Between 1973 and 1992, 46 outbreaks associated with raw milk consumption were reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An additional 45 outbreaks were reported to CDC between 1998 and May 2005, accounting for 1,007 illnesses, 104 hospitalizations, and two deaths.

HUS E. coli Lettuce Outbreak Renews Safety Concerns Over Bagged Produce

A leading food safety microbiologist who has studied the topic of lettuce E. coli contamination remains concerned in the wake of the current E. coli O145 lettuce outbreak that bagged, pre-cut produce is riskier than whole vegetables.

In a Washington Post story raising questions about a possible trade off between the convenience of bagged lettuce for consumers and the threat of E. coli, Michael Doyle said he has been avoiding bagged lettuce for years. Doyle directs the Center for Food Safety at the University of Georgia. 

E. coli contamination of bagged leafy greens has been a hot issue in the grocery and farming trades since 2006. That's when an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in bagged baby spinach sickened 238 people nationwide and killed five. It was traced to a farm in Salinas County, California.
 
The topic has been revived by the Freshway Foods lettuce E. coli outbreak in New York, Michigan, Ohio and Tennessee involving colleges and a public school district in Wappingers Falls, New York. All together, 30 people are considered to be victims of the outbreak, including 12 who were hospitalized.
 
Of three patients hospitalized with life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), one is a freshman at Daemen College in New York. She is represented by food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen.
 
The two other HUS victims in the outbreak are school children from Wappingers Falls. Fortunately, there have been no deaths. 
 
They all ate contaminated lettuce distributed to wholesalers and institutions by Ohio-based Freshway Foods. One of the smoking gun pieces of evidence was a previously unopened bag of Freshway shredded romaine lettuce that was distributed to Wappingers Falls schools. It tested positive for E. coli O145.
 
Children are more susceptible to HUS than anyone and the effects can last a lifetime. If you have legal questions about compensation to pay damages for your child's HUS syndrome, contact Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this web page. Besides currently representing an HUS victim from New York who was sickened in this outbreak, we have been leading practitioners for many years in the area of foodborne illness litigation. 
 
Doyle, the microbiologist, believes the problems with bagged leafy greens begin in the field, where soils can be contaminated with E. coli from the feces of cattle or wild animals. In a study published last year in the Journal of Food Protection, Doyle and several colleagues contaminated coring devices with soil that contained E. coli O157:H7.
 
The study showed how the bacteria spread from the coring equipment to heads of lettuce. Chlorine spray rinses did not kill enough of the bacteria to wipe it out.
 
"In a processing plant, you'd have to have walls and clean floors," Doyle told the Washington Post.. "But here, they're starting it right out in the dirt. It's a very hazardous practice." 

 James Gorny, senior adviser for produce safety at the Food and Drug Administration, said bagged greens represent a disproportionate number of recalls, chiefly because they're easier to identify than whole produce. But he told The Post that pre-cut produce is not inherently riskier than whole vegetables.

But Caroline Smith DeWaal, food safety director at the Center for Science in the Public Interest, said the process of harvesting lettuce, chopping it or tearing it, washing and putting it in a bag is a process similar to mixing ground beef.
 
"You're taking lettuce that could be grown in different areas and batching it together. So if you've got one infected field, you're mixing it with lettuce that would otherwise be uninfected, and now the whole batch is contaminated."
 
As the Post's Lyndsey Layton reported, fresh-cut produce began in the food service industry in the 1980s and then migrated to retail shelves. According to Nielson Co. ratings, pre-cut salad mix was the top-selling fruit or vegetable between January 2009 and January 2010, outselling heads of lettuce by more than 2 to 1.

Lettuce Food Poisoning Outbreak Linked to Freshway Foods CDC Update

An 18-year-old woman with E. coli HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome) has retained Attorney Fred Pritzker to represent her as she seeks compensation from Freshway Foods of Sidney, Oklahoma. Our client, a student at Daemen College in Amherst, New York, is one of 23 people who have confirmed cases of E. coli O145 linked to Freshway Foods romaine lettuce.

Two students in Wappinger Falls, New York (a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old) have also contracted E. coli HUS in the Freshway Foods lettuce food poisoning outbreak.  The students ate romaine lettuce that had been supplied to the school district by Freshway Foods.

HUS is a life-threatening complication of an E. coli O145 infection that can cause kidney failure, stroke, heart attack, seizures, coma, pancreatitis and other serious health problems.  For a free consultation with attorney Fred Pritzker, please call 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or submit our free consultation form.

The latest information from the CDC is as follows:

The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is: MI (10 confirmed and 3 probable), NY (4 confirmed and 3 probable), OH (8 confirmed and 1 probable), and TN (1 confirmed).

Among the confirmed and probable cases with reported dates available, illnesses began between April 10, 2010 and April 26, 2010. Infected individuals range in age from 13 years old to 31 years old and the median age is 19 years. Sixty-six percent of patients are male.

Among the 30 patients with available information, 12 (40%) were hospitalized. Three patients have developed a type of kidney failure known as hemolytic-uremic syndrome, or HUS. No deaths have been reported.

Multiple lines of evidence have implicated shredded romaine lettuce from one processing facility as a source of infection in this outbreak. This evidence includes the identification of the outbreak strain of E. coli O145 from an unopened package of shredded romaine lettuce obtained at an institution that received product from the processing facility linked to the outbreak. A case-control study in Michigan found a significant association between illness and consumption of romaine lettuce processed at the same facility that processed lettuce consumed by ill persons in New York, Ohio and Tennessee.

The lettuce processing company (Freshway Foods) has issued a recall of lettuce produced at their facility as a result of the evidence obtained to date.  An additional recall was issued by a separate company that received lettuce from the same farm as the processing company linked to the outbreak.


E coli HUS Sickens Two Students in Wappingers Falls

Three people have contracted E. coli HUS after eating lettuce supplied by Freshway Foods of Sidney, Oklahoma. Our law firm is representing one of the HUS victims, a student at a student at Daemen College in Amherst, New York.

The other two E. coli HUS victims are students at Wappinger Falls—a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old.  The students ate romaine lettuce that had been supplied to the school district by Freshway Foods.

Other Wappingers Falls students were also sickened in this Freshway Foods lettuce E. coli outbreak. They attend Roy C. Ketcham High School, John Jay High School Wappingers Junior High School and Van Wyck Middle School.

The outbreak has sickened people in Michigan (10 confirmed and 3 probable), New York (4 confirmed and 3 probable), Ohio (8 confirmed and 1 probable), and Tennessee (1 confirmed). Among the confirmed and probable cases with reported dates available, illnesses began between April 10, 2010 and April 26, 2010. Infected individuals range in age from 13 years old to 31 years old and the median age is 19 years.

The bacteria responsible for this outbreak is E. coli O145, also referred to as O145 STEC (Shiga toxin-producing E. coli). E. coli O145 is one of several strains of non-O157 STECs. Currently, there are limited public health surveillance data on the occurrence of non-O157 STECs, including E. coli O145; therefore, E. coli O145 may go unreported. Because it is more difficult to identify than E. coli O157, many clinical laboratories do not test for non-O157 STEC infection.

Investigators have found multiple lines of evidence have implicated Freshway Foods romaine lettuce as a source of infection in this outbreak. This evidence includes the identification of the outbreak strain of E. coli O145 from an unopened package of Freshway Foods shredded romaine lettuce provided by the Wappingers Falls school district.

A Freshway Foods recall of lettuce products was issued on May 6. The recalled romaine lettuce products were sold to wholesalers and food service outlets in the following states: Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The recalled romaine products were used in restaurants, cafeterias and in-store salad bars and delis for Kroger, Giant Eagle, Ingles Markets, and Marsh stores in the states listed. 

For a free consultation with an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Olsen regarding a Freshway Foods lawsuit, please call 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or submit our online consultation form.

Daemen Student Hires E. coli Lawyer For E. coli 0145 HUS Illness Tied to Lettuce

Food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen has been retained by a  freshman at Daemen College who is suffering from E. coli HUS tied to the Freshway Foods E. coli O145 lettuce outbreak. 
 
The student is one of at least 12 individuals hospitalized  in a romaine lettuce outbreak that has sickened at least 23 individuals in Ohio, Michigan, New York and now Tennessee. She also is one of three who have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening disease that can cause kidney failure, central nervous system damage, bleeding in the brain, pancreatitis and other serious medical conditions.
 
The student's illness required three separate hospitalizations and caused a major setback in her studies at the private liberal arts college in Amherst, New York.  ABC News is reporting that the two other HUS cases in the outbreak were teen-agers in the Wappingers Falls, New York, public school district.
 
Fortunately, no deaths have occurred. 
 
Besides the 23 E. coli O145 illnesses confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as part of the Freshway E. coli outbreak, seven more probable cases are being investigated. Multiple lines of evidence support the finding that shredded romaine lettuce from Freshway, including the Sysco Imperial brand, fueled the outbreak that started last month.
 
The most recent date for an onset of illness in this outbreak was April 26. 
 
The most common strain of E. coli associated with human illness is E. coli O157. Even though other strains, like O145, can be just as dangerous, O157 is the only E. coli strain that is regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 
Fred Pritzker, founder and president of Pritzker Olsen, said in a press release today that any E. coli strain that produces the toxin that causes injury or death in humans, including O145, should be declared an adulterant and regulated by federal and state agencies. 
“Our client’s HUS is no less devastating because it came from O145 rather than O157,'' Pritzker said. 
Ohio-based Freshway Foods and Vaughn Foods of Moore, Oklahoma, have both recalled romaine lettuce sourced from a farm in Yuma, Arizona. Vaughn purchased its lettuce from lettuce broker Andrew Smith Co. The FDA continues to investigate where in the food supply chain the lettuce was contaminated.
 
The recalled lettuce was distributed for use by foodservice establishments and in institutional settings, such as schools. The E. coli O145 outbreak is not related to bagged romaine you buy in the grocery store, although some "grab and go'' salad bars inside grocery stores have carried recalled lettuce.
 
Pritzker Olsen is continuing to accept cases from this outbreak. Our firm has been involved in virtually every major foodborne illness outbreak, Pritzker Olsen attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for victims seriously harmed or killed by foodborne illness. Attorney Fred Pritzker can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or by completing the contact form on the side of this Web page.

Lawyer Wins Water E. coli Settlement Just as Fitness Center Outbreak Occurs

E. coli lawyer Elliot Olsen has reached a confidential six-figure settlement for a two-year-old E. coli victim who was sickened by E. coli in well water at her family's rented home in rural Iowa.

For Olsen, the case highlights the need for well owners to frequently test for dangerous pathogens, especially when providing water to others.

The water E. coli settlement in Iowa coincides with a water E. coli outbreak at a fitness center in Jackson, Missouri. 

According to Cape Girardeau County Public Health, there are 7 laboratory-confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7, all children. In addition, there are 11 other probable infections. The gym in question is the Class Act Family Fitness Center, 2336 County Road 307 in Jackson, which has agreed to cease providing water to its users.
 
Water from the well used by Class Act Family Fitness has tested positive for E. coli, and further testing is being done to determine if it is E. coli O157:H7.
 
In the Iowa case, the little girl developed classic E. coli symptoms and tested positive for E. coli 0157:H7. Health officials confirmed that the tap water at the home contained E. coli but could not confirm that it was the E. coli O157:H7 strain.
The child was hospitalized for a month and put on kidney dialysis as part of the treatment she received for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Although her condition has improved she will have lifelong kidney damage and is at risk for needing a kidney transplant in the future.

HUS can develop in any person with an E. coli O157:H7 infection, but children are the most prone to this life-threatening disease. In Missouri, at least four of the well water E. coli victims were hospitalized.
The owner of the well in the Iowa case denied that his well was contaminated and argued that the girl contracted the bacteria directly from nearby cattle.
 
Mr. Olsen retained world-class expert witnesses, including an environmental engineer and a microbiologist, both from major universities, to examine the terrain, water flow and bacterial testing. They concluded that the bacteria seeped into the well through rainwater runoff contaminated by cattle manure. 

In Iowa and Missouri, Olsen says the well water E. coli illnesses were preventable. He recommends the following testing requirements for well owners who supply water for a business or rental property.

  • Mandatory yearly testing of water for E. coli and other pathogens.
  • Mandatory testing of water if the well has been overtopped by flood water or compromised.
  • Required posting of well water risks near water fountains and water taps.
Attorney Elliot Olsen represents E. coli victims nationwide. He can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or by completing the contact form on the side of this Web page.

Ohio E. coli Outbreak Victim Hires Lawyer

An 18-year-old Ohio woman who nearly died from an E. coli infection she contracted from adulterated steak recalled by National Steak and Poultry has been retained by attorney Fred Pritzker.
The young woman from Ashtabula, Ohio, suffered E. coli O157:H7 poisoning and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) matched by public health investigation to an outbreak late last year. The illnesses were associated with National Steak and Poultry of Owasso, Oklahoma.
 
According to a press release today by law firm Pritzker Olsen, the victim was hospitalized for weeks and almost died. She was on dialysis for months and now suffers from decreased kidney function and hypertension.
 
She faces a lifetime of medical problems and medical bills that should have been prevented.
Because of the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Ohio and other states, National Steak and Poultry recalled 248,000 pounds of beef products on December 24, 2009.
 
The recalled beef products, so-called “non-intact beef products,” were mechanically tenderized. This usually involves putting rougher cuts of beef through a machine that utilizes a set of needles or blades which pierce the meat and break down connective tissue.
 
Unfortunately, this process is also known to push E. coli O157:H7 on the surface of the raw meat into its center (so-called “translocation”).  If the meat is then served rare or medium rare, its center is not heated sufficiently to kill off the E. coli.

According to Fred Pritzker, this was at least the fourth E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with mechanically tenderized beef.

“Meat companies and restaurants don’t warn consumers about mechanical tenderization and the dangers that go with it,” Pritzker said.  “They don’t want consumers to be able to make informed choices because they’re afraid it will hurt sales.”

According to Pritzker, a small number of changes could go a long way to prevent future outbreaks:
  • Requiring producers to use microbiological decontamination technologies on meat products before mechanical tenderization.
  • Requiring labeling changes that alert consumers to the existence of and dangers associated with mechanical tenderization.
  • Creating and mandating public outreach programs alerting consumers to this practice.
Food safety attorney Fred Pritzker represents E. coli victims nationwide. He can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or by completing the contact form on the side of this Web page.  His offices are in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Freshway Lettuce Linked as E. coli Source

An unopened bag of shredded romaine lettuce distributed by Freshway Foods has tested positive for the same strain of E. coli O145 that has sickened at least 19 people in Ohio, Michigan and New York.

That announcement from the Food and Drug Administration was paired with news that lettuce recalled by Ohio-based Freshway came from the same farm in Yuma, Arizona, that supplied Vaughn Foods of Moore, Oklahoma.

Now Vaughn is recalling romaine lettuce with “use‐by” dates of May 9 and May 10. As was the case at Freshway, the recalled romaine lettuce distributed by Vaughan Foods was sold to restaurants and food service facilities and was not available for purchase as a grocery item. 

To date, there have been 19 confirmed and additional unconfirmed cases of E. coli O145 infections in Michigan, Ohio, and New York. These illnesses include 12 individuals who have been hospitalized, and three with a potentially life threatening complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

HUS is a serious condition in which the body’s blood-clotting mechanisms are altered, causing blocked circulation or bleeding in the brain or kidneys.

The Freshway lettuce recall was announced last week in connection with the outbreak  in Columbus, Ohio; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Amherst, New York and Wappingers Falls, New York (where K-12 students were the victims). 
Federal and state investigators are attempting to determine the point in the supply chain where the contamination occurred and are investigating a farm in the Yuma, Arizona area from which the romaine lettuce was harvested. Lettuce harvested from other geographic areas does not appear to be associated with this outbreak, the FDA news release said.
The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage anyone who has experienced E. coli symptoms following ingestion of romaine lettuce products described here to contact his or her health care provider immediately.
 
For answers to legal questions about the E. coli O145 outbreak, call Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page. Our firm is a leading representative of food poisoning victims nationwide. We are involved in practically every major outbreak of foodborne illness and have collected millions for our clients.

Freshway Lettuce E. coli Spotlights Yuma

 In 2007, National Public Radio did a feature story about the burgeoning winter lettuce industry in Yuma, Arizona.

The kicker to the story was that unlike the Salinas Valley in California, home to the majority of summer-grown leafy green produce -- the Yuma area was free of lettuce E. coli problems. The story quoted Kurt Nolte, then a University of Arizona professor, as saying E. coli in lettuce had not been detected in 100 years of growing leafy greens in Yuma.

All that could change if the Food and Drug Administration confirms its suspicion that an outbreak of E. coli O145 in Michigan, Ohio and New York was caused by romaine harvested on a Yuma farm. The key to the investigation will be to determine not only where the lettuce was grown, but if it was tainted in the field, at handling stations in Yuma, at the Freshway Foods processing plant in Ohio or en route by truck.

So far, investigators have confirmed 19 E. coli O145 infections and 10 more people are being counted as probable cases in this Freshway lettuce E. coli outbreak. Three of the victims have developed life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and the group of infected persons includes K-12 students from Wappingers Falls, New York.

Food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen has been in contact with victims of the outbreak and is providing free consultations to anyone affected by it. An E. coli attorney can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by completing the contact form on the side of this Web page.

The winter lettuce season in Yuma typically runs from November through March or early April. Ohio-based Freshway has said the batch of lettuce that it recalled as part of the E. coli outbreak was harvested at the tail end of the season in Yuma.

Located in Arizona's southwestern desert, Yuma drew 50,000 people in January to the 12th annual Yuma Lettuce Days celebration. The festival celebrates the area's $700 million-a-year agriculture business, which is irrigated by the Colorado River.

The sponsors of the event included Taylor Farms, BLT Companies and Doug Mellon Farms Inc.

Probe Widens in Freshway E. coli Outbreak

Many facets remain active in the investigation of the Freshway Foods lettuce E. coli outbreak in New York, Ohio and Michigan.

Initial reports from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention make it clear that this outbreak has fallen in a big way on college and K-12 students and that it has happened in a tight frame of time -- from April 10-26 (that range could expand if more cases come in).

CDC has visually described the outbreak linked to shredded romaine lettuce in an epidemic curve, or epi curve. The curve shows onset of illness dates for the 19 confirmed illnesses and 10 probable illnesses known as of May 5. Here's the curve:

Infected individuals range in age from 13 years old to 29 years old and the median age is 19 years. Sixty-nine percent of patients are male. Among the 29 patients with available information, 12 (41 percent) were hospitalized. Three patients have developed hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition that is the world's leading cause of kidney failure in children.
 
Two of the probable cases and one of the confirmed cases come from public schools in Wappingers Falls, New York. Also in New York, the Saratoga Springs City School District warned parents this week that children in four schools may have been served contaminated romaine from Freshway.
 
Colleges involved in the outbreak are Ohio State University, the University of Michigan and Daemen College in Amherst, New York. 
The CDC freely admits that E. coli O145 outbreaks have gone unreported because few clinical labs test for the pathogen, which is one of the six most common non-O157 E. coli types that produce poisonous Shiga toxin. That means more victims could be found in the 20 other states that Freshway distributed tainted romaine. 
As epidemiologists search for those cases, the CDC, FDA and certain state health departments also are looking at Freshway and the farm level to determine where in the distribution chain the point of contamination likely occurred. A state official in Arizona and a company official at Freshway have said the lettuce originated at a farm in Yuma, Arizona, but the grower has not been named.
 
Food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen is actively investigating the outbreak and monitoring the results of the public probe. If you believe you or a loved one became infected from contaminated romaine lettuce recalled by Freshway from 23 states, contact an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). We also will consult with you online if you complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.
 
Pritzker Olsen is a national leader in foodborne illness litigation, representing victims of food poisoning in all corners of the U.S. We have clients in New York, Michigan and Ohio, including the family of Nellie Napier of Medina, Ohio. Nellie was one of nine people who died in the peanut butter Salmonella outbreak of early 2009 caused by negligence at Peanut Corp. of America
 
Details of the Freshway lettuce recall can be viewed here.

Lettuce E. coli Found at Wappingers Falls Schools in New York

Several school students in Wappingers Falls, New York, are believed to be among those sickened in the E. coli O145 outbreak linked to Freshway Foods shredded Romaine lettuce.

District Superintendent James Parla told the Poughkeepsie Journal that there were two confirmed cases of E. coli, three probable cases and one suspected case. The students go to Roy C. Ketcham High School, John Jay High School, Wappingers Junior High School and Van Wyck Middle School.

Michael Caldwell, the Dutchess County health commissioner, said an initial stool sample from one of the children who was sick seemed to link it to the larger outbreak. In addition, a Freshway Foods lettuce sample from the school tested positive for E. coli.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Freshway Foods lettuce E. coli outbreak currently involves 19 confirmed illnesses and 10 probable illnesses in New York, Ohio and Michigan since March 1. Three of the victims have suffered life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and investigators believe the contaminated lettuce originated on a farm in Yuma, Arizona at the end of the winter lettuce season.

The bacterium in this outbreak is E. coli O145 -- which often goes undetected because testing for this type of E. coli is not widely practiced. It is one of the six most common non-O157 types of E. coli and emits the same powerful and destructive toxin -- Shiga toxin -- that comes from E. coli O157:H7.

The problem at Wappingers Falls started last month when several school children reported diarrheal illness. Previously it was known that students from Ohio State University, University of Michigan and Daemen College of Amherst, New York, were involved in the outbreak.

The link to shredded lettuce was announced Thursday when Sidney, Ohio,-based Freshway Foods announced a recall of Romaine lettuce in 23 states and Washington, D.C. A New York state laboratory in Albany found the outbreak strain of E. coli O145 in a previously unopened bag of shredded Romaine lettuce from Freshway Foods that had been sold to a foodservice establishment where at least one person is believed to have gotten sick.

If you or a loved one have been sickened in this outbreak, contact law firm Pritzker Olsen for free answers to your legal questions at 1-888-377-8900. For a free consultation online, complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

Pritzker Olsen is a national leader in foodborne illness litigation and we have collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning over the years. We are involved in practically every major outbreak of foodborne illness representing victims.

In the Freshway Foods case, we have been in contact with public health professionals who are working on the outbreak. In addition, we are conducting our own investigation to determine how potentially deadly disease-causing organisms made their way to people's food trays in an undeniable cluster.

Note to consumers: This outbreak is apparently not related to packaged Romaine lettuce sold in grocery aisles. It was distributed to foodservice accounts including cafeterias, delis, restaurants and grab-and-go salad bars inside grocery stores. The recall involves Freshway Foods lettuce marked with a sell-by date of May 12 and sold under the Freshway brand or the Imperial Sysco brand.

Freshway Foods E. coli Lettuce Outbreak Confirmed With Multiple Lines of Evidence

Multiple lines of evidence have been used to confirm Freshway Foods shredded Romaine lettuce as the cause of an E. coli O145 outbreak that has sickened at least 19 people in Ohio, Michigan and New York.

lettuce e. coli outbreakThe Food and Drug Administration press release on the lettuce E. coli outbreak said 12 of the victims were hospitalized and three contracted hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening disease that commonly results in kidney failure and can cause heart problems, stroke, brain injury and paralysis.

A key breakthrough in the investigation occurred yesterday when epidemiologists at the New York state laboratory in Albany confirmed the presence of E. coli O145 in a previously unopened bag of Freshway Foods shredded Romaine lettuce.

The FDA says all of the contaminated lettuce recalled by Sidney, Ohio,-based Freshway Foods in connection with the lettuce outbreak came from the same production facility. The agency is still investigating the actual source of contamination at the facility and it is working with Freshway Foods to track distribution of contaminated lettuce.

In Michigan, Washtenaw County Public Health announced that it has 10 confirmed cases as part of the outbreak. Three other illnesses in Michigan remain under investigation. The three-state Freshway lettuce outbreak involved students at Ohio State University in Columbus, University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and Daemen College in Amherst, New York. All of the illnesses in Michigan occurred between April 9-16.

In a note to consumers, the FDA says Freshway Foods lettuce with use-by dates after May 12 are not involved in the recall; nor are any other brands of Romaine lettuce.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen is conducting its own investigation of the outbreak and is accepting cases to represent victims in Freshway Foods litigation. To contact an E. coli lawyer at the firm, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

As one of the country's leading practitioners of foodborne illness litigation, we have represented victims in nearly every major outbreak of food poisoning. We understand the suffering that families endure when loved ones are seriously injured or killed from bacterial infections caused by contaminated food.

For instance, just this week we heard from client Randy Napier of Ohio. Nellie Napier, his mother, was one of nine people to die in the Peanut Corp. of America Salmonella outbreak early last year. Pritzker Olsen is representing three of those families.

To get a sense of the despair and harm caused by severe foodborne illness, read Randy's moving tribute posted recently on the Daily Kos blog.

Freshway Foods Lettuce E coli Outbreak and Recall

lettuce e. coli outbreakA Freshway Foods lettuce recall has been issued in the wake of an E. coli 0145 outbreak that has sickened approximately 50 people at universities and colleges in Michigan, New York and Ohio, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Illnesses have been reported at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and Daemen College in Amherst, New York.

The potentially contaminated lettuce was sold under the Freshway and Imperial Sysco brands to wholesale, service outlets, and in-store retail salad bars and delis in the following states: Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The lettuce was distributed to those states at salad bars and delis in the following stores: Kroger, Giant Eagle, Ingles Markets, and Marsh stores.

E coli Infections from Lettuce

The food safety attorneys at Pritzker Olsen law firm have, unfortunately, dealt with foodborne illness outbreaks associated with Ecoli in lettuce before. Our lawyers have, in fact, successfully recovered monetary damages for victims of lettuce E.coli food poisoning. People with E. coli infections from food products like the contaminated Freshway Foods lettuce could be able to file a lawsuit against producers and distributors of contaminated food.

The Spinach E. coli outbreak of 2006 drew national media attention to the issue of E coli contaminated produce. Unfortunately, that outbreak was not an isolated incident. The recent Freshway Foods lettuce outbreak associated with a different strain of the pathogen--E. coli 0145--shows the need for food producers to focus on the safety of products and for government agencies to tighten produce regulations and inspections, said food poisoning attorney Fred Pritzker. "The USDA currently only regulates one strain of E. coli, and that is E. coli O157. However, if other strains of E. coli can severely sicken and even kill people, those strains need to be regulated as well."

 

Columbus Ohio E. coli Outbreak Part of Three-State Study to Find Cause

State, local and federal health authorities are getting close to producing a questionnaire in an attempt to pinpoint the food causing a three-state outbreak of E. coli O145 in central Ohio; Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Erie County, New York.

An updated message from Columbus Public Health says the epidemiological questionnaire will compare people who were sickened with others who ate at the same places and did not get sick.

"This type of study can make for strong evidence as to what made people sick, even if laboratory tests of food samples do not reveal anything. The investigation is expected to take several weeks,'' the agency said.

In Ohio, no new E. coli O145 cases have been found since April 20 so they believe people may have eaten the tainted food sometime between April 1 and April 20. Investigators do not believe all of the cases are related to one particular restaurant or place, but a group of places that may have all received food from the same distributor.

One of the common denominators in the Ohio, Michigan, New York E. coli outbreak is that university students have been among the victims at Ohio State University, University of Michigan and Daemen College in Amherst, New York.

Columbus Public Health said in its latest message on the outbreak that investigators are actively seeking to talk to anyone in the areas of the outbreak who became sick after April 1 with E. coli symptoms of diarrhea and severe stomach cramping.

And while officials previously have only described the bacteria as non-O157 E. coli, they now have confirmed it is E. coli O145 -- one of six non-O157 types that emit Shiga toxin.

Together in the three states, around 60 cases of illness are considered to be part of the outbreak.

As the public investigation continues, law firm Pritzker Olsen is building its own files on the outbreak and is interested in talking to victims. We are in touch with some of the investigating agencies and also believe a common foodservice distributor or foodservice item is behind the outbreak.

To receive a free case consultation, call an E. coli lawyer at our firm at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page. 

Ann Arbor E. coli Outbreak Prompts Food Safety Lawyer to Call for Change

Business Wire has released the following press release in connection with the  E. coli O145 outbreak affecting university students and faculty in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Columbus, Ohio and Amherst, New York.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen has learned that ground beef is not high on the list of foods suspected of causing an outbreak of E. coli O145 in Michigan, Ohio and New York, where approximately 50 university students and other people are believed to be infected.

Health investigators are looking for a cause that likely comes from a shared foodservice supplier or foodservice item at Ohio State University, University of Michigan and Daemen College, said Fred Pritzker, founder and president of the firm.

But regardless of what food ultimately is confirmed as the cause, Pritzker Olsen is calling on USDA to immediately take steps to broaden E. coli protections where beef is slaughtered and processed. Contaminated ground beef is currently the most common source of E. coli infection.

E. coli O157:H7 is the single most prevalent type of E. coli in U.S. food poisoning cases. As such, it was declared an adulterant in ground beef in 1994, making tainted ground beef illegal to sell and requiring industry to test for the pathogen.

But in 16 years since then, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has failed to put adulterant labels on six additional strains of shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC); E. coli O145, 045, 0121, 0103, 026 and O111.  In addition, the agency has not acted on a public petition to deem all beef products adulterated if contaminated with E. coli organisms -- not just ground beef and cuts intended for ground beef as regulations now state.

Pritzker said the university outbreak of E. coli O145 is a powerful reminder that it's time for the USDA to take a major step forward in keeping potentially deadly E. coli forms out of the U.S. beef supply.

"Non-O157 STECs are every bit as hazardous as E. coli O157:H7 and they all need to be regulated,'' said Pritzker, whose many current food poisoning clients include a survivor of E. coli O111.  "Another public health disaster shouldn't be required in order for change to take place.''

The CDC estimates that non-0157 STECs cause 36,700 illnesses, 1,100 hospitalizations and 30 deaths in America each year. These strains can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), kidney failure, and E. coli death, just like the O157 strain.

Pritzker Olsen law firm, headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, represents individuals and families nationwide in cases involving foodborne illness. The firm is involved in virtually every major foodborne illness outbreak and has obtained some of the largest verdicts and settlements in foodborne illness cases. Attorney Fred Pritzker can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE).

University E. coli Outbreak In 3 States

The common demoninator in the multi-state outbreak of E. coli O145 in Ohio, Michigan and New York is university students.

Nearly 50 people have confirmed or suspected illnesses that began to occur in early- to mid-April around the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and Ohio State University in Columbus. New York has one confirmed E. coli O145 illness matching the outbreak strain and 11 other suspected cases.

Food safety microbiologist Phyllis Entis is reporting that the New York outbreak has a connection to Daemen College, a private nonsectarian liberal arts school in Amherst, New York, near Buffalo.

A university E. coli outbreak obviously points to a shared foodservice supplier or shared foodservice item, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not announced a cause for the outbreak. Various food samples are being tested, but it is not known if meat, leafy green vegetables or some processed food item is contaminated with the bacteria.

National food safety law firm Pritker Olsen is actively investigating this outbreak. It is not too early to contact anE. coli lawyer at our law firm for a free consultation regarding your legal rights: 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or complete the online consultation form on the side of this Web page. We are not paid unless you win.

Our firm has been in contact with investigating agencies and we have years of experience protecting the legal rights of victims of food poisoning. E. coli O147 is a cousin to the better known pathogen E. coli O157:H7 and its is equally dangerous in terms of emitting a toxin that can wreak havoc once consumed by humans.

If you or a loved one has had recent symptoms of bloody diarrhea, painful stomach cramps and fever, contact a physician immediately. In five to 15 percent of cases, infections develop into life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)  with effects ranging from kidney failure to brain damage and paralysis. 

E. coli O111 Colorado Prison Food Poisoning Outbreak

E. coli Food Poisoning An E. coli outbreak at Four Mile Prison in Canon City, Colorado has been associated with E. coli O111, a lesser-known but no less dangerous strain of E. coli. So far three inmates are sick with E. coli O111 and eight more could potentially be part of the outbreak as well, according to local news sources.

Colorado health officials have inspected the facility's kitchens and found no unsanitary conditions, according to Colorado Department of Corrections spokeswoman Katherine Sanguinetti. The Colorado DOC and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment are working together to locate the source of the outbreak and keep it from growing.

 

About E. coli O111

 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have identified six types of E.coli besides E. coli O157:H7  that are lesser known but still can be seriously harmful and even deadly. E. coli O111 is in this category.

These types of Ecoli are known as Shiga toxin-producing E coli, or STEC, because they produce a dangerous toxin that causes severe illness in normally healthy people. Symptoms can include:

There have been 11 outbreaks since 1990 that the CDC has associated with E. coli O111.  Although it is more rare than E. coli O157:H7, it can be just as deadly. STEC cause about 110,000 foodborne illnesses per year, and about 30 percent of those illnesses could be traced to non-O157 types of E. coli, such as O111, according to the CDC.

E. coli O145 Outbreak in Michigan, Ohio and New York Continues to Expand

E. coli O145 has sickened dozens of people in Michigan, Ohio and now New York.

 

Health officials have not released much information, but this is what is being reported by health departments and news sources:

  • E. coli O145 cases in Michigan, Ohio and New York have been genetically linked, meaning the same food source probably made these people sick;
  • The Ohio Department of Agriculture is testing four food samples and food items also are being tested in Michigan;
  • Ground beef is not highly suspected in Michigan;
  • Students at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan are among those sickened in the outbreak;
  • The food that was contaminated with E. coli O145 was most likely served at restaurants, cafeterias and other eating establishments.

Pritzker Olsen law firm is actively investigating this outbreak. Even though the food source of this outbreak has not been determined, it is not too early to contact an E. coli lawyer at our law firm for a free consultation regarding your legal rights: 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or submit our online consultation form.  We are not paid unless you win.

We have recently settled an E. coli case in Michigan and are litigating E. coli cases in Ohio.  Read about a Michigan E. coli lawsuit and an Ohio E. coli lawsuit.


Keywords: E. coli O145 outbreak, Ann Arbor, Michigan, lawyer, Columbus, Ohio, attorney, Ohio State University, University of Michigan, Buffalo, New York, food poisoning, lawsuit, Ecoli 0145.

E. coli Outbreak in Michigan Ohio NY

The E. coli O145 outbreak in Ohio and Michigan has spread to New York, where at lest 13 illnesses are suspected of being linked to the outbreak.

All together, the outbreak may have sickened around 50 people and is not contained.

Public health officials in the three states are being assisted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in trying to determine the cause of the outbreak, which has included students at Ohio State University in Columbus and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

New York State Health Department spokesman Jeffrey Hammond said in an e-mail to the Columbus Dispatch that the agency will soon issue a statewide health-care provider alert.

One New York illness has been definitely linked to the Michigan-Ohio E. coli O145 outbreak and a dozen others are suspected of being linked, the newspaper reported.

The linked New York case is from Erie County, home to Buffalo, and the individual has recovered.
 
Meanwhile, all five Ohio E. coli infections previously confirmed by the public health authority in Columbus have now been genetically linked to the outbreak in Michigan, the Columbus Dispatch reported. Eight other probable cases are under evaluation in Ohio
 
The investigation into what is causing this non-O157 E. coli outbreak is at the stage of testing various food samples, but authorities are not saying what foods are suspect. Ground beef is the most common vehicle for E. coli outbreaks, but a source told national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen that beef products were not high on the list of suspect foods.
 
In Ohio, Columbus Public Health officials want to hear from individuals who think they might have been infected. The number to call is 614-719-8888.
 
If you have a confirmed illness or one that is being investigated by health authorities, Pritzker Olsen will answer your legal questions and provide a free case consultation at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free).
 
Our law firm, which also can be reached through the contact form on the side of this Web page, is one of the few in the nation practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. We have collected millions for victims of food poisoning over the years.
 
E. coli O145 infections are less common that those caused by E. coli O157:H7, but both types of the organism emit shiga toxins that can wreak havoc in a person's body by shutting down kidney function, damaging the brain and central nervous system and leading to strokes, coma, paralysis and E. coli death. 
 
When complications of this sort develop, a person normally has been diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Our firm has represented families in many of these cases against meatpackers, restaurants, food distributors and food processing companies.

Michigan Ohio E. coli Outbreak Proves the Need to Regulate Non-O157 STECs

E. coli O157:H7 was declared an adulterant in ground beef in 1994, but USDA has failed to put six additional strains of shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) in the same category. 

Members of the food safety community, including law firm Pritzker Olsen, have been calling for the expanded ruling so that producers of meat are required to test for the potentially deadly pathogens to help protect our food supply.
 
A non-O157:H7 E. coli strain is currently loose in Michigan and Ohio and public health officials are scrambling to determine the food source. If you or a loved one has been affected by the outbreak, call Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) for a free case consultation. Or, you can contact us with the online form on the side of this Web page.
 
In the Michigan-Ohio E. coli outbreak, at least 12 people have tested positive for non-O157 E. coli and 20 more people are considered probable victims pending test results. Officials are urging anyone with symptoms of E. coli, which include bloody diarrhea and painful abdominal cramps, to contact a physician. Make sure to ask to be tested for E. coli -- your physician is required to report the illness to the health department.
 
The six non-O157 E. coli strains identified as STEC pathogens by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are O26, O111, O103, O121, O45 and O145. These strains can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), kidney failure, and E. coli death, just like the O157 strain. 
The CDC estimates that non-0157 STECs cause 36,700 illnesses, 1,100 hospitalizations and 30 deaths in America each year. As Pritzker Olsen founder and president Fred Pritzker has often said: They are just as hazardous as E. coli O157:H7 and need to be regulated. 
The current E. coli outbreak, which has sickened university students in Columbus, Ohio, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, could help call attention to the problem. Leaders on this issue have included S.T.O.P. -- Safe Tables Our Priority and select members of Congress including Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York.
 
Senator Gillibrand already has put out a press release on this issue in response to the outbreak.: 
"The laws that are meant to keep us safe from hazardous foods are in critical need of updating. We need immediate action to keep our families safe,'' Sen. Gillibrand says.

Michigan E. coli Has Company in Ohio

The Michigan Department of Agriculture is conducting an E. coli traceback investigation to determine whether a common food distributor is involved in an E. coli outbreak  that has made people sick in Michigan and Ohio.
 
Dr. Diana Torres-Burgos, medical director of Washtenaw County Public Health in Ypsilanti, Michigan, issued a press release saying the investigation is progressing.
 
"Initial findings indicated ill persons were exposed at one or more local eateries. Additional evidence now indicates there may have been a problem related to the distribution of certain foods received locally,'' the press release said.
 
Her announcement coincided with news that Ohio authorities have matched at least two E. coli illnesses to the Michigan outbreak. The Columbus Dispatch reported that victims of the outbreak include students at Ohio State University and the University of Michigan. 
“We are currently working with all identified cases to collect the information we need,” says Dr. Mysheika LeMaile-Williams, Medical Director for the City of Columbus, “and we are actively doing everything we can to identify the source of infection.” 
In Ohio there are five confirmed E. coli illnesses and at least 6 other probable cases under investigation. In Michigan, there are seven matching E. coli illnesses and 14 cases awaiting lab results. In both states, the type of E. coli is not E. coli O157:H7. The outbreak strain has only been identified as E. coli  non-O157. 
 
Several types of non-0157 E. coli emit Shiga toxins that can produce life-threatening consequences for those who become infected. The toxins attack and  misshape red blood cells in the body and can penetrate the central nervous system. 
 
Besides commonly causing kidney failure, the toxins can cause heart problems, brain damage, coma, stroke, paralysis and colon destruction. The advanced illnesses are part of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or thrombotic  thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), two life-threatening diseases.Those most at risk are small children, the elderly and people who have weakened immune systems.
 
If you or a loved one is a victim in this outbreak, contact an experienced E. coli lawyer at national food safety law firm  Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page. We are one of the few law firms in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and over the years we have collected millions for our clients. 

Child's E. coli Death in Vancouver Could Help Quicken Public Outbreak Response

Bonnie and Anthony Wilson of Vancouver, Washington, have bravely shared the story of their 4-year-old son's E. coli death in the hopes of sparing anyone else the same tragedy.

Ronan Allen "Ro-Ro" Wilson was an exhuberant, healthy boy who had overcome serious health challenges in his first few years of life only to fall victim to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 at a family daycare. Ronan and others  were sickened before the faciility was shut down. In all, 13 people became infected.

Clark County Health Officer Dr. Alan Melnick  told the Portland Oregonian newspaper that he is certain the outbreak spread inside the daycare from fecal-oral transmission during person to person contact.

He said he and his team made the right  decisions while investigating the outbreak, but he expects to have more discussions with colleagues about whether the state of Washington should retool protocols to be more aggressive in responding to E. coli outbreaks. Ronan's death occurred a mere 10 days after his mother first took him to see a pediatrician on March 29.

According to the story written by reporter Katy Muldoon, here is the sequence of events:

  • Despite Mrs. Wilson telling the doctor that a child at Ronan's daycare had been hospitalized with an infection of E. coli O157:H7, the physician said Ronan's symptoms didn't fit that diagnosis and sent him home. 
  • At home, the boy's condition appeared to improve the next day, but by evening he felt sick again. When his health worsened on April 1, he went to the clinic and then to the hospital, where he became violently ill. His diarrhea and vomit turned bloody and his stomach became distended.
  • Ronan's infection spread fast. By April 4, the infection had moved beyond his colon and kidneys to his brain, damaging his thalmus and causing swelling. Ronan was rendered unconscious and he was breathing with a respirator. The brain infection worsened.
  • On the evening of April 8, Ronan died. Friends and family -- including 7-year-old brother Gavin -- had been able to say their good-byes.

One week after Ronan's funeral, the Wilsons told their story:

"They want others to know the loving, curious, ambitious child they lost and to learn from their experience. They don't want another family to ever endure what they did.''

Colorado Prison E. coli Outbreak

 A Colorado prison with approximately 500 inmates is responding to an E. coli outbreak that has sickened 13 inmates, three of whom have had their illnesses confirmed through testing.

The Colorado Department of Corrections announced the Four Mile Prison E. coli outbreak in Canon City, saying the state health department is investigating. Kitchens at the prison have been inspected and checked off as sanitary.

Health investigators reportedly are still looking for the source of the outbreak. Meanwhile the Department of Corrections said it is "taking all precautions and working closely with CDPHE to restrict the spread of the bacteria." 

E. coli O157:H7 infections cause prolonged painful diarrhea that often turns bloody, severe abdominal cramps and fever. In 5 to 15 percent of cases, patients develop a life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremia or an associated disease known as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

Besides commonly shutting down a person's kidneys, these illness can have other serious effects including brain injury, heart problems, stroke, convulsions, coma, paralysis and other nervous system disorders.

For answers to legal questions about compensation for E. coli O157:H7 outbreak injuries, call national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

Our firm is one of the few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected millions for victims of food poisoning.

Wisconsin Ignores Raw Milk E. coli, Campylobacter and Salmonella Threats

Wisconsin has foolishly legalized the sale of raw milk on 60-35 vote by its Assembly, rejecting warnings from its own disease experts, doctors, researchers, child safety experts and farm bureau.

If signed by Gov. Jim Doyle, the bill will put the state's endorsement on a product labeled as dangerous to human health by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the USDA and the FDA -- not to mention its own state department of health.

In the Pittsburgh area right now, a 67-year-old man is fighting for his life on a respirator after being paralyzed from consuming raw milk that later tested positive for the pathogen Campylobacter. James Orchard and his wife are represented by Pritzker Olsen, a national food safety law firm that has actively supported banning raw milk sales.

Wisconsin has set itself up for more raw milk E. coli outbreaks and raw milk Salmonella outbreaks -- disease clusters that will seriously injure and eventually kill consumers who expect what they are drinking is safe because the state legalized it.

Despite quackery spewed by some evangelical supporters of raw milk, there is no nutritional difference between raw milk and milk that has been pasteurized to kill microscopic bugs that cause extremely painful and often bloody diarrhea and other symptoms.

For a certain number of victims of raw milk food poisoning, there also are long-term consequences. As is the case of Mr. Orchard, Campylobacter can lead to Guillain-Barre' syndrome. Salmonella can lead to Reiter's syndrome and E. coli can lead hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in children.

Wisconsin is still known as America's Dairyland, despite being eclipsed in milk production many years ago by California. Wisconsin health officials and farm organizations who worked to defeat the bill can only hope it won't be renewed when it sunsets in 2011. 

Michigan E. coli Outbreak in Washtenaw County Under Investigation

Public health officials in Washtenaw County, Michigan, around Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, are actively investigating an outbreak of food poisoning thought to be caused by E. coli.

The Michigan E. coli outbreak currently includes 10 cases, but other probable cases also are under investigation. The announcement comes from Dr. Diana Torres-Burgo, medical director for Washtenaw County Public Health.

Dr. Torres-Burgo said investigators are doing everything they can to find the source of the Washtenaw County outbreak. Victims have experience abdominal cramping followed by diarrhea that progressively worsens and often turns bloody. Ill persons have not experience fever, she said.

Anyone with similar symptoms should seek medical attention immediately and ask to be tested for E. coli poisoning. For answers to legal questions about the Michigan outbreak, call national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

A lawyer with years of experience representing E. coli O157:H7 victims will provide you with a free case consultation and encourage you to report your illness to the county if you haven't done so already. Public reporting is important to help prevent more people from getting sick.

E. coli O157:H7 infection is especially dangerous for young children, older adults and people who have weakened immune systems. In five to 15 percent of cases, patients develop hemolytic uremic syndrome or an associated illness known as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). These conditions are life-threatening and often leave victims with long-term medical conditions that can be disabling.

Michigan authorities in Washtenaw County are still searching for the source of this outbreak. While contaminated ground beef is the leading cause of E. coli outbreaks, many other foods or water also are capable of carrying the pathogen.

Pritzker Olsen is starting to collect information for its own investigation of the outbreak around Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. If you have information about the possible cause of these illnesses, please contact us.

No Real Progress on Food Poisoning

Media reports covering the latest CDC data on food poisoning have focused on a slight decline in the incidence of E. coli O157:H7 infections in 2009.

But the bottom line of the report is that no real progress has been made in six years in reducing dangerous pathogens in our food.

"The interventions begun in the late 1990s were successful in decreasing some of these foodborne diseases, but we haven’t seen much recent progress,” said Chris Braden, M.D., acting director of CDC’s Division of Foodborne, Waterborne, and Environmental Diseases. “To make additional strides against these diseases and ultimately better protect the American people from foodborne illness, CDC, our federal and state partners, and the food industry will need to try new strategies."

Braden was commenting on annual CDC surveillance data released this week by FoodNet, a food poisoning detection and reporting system operated by CDC in collaboration from 10 state health departments, USDA and FDA. It tracks E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter, Shigellaand four other pathogens. 

For most of the infections, the rate was highest in children under the age of 4 years. People over 50 years old had the highest rates of hospitalizations and deaths from most foodborne illnesses, emphasizing the need for those over 50 to get diagnosed and get treatment quickly after becoming ill.

Among the four pathogens tracked in FoodNet that have national incidence goals, Salmonella is furthest from meeting the goal. According to CDC, there is slow progress in fighting Salmonella because it is spread through a wide variety of foods, and also through non foodborne routes. Salmonella can be spread by poultry, meat, eggs, produce and processed foods, as well as by contact with animals like baby chicks, small turtles, reptiles and frogs.

Shigella and E. coli O157:H7 were the two pathogens that experienced lower incidence rates in 2009 when compared to 2006-2008. The Healthy People goal for E. coli was a rate of less than 1 infection per 100,000 people.  The 2009 ratio was .57 per 100,000, down 25 percent. For Shigella, the incidence rate was down 27 percent to 3.99 per 100,000. 

USDA Probes Winco Hamburger E. coli

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has launched an E. coli O157:H7  investigation into the suppliers of ground beef to WinCo Foods, a supermarket chain with stores in California, Idaho, Nevada, Oregon, Washington and Utah.

The probe, assisted by the California Department of Public Health, is in connection with a WinCo hamburger E. coli problem. The company originally recalled ground beef sold from April 3-9 at is Modesto, California, store. An independent lab had found E. coli contamination in two samples of the meat.

Preliminary findings in the WinCo E. coli investigation prompted a widening of the recall to include fresh hamburger with sale dates of March 28-April 9.

USDA spokesman Neil Gaffney told the Modesto Bee newspaper that the agency is investigating the suppliers of the ground beef and attempting to determine how the contamination occurred and the point of contamination.

"We are also trying to determine all potentially infected products," he said.

No confirmed illnesses have yet been reported, but health officials are urging any consumers of recalled WinCo hamburger to immediately see a physician if they have suffered E. coli poisoning symptoms.

For answers to legal questions about an E. coli illness, call national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page. We represent victims of food poisoning in virtually all major E. coli outbreaks, including families of children who suffer hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or an associated disease in adults known as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura ((TTP). 

Timeline for Daycare E. coli Outbreak

Questions are being raised about the public health response to the Fletch Home Daycare E. coli outbreak in Vancouver, Washington, that has tragically claimed the life of a 4-year-old boy.

Clark County Health Officer Dr. Alan Melnick told the Associated Press that officials allowed the state-licensed daycare to continue operating for two weeks after the first child victim was confirmed to have an infection of E. coli O157:H7. The daycare remained open until at least two more children fell sick.

The daycare toddler who died in the outbreak was the fourth to get sick and Melnick isn't saying which day the boy was hospitalized. The home daycare operated by Dianne and Larry Fletch was finally closed April 2. The little boy's E. coli death was reported to authorities seven days later.

Melnick told the AP that he didn't shut down the business until April 2 out of concern that other parents who used the facility could take their children to different day cares and risk exposing others.

Here's the AP timeline of the outbreak, one that national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen is investigating:
 
  • On March 19, a laboratory reports the first case to health officials, after stool sample of a daycare attendee tested positive for E. coli O157:H7.
  • On March 26, the same doctor who treated the first child reported a second case. That day, health officials inspect the facility but didn't "find anything alarming." Health officials begin contacting staff and parents of all the children to pinpoint the source.
  • About March 29, the mother of a third child called health officials reporting symptoms. Health officials did another inspection that day and didn't find any specific problems.
  • The boy who died was the fourth child to be hospitalized.
  • On March 30, health officials took stool samples from 22 children and 4 adults. When it got results back showing that E. coli had spread there to seven more children and staff, it closed the facility on April 2.
  • On April 9, officials were notified of the 4-year-old boy's death. The three other children hospitalized in the outbreak recovered well enough to go home.

Fletch Daycare E. coli Outbreak Results in Death to 4-year-old Boy

A daycare E. coli outbreak at the Vancouver, Washington, home of Dianne and Larry Fletch has claimed the life of a  4-year-old boy who was first hospitalized March 19.

The tragic death was confirmed by Elizabeth Winter of the Washington State Department of Early Learning and Dr. Alan Melnick, health officer for Clark County.

Larry Fletch, who reportedly has operated the in-home daycare since 1990 with no valid complaints on file, was interviewed by KGW-TV: 

"It really is so horrible,'' he said. "We knew the child since before he was born. We’ve been trying to help the family. It’s just so horrible. We were close to the child. We’re close to all of our children."

Public health officials in Clark County closed the daycare April 2 after four children were hospitalized with matching strains of E. coli O157:H7. Others involved in the daycare later tested positive for E. coli but had not yet exhibited symptoms. 

The cause of the Vancouver daycare E. coli outbreak has not been determined, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that daycare centers are the most likely settings for person-to-person outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7. In such cases, the pathogen is spread through fecal-oral contact.

The threat of these outbreaks is why public health officials have stressed the importance of strict hand-washing hygiene. In outbreaks of E. coli, five to 15 percent of people infected by the organism develop life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome, HUS. Of all age groups, young children are the most susceptible to contracting HUS, which typically involves kidney failure.

But E. coli HUS is much more than that, often damaging other organs and a person's central nervous system.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen is investigating the Fletch daycare E. coli outbreak and is accepting cases from affected families. Our firm gets involved in practically every major outbreak of E. coli and other foodborne illnesses.

For a free case consultation or to ask legal questions of an E. coli lawyer who has handled many HUS cases, call our firm at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

Clark County Daycare E. coli Outbreak

Washington state health officials have temporarily shut down a Clark County daycare facility after four children in the setting were hospitalized with E. coli O157:H7 infections, including one who remains hospitalized.

The Clark County daycare E. coli outbreak includes two additional cases of illness and the state-licensed daycare center was closed April 2 to prevent more from getting sick. The Portland Oregonian newspaper reported the first details of the outbreak.

Dr. Alan Melnick, Clark County's public health officer, told the newspaper that there was concern of continued person-to-person spreading of the E. coli daycare strain.

He said the health department learned of the first hospitalization on March 19. Soon after, three other children required hospitalization. Melnick told the newspaper that stool samples from 22 children and four adult caregivers showed six carrying the O157:H7 strain but not showing symptoms.

Because symptoms can take up to 10 days to appear after exposure, the health department is checking each day with staff and families of the children and won't reopen the facility until there are no more signs of infection.

Melnick told the Oregonian that one of the infected children remains hospitalized. In five to 15 percent of E. coli infections, patients develop life-threatening E. coli HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome. Children are most susceptible to this.

HUS is the leading cause of kidney failure in children, but it also carries many other risks ranging from central nervous system damage to heart problems. Stroke, convulsions, coma, paralysis, brainstem injury are all possible in HUS cases. 

Law firm Pritzker Olsen currently represents HUS E. coli victims from other outbreaks and has years of experience in E. coli  litigation. Our firm is already starting its own investigation of this Clark County daycare E. coli outbreak. We are involved as a representative for victims in practically every major outbreak of foodborne illness in the United States.

To contact us for answers to legal questions about the Washington daycare E. coli outbreak, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this web page. An experienced E. coli lawyer will provide you with a free case consultation and answer any questions you may have. 

USDA Breakthrough in E. coli Testing

USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) has developed a new test for E. coli O157:H7 and the powerful toxin that the pathogen emits -- a breakthrough for health inspectors and the food industry that could be commercialized within a few years.

The test engineered by an ARS research unit in Albany, New York, has a two-in-one component that will replace the need currently for separate tests on the E. coli O157:H7 organism and the Shiga-toxin it produces. The bug and the toxin can be found in food separately.

According to a recent New York Times account of the testing advance, the new instrument will greatly speed results. Instead of the current standard of waiting one week, results would be delivered in less than 24 hours.

Contaminated ground beef is the leading cause of E. coli outbreaks, but J. Mark Carter, leader of the ARS research group, told the Times that the new test could have applications on lettuce and other vegetables.

More work is required on the development, hence the wait for market delivery.

Peppa's Completes E. coli Training

Peppa's South King in Honolulu -- the restaurant at the center of a Hawaii E. coli outbreak investigation -- has reopened after an intense day of E. coli safety training and other food safety instruction.

The Honolulu Star Bulletin reported that a Hawaii Department of Health worker remained at Peppa's until midnight Thursday working with restaurant staff on a 10-point mitigation plan before the department cleared the restaurant for reopening Friday.

Peppa's manager John Kim told the newspaper that business was totally dead on the first day back in operation.

The health department has not issued any updates since it was reported earlier in the week that seven people suffered E. coli O157:H7 infections between March 2-23, including four who said they had eaten at Peppa's, 1240 S. King Street. Public health investigators observed food handling violations at the restaurant.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen is investigating the outbreak and would welcome any information from families affected by illness or from people familiar with the restaurant. Call us at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

If you are a victim of this outbreak and seek answers to legal questions, an E. coli lawyer at our firm will provide you with a case consultation at no cost to you. We represent victims of food poisoning in every corner of the United States, including Hawaii. If we agree to take your case, you owe us nothing until you win.

Peppa's E. coli May Be Result of Food Handling Violations

Our law firm recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of a husband and wife who contracted E. coli O157:H7 infections after eating beef at a barbecue restaurant. We sued the beef processor, a distributor of the meat and the barbecue restaurant that served the couple the meal that made them sick.

The husband was hospitalized with severe bloody diarrhea and cramps. The wife also suffered bloody diarrhea and cramps, but she developed TTP-HUS, a complication of an E. coli O157:H7 infection that can cause kidney failure, brain injuries, heart damage, other serious injuries and death.  She spent two months in the hospital and almost died several times.

An E. coli outbreak in Honolulu, Hawaii that sickened at least seven people in March also involves a barbecue restaurant, Peppa’s Korean BBQ. The Peppa’s E. coli may be the result of food handling violations that closed the restaurant down yesterday. According to the Honolulu Advisor:

After it was confirmed that some of those sickened by E. coli 0157:H7 had eaten at Peppa's, state Sanitation Branch inspectors were dispatched to the restaurant, where they observed food-handling violations….

Those violations, coupled with confirmation of the Peppa's connection, caused inspectors to issue a "notice of permit suspension" and a cease-and-desist order against the restaurant at about 10 a.m. yesterday….

To contact a lawyer at Pritzker Olsen about the Peppa’s E. coli outbreak, please call 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE), email Attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online form for a free consultation.

Keywords: Peppa’s E. coli, lawsuit, Honolulu E. coli, lawyer, attorney, Peppa’s Korean Barbecue, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), thrombotic thrombocytopenic pupura (TTP), child E. coli.

Peppa's Korean BBQ E coli Outbreak Leads to Shutdown of Honolulu Restaurant

Health officials in Hawaii are investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections and have temporarily closed a barbecue restaurant in Honolulu that they have associated with at least some of the illnesses.

Peppa's Korean BBQ restaurant was ordered closed Thursday by Hawaii's Department of Health, according to a news report by KITV.com. The health agency is aware of seven E. coli patients, some of whom ate food from the restaurant before becoming ill, the report said.

KITV reported that four of the seven victims were hospitalized and that one remained hospitalized Thursday. Six of the patients were from Oahu.

The story didn't say what caused the outbreak, only that "a health inspection team found evidence of exposure to the bacteria'' at the restaurant. 

"Health officials have ordered the restaurant's owners to correct the problems with thorough cleaning and training before it allows the business to reopen,'' KITV.com reported.

The health department has reminded doctors to report any E. coli  infections to the agency. If you or a loved one believe you may be part of this outbreak, immediately see a doctor. For answers to legal questions, call law firm Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or complete a contact form on the side of this Web page.

Pritzker Olsen is a leading practitioner of foodborne illness litigation that has collected millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning. We also are actively involved in efforts to prevent outbreaks and strengthen U.S. food safety laws.

E. coli O157:H7 infection is a serious threat to anyone's health, but children, pregnant women, the elderly and others with weakened immune systems are most at risk. In five to 15 percent of cases, patients develop E. coli HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can be life threatening.

 

Huntington E. coli Beef Recall Includes Taco Meat Sold to School Lunch Programs

Schools from Michigan to Texas have been removing seasoned ground beef, hamburger patties and other products sold by a California company that is under criminal investigation for its food safety practices.

Huntington Meat Packing Inc. of Montebello, California, is under criminal investigation and the probe has led to the recall of 4.9 million pounds of beef and veal products made over the past year. USDA's interest in the meatpacker was piqued earlier by a finding of E. coli O157:H7 in a sample of the plant's beef.

The E. coli contamination prompted an initial recall of 864,000 pounds of beef patties and bulk ground beef products. Insanitary meat plant conditions at Huntington were cited in the second recall notice in which USDA announced the criminal investigation.

Both USDA recall notices said the meat from Huntington was sold to California distributors, hotels and restaurants. Now we learn from independent newspaper reports across the country that Huntingon meat potentially contaminated with E. coli was in schools.

In west Michigan, for example, school lunch programs expelled Huntington's beef patties, veal patties, diced beef, sliced beef and burrito filling. The school lunch items were sold under the Huntington, Imperial Meat Co. and El Rancho brand names. The supplier was identified as Chartwell.

In Arlington, Texas, a newspaper reported that the beef E. coli problem at Huntington led to the elmination of a taco roll call Fernando Taco Snack by Huntington.

Young children are especially at risk from E. coli infection because they are more likely to develop life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome, or  HUS E. coli. HUS is the leading cause of kidney failure in children and the leading cause of E. coli deaths. Other long-term effects from E. coli infection and HUS include stroke, heart problems, E coli in the brain, neurological damage and paralysis.

National food safety lawyer Pritzker Olsen represents HUS victims and other victims of food poisoning. Our firm is one of the few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. To contact an HUS lawyer at Pritzker Olsen call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page. 

Criminal Investigation of Huntington Meat Leads to Massive Beef and Veal Recall

Huntington Meat Packing Inc. of Montebello, California, is under criminal investigation and the probe has led to the recall of 4.9 million pounds of beef and veal products made over the past year.

Less than a month ago, an E. coli O157:H7 beef problem at Huntington prompted the recall of 864,000 pounds of patties and bulk ground beef products. No illnesses have been directly linked to the company's recalled meat, but this second recall is for operating under insanitary conditions.

A USDA press release says the violation and recall stem from a criminal investigation of the California meat packer by the Office of Inspector General with assistance from USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). Details of  the criminal probe were not disclosed.

"The products are adulterated because the company made the products under insanitary conditions failing to take the steps it had determined were necessary to produce safe products,'' the press release said.

Each packing plant or processor is required to have a HAACP plan that describes the process controls needed to prevent food safety hazards and create a safe and wholesome product. "The investigation has uncovered evidence to show that the food safety records of the establishment cannot be relied upon to document compliance with the requirements,'' the press release.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen, which represents consumers in food poisoning claims, is monitoring the investigation of Huntington Meat Packing. For answers to legal questions about victims' rights in foodborne illness cases, call us at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our contact form on the side of this Web page.

The recalled beef and veal products from Huntington were produced from January 22, 2009, to January 4, 2010 and were sold to distribution centers, hotels and restaurants in California. Here is the list of products subject to recall. They all are marked with USDA establishment number EST 17967. 

  • 10 lb. boxes of "IMPERIAL MEAT CO. GROUND BEEF PATTY"
  • 10 lb. boxes of "El Rancho MEAT & PROVISION ALL BEEF PATTIES"
  • 20 lb. boxes of "IMPERIAL MEAT CO. GROUND BEEF PATTY"
  • 50 lb. boxes of "HUNTINGTON MEATS GROUND BEEF"
  • 50 lb. boxes of " HUNTINGTON MEAT PKG. INC. BEEF GROUND FOR FURTHER PROCESSING"
  • 50 lb. boxes of "BEEF BURRITO FILLING MIX"
  • 50 lb. boxes of "HUNTINGTON MEAT PKG. INC. DICED BEEF"
  • 50 lb. boxes of "HUNTINGTON MEAT PKG. INC. SLICED BEEF"
  • 10 lb. boxes of "Huntington Meat VEAL PATTY"
  • 10 lb. boxes of "Imperial Meat VEAL PATTY"
  • 10 lb. boxes of "El Rancho VEAL PATTY"
  • 20 lb. boxes of "Huntington Meat VEAL PATTY"
  • 20 lb. boxes of "Imperial Meat VEAL PATTY"
  • 20 lb. boxes of "El Rancho VEAL PATTY"

 

Officials Say Snow May Have Caused Belgium WI Child E coli Cluster

 An investigation into a cluster of child E. coli cases in Belgium, Wisconsin, is continuing, but the Ozaukee County health officer has issued a press release saying the illnesses could have been caused by eating contaminated snow or ice.

In addition, the children had close contact with each other and could have passed it to each other, officials said.

A news release from the office of Ozaukee Health Officer Glenda Madlom said interviews conducted with family members for all three E. coli cases were unable to identify a common food item or other definite source of infection. "The source has not been absolutely determined but a possible explanation includes close contact or a common environmental source, such as contaminated snow or ice,'' the news release said.

The investigation -- aided by the state health department --  has identified two laboratory-confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection in siblings. One had onset in December and one had onset in January. A third case was identified in a neighbor who had onset in December and tested negative for E. coli infection, but is considered a probable case based on clinical symptoms.

Two of the three patients were hospitalized, and one remains hospitalized. At least one has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication of E coli O157:H7 infection that is the leading cause of kidney failure in children.

 The Ozaukee Health Department also is investigating a case of laboratory-confirmed cryptosporidiosis in a child from the same neighborhood. At this time there is no evidence that this infection is related to the three E. coli cases, however the investigation is ongoing. Both cryptosporidium and E. coli are found on farms and in animal manure and Belgium is in a farming area.

As a precaution, the Village of Belgium tested its water supply over the weekend and determined that the water is safe. In addition, the health department is working closely with the DNR and the Ozaukee County Department of Land and Water to assist in evaluating environmental concerns. 

Belgium WI Child E coli Outbreak

At least one child HUS case and possibly a second is under investigation as part of the Villiage of Belgium E. coli outbreak in southeastern Wisconsin.

Fox 6 News of Milwaukee broke the story that several Wisconsin children who live on Grand Avenue in Belgium have been stricken recently by E. coli O157:H7 infections. The station says one 4-year-old spent six weeks at Childrens' Hospital with E coli HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome. The child underwent dialysis and blood transfusions and was in the intensive care unit. Now a second child has been hospitalized.

Ozaukee County Health Department officials, along with state health investigators, are looking for a cause. The Village of Belgium WI president says E. coli water tests taken on the town's water supply have come back negative.

If you have information on this outbreak or wish to speak to an E. coli lawyer who has experience in outbreak investigations, contact an E. coli HUS lawyer at Pritzker Olsen by dialing 1-888-377-8900 (toll free.) Our law firm is a recognized leader in the area of foodborne illness and we are actively involved in efforts to prevent food poisoning of all types by making the U.S. food supply safer.

E coli Experts Probe Cookie Dough Plant

The Food and Drug Administration is working with Nestle USA to pinpoint the source of E. coli O157:H7 that has been found once again in Toll House cookie dough.

The company's cookie dough was linked last year to a nationwide E. coli outbreak that sickened 80 people in 31 states, including 35 who were hospitalized and 10 who developed life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen, which practices extensively in the area of HUS E coli litigation, represented victims of the outbreak.

On Monday, Nestle's improved detection system found the pathogen in two product samples before they left the factory in Danville, Virginia, The results were immediately reported to FDA. The plant is shut down for two weeks while Nestle converts to using heat-treated flour that will kill E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella, Campylobacter and other harmful foodborne bacteria.

Nestle said there will be no recall of product associated with the latest findings because none of the contaminated dough left the plant

.

 

Infection Tied to Mass Ground Beef E coli

Massachusetts health officials have associated a case of human E. coli O157:H7 infection with contaminated ground beef products recalled by Adams Farm Slaughterhouse LLC of Athol, Massachusetts.

This is the third ground beef E. coli recall to directly affect Massachusetts since late October.

The latest Class I High Health Risk recall issued late Monday by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service says the 2,574 pounds of potentially tainted "beef cuts and ground" under recall were distributed to private owners on three separate Massachusetts farms: Mazzarese, Side Hill Farm and Sweet Water Farm.

This Mass. farm E. coli beef recall was initiated after the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) confirmed a positive ground beef sample for E. coli O157:H7 as part of an epidemiological investigation. The probe is continuing.

State and federal health officials urge anyone who has signs of food poisoning to immediately contact a physician. For answers to legal questions about this outbreak or others and to obtain a free case consultation, contact an E. coli lawyer at national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen. Call toll free at 1-888-377-8900 or complete our contact and information form.

According to the official recall notice, the recalled packages all are marked with packaging dates of 11/11/2009 and the USDA establishment number EST 5497. 

Steak E. coli Recall Hits Applebees Olive Garden

 Applebee's was one of at least five restaurant chains affected by the December 24th recall of 248,000 pounds of steak and other beef products potentially contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a spokeswoman for Applebee's told Nation's Restaurant News. 

“As a customer of NSP (National Steak and Poultry) we took immediate action when learning of this recall,'' Applebee's spokeswoman Nancy Mays said.

The trade publication also is quoting an official from Darden restaurants saying that the Olive Garden chain was similarly a customer affected by the National Steak and Poultry E. coli recall. 

California-based Applebee's has more than 2000 locations nationwide, but National Steak and Poultry omitted Applebee's and Olive Garden in its official announcement of the potential contamination. The problem at the company's Owasso, Oklahoma, plant has been tied by state and federal health investigators to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that has sickened at least 21 people in 16 states, including nine patients hospitalized and one stricken with life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

The CDC has said in interviews that E. coli cases have been confirmed in California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Iowa, Indiana, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah and Washington.

The recall announcement on December 24th said the steak E. coli recall primarily affected only three restaurant chains: Moe's Southwest Grill, Carino's Italian and KRM restaurants, parent of 54th Street Grill and Bar restaurants. That lack of complete disclosure was not corrected by USDA, even though it was an announcement that the agency issued.

Neither the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention nor the USDA has clarified which restaurants received meat recalled for potential contamination in this outbreak. The USDA has said quietly that it is prohibited from publishing such lists when it comes to restaurants. Meanwhile, it is a matter of urgency for the agency to name retail grocery chains when there is a similarly high-risk, pathogen-related recall related to meat destined for home consumption.

The confusion and lack of transparency has angered the food safety community, including lawyer Fred Pritzker, whose firm in Minneapolis was the first food safety organization in the country to announce that health investigators were probing an E. coli outbreak associated with mechanically tenderized steak sold at restaurants.

Pritzker said the information blackout amounts to a gag order on USDA and must be lifted to infuse greater transparency into the supply chain that we all rely on for our nutrition. “People have a right to know if the steak they ate at a restaurant was potentially laced with bacteria that could make them seriously ill or even kill them,”  he said.

If you or a loved one has information on this outbreak or questions about restaurant liability for E. coli illnesses, contact an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our free consultation form on the side of this Web page.

We are one of the few law firms in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected millions for our clients. We have been in touch with one of the victims of this outbreak and are accepting new cases. This outbreak could have been prevented and our firm actively supports a variety of efforts to wipe out food poisoning through scientific innovation, best practices and stronger government regulation.

Fight Continues for a Complete List of Restaurant Steak E coli Recipients

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys is continuing to fight for the release of a detailed and complete accounting of which restaurants in the United States received beef products from National Steak and Poultry that were potentially contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The Oklahoma meat processor recently recalled 248,000 pounds of steak, beef tips, medallions, boneless trim and other beef products after health officials determined there was an “association” between blade tenderized steaks and an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in six states. Days later the company announced that the recalled meat was sold primarily to three companies with restaurants in Michigan, Iowa, Colorado, South Dakota, Kansas and Washington -- the same six states that are home to the steak E. coli outbreak.

The three named recipients are Moe’s Southwest Grill, Carino’s Italian Grill and KRM restaurants, parent company of the 54th Street Grill & Bar chain.

As we have stated previously, announcing a recall without promptly identifying the public purveyors of the adulterated product is ludicrous and unsafe. It’s the equivalent of announcing a recall of flammable pajamas without identifying the brand and where they were sold. Consumers cannot protect themselves if they have no information about the source that threatens their safety. This is a failure of regulation and food ethics and it raises questions about whether our food safety agencies are more interested in protecting producers of unsafe products or safeguarding the public’s health.

But this may be only part of the story. National Steak and Poultry claims the implicated steaks were primarily sold to only three restaurant companies. Yet the company states on its web site that “As beef and poultry marination innovators since 1980, NSP has proved the popularity and profitability of our marinated, pre-portioned beef and poultry – both cooked and fresh frozen – at some of America’s best known chains.”

What about those chains? What about the tons of similar products the company sells to companies far bigger and more familiar than Moe’s, Carino’s and KRM restaurants? Did “some of America’s best known chains” also receive adulterated product from NSP? If so, why haven’t those companies been named?

Let’s hope the implicated product is limited to those three companies. Meanwhile, USDA has yet to publish the retail distribution list for this outbreak and recall -- a disclosure that is customary in major events. Why not this one? An official with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been quoted by the Tulsa World newspaper as saying at least 19 people have been sickened.

If you have information about this outbreak or wish to speak to an E. coli lawyer about a victim's legal rights, call Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our contact and information form on the side of this web page. We were the first food safety organization to publicly announce that officials were investigating an E. coli outbreak linked to mechanically tenderized steaks and we have been in contact with at least one potential victim.

E coli Recall Steaks Went to Moes, Carinos, KRM restaurants in CO MI KS IA SD WA

Contrary to an earlier announcement by USDA that said an E. coli steak recall included distribution to restaurants "nationwide,'' the meat processor involved in the recall said Monday that the recall is limited to beef products sold primarily to the Moe’s, Carino’s Italian Grill, and KRM restaurants in six states.

The supplier -- National Steak and Poultry -- said the six states (Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, South Dakota and Washington) are the same states were the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has determined there is an outbreak of E. coli infections associated with contaminated steaks that were blade tenderized prior to further processing. The agency has not said how many people have been sickened, but the outbreak is considered active and under investigation.

If you or a loved one has symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection, contact a physician immediately. For answers to legal questions about this outbreak, contact Pritzker Olsen Attorneys at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our contact and information form on the side of this web page. AnE. coli lawyer with experience in this highly technical area of law will provide you with a free case consultation. If we agree to take your case, you will owe us nothing until you win compensation. 

Our national food safety law firm was the first organization to publicly announce that health officials were investigating a multi-state outbreak of E. coli related to mechanically tenderized steak. National Steak and Poultry now says Moe's, Carino's and KRM restaurants were the primary recipients of 248,000 pounds of steaks recalled for possible E. coli contamination.

Under federal law that was created in 1999, non-intact beef that is mechanically tenderized is “adulterated” if it is contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  This means that someone who contracts an E. coli infection from a non-intact steak product can sue the manufacturer of that steak product and the restaurant where it was served. The  victim does not have to prove negligence on anyone’s part to recover medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and other damages under strict liability laws.

USDA's Steak E coli Recall Is Useless Without Restaurant Names

In a ground-breaking post that appeared on this web site a full week before the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced a recall of  contaminated beef produced by National Steak and Poultry company, we were the first to forewarn the public of a blade-tenderized steak E. coli outbreak related to restaurants.

The NSP recall December 24th of 248,000 pounds of boneless steaks in connection with a cluster of  E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in six states is proof of the outbreak, but the government's recall notice is essentially useless since it fails to identify the restaurants at which the adulterated steaks were served. Without confirmation of that crucial information, the millions of consumers who eat steak at U.S. restaurants are left with no practical information about whether they were exposed to  this potentially deadly pathogen.

E. coli O157:H7 is an organism that produces a powerful toxin in humans, initially making them sick with extremely painful diarrhea that is often bloody. In more than 5 percent of cases, infections lead to a life-threatening condition known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is the leading cause of kidney failure in children. Another disease associated with E. coli O157:H7 is thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP)

To any person of reasonable intelligence, the decision to withhold restaurant names smacks of favoritism: Protecting the “good name” of national restaurant chains at the expense of vulnerable people who eat at them. Our law firm calls upon FSIS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to end their silence on this outbreak and promptly inform the American public of all the names of all the restaurants at which this recalled beef was served. 
The E. coli steak recall applies to beef packaged by Oklahoma-based National Steak and Poultry on October 12, 13, 14 and 21 and shipped to restaurants nationwide. Illnesses associated with blade-tenderized steak have been confirmed in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, South Dakota and Washington, but more states could be added to the outbreak before it is officially over.
 
Federal health officials are warning people with symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 to immediately see a physician. For legal information about this oubreak and to receive a free case consultation, call Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact and information form on the side of this web site.
 
As acknowledged by Dr. Doug Powell in his excellent food safety column known as Barfblog, our firm has been involved in its own investigation of the NSP steak E. coli outbreak.  We are one of the few law firms in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected tens of millions of dollars for victims while also actively supporting efforts to prevent dangerous contamination of food.

Restaurant Steak E coli Outbreak Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, South Dakota, Washington

 A multi-state restaurant steak E. coli outbreak has been associated with steaks distributed in restaurants nationwide made by National Steak and Poultry of Owasso, Oklahoma.

The company on Thursday recalled 248,000 pounds of steak products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a virulent pathogen that can lead to life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) ,

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced in a news release that it has been investigating the problem with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, along with state health officials, and has determined there is an association between blade-tenderized, non-intact steaks and a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, South Dakota and Washington.

FSIS said National Steak and Poultry packaged the recalled steaks on October 12, 13, 14 and 21 and shipped them to restaurants nationwide. The news release did not identify the restaurants, nor did it say how many people have been infected with the outbreak strain of HUS E. coli from steak.

Anyone with signs of illness should immediately see a physician. For answers to legal questions, call national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 or by completing our online contact and information form on the side of this web page. We have been investigating this outbreak for more than a week and already have been contacted by at least one potential victim.

Our law firm is involved in practically all major outbreaks of foodborne illness and we have recovered tens of millions of dollars for clients, including patients who have contracted E. coli O157:H7 from eating mechanically tenderized steak served by national restaurant chains.

In these cases, victims have special rights under the law because it is illegal to sell non-intact cuts of beef -- those that have been pierced with blade tenderizers or injected with flavoring such as brine -- if the meat is contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. Studies have shown the processes can drive surface E. coli that is normally killed in the grilling process into the center of the cut, where it can survive if the steak is served rare or medium rare (under 140 degrees Fahrenheit).

For a complete view of the National Steak and Poultry recall list, click here.

Press Release: 2009 Food Poisoning Recap and Retrospective

MINNEAPOLIS (Business Wire) Dec. 22, 2009 -- Dramatic outbreaks of food poisoning filled the first half of 2009, highlighted by 9 deaths from peanuts contaminated with Salmonella and then by a nationwide outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough.

Less visible but just as menacing throughout the year was the drum beat of human infection caused by E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef. According to a review of federal records by national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys, more than 1 million pounds of ground beef and beef cuts intended for grinding were recalled from market this year by USDA-inspected slaughter plants and processors. The largest of the 15 recalls covered 545,699 pounds of ground beef produced this fall by Fairbank Farms of Ashville, N.Y.

Multi-state E. coli outbreaks associated with these recalls killed at least three people and sickened at least 80, according to the records. The outbreaks resulted in at least 34 hospitalizations and eight confirmed cases of life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a disease especially dangerous to children that causes kidney failure and many other serious health conditions.

Since January 2007, the industry has initiated at least 52 recalls of beef tainted with E. coli O157:H7 compared with 20 in the three previous years, according to the New York Times.

Attorney Fred Pritzker“This data points to the need for sweeping change in the way food safety is regulated in this country,'' said Fred Pritzker, founder and president of PritzkerOlsen. "While I agree we cannot ‘test’ our way out of this situation, the current regulatory schemes incentivize producers not to test their product. This is wrong and dangerous and needs to changed.”

The U.S. House in late July approved food safety legislation that would give sweeping new authority to the Food and Drug Administration. If a similar bill is passed by the Senate next year, President Obama would approve the first major changes to food-safety laws in 70 years. Judging from the food poisoning record of 2009, the changes are desperately needed.

The Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak caused by the now-defunct Peanut Corp. of America sprouted in late 2008, but it spilled over into 2009 with a cascading list of product recalls and burgeoning reports of people who had become seriously ill.

On April 29, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued its final report on the outbreak: Nine deaths, 714 confirmed illnesses in 46 states and more than 170 people hospitalized. Because Peanut Corp. was an indirect supplier of peanuts to all different kinds of food makers, the CDC estimated that more than 2,833 peanut-containing products may have been made with the ingredients, prompting a numbing quantity of food recalls that ranged from ice cream to pet food to sandwich crackers.

Pritzker Olsen is representing the families of three people who died in the outbreak and client Jeffrey Almer provided moving testimony on Feb. 11 to members of Congress. Contaminated peanut butter killed his mother, Shirley Mae Almer of Minnesota, after she had twice defeated cancer.

Just as the shock of contaminated peanut butter was wearing off, Americans learned that dangerous microbes were harboring in cookie doughE. coli O157:H7 was not previously associated with raw, refrigerated cookie dough. But by mid-summer, 76 people in 31 states were confirmed victims of an E. coli outbreak traced to Nestle Toll House products made in Danville, Virginia. Despite an exhaustive investigation and temporary shutdown of the plant, conclusions could not be made with regard to the root cause of contamination. But, according to the CDC, the outbreak caused 35 hospitalizations and 11 confirmed cases of HUS.

Overlapping the cookie dough outbreak was a more familiar outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 caused by ground beef. At least 24 people from nine states were infected by the same strain of E. coli that Michigan public health investigators found in ground beef produced by JBS Swift Beef Co. There was an initial recall of 41,280 pounds, but it was soon widened to include 380,000 pounds of the product.

A smaller ground beef E. coli outbreak killed a 7-year-old Cleveland girl. Ohio health investigators associated her death with contaminated ground beef from Valley Meats LLC of Coal Valley, Ill., which recalled 95,898 pounds of potentially tainted hamburger meat in May that had been delivered to restaurants.

Two Salmonella outbreaks in 2009 were associated with ground beef produced by Beef Packers Inc., of Fresno, Calif. In August, the plant recalled 400 tons of ground beef, followed in early December by a recall of 22,723 pounds of hamburger products distributed by Safeway food stores in Arizona and Gallup, N.M.

Beyond the raw numbers of recalls and outbreaks, the New York Times showed in a remarkable story published October 3 why eating ground beef is still a gamble. The story, which should win a Pulitzer Prize for reporter Michael Moss, proved that neither the system meant to make the meat safe, nor the meat itself, is what consumers have been led to believe. Moss traced how food giant Cargill used low-grade ingredients and minimal testing protocols to make a hamburger that inadvertently paralyzed a 22-year-old children's dance instructor. The dancer's E. coli infection is the kind of nightmare that might wake people up. 

Fred Pritzker is founder and president of Pritzker Olsen, P.A., one of the few law firms in the United States that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. The firm has collected millions of dollars on behalf of victims of food poisoning. Pritzker Olsen has offices at Plaza VII, Suite 2950, 45 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402. For more information or to contact Fred call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or email fhp@pritzkerlaw.com. 

Contact:
Fred Pritzker
612-338-0202
fhp@pritzkerlaw.com
Plaza VII, Suite 2950,
45 South Seventh Street,
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402
www.pritzkerlaw.com

###

E. Coli Steak Dangers in Tenderized Beef

In 1999, the USDA announced that non-intact cuts of beef contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 were to be considered adulterated and since that time there have been outbreaks and studies exposing the fact that steaks tenderized with blades and/or injected with brine or marinade can make them vehicles for E. coli infection.

Now national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen is investigating a possible multi-state outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 involving meat injected with tenderizing ingredients and served at large restaurant chains in Minnesota and elsewhere.

Although E. coli steak outbreaks from mechanically tenderized and flavored beef cuts have occasionally been reported, most people think that unlike hamburger a steak should be free of pathogenic bacteria and that cooking just the surface should be adequate to destory any contamination that might be present. However, the steaks implicated in the current restaurant E. coli outbreak had their surfaces breached by processes that could drive bacteria into the centers. 

Since many consumers enjoy steak that is not well done, the pathogens can survive cooking and be ingested. According to a 2003 study cited by a Colorado State University report, about 94 percent of surveyed meat processors use similar methods to “mechanically tenderize” meat.

In 2005, a group of state and federal epidemiologists wrote a report about a 2003 steak E. coli outbreak that sickened 12 people in Minnesota, Michigan, Kansas, Iowa and North Dakota. All victims had consumed steaks that had been blade tenderized and injected with marinade at the same Illinois plant. The meat was sold door-to-door in frozen, vacuum packed wrapping. Three of the outbreak patients were hospitalized, including one 52-year-old man who was treated 25 days for hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and was discharged with "residual neurological deficits.''

The report  warned that the restaurant industry should be aware of the potential increased risk posed by undercooked non-intact steaks. In late 2004, the Conference for Food Protection adopted a recommendation that the USDA and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration develop guidelines for restaurants describing the safe cooking of blade-tenderized steaks.

If you or a loved one have suffered damages from this potential E. coli O157:H7 restaurant steak outbreak or know anything about it, please contact the E. coli lawyers at Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact and information form on the side of this web page. We represent food poisoning victims in all corners of the United States and have recovered millions for our clients. We are one of the few law firms in the country practicing extensively in this area of litigation and we are actively involved in prevention efforts to boost food safety. 

At a Dairy in Sequim Washington Another Raw Milk E coli Outbreak

Selling raw, unpasteurized milk is illegal in many states, but not in Washington.

If a producer or processor is properly licensed with the state Agriculture Department and the raw milk carries a consumer warning label about the associated health risks, sales are legal.

But as the Dungeness Valley Creamery E. coli outbreak demonstrates, legal doesn't mean safe.

Here is an excerpt from a press release issued Tuesday by the Washington State Department of Agriculture in Olympia, Washington: 

"Three recent E. coli infections in Washington have been linked to drinking raw, unpasteurized milk. As a result, the Washington state departments of Health and Agriculture are reminding consumers of the potential health hazards of these products.

The patients all report drinking raw milk produced by the Dungeness Valley Creamery in Sequim. No E. coli has been found in samples from the dairy's current batch of milk, but during an investigation at the dairy, WSDA found the same bacteria that caused one of the illnesses.''

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially lethal pathogen, especially dangerous to young children, older adults and others with weakened immune systems. Each year in the United States, the bacteria causes about 90 deaths, 3,000 hospitalizations and 100,000 infections.

In more than 5 percent of cases, patients develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening condition that is the leading cause of kidney failure in children and carries the risk of many serious health problems ranging from strokes, diabetes, heart damage and central nervous system disorders.

Pasteurization of milk kills E. coli and other harmful pathogens. If you or a loved one has become sick after drinking raw milk, contact a physician immediately. For answers to legal questions, call an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Olsen Attorneys, 1-888-377-8900 (toll free). Our firm is one of the few in the country practicing extensively in the area of food poisoning litigation and we have recovered millions for E. coli victims. To contact us online, complete the form on the side of this web page.

Despite scientific proof to the contrary, many people believe raw milk is more nutritional than pasteurized milk. But here are facts from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that set the record straight:

  • Raw milk DOES NOT kill dangerous pathogens by itself.
  • Pasteurizing milk DOES NOT cause lactose intolerance and allergic reactions.
  • Both raw milk and pasteurized milk can cause reactions in people sensitive to milk proteins.
  • Pasteurization DOES NOT reduce milk’s nutritional value.
  • Pasteurization DOES NOT mean that it is safe to leave milk out of the refrigerator for extended time.
  • Pasteurization KILLS harmful bacteria and SAVES lives 

Maine E. coli-HUS Victim Represented by Pritzker Olsen Attorneys

Pritzker Olsen, P.A. has been retained to represent the family of a five-year old boy from Auburn, Maine who contracted hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) as a result of eating ground beef tainted with E. coli O157:H7. The boy’s illness, for which he was hospitalized for three weeks, has been affirmatively linked to the Fairbank Farms outbreak, which resulted in the recall of approximately 545,699 pounds of ground beef products because of potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination.

According to a November 13, 2009 story in The New York Times, Fairbank Farms succumbed to pressure from its beef suppliers and inexplicably stopped testing all of its ground beef ingredients. According to the company, those procedures are now being re-evaluated. Unfortunately, that move comes too late for our client, as well as for the two people who have died and the people who have been sickened in the outbreak.

As national food safety attorney Fred Pritzker notes, “the needless suffering of the people sickened in this outbreak only serves to underscore the need for more stringent testing in the meat industry.” Pritzker supports the legislation currently under consideration to require regular testing in meat plants.

To contact Pritzker Olsen law firm, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free), email Attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online form for a free consultation.

Ground Beef E coli Outbreak Update

Consumers are still being warned by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to check their freezers for ground beef stamped with "EST 492'' inside the USDA mark of inspection.

If the products were purchased on or after September 15, 2009, and they have production date codes of 091409, 091509 or 091609 they are likely part of the Halloween recall of 545,699 pounds of ground beef and related products associated with the Fairbank Farms ground beef E. coli outbreak, which has killed 2 people and hospitalized 17 others. Five of the victims have developed life-threatening E. coli HUS. 

According to the final CDC update on the outbreak, two samples from opened packages of ground beef recovered from a patient's homes were tested by the Massachusetts and Connecticut Departments of Health and yielded E. coli O157:H7 isolates that matched the patient isolates by DNA analysis.

The cluster includes 26 persons from 8 states infected with matching strains of E. coli O157:H7. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: California (1), Connecticut (6), Massachusetts (8), Maryland (1), Maine (4), New Hampshire (4), New York (1), and Vermont (1). Of these, the genetic associations of 24 human isolates and both of the product isolates have been confirmed by an advanced secondary DNA test; secondary tests are pending on others. 

Even though the CDC may not publish any additional updates on the outbreak, it is not over. The health agency said the number of cases could increase. The volume of ground beef recalled for the potential of E. coli O157:H7 contamination is very large and many consumers could still become ill if they are unaware of the threat.

The last person confirmed as a victim in the outbreak had an onset of illness on November 6.

If you or a loved one has been sickened in this outbreak, contact national food safety lawyers at Pritzker Olsen Attorneys, 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free), or complete our online contact and information form on the side of this web page. We have been in contact with other victims of this outbreak and an E coli attorney at our firm will provide you with a free case consultation.

We are one of the few law firms in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected tens of millions of dollars for victims.

 

Push In Food Poisoning For Better Tracking

Health officials from the Food and Drug Administration and USDA will hold a public hearing next month to search for ways to better trace food poisoning to its original source. 

Better tracking mechanisms also are included in pending food safety legislation in Congress and for good reason: In nearly 60 percent of food poisoning outbreaks, a source of the pathogen is never found and the illness remains a public health mystery, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
 
The problem was highlighted today in a story by reporter Steve Mills of the Chicago Tribune. He traced the personal battle fought last year by the family of 10-year-old Jack Gillett of Rockford, Illinois.
 
The boy was diagnosed with an E. coli O157:H7 infection that progressed into HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome after returning from a family car trip to Kentucky. They ate at numerous restaurants along the way and have not been able to pin down the cause of Jack's illness.
 
Over the course of three weeks in two hospitals, Jack had 13 dialysis treatments and six blood transfusions, according to his mother and the medical records she maintained.
 
From stool samples, microbiologists are able to obtain the genetic fingerprint of pathogens that make people sick. But in one-off cases where there isn't an outbreak involving lots of victims, it is extremely difficult to identify the source of contaminated food. In the case of tracking E. coli , part of the problem is that the onset of serious illness can occur four days after contaminated food is ingested.
 
But scientists and food safety advocates believe that faster and better communication systems between hospitals and local and state health departments can improve detection of the food source. When there is any grouping of patients infected by the same strains of a pathogen, investigators can conduct fast-response epidemiological studies that can solve the mystery of what food is to blame. They do that through scientific questionning of patients to find common exposures.
 
For obvious reasons, a breakthrough in detection of outbreak sources would make a huge difference in helping to prevent outbreaks and keep people healthy. Businesses that profit from food would presumably be more careful to avoid the liability.
 
If you or a loved one has been sickened by food poisoning and have legal questions about your rights to make a recovery from the restaurant, meatpacker, corporate farm, packaged food company, insurance company, grocery store or others who may be responsible, call national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our online contact and information form on the right side of this web page. A food poisoning lawyer will provide you with a free case consultation. We are one of the few law firms in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation.

Research on Long-Term Effects of E. coli HUS

When a person is victimized by E. coli HUS food poisoning, the acute phase of disease is normally highlighted by about seven days of extremely painful diarrhea, which turns bloody in 80 percent of cases.

This symptom is severe enough in many cases to require hospitalization, with patients often treated for dehydration.

For about 85 percent of these E coli O157:H7 victims, the illness resolves and no further treatment is sought.  But in the 15 percent of E coli O157:H7 infections that develop into E. coli HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome, patients endure myriad health problems that often lead to long-term difficulties.

A new study by the Center for Foodborne Illness, Research and Prevention of Grove City, Pennsylvania, delves into the long-term consequences. More study is needed as is indicated by authors Tanya Roberts, Barbara Kowalcyk and Patricia Buck. But the results of the current research, summarizing many previous studies, should help reinforce the seriousness of food poisoning.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys has summarized the study's findings as they pertain to long-term health outcomes of E. coli O157:H7 infection. The information is important to you or any loved one who has come down with  E. coli, including families affected by the current multi-state Fairbank Farms ground beef E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least 25 people in ten states, killing two people.

Pritzker Olsen has been in contact with victims of that outbreak and currently represents E. coli HUS victims of food poisoning. Our firm is one of the few in the country practicing extensively in this area of law. To contact an E. coli HUS attorney, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our online contact and information form.

From the study: 

E. coli HUS generally runs its course within 15 days, but once it develops, a cascading series of events can lead to serious long-term illness or premature death.

  • Kidney Failure:  HUS is the leading cause of kidney failure in children. Impaired urine production during HUS and the development of long-term health consequences appear related. Children with HUS whose urine output stops have more severe disease progression and usually require dialysis. These children have longer hospitalizations and have more severe complications during the course of their illness. Failure to pass urine during the acute phase of HUS has been a strong predictor of persisting abnormalities at follow-up, including chronic kidney impairment. 
  • Neurological Damage: It is not uncommon during the acute stage of E. coli HUS for a patient to develop seizures, have a stroke or go into a coma. These events can cause permanent neurological damage, or, more often, the effects linger for up to four years before a person recovers.
  • Diabetes: Not uncommonly, E. coli HUS brings on diabetes in the acute phase. In some patients, it persists and develops into prolonged insulin-dependent diabetes.
  • Gastro-intestinal Disease:  A study of child E. coli HUS patients from a 1993 outbreak found that 10 percent of them developed gall stones. Another long-term consequence of infection in some documented cases involves narrowing of the small intestine or colon. Also, E. coli HUS patients have been linked to infection-induced irritable bowel syndrome, a very painful and chronic disease.

Ground Beef E coli Outbreak from California to Maine

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed that a total of 28 people in 12 states have been sickened by the same strains of E. coli O157:H7 in a ground beef outbreak associated with hamburger meat from Fairbank Farms in Ashville, N.Y.

A cluster of the E. coli O157:H7 illnesses are in the East as previously reported, but Minnesota, South Dakota and California each have confirmed cases -- suggesting a much wider outbreak.

One person in New York and another in New Hampshire have died as a result of the outbreak, according to news reports by USA Today and the Associated Press. The USDA responded to the problem by announcing the recall of a half-million pounds of ground beef made in mid-September by Fairbank Farms.

Grocery chains in eight eastern states initially received the product, including Trader Joes, Shaw's, BJ's Wholesale, ACME, and Giant. By now, any of the recalled meat that was not consumed is in consumers' freezers, where the E. coli organisms do not perish. Consumers should look for packages marked with USDA establishment number EST 492 inside the mark of inspection. Most sell-by dates on the recalled ground beef are September 19-28.

 

The CDC said investigators found E. coli O157:H7 in an open container of ground beef that was in a patient's home. In advanced, secondary DNA testing so far, E. coli  in the hamburger matched seven of the human isolates. Previously, all 28 human isolates matched each other in DNA fingerprint analysis.

 The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows:  California (1), Connecticut (4), Massachusetts (8), Maryland (1), Maine (2), Minnesota (1), New Hampshire (4), New Jersey (1), New York (1), Pennsylvania (2), South Dakota (2), and Vermont (1).

USA Today reported that 16 of the patients have been hospitalized, including two with hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys is accepting cases from this outbreak. We represent victims in practically every major outbreak of foodborne illness in the United States. As one of the few law firms practicing extensively in the area of food poisoning, we have recovered tens of millions of dollars for victims and survivors of E. coli and other pathogens transmitted in contaminated food.

These outbreaks are preventable and the principals of Pritzker Olsen work to diminish the problem by calling for tougher food safety laws and vastly more inspections of our meatpacking facilities and other food plants. Fred Pritzker and Elliot Olsen each spent time this year giving seminars at national food industry conventions on the importance of investing in prevention of E. coli O157:H7, in particular. 

Anyone with E. coli symptoms who has eaten ground beef should immediately contact a physician. If you have legal questions about this outbreak, call Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our online contact and information form. We will provide a free case consultation and if we agree to accept your case, you owe us nothing until you win.

 

New England Ground Beef E coli Outbreak and Recall

 A cluster of  E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in Massachusetts, Maine and Connecticut have been associated with fresh ground beef made in New York and sold in meat cases at Trader Joes, Price Chopper, Shaw's, BJ's, Ford Brothers and Giant stores.

The ground beef E. coli outbreak and recall of 545,699 pounds of Fairbanks Farms ground beef was announced early this morning by the USDA. The potentially contaminated ground beef was sold through retail meat cases under the various stores' labels. To recognize the recalled ground beef, look for the USDA establishment number EST 492 inside the USDA mark of inspection. EST 492 is the plant identifier for Fairbanks Farms.

The packages have sell-by dates ranging from September 19-28 and Oct. 6,7. Consumers also are urged to check their freezers for this product. Freezing temperatures do not kill E. coli O157:H7, a pathogenic bacteria which can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). E. coli HUS is a life-threatening illness that hits hardest against kids under 5 and adults over age 60. It also is dangerous to others with weakened immune systems.

This is the second New England ground beef E. coli outbreak and recall to happen in weeks. The first involved more than 20 Rhode Island Lincoln Middle School sixth graders sickened by hamburgers made in Brockton, Massachusetts, and served at Camp Bournedale in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has been working with USDA and state health and agriculture departments to investigate these New England E. coli outbreaks.

Anyone with E. coli symptoms, especially bloody diarrhea, is urged to see a physician. Make sure stool sample tests are taken and any confirmed illness must be reported to public health officials by your doctor. For more legal information about this outbreak, contact national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). Our firm is one of the few in the country practicing extensively in the area of food poisoning and we have collected millions for victims.

We currently represent E. coli HUS patients and are accepting cases from the New England E. coli ground beef outbreaks in Massachusetts, Maine, Connecticut and Rhode Island. Pritzker Olsen attorney David Szerlag is a Rhode Island attorney.

E. coli O157:H7 is banned from ground beef in the United States. Because it is an adulterant, liability for illnesses caused by it do not stop with the manufacturer. To receive a free case consultation, call us or contact us online by completing a contact and information form. 

Prevention of foodborne illness is an important part of our mission at Pritzker Olsen. Attorneys Fred Pritzker and Elliot Olsen spent parts of this year giving seminars at industry food safety conventions to discuss the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in our food supply and what companies should do to prevent it.

For the complete list of recalled ground beef, click here and scroll to bottom.

 

E. coli Probed at Sponsel's MN Harvest Petting Zoo

In petting zoo E. coli outbreaks, the primary mode of transmission is from feces of an animal to the mouth of the person by unconscious hand-to-mouth contact. That's because animal fur, skin, saliva and living areas can become contaminated with fecal germs.

Pritzker Olsen Attorneys, a national food safety law firm with expertise in all cases involving E. coli O157:H7, is investigating a possible outbreak at Sponsel's Minnesota Harvest Petting Zoo near Jordan, Minnesota.

Our firm represents a 3-year-old boy who apparently became infected with E. coli O157:H7 from a llama at the zoo and we believe there could be at least one more person who also is a victim.

The child spent 11 days this month in a Twin Cities hospital fighting hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, a life-threatening complication of an E. coli O157 infection.

The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) found a strain of E. coli O157:H7 in the feces of a llama at the petting  zoo that genetically matched the strain of  E. coli O157:H7 that sickened the toddler.

The petting zoo has been voluntarily and temporarily shut down.  The apple orchard at Sponsel’s Minnesota Harvest is not associated with this potential E. coli outbreak. The attraction is located about 12 miles south of Shakopee.

E. coli O157:H7 is one of the most common and most dangerous kinds of intestinal disease agents associated with animal contact. Pritzker Olsen also represents victims of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak at this year’s National Western Stock Show in Denver.

“Despite state guidelines recommending sanitation measures to ensure the safety of visitors to petting zoos, it  appears the operator of this facility did not follow all of these guidelines,” stated Attorney Fred Pritzker. 

For a free consultation with an attorney regarding your E. coli poisoning case, please call 612-338-0202, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our online form.

 

Petting Zoo Ecoli HUS Strikes Minnesota Boy, Age 3

 A 3-year-old boy who was sickened by an E. coli O157:H7 infection after visiting an apple orchard and petting zoo in the greater area of Minneapolis-St. Paul has been released from the hospital after being treated for a life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS.

Preliminary tests found E. coli O157:H7 bacteria in the feces of the petting zoo Llama. The sample's genetic fingerprint matched the strain of E. coli in the boy. The family has retained national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys to represent them. 

Fred Pritzker, founder and president of the law firm, said he believes at least one other person who recently visited the orchard and petting zoo also contracted E. coli.  Animals at the petting zoo include a goat, sheep, Llama, colt and mini-donkey. Families who have a loved one who became sick after visiting a Twin Cities area apple orchard and petting zoo should contact the firm by calling 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or 612-338-0202.
 
The Minnesota Department of Health has seen an increase in the spread of pathogens at petting zoos and animal fairs. The department has reminded people of the microbiological dangers at these venues, saying that all animals can carry germs and pass infections to people. Animals of particular concern regarding transmission of intestinal disease are calves, lambs, goat kids, chicks, ducklings, reptiles and amphibians. Any ill animal also is a threat. Groups at high risk for infection include children under five, adults older than 60, pregnant women, cancer patients and others with compromised immune systems.
 
E. coli O157:H7 is one of the most common and most dangerous kinds of intestinal disease agents associated with animal contact at petting zoos. Pritzker, who also represents victims of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak at this year's National Western Stock Show in Denver, said it is a well-known and preventable danger. In 2005, the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians issued a document entitled “Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Setting.” It was endorsed by a number of organizations including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The document was updated in 2009 and includes facility design standards to minimize infection risks -- including recommendations on adequate hand-washing stations.
 
"Despite the frequency and severity of these kinds of cases, it does not appear the operator of this facility took the necessary precautions to prevent this child’s severe injuries.” Pritzker said. “This is all the more tragic because the place catered to children and kids are particularly vulnerable to E .coli O157:H7 and the horrible syndrome that frequently develops from it, HUS.''
 
Measure of Prevention
 
In petting zoo outbreaks, the primary mode of transmission is from feces of an animal to the mouth of the person by unconscious hand-to-mouth contact. Because animal fur, skin, and saliva can become contaminated with fecal germs, people can become infected when they pet, touch, or are licked by animals. Persons can also be exposed through contact with an animal’s living area, its bedding, fence rails or objects such as food and water dishes. Small children who touch animals or their space are particularly vulnerable because they often put their hands in their mouth.
 
In general, the golden rule of prevention at petting zoos and animal fairs is to wash hands often and thoroughly with soap and water after contact with any animal, animal product or living area. Other tips include:     
  • Supervise children under five when they are with animals.

  • Don't drink, eat, smoke or allow children to carry toys or use pacifiers, sippy cups or baby bottles.

  • Don't clean animal cages, food dishes, or water dishes in food preparation areas

  • People in high risk groups should avoid contact with the animals.

 Pritzker Olsen is a nationally recognized food safety law firm that has represented victims in practically every major outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in the U.S. The firm is one of the few in the nation practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness and it has collected millions for victims of all food poisoning. to receive a free case consultation, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our contact and information form.

Hamburger Caused Lincoln School E coli Outbreak

The Lincoln Middle School E. coli outbreak at Camp Bournedale in Plymouth, Massachusetts, was caused by contaminated ground beef that was not cooked properly for a meal of hamburgers.

That's what camp owner and director Arnie Gerson told news reporter Rich Harbert after state and federal health officials finished their investigation of what food sickened a group of sixth graders who were on a three-day visit from Lincoln, Rhode Island, earlier this month.

The Rhode Island Health Department said 15 of the campers became sick with diarrhea, two of whom had confirmed infections of E. coli O157:H7, a bacterium that emits a dangerous toxin inside humans when ingested. In more than 5 percent of cases, there is a complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, a life-threatening condition that is the leading cause of kidney failure in children.

Gerson said the E. coli raw hamburger used to make the patties has been scoured from the camp and the kitchen has been cleared for reopening. He says he will never again make hamburgers for camp attendees from raw ground beef. If burgers are ever served again at Bournedale, they will be pre-cooked, he told the reporter. Ground beef is a leading cause of E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks. It is an organism that lives in the intestines and feces of cattle without harming those animals. Contaminated ground beef is meat that was contaminated by  feces or guts. The microbes can be killed if all parts of the adulterated meat are cooked to 160 degrees.

National food safety lawyer Fred Pritzker calls on Camp Bournedale to immediately pay medical expenses, lost wages for parents and other expenses incurred by families who had a child sickened in the outbreak. The owner should also refund all fees paid by the group and issue a formal apology for serving poisoned, undercooked meat.

This camp has been in business for 73 years and serves up to 300 individuals at a time. The outbreak was preventable and should have never happened.

Pritzker Olsen Attorneys is accepting cases from the Bournedale E. coli outbreak. The firm currently represents E. coli HUS victims and New Hampshire families whose children were poisoned in similar fashion with Salmonella at Stone Environmental Camp.

To reach an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Olsen, contact us at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). We will provide you with a free case consultation. If you prefer to contact us online, complete our contact and information form.

Texas E. coli beef recall by Culebra Meat Market

 A commercial meat market in San Antonio, Texas, is recalling 4,000 pound of beef cuts that could be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The recalled meat from Culebra Meat Market was distributed earlier this month to restaurants around San Antonio and to at least one of the company's retail stores. The Texas Department of Health Services said the products included in the recall are beef stew meat, carne asada and ground beef. The production date was Oct. 2.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with the recall, as far as officials know.

A news release from the state health authority said the products sold to consumers at the company's retail store were packaged in various weights and wrapped in white butcher paper with no markings. Products sold to restaurants were packed in 10-pound boxes labeled with the company and product names and lot codes 100209 through 101709. The boxes have the inspection label “TEXAS INSP. & PSD. 740”.
Texas health laboratory testing detected E. coli O157:H7 in samples collected from the meat company. The testing was done as part of a routine DSHS inspection.
 
Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 illness include bloody diarrhea and stomach pains. People with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Infection can lead to serious kidney damage or death. Most healthy adults recover in five to 10 days, but children under age 5 and the elderly are more likely to develop a severe illness.
 
If you or a loved one has been sickened after eating recalled beef in the San Antonio area, contact an E. coli attorney at Pritzker Olsen Attorneys. We are a national food safety law firm with years of experience representing victims of food poisoning. We are deeply experienced and can provide you with a free case consultation by calling 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). You can also contact us online by completing our contact and information form.

Lincoln Middle School E coli Outbreak Rhode Island

 The USDA, CDC and Massachusetts Department of Public Health are investigating what food may have caused the Lincoln Middle School E. coli outbreak during a school trip to Camp Bournedale in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Fifteen students who attended the camp October 13-16 reported getting diarrhea -- a prime symptom of E. coli -- and two of the 15 have confirmed infections of E. coli O157:H7. Two of the children sickened in the outbreak remain hospitalized.

 This is the statement issued by Dr. Robert S. Crausman, chief of Rhode Island's Center for Infectious Diseases: "We want to assure parents and students that we are not seeing this diarrheal illness spread person to person. However, any student or chaperon who was on the field trip and has diarrhea should call their doctor for medical evaluation and treatment.''

Lincoln School Superintendent Georgia Fortunado said school staff is working with health officials on the response, which included a letter to parents disclosing the problem.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially fatal human pathogen that is the leading cause of kidney failure in children around the world. The organism lives in the guts of cattle and other animals without harming them, but in humans it emits a powerful toxin that attacks blood cells and can invade the central nervous system.

More than five percent of E. coli O157:H7 infections lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS. This is a life-threatening disease that is most likely to strike young children, under 5, and adults over the age of 60.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys currently represents E. coli HUS victims and is doing some of its own investigation of the Lincoln Middle School E. coli outbreak. If you have information that could be useful to families whose children are victims of this outbreak, contact us at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free).

We also will provide free case consultations to any of the Camp Bournedale parents who are dealing with this outbreak. Call or complete our online contact and information form so we can assist you. If we agree to take your case, you pay us nothing until you win.

Our firm is one of the few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have recovered tens of millions for survivors of food poisoning over the years. We are dedicated to prevention of E. coli O157:H7 and do not believe the federal government is doing enough to ensure food safety. One of our clients, Jeffrey Almer, provided key testimony earlier this year before a Congressional panel that is considering food safety reform. Change is long overdue. 

Lettuce E. coli Make Leafy Greens "Riskiest" Food

Dole brand bagged baby spinach was the vehicle for one of the largest E. coli  O157:H7 outbreaks ever linked to leafy green vegetables in the United States. It was late 2006 and more than 200 people in 26 states were sickened and three died before the spread of infectious disease ended.

According to Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI), a prominent nutrition watchdog group from Washington, D.C., the baby spinach outbreak was just one of 363 linked to lettuce, spinach, romaine and other leafy green vegetables from 1990 to 2006. By claiming 13,568 combined victims, the food group was chosen by CSPI as the riskiest of 10 foods regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that consumers should approach with caution.

The list was published this week in a report written by CSPI staff attorney Sarah Klein, who noted that hearings are being held now around the country on national production and handling rules proposed by the Obama administration. 

Of course, pathogen-free leafy greens are among the most nutritious foods we can eat. But national food safety law firm Pritzer Olsen Attorneys knows from E. coli outbreak experience that lettuce, spinach and other vegetables that grow close to the ground can become contaminated by spring flooding, water runoff, manure spreading and the feces of wild animals. All those elements frequently harbor microscopic, disease-causing bugs.

Our law firm represented victims of the 2006 Dole baby spinach outbreak and continues to represent victims of  all other foodborne illness outbreaks. We are one of the few law firms in the country practicing extensively in the area of food poisoning litigation and we have collected tens of millions for survivors of these outbreaks. To contact us, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or receive a free case consultation by completing our contact form online.

After seeing first hand the human pain and suffering that can result from pathogenic infectious disease, we wonder why the U.S. doesn't ban bagged leafy greens because of their chronic association with outbreaks. The baby spinach outbreak, lettuce E. coli outbreaks and others like them have demonstrated that E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella can be introduced into the leaves through cutting and processing. When bagged, the bacteria can cluster and flourish. Many consumers don't wash leaves that come in bags, and even if they do, the bacteria may be lodged inside the plants and won't wash off.

Here is the CSPI list of the 10 riskiest foods regulated by FDA, which excludes meat -- a food group monitored by USDA.

  • Leafy Greens
  • Eggs
  • Tuna
  • Oysters
  • Potatoes
  • Cheese
  • Ice Cream
  • Tomatoes
  • Sprouts
  • Berries 

Ag Secretary Damage Control Over Hamburger E. coli

 U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack is saying in the aftermath of a tough New York Times story about hamburger E. coli that federal regulators are working hard to reduce the incidence of E. coli O157:H7 and that public health -- not meat industry profits -- is the government's top priority.

That's not what a lower-ranking USDA official told Times reporter Michael Moss, who might win a Pulitzer Prize next year for his continued work on food safety. Dr. Kenneth Petersen, an assistant administrator with the USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), told the Times that his department has the power to force grinding plants to test incoming beef trim for E. coli O157:H7.

A food safety officer at a major U.S. hamburger grinding company was on record in the Times' story as saying many big slaughterhouses won't sell beef trim and scrap to grinding plants if the plants test the shipments for E. coli. The admission was one of the most shocking revelations in the story considering that ground beef E. coli outbreaks are a chronic public health threat in the United States. An estimated five percent to 10 percent of infections develop into E coli HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome, the leading cause of kidney failure in children. 

Said Petersen: "I have to look at the entire industry, not just what is best for public health.''

Vilsack tried to set the record straight by saying in his written press release that the "sole mission'' of FSIS is to protect public health.

But while Vilsack ticked off recent initiatives taken by USDA to reduce the incidence of E. coli O157:H7, he did not promise to mandate E. coli testing at the receiving docks of plants that grind beef trim and scrap into hamburger. 

In 2008, USDA issued draft guidelines to the beef slaughter and grinding industry saying that every production lot should be sampled and tested before leaving the supplier and again at the receiver. After the proposed guideline received critical comments, the guidelines were never made official, the Times story said

In his statement this week, Vilsack made no mention of the specific testing issue. He would only say that USDA will "initiate a rulemaking'' in the near future to require all grinders to keep accurate records of the sources of each lot of ground beef.

The Times story investigated what ingredients were in Cargill hamburger patties that sickened more than 900 people in late 2007 with E. coli O157:H7. One of the victims -- a dance instructor from Minnesota -- developed HUS E. coli and was paralyzed from the waist down after the pathogen invaded her central nervous system.

The story revealed that the so-called "Angus Beef Patties'' sold by Cargill were actually made in Butler, Wisconsin, from cheap and fatty beef trim and beef scraps from four different suppliers -- one from Nebraska, one from Texas, one from Uruguay and one from South Dakota.

A central point to the story was that eating ground beef in America is still a gamble. If you or someone you love has fallen victim to E. coli 0157:H7, call an E. coli HUS lawyer at Pritzker Olsen Attorneys. Our firm is one of the few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness and we have collected tens of millions for victims of food poisoning. 

 

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Two Tri Cities Child E. coli Cases Investigated

Health officials in the Tri Cities area of northeast Tennessee are investigating the cause of two life-threatening child E. coli cases in the past month.

Both children are being treated at Johnson City Medical Center, where one is in pediatric intensive care and another was scheduled late this week to receive a blood transfusion. Certain serotypes of E. coli produce a toxin in humans that can cause hemorrhagic colitis or lead to a serious complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the U.S. 

WJHL-TV and news website TriCities.com are reporting that the situation has prompted investigations by the Tennessee Department of Health and the Northeast Tennessee Health Office. At this time, no source has been identified, but the family of the 4-year-old boy who was scheduled for a transfusion suspects he may have contracted the bacteria at a cow exhibit at the Appalachian Fair.

Petting zoos and animal fairs have been the cause of past outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7, including an outbreak early this year in Colorado linked to the Western National Livestock Show.  

National law firm Pritzker Olsen attorneys is currently  representing victims of the Denver livestock show E. coli outbreak and has years of experience representing families beset with the stressful and threatening realities of E. coli and HUS in children.

To contact a lawyer at our firm, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or receive a free case consultation by completing our online contact form. 

E. coli Cookie Dough: "Old Bacteria In A New Place"

 Two experienced microbiologists who work for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) say they were as surprised as anyone to find E. coli O157:H7 in Nestle cookie dough this year.

Writing in a new Public Health Matters blog for the CDC, Gerry Gomez and Mike Humphrys said the lab work they did at the CDC was examined in conjunction with  similar work by 13 public health laboratories around the country. Together, they tested cookie dough from 164 different packages.

"We found that the chocolate chip cookie dough that sick people had eaten didn't come from only one batch,'' the two scientists wrote. "We found it was produced over several months.''

The outbreak itself peaked during May and June. By the end of July, according to a CDC summary, there were 80 confirmed illnesses in 31 states. Thirty-five of the victims received hospital treatment and 10 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) -- a disease that attacks a person's red blood cells and causes serious illness including kidney failure, strokes, heart problems and other damage. HUS also is the leading cause of E. coli deaths, most often affecting young children, the elderly or others who have weakened immune systems.

Like everyone else, including the national food safety lawyers at Pritzker Olsen attorneys who represent victims of E. coli poisoning, Gomez and Humphrys wrote that they are far more accustomed to seeing E. coli outbreaks caused by contaminated and undercooked hamburger or by unpasteurized apple juice.

They also noted that they isolated  E. coli O157:H7 bacteria from the cookie dough by making a slurry from the dough and dropping ultra tiny magnetic beads into the slurry. If there was going to be any E. coli bacteria, it would attach to the beads, which were only 5 percent as wide as a human hair.

From there, a bigger magnet was used to pull out the beads.... giving the scientists a better chance of isolating E. coli.

"Even experienced microbiologists who have 'seen it all' can be surprised and challenged by an old bacteria turning up in a new place,'' the  experts wrote. 

Los Angeles Warns of Soft Cheese Contamination

The director of public health in Los Angeles County is warning consumers in Southern California not to eat Latin-American style cheeses from street vendors or unlicensed manufacturers.

Bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, Listeria, bovine Tuberculosis or Brucella may contaminate the products, which often are made from unpasteurized dairy products, may have been made under insanitary conditions or haven't  been properly refrigerated.

Public Health Director Jonathan Fielding said the situation is a recipe for disaster and his agency is working with local prosecutors, the California Department of Food and Agriculture and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration to crack down on vendors.

The caution alert applies to the following cheeses: Queso, Fresco, Panela, Queso Seco, Asadero, Queso Oaxacca, Queso Cotija, and Crema.

"Harmful bacteria in these products can be dangerous to your health and safety,'' Fielding said in a department press release.

If you get sick eating unpasteurized, contaminated dairy products, see a physician immediately.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen attorneys has seen similar warnings and outbreaks related to soft cheeses sold by parking lot vendors and street vendors throughout the country. The advice being given in Los Angeles is sound advice everywhere.

To contact a food safety lawyer at our firm, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). Or, to receive a free case consultation, complete our online form.

Produce Group Hosts Food Safety Lawyer Elliot Olsen

Top executives from U.S. produce companies gathered in Austin, Texas, today to hear national food safety lawyer Elliot Olsen tell them how an outbreak of foodborne illness could put them out of business in 24 hours.

It's happened before and likely will happen again, but Olsen's central message to the industry had an unexpected twist. While the Pritzker Olsen law firm has a reputation from coast to coast for collecting millions of dollars from companies on behalf of victims of E. coli O157:H7, HUS, Salmonella, Listeria,and Campylobacter, the firm's overarching mission is to help keep the U.S. food supply safer -- a goal Olsen said his firm holds in common with most food producers.

"It's not just a game to us,'' Olsen said. "Part of our mission is prevention.''

He said companies learn lessons when victims of food poisoning assert their right to compensation for injuries, lost wages, pain and suffering.

Olsen was invited to the one-day Food Safety Symposium in Austin, Texas, by the Produce Marketing Association. The same group invited him to speak last month at an even larger gathering in Monterey, California. Olsen's third appearance for the group is scheduled in Rochester, New York, in October.

A major portion of his presentation focused on the human cost of food contamination. Take, for instance, a past client of Pritzker Olsen described as Mr. Lewis (not his real name.). Mr. Lewis was a very active and healthy 81-year-old man when he contracted Listeriosis from adulterated food. The infection damaged his central nervous system and left him paralyzed. His hospitalization was followed by 400 days in a nursing home, ending in his death. By then, he was hardly recognizable.

Olsen said the crowds in Monterey and Austin -- which included many CEOs and other top-ranking produce company executives -- were very receptive. "Hopefully we'll continue our efforts to eliminate foodborne illness,'' he said.

Nestle E. coli Outbreak Hospitalized 35 People

There's still a chance that more people will become infected in the Nestle E. coli outbreak, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued its final update on the cookie dough outbreak that has sickened at least 80 individuals -- mostly young women -- since early March.

Of the 80 confirmed cases, 35 people have been hospitalized and 10 developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication that results in kidney damage and can trigger other major health problems. E. coli O157:H7 infections such as those experienced in the Nestle Toll House refrigerated dough outbreak can be deadly, but no deaths were reported in this outbreak.

According to the CDC, the disease spread over 31 states. The biggest clusters were found in Minnesota (8); Illinois (7); Washington (6); Colorado (6); California (5); Massachusetts (4); Ohio (3) and Texas (3).

Pritzker Olsen attorneys, one of the leading food safety and food poisoning law firms in the country, is currently representing E. coli O157:H7 victims and is accepting cases from the Nestle Toll House outbreak.. Out firm has the resources and experience to take on companies as big as Nestle to make recoveries for victims who ate raw cookie dough contaminated with this potentially lethal pathogen.

The Food and Drug Administration and the CDC continue to warn consumers not to eat any varieties of the recalled Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough due to the risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7. This includes Nestle Toll House cookie dough that does not say "New Batch'' on the labeling.

On June 29, the FDA  announced a finding of E. coli O157:H7 in a sample of prepackaged and previously unopened Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough collected at Nestle's cookie dough plant in Danville, Virginia. Further lab testing showed that the strain in the sample was not the outbreak strain -- so there is still no microbiological smoking gun linking the outbreak to the cookie dough.

But federal officials and state health departments collected strong epidemiological evidence in their interviews with victims -- most of whom said they ate uncooked Nestle Toll House cookie dough before falling ill. To this day, the government warns consumers not even to open the potentially contaminated dough to bake with it, because it could be accidentally ingested or cross-contaminate a kitchen surface.

If you or a loved one were among those sickened in this outbreak, or if you became ill with symptoms of E. coli after eating raw Nestle cookie dough, call an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete one of our online E. coli compensation consultation forms for a free case consultation.

Sickening Secrecy in Missouri Over E. coli

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources admitted this week that it withheld a report about high E. coli levels in parts of Lake of the Ozarks around Memorial Day "because they were concerned about the impact it would have on tourism and the public.''

That's what the Kansas City Star is reporting in a shocking story that portrays the DNR as more concerned about revenue in the pockets of Missouri's lake area merchants  than they are about deadly pathogens possibly getting into the bloodstreams of thousands of boaters, swimmers, water skiiers and fisherman throughout the region.

A national clean-water expert and author said the report should have been released about May 28 when the danger was imminent, not June 26, when it was finally released with lower June samples. The spike in E. coli in one of Missouri's most popular recreational waters was likely caused by heavy rains that washed human and animal feces into the water.

"We didn't want to panic the people,'' DNR spokeswoman Susanne Medley told the newspaper.

Wow.

Plant That Kindled Nestle E. coli Outbreak Reopens

By FRED PRITZKER

nestle-danville-plant.jpgMinneapolis, July 15, 2009 -- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced today that Nestle is back in business making and selling refrigerated cookie dought following the Nestle outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 associated with this popular and no doubt profitable product.

As of July 10, 2009, CDC reported that 76 people from 31 states have been infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7. As of that date, 35 people had been hospitalized, including 11 with a serious complication call HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome. No one has died.

The decision to start selling the product again was made despite the fact that E. coli O157:H7 was found in an unopened package of cookie dough. This strain was not the same as the outbreak strain cultured from stool samples from outbreak survivors -- meaning, most likely, that Nestle cookie dough had a least two separate strains of the deadly pathogen.

Following the June 19, 2009, warning from the FDA not to eat these products, the plant that produced them was shut down, tested and cleaned. According to today's FDA update, part of which is reprinted below, Nestle switched suppliers for the main ingredients and is now back in business producing refrigerated cookie dough:

"However, after a plant shutdown, an investigation, and a cleanup, Nestle is now using main ingredients from new suppliers and is making the cookie dough again. These newly made products are not part of the ongoing recall and are not associated with any illness outbreaks or known contamination. Consumers can identify the newly made products by looking for labels with shields that say "new batch" on them; these batches are not part of the current recall."

It's ironic that by switching suppliers and making a two-word label change, Nestle gets a "do-over'' while the outbreak victims are stuck with a long recovery, medical bills, lost wages and a terrible memory of an illness they will never forget.

Continue Reading...

Cleanliness an Issue During Nestle Plant Inspection

Investigators from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently found two cleanliness flaws at the cookie dough plant in  Danville, Virginia, that spawned the multi-state Nestle E. coli outbreak.

The four investigators signed a report July 9 that said the workmanship of certain hopper valves "does not allow proper cleaning.'' The hoppers hold dry ingredients in the cookie dough prep room.

The same team observed ice build-up on overhead pipes on June 18. The pipes, which transport a processing aid to mixers on four production lines, dripped condensation onto a metal rake used by workers to scrape cookie dough from the mixer into a trough for transport to the filling line. The observation was: "Lack of appropriate design to enable manufacturing systems to be maintained in an appropriate sanitary condition.''

The flaws were listed as "observations'' and Nestle is being given a chance to object to them or implement corrective action before the FDA would make any decision about compliance of food safety rules.

Meanwhile, these and other Nestle plant inspection records are being reviewed by national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys as part of its own investigation into the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has sickened at least 72 people in 30 states. The firm's review of previous inspection records at the Danville plant found four areas of concern uncovered at the plant in 2006 and a steadfast refusal by Nestle over the past several years  to disclose internal records about consumer complaints.

In 2004, FDA investigators found headings for two consumer complaints about cookie dough:One for a foreign object in the dough and another involving insects found in the cookie dough.

"The firm refused to offer details on these complaints,'' the inspection report said.

Pritzker Olsen is one of the few law firms in the country practicing extensively in foodborne illness litigation. Our firm already is representing some victims in the Nestle recall and cookie dough outbreak and is continuing to accept new cases. To contact an E. coli  lawyer at Pritzker Olsen, call toll-free 1-888-377-8900 or complete one of our online forms for a free case consultation from an attorney.

The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have said that at least  two different strains of E. coli O157:H7 have been associated with Nestle refrigerated Toll House cookie dough and consumers have been warned not to eat the product in any variety. But so far, health investigators haven't been able to pinpoint where the contamination originated inside the Danville production facility.

FDA's plant inspection reports dating to 2004 do not show the plant out of compliance, but the 2006 inspection found four "deficiencies'' that were discussed with Nestle. According to the FDA report, these were:

  • Three live ant-like insects along a wall of the powdered sugar dump station in the cookie dough manufacturing area.
  • Dirty stainless steel equipment and utensils in a bin marked as "clean'' in the cookie dough cleaning area.
  • Clear liqid dripping from an overhead line in the liquid egg receiving bay.
  • Equipment not functioning to properly remove trays of cookie dough on one production line.

Cookie Dough Outbreak is a Shame on Nestle

Nestle Toll House cookie dough has been linked to a Nestle E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least 72 people in about 30 states. PritzkerOlsen, P.A., one of America’s leading food safety law firms, is representing several people sickened in the outbreak. Firm president and founder Fred Pritzker, a veteran of many food poisoning outbreaks and an advocate for victims, provides his insights on who should be held accountable.

 

By FRED PRITZKER

 

On June 19, 2009, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warned consumers not to eat any varieties of prepackaged Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough due to the risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7 (a bacterium that causes food borne illness). Nestle issued a recall of its Toll House refrigerated cookie dough the same day.

Ten days later, on June 29, the FDA announced that E. coli O157:H7 had been found in an unopened package of 16.5 oz. Nestle Toll House refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough bar. A finding of a potentially lethal foodborne adulterant in an unopened package is usually proof positive that the adulteration occurred before the product left the manufacturer’s possession (rather than a “downstream” contamination caused by a distributor, retailer or end user). This means the contamination occurred at the point of production (at the Nestle plant) or in ingredients purchased by Nestle for use in making the product.

Here’s where it gets interesting though: On July 9, eleven days after the product tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, the FDA announced that the genetic fingerprint of the positive strain did not match the strain identified in the outbreak victims. In short, Nestle was producing refrigerated cookie dough products with at least two separate strains of E. coli O157:H7.

And here’s where it gets even more interesting: when FDA inspectors descended on the Nestle plant where the cookie dough is produced, in Danville, Virginia, for more than a week of plant inspection and testing of more than 1,000 plant environmental surfaces, no E. coli O157:H7 was detected.

The failure to find E. coli O157:H7 in the plant’s environment hardly exonerates Nestle. It’s entirely possible – even likely – that the plant underwent a top-to-bottom cleaning before FDA inspectors arrived at the scene. What’s more, the product implicated in this outbreak was produced long before the inspection. In short, the inspection simply captures a moment in time and not the critical moment when the product was produced.

It’s also entirely possible that the contamination did not occur at the Nestle plant at all. It may have already been in the ingredients Nestle purchased – the result of “upstream” contamination caused by the fault of a Nestle supplier. That, too, hardly exonerates Nestle.

A food producer has a non-delegable duty to guarantee the safety of its ingredients as well as the finished product. This is accomplished in a number of ways including rigorous investigation of supplier production facilities and testing of raw constituent product. Obviously, the finding of two separate strains of dangerous E. coli O157:H7means that Nestle did an incredibly poor job of policing its plant, product and production supplies and guarantees its place in the 2009 Food Safety Hall of Shame. 

Iowa Boy With HUS May be JBS Swift Outbreak Victim

Well-wishers from around the country are praying for the recovery of a 1-year-old boy from Iowa who has been hospitalized with a severe complication of E. coli O157:H7 disease -- a possible victim of the multi-state JBS Swift beef outbreak.

The story of Isaiah Romero was first carried by KSFY-TV in Sioux Falls, where the boy has been receiving medical attention this week at Sanford Children's Hospital. He first became sick a few weeks ago, but an E. coli test returned negative. Then his illness progressed into HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome, which happens to a number of children who become infected with E. coli O157:H7. HUS is the leading cause of E. coli deaths.

Iowa isn't one of the nine states initially identified by the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention as a location of any of the known illnesses in the JBS Swift outbreak. But it's very plausible the outbreak has spread, especially in the Midwest were Wisconsin, Michigan and Minnesota have all seen cases. It's very common for the CDC to publish updates on an outbreak to cover newly found cases.

Isaiah's father was quoted in the KSFY story as saying: " It's hard on us, but with God's help we are doing OK.''

Well-wishers have been writing in to the station's website with messages of empathy and prayer. One unidentified writer said Isaiah's cousin was being treated for the same illness. That is not confirmed.

One of the most recent messages came from Susan Vaughn Grooters, public health coordinator for the food safety non-profit group known as Safe Tables Our Priority, or STOP.

"We can help navigate the public health response, the medical system, and our peer-to-peer network can help families not feel so isolated in such a difficult and unpredictable time. Our hearts go out to Isaiah and the Romero family.''

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys, located in Minneapolis, is currently representing families who have had loved ones develop HUS from E. coli. Our firm is one of America's most experienced representatives of victims of foodborne illness. We have recovered millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning by holding meatpackers, food companies, restaurants, insurers and other parties accountable for dangerous pathogens in food.

To learn more, contact our firm toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or email president Fred Pritzker at fhp@pritzkerlaw.com. To receive a free case consultation from an HUS lawyer at Pritzker Olsen, go online to complete one of our submission forms. 

At least 3 types of E. coli tied to Nestle outbreak

A U.S. Food and Drug Administration official says health investigators have nearly exhausted all leads and may not ever find out what caused cookie dough in the Nestle E. coli outbreak to become contaminated with the pathogen.

ABC's ace reporter Brian Hartman quoted the official, Dr. David Acheson, in a story that also said at least three types of E. coli O157:H7 are now associated with the Nestle outbreak. At least 72 people in 30 states are victims of the outbreak, which has included at least 10 cases of HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication of E. coli O157:H7 infection.

Hartman found insiders who said FDA tests of cookie dough found inside Nestle's plant in Danville, Virginia, showed the presence of E. coli -- but not the type that matched the outbreak strain.

There had been similar results from E. coli tests on Nestle cookie dough recovered previously from a victim's home. Including the outbreak strain of E. coli found in victims, that's three different types of E. coli associated with the cookie dough.

Acheson told ABC that there is no evidence of product tampering.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys continues to accept cases from the Nestle outbreak. Despite the lack of a matching test result, there is strong epidemiological evidence that the cookie dough is what caused so many people to become so sick in so many states. A large number of victims told health investigators they had eaten raw Toll House cookie dough before getting infected. It was on that basis that Nestle agreed to recall ALL VARIETIES of its ready-to-bake Toll House cookie and brownie dough.

ABC reported that Nestle's Danville plant, which has been shut down for inspection and micro-cleaning, is getting ready to reopen for dough-making with all new ingredients.

Pritzker Olsen is one of America's leading food poisoning law firms. Our lawyers are involved in practically every major outbreak of foodborne illness and we have collected millions for E. coli and HUS survivors by holding corporations, restaurants, grocery retailers, produce growers and meatpackers accountable for adulterated food.

To learn more about our firm or to talk to an E. coli lawyer, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or write to us online for a free case consultation.

New Findings in Colorado Stock Show E. coli Outbreak

Since 1996 there have been more than 100 human infectious disease outbreaks involving animals in public settings reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In 2000, two E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks at animal shows in Pennsylvania and Washington prompted the CDC to issue guidelines to acknowledge the risk factors: Direct animal contact and inadequate hand washing.

The latest major outbreak at an animal show was the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak at the National Western Stock Show in Denver, Colorado. The show ran from Jan. 10-25, 2009, drawing 650,000 attendees. When it was over, there were 29 confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 (19 primary and 10 secondary), including nine hospitalizations and two individuals with HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication most often in children that attacks their red blood cells and kidneys. The victims from the outbreak lived in seven counties along Colorado's front range.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys is representing survivors of this outbreak and is accepting additional cases. Recently, an update on the outbreak investigation was made public by the health agencies that conducted the probe.

According to the investigation update, the outbreak strains of E. coli were found in four samples taken from floor sweepings and mats on which animals stood on the third floor "Feed the Animals Exhibit.'' In the update, the definition of a case is described as one that was confirmed through stool sample; onset of illness since January 10; and with a genetic fingerprint matching one of two outbreak strains of E coli.

 E. coli O157:H7 at petting zoos is a well-known and preventable danger. In 2005, the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians issued a document entitled "Compendium of Measures to Prevent Disease Associated with Animals in Public Setting.'' It was endorsed by a number or organizations, including the CDC. The document was updated in 2009 and it appears the National Western Stock Show failed to follow a number of these measures.

If you or someone you love contracted  E. coli 0157:H7 as part of the NWSS outbreak, contact an E. coli attorney at Pritzker Olsen. Our firm is one of America's most experience foodborne illness law firms and we have collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of E. coli, Salmonella and other infectious diseases.

If you would like to learn more about us, visit us on the web, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or email firm president Fred Pritzker at fhp@pritzkerlaw.com. In addition, you can receive a free case consultation online by completing one of our forms.

Nestle E. coli FAQs Answered by Food Safety Lawyers

 A problem arises when a person believes they were sickened by E. coli O157:H7, but in doctor visits never gave a stool sample -- the surest method of proving the cause of foodborne illness.

The question has arisen again in the Nestle cookie dough E. coli outbreak that has infected at least 72 people in 30 states. Fred Pritzker, founder and president of national food poisoning law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys, explains options in a Nestle cookie dough FAQ below.

Our law firm has collected tens of millions for victims of E. coli O157:H7 and other foodborne illnesses. We are representing victims nationwide and have the resources, experience and skill to represent you and hold parties to the outbreak responsible. Contact an E. coli lawyer at our firm by calling 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by completing an online form to receive a free case consultation from one of our attorneys.

Here are the Nestle E. coli FAQs:

I got sick after eating Nestlé Toll House cookie dough.  Am I
part of the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak?

The best way to determine if you are part of the Nestlé Toll House
outbreak is to have your stool tested. If the stool test is positive
for E. coli O157:H7, further testing is necessary to determine if the
E. coli O157:H7 found in your stool matches the genetic fingerprint
of the samples obtained from other outbreak victims.  If your stool
sample is positive for E. coli O157:H7 and it has the same genetic
fingerprint as the other victims, it is highly likely that you are
part of this outbreak.

I got sick but I was not asked to provide a stool sample.  How
do I prove I was part of this outbreak?

There are many reasons why people with E. coli O157:H7 are not asked
to provide a stool sample.  The problem is that without a positive
stool sample, it’s difficult to say what’s causing your symptoms.
That’s because there are many illnesses and conditions that produce
symptoms similar to E. coli O157:H7. Thus, the best evidence that you
have E. coli O157:H7 is a positive stool sample. However, and as
discussed below, in some cases it is possible to link undiagnosed
symptoms if you have leftover cookie dough that tests positive for E.
coli
O157:H7.

I still have some of the Nestlé Toll House Cookie Dough.  If
it’s tested and the testing shows it’s contaminated with E. coli
O157:H7, does that mean I have a case even if I did not give a stool
sample?

Under some circumstances, a product that tests positive for E. coli
O157:H7 can help prove you are part of this outbreak even if you did
not provide a stool sample.

Where can I have the Nestlé Toll House Cookie Dough tested to
see if it’s contaminated with E. coli O157:H7?

There are labs that will test your cookie dough for you.  You may
contact Exova in Portland, Oregon, at 503-253-9136 for testing your
product . You may also contact Accugen
Labs in Willow Brook, IL at 1-800-282-7102, or fill out an Accugen submission form.  Either
of these laboratories will have you fill out a form to send with your
product. Please note that our law firm is not affiliated with these
labs and we have no contact with or control over them regarding food
testing. Thus, we can accept no responsibility for anything regarding
product testing by these labs including but not limited to lost
samples, the manner in which the testing is performed, test results,
etc.

 Make sure you are clear that you want your product tested for E. coli  O157:H7.

How much does it cost and who pays for it?

Testing will cost about $35-50 depending on how many tests need to be
performed.   You will have to pay that cost via check or credit card
when you ship your product.   If tests show the food is adulterated
with E. coli O157:H7 and we accept your case and later obtain a
recovery on your behalf, you will be reimbursed for all testing costs.

How do I get a sample of Nestlé Toll House Cookie Dough and
send it to the testing company?

Products are generally sent in a sealed plastic bag, with an ice pack
to keep your product relatively cold via FedEx overnight service.
When you fill out your shipping form, the lab can assist in choosing
the proper packaging, but anything that is sealed, and keeps the
product cool will most likely work.

How long does it take to find out if the sample is positive?

Results will generally be available in 2-5 days.  If your product is
positive for E. coli O157:H7, further tests on your product may be
necessary to confirm this result, and to determine the exact strain of
E. coli O157:H7.

If the sample is positive, what do I do then?

Immediately contact an E. coli attorney at Pritzker Olsen at
1-888-377-8900.  Further testing on your product may be necessary.

JBS Swift E. coli Outbreak Short on Recall Information

By FRED PRITZKER
As Americans prepare for 4th of July cookouts, we once again are faced with recalls due to beef contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a potentially deadly pathogen.

Late last week, the U.S.Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), the agency in charge of the safety of our meat supply, announced a  JBS Swift beef recall of 41,000 pounds. The meat cuts -- commonly used for making store-packaged hamburger at the retail level -- was produced at the JBS Swift Beef Co. plant in Greeley, Colorado.

On Sunday, the recall was expanded to include 380,000 more pounds of beef.  Yet five days after the original recall we still do not know the location of all this beef, or where it was sold.

That's because JBS Swift will not release the names of where the product was shipped, and the FSIS either cannot track, will not track, or will not tell the public where this tainted meat was sold.  In a day and age when you can track a personal package from your computer, minute-by-minute, you would think five days after a serious recall the public could know where potentially deadly meat ended up.

Thankfully, one-by-one, many stores are recalling meat that was reprocessed and repackaged by various distributors and stores. Yet none of this information is available from JBS Swift or from the FSIS website in readily accessible fashion.  Rather, it is being gathered by individual citizens concerned for the public’s safety.
For the benefit of all potential victims of this E. coli outbreak, national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys has assembled a list below of stores known to have recalled beef due to this outbreak.

The list likely will be expanding by the day, if not the hour.  You may obtain more information on the specific recalls by clicking on the links below. If you shop at one of these stores, and you think you may have E. coli O157:H7, go to a doctor immediately.  At the doctor, make sure you ask for a stool sample.  That is the best way to determine if you have E. coli O157:H7.  Then contact an experienced E. coli attorney at Pritzker Olsen by calling 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). For a free case consultation online, please complete one of our electronic forms. Here's the partial list of stores compiled so far by Pritzker Olsen:

Flour Supplier investigated in Nestle E. coli outbreak

State and federal health officials are expanding their investigation into the Nestle E. coli outbreak by examining the supplier of flour to Nestle's cookie dough plant in Danville, Virginia.

The Danville News quoted Food and Drug Administration spokesman Stephanie Kwisnek as saying the flour supplier will be looked at with help from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Earlier this week the FDA confirmed a finding of E. coli  O157:H7 in a previously unopened package of Nestle Toll House refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough obtained at the Danville plant. Further tests are being conducted to determine if the organism matches the outbreak strain of E. coli that has sickened at least 72 people in 30 states. The tainted sample was produced February 10, 2009.

If you or someone you love has been sickened with E. coli after swallowing raw Nestle cookie dough or simply from baking with the dough in your kitchen, contact an E. coli attorney at national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys. The firm has collected millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning and has the resources, experience and skill to represent you against a large multi-national company such as Nestle.

To contact an E. coli attorney at our firm, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete one of our online forms to receive a free case consultation from a lawyer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),  34 patients in the Nestle E. cookie dough outbreak have been hospitalized and ten of those victims developed HUS, or hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure that is the leading cause of E. coli deaths.

Nestle has halted production of cookie dough at its Danville plant, where federal and state investigators are still probing the cause of the outbreak. The company recalled 300,000 cases of cookie dough from the marketplace, or 3.6 million packages.

Nestle Cookie Dough Outbreak Update: More People Sick and E. coli Found in Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough

The CDC provided updated Nestle cookie dough outbreak information today:

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) to investigate an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections.

As of Tuesday, June 30, 2009, 72 persons infected with a strain of E. coli O157:H7 with a particular DNA fingerprint have been reported from 30 states. Of these, 51 have been confirmed by an advanced DNA test as having the outbreak strain; these confirmatory test results are pending on the others. The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Arizona (2), California (3), Colorado (6), Connecticut (1), Delaware (1), Georgia (1), Iowa (2), Illinois (5), Kentucky (2), Massachusetts (4), Maryland (2), Maine (3), Minnesota (6), Missouri (1), Montana (1), North Carolina (2), New Hampshire (2), New Jersey (1), Nevada (2), New York (1), Ohio (3), Oklahoma (1), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (1), Texas (3), Utah (4), Virginia (2), Washington (6), and Wisconsin (1).

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Evidence Implicating Raw Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough as the Source of an E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak

Federal investigators continue their investigation of the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with consumption of raw Nestle Toll House cookie dough that has sickened at least 69 people in 29 states. The evidence implicating the cookie dough consists of both epidemiological and microbiological evidence.

According to the CDC:

In an epidemiologic study, ill persons answered questions about foods consumed during the days before becoming ill and investigators compared their responses to those of persons of similar age and gender previously reported to State Health Departments with other illnesses. Preliminary results of this investigation indicate a strong association with eating raw prepackaged cookie dough. Most patients reported eating refrigerated prepackaged Nestle Toll House cookie dough products raw.

In addition to this epidemiological evidence, FDA has uncovered microbiological evidence at the Nestle plant in Danville, Virginia. At least one unopened package of refrigerated Neste Toll House cookie dough that was at the plant tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, according to Nestle USA:

FDA has found and confirmed evidence of E. coli 0157:H7 in a retained production sample of 16.5 oz. Nestlé Toll House refrigerated chocolate chip cookie dough bar. The product has a day code of 9041 and a "Best before 10 JUN 2009" notation.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with E. coli O157:H7 after consuming Nestle Toll House cookie dough, contact our law firm regarding the evidence that can be used in a Nestle lawsuit. If you were sickened but did not have a stool sample tested, you may still have a case against Nestle if you have leftover cookie dough and it tests positive for the outbreak-strain of E. coli O157:H7. Contact our law firm for information regarding testing leftover cookie dough.

JBS Swift Beef Recall

beef-recall.jpgBeef Recall Alert: JSB Swift Beef Company, a Colorado firm, has recalled about 380,000 pounds of beef products due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7.  The recall was prompted by an outbreak that has sickened at least 18 people nationwide.  The recall is an expansion of a June 24 JBS Swift Beef recall of 41,280 pounds of beef products that were distributed to Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, Oregon, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah and Wisconsin.

The recalled JBS Swift Beef products were produced on April 21, 2009 and were distributed both nationally and internationally to "establishments" and retail customers who then further processed the beef.  Some of the recalled beef was ground into hamburger.

Because the recalled beef was further processed, the only way you can know if you consumed any of the recalled beef is to contact all stores and eating establishments where you purchased a beef product.  Read "Are You Part of an E. coli Outbreak?"

CONTACT OUR LAWYERS ABOUT E. COLI VICTIM COMPENSATION >>

Report: Nestlé Plant at Center of E. coli Outbreak Refused FDA Inspections

by Attorney Fred Pritzker

 

 A Wall Street Journal report says that inspection reports covering the past five years show that officials at Nestlé’s Danville, Va. plant, which manufactured the suspected E. coli O157:H7 tainted cookie dough, "refused to allow a Food and Drug Administration inspector to review consumer complaints or inspect its program designed to prevent food contamination." The FDA can only demand access to records if it shows “a reasonable belief” that the foods are a serious health threat.

This just goes to show how absolutely broken our food safety system is. The FDA does not even have authority to inspect a major food producing plant’s records. Thankfully, legislation currently being considered by Congress would strengthen food safety requirements for food producers, calling for them to keep more records, undergo more frequent and thorough inspections, and give the FDA access during inspections. Despite several recent national outbreaks that have sickened thousands, industry insiders made it clear that this legislation would be opposed by many in the food industry. The question that remains – how many people must get sick and die from the food they eat before the food industry acknowledges the system is broken? Hopefully Congress will decide that enough is enough and pass real food safety reform as soon as possible. 

Attorney Fred Pritzker has represented E. coli victims nationwide. If believe you are part of the Nestlé Toll House E. coli outbreak, contact Fred at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or by submitting our free consultation form.

Important Tips for Preventing Cross-Contamination

by Attorney Fred Pritzker

cookie-dough-ecoli.jpgThe recent multistate E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with Nestlé Toll House refrigerated cookie dough products is still under investigation by state and federal health authorities.  At this stage of the investigation, there is no solid hypothesis as to how cookie dough became contaminated with a pathogen generally found in the feces of cattle. In all my years investigating and representing victims of foodborne illness, this particular E. coli O157:H7 outbreak may be the most baffling. There simply is not an obvious source of contamination like we have seen with other meat or produce related E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks. One very real possibility, however, is that cross-contamination at some stage of the manufacturing process contaminated the cookie dough on a very large scale.

Cross-contamination is not just a concern for commercial food producers – it poses a risk to every consumer in their kitchen and local grocery store. Consumers need to be vigilant about the food they feed their family, and take time to think about the consequences of using the same utensils and surfaces to prepare potentially dangerous raw food and ready to eat food. Often we do not think about the potential hazards of cross-contamination, yet E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella infections can be lethal. By following these useful food safety recommendations you can greatly reduce the chances your family becomes ill because of cross-contamination.  

When shopping:

  • Separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other foods in your grocery-shopping cart.
  • Place these foods in plastic bags to prevent their juices from dripping onto other foods.
  • It is also best to separate these foods from other foods at check out and in your grocery bags.
  • Ask your grocer or butcher about their sterilization process for utensils and meat cutters that touch raw meat.

When refrigerating food:

  • Place raw meat, poultry, and seafood in containers or sealed plastic bags to prevent their juices from dripping onto other foods. Raw juices often contain harmful bacteria.
  • Store eggs in their original carton and refrigerate as soon as possible.

When preparing food:

  • Wash hands and surfaces often. Harmful bacteria can spread throughout the kitchen and get onto cutting boards, utensils, and counter tops. To prevent this:
  • Wash hands with soap and hot water before and after handling food, and after using the bathroom, changing diapers; or handling pets.
  • Use hot, soapy water and paper towels or clean cloths to wipe up kitchen surfaces or spills. Wash cloths often in the hot cycle of your washing machine.
  • Wash cutting boards, dishes, and counter tops with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item and before you go on to the next item.

Cutting boards:

  • Always use a clean cutting board.
  • If possible, use one cutting board for fresh produce and a separate one for raw meat, poultry, and seafood.
  • Once cutting boards become excessively worn or develop hard-to-clean grooves, you should replace them.

Marinating food:

  • Always marinate food in the refrigerator, not on the counter.
  • Sauce that is used to marinate raw meat, poultry, or seafood should not be used on cooked foods, unless it is boiled just before using.

Fruits and vegetables:

  • Rinse fresh fruits and vegetables in running tap water to remove visible dirt and grime.
  • Remove and discard the outermost leaves of a head of lettuce or cabbage.
  • Because bacteria can grow well on the cut surface of fruit or vegetables, be careful not to contaminate these foods while slicing them up on the cutting board, and avoid leaving cut produce at room temperature for many hours.

When serving food:

  • Always use a clean plate.
  • Never place cooked food back on the same plate or cutting board that previously held raw food.

Attorney Fred Pritzker represents E. coli victims nationwide.  He can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or by submitting our free consultation form.

 

What To Do If You Suspect an E. coli Infection

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen Attorneys is receiving hundreds of calls and emails from people concered about E. coli O157:H7 exposure from the Nestle Toll House cookie dough outbreak. Here are some important facts to keep in mind.

The symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infections vary for each person, but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody) and vomiting. If there is fever, it usually is not very high (less than 101 degrees).

  • These symptoms may represent a life-threatening infection. If you have symptoms, especially bloody diarrhea, you should get immediate medical attention.
  • The only practical way to diagnose E. coli O157:H7 is by stool sample. Without a stool sample, confirming the presence of E. coli, it is difficult to prove you are part of this outbreak. Therefore, if you believe you have symptoms related to E. coli O157:H7, you need to receive medical attention and get a stool test.
  • Get a stool test as soon as possible after your symptoms commence. If you wait too long, the E. coli O157:H7 bacteria may be shed from your body and the test will be negative even though you had the bug.
  • Also, if you are prescribed antibiotics, the medication may kill off the E. coli, in which case your test will be negative.
  • This is important: Non-specific supportive therapy, including hydration, is important. Antibiotics should not be used to treat this infection. There is no evidence that treatment with antibiotics is helpful, and taking antibiotics may increase the risk of hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS. Antidiarrheal agents like Imodium may also increase that risk. Thus, if you receive antibiotics, it may cause you harm and make it impossible to detect the E. coli O157:H7.
  • If you have remaining Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough products that have been recalled in this outbreak, do not throw them out or return them to the grocery store. Here's why: lab testing of the product may confirm the presence of E. coli O157:H7. Therefore, seal the unused Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough products in a plastic bag, mark the bag so it is not used or consumed accidentally and continue to store it in your refrigerator until it is tested.
  • Call us right away if you have E. coli O157:H7 symptoms and you test positive for it or if you have strong reason to believe a negative test does not rule out E. coli O157:H7 (i.e., you were put on antibiotics before stool testing was done.)

Pritzker Olsen Attorneys is one of the most experienced and trusted food safety law firm in the United States and has represented foodborne illness survivors in virtually every major E. coli O157:H7 outbreak.

For a free consultation about your E. coli O157:H7 case, please call us toll-free at 1-888-377-8900. To contact an E. coli attorney online, please complete one of our forms.

Pritzker Olsen Calls For Nestle to Pay Victims' Bills

Nestle Toll House cookie dough packages are printed with a warning against raw consumption of the product. In a press release, the founder and president of national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys explains the emptiness of the warning and calls on Nestle to immediately pay medical bills and lost wages for victims of the ongoing Nestle cookie dough E. coli outbreak.

MINNEAPOLIS, June 23, 2009 -- Pritzker Olsen Attorneys, a national food safety law firm with extensive experience in E. coli O157:H7 litigation, has called on Nestle USA to immediately pay the medical bills, lost wages and other expenses incurred by victims of the E. coli outbreak that state and federal health officials have associated with eating uncooked Nestle Toll House cookie dough.

Fred Pritzker, founder and president of the law firm, also said that Nestle will eventually be held accountable for full compensation to victims even though Toll House cookie dough packages carry a warning against eating the product raw. According to Consumer Reports, 39 percent of American consumers make a habit of eating cookie dough raw.

"It's a popular snack eaten from the package and no one knows that better than Nestle,'' Pritzker said. "A tidy little warning against eating raw dough won't get a company off the hook for selling food that is laced with a deadly pathogen.''

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported that 70 individuals in 30 states have been diagnosed since March 1 with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7, an organism that produces a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness and death. Thirty of the 70 victims have been hospitalized, including seven who have suffered hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a dangerous complication that attacks a person's red blood cells and kidneys. Nestle has recalled ALL varieties of its refrigerated Toll House cookie and brownie dough and the CDC and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have warned consumers not to eat or bake with the product.

"It is only fair that Nestle pay for the medical bills of its injured customers,'' Pritzker said. "The families deserve that peace of mind.''

He said other corporations involved in E. coli outbreaks have advanced medical expenses to those injured by their food products. "Corporate responsibility means taking concrete steps to right a wrong. It is time for Nestle to step up and guarantee that its Toll House cookie dough customers will not be stuck with hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical bills,'' he said.

Pritzker Olsen is one of the few law firms in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. The firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning and it is involved in practically every major outbreak, including the peanut product Salmonella outbreak that sickened more than 700 people and killed nine late last year and early this year. PritzkerOlsen is representing the families of three women who died in the Salmonella outbreak and has filed a Salmonella wrongful death lawsuit against Peanut Corp. of America -- the company that federal officials have linked to the outbreak.

Currently, Pritzker Olsen is preparing information for a possible Nestle cookie dough lawsuit and it is doing some of its own investigating into the outbreak and product recall. Most of Nestle's Toll House cookie dough is produced at a factory in Danville, Virginia, where 550 people work. The plant also makes Buitoni refrigerated pasta.

To contact an E. coli  lawyer Pritzker Olsen, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or contact us online by completing one of our forms for a free case consultation.

Minnesota, Washington, Colorado, Illinois, Massachusetts Have Most Nestle Cookie Dough E. coli Cases

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has weighed in with its first report on the Nestle cookie dough E. coli outbreak and recall, saying that young females dominate the known universe of victims.

The CDC also named all states involved in the outbreak. States with the most cases are Minnesota (6), Washington (5), Colorado (5), Illinois (5), Ohio (4), Massachusetts (4), Texas (3) and Maine (3).

The complete list -- provided by the CDC -- goes as follows:  Arkansas (1), Arizona (2), California (2), Colorado (5), Delaware (1), Hawaii (1), Iowa (2), Illinois (5), Kentucky (1), Massachusetts (4), Maryland (2), Maine (3), Minnesota (6), Missouri (2), Montana (1), North Carolina (1), New Hampshire (2), New Jersey (1), Nevada (2), Ohio (4), Oklahoma (1), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (2), South Carolina (1), Texas (3), Utah (2), Virginia (2), Washington (5), and Wisconsin (1).

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys is accepting cases from all states involved in the outbreak, which has sickened at least 66 people. Federal authorities say 25 of the victims have been hospitalized and seven have suffered hemolytic uremic syndrome, a  type of kidney failure that presents severe complications.

If you or someone you know has become ill from eating Nestle cookie dough products, see a physician and make sure E. coli test results are forwarded to your state health department. If you have been diagnosed with E. coli O157:H7 and have eaten raw cookie dough from Nestle, an E. coli attorney at Pritzker Olsen is ready to assist you. Call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete one of our online forms for a free case consultation.

Nestle has said that its cookie dough packages carry a warning not to eat the product raw. But everyone knows that Americans commonly eat raw cookie dough as a treat. In addition, a person could get sick without knowingly eating raw dough -- just from handling it during the cooking process and getting it on your hands.

Nestle has recalled ALL varieties of its refrigerated, prepackaged Toll House cookie and brownie dough and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and CDC have warned consumers not to eat the product raw nor bake it. See the complete recall list by clicking here.

The CDC said the illnesses have been traced to March 1. More than 70 percent of the confirmed cases are in patients under the age of 19. Three-fourths of all patients are female. The CDC said "most'' patients sickened by the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 told investigators that they had eaten raw Nestle cookie dough before experiencing vomiting, cramping and diarrhea. No one over the age of 57 is in the group.

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Nestle Cookie Dough Production Halted at Plant

Pritzker Olsen Attorneys has begun its own investigation and is compiling information for a possible Nestle cookie dough lawsuit in connection with the ongoing, 28-state outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that has been associated with raw Nestle cookie dough.

Throughout the day, more and more state and federal health agencies are coming out with additional correlation between the outbreak -- which has sickened at least 66 individuals -- and Nestle Toll House cookie dough. In Minnesota, for instance, all six people who were sickened by the outbreak strain of E. coli said they ate raw Nestle cookie dough before getting sick.

And we now have our first clue as to what the source may be.  The Danville News in Danville, Virginia, is reporting that Nestle has stopped some production in the plant that makes a majority of the prepackaged, refrigerated cookie dough. All varieties are affected by a Nestle cookie dough recall announced earlier today. Federal health authorities have warned consumers not to consume the product raw and not to use it for baking until further notice.
 
The Danville News:

“Nestle USA has stopped production in half of its Danville plant following a Centers for Disease Control and Food and Drug Administration investigation that the company’s cookie dough may be connected to a recent E. coli outbreak   “The Danville facility makes the majority of our Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough,” said Roz O’Hearn, spokeswoman for the company.”

The outbreak has been described by the FDA as including 66 confirmed illnesses of the same molecular subtype. Twenty-five of the victims have been hospitalized and seven have developed severe complications known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Pritzker Olsen has already been in contact with potential victims of the outbreak and is accepting cases from all states involved in the recall, including Colorado, Washington, Oregon, Illinois, Kansas, Ohio, Iowa, Minnesota, California, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Nebraska, Wisconsin, Indiana, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Maine, Vermont, New York, Virginia, West Virginia, Florida and Michigan.

As one of the few law firms in the country practicing extensively in fooborne illness litigation, Pritzker Olsen has collected millions for victims of food poisoning.

If you believe you or a loved one has contracted E. coli O157:H7 from eating Toll House Cookie Dough, E. coli lawyers at the firm are ready to assist you. There is no charge for consulting with our firm. If we agree to represent you, we are paid a percentage of the money we collect for you. If there is no recovery, you owe us nothing.

To talk to a Nestle recall lawyer at Pritzker Olsen, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or use one of our online forms to submit your information for a free case consultation.

Nestle Cookie Dough Recalled: E. coli Investigated

Federal and state health investigators have associated an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 in 28 states with consumption of raw, prepackaged Nestle cookie dough.

The company has announced a Nestle cookie dough recall affecting all varieties. In addition, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, along with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are warning Americans not to eat the product, which is sold under the Nestle Toll House brand.

The products involved in the voluntary recall include all varieties of Nestlé refrigerated Cookie Bar Dough, Cookie Dough Tub; Cookie Dough Tube; Limited Edition Cookie Dough items; Seasonal Cookie Dough and Ultimates Cookie Bar Dough. Nestle has published a complete list of recalled packages.

cookie-dough-ecoli.jpgA number of the 66 people who have been sickened by the outbreak strain of E. coli reported eating the pre-mixed dough uncooked. But the FDA said cooking the dough is not recommended, either, because consumers might get the bacteria on their hands and on other cooking surfaces.

E. coli  O157:H7 is a potentially deadly organism that sheds a powerful toxin that can cause severe illness, especially in young children, the elderly and others with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include vomitting, abdominal cramping and diarrhea, often with bloody stools.

Individuals who have recently eaten prepackaged, refrigerated Toll House cookie dough and have experienced any of these symptoms should contact their doctor or health care provider immediately. Any such illnesses should be reported to state or local health authorities.

Of the 66 confirmed cases, 25 people were hospitalized, including seven individuals who developed a severe complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths have been reported.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys has already been in contact with potential victims of the current outbreak and represents E. coli O157:H7 victims from a previous outbreak. The firm is involved in practically every major outbreak of foodborne illness and has collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning over the the years. It is in the process of compiling information for a possible lawsuit related to the Nestle cookie dough E. coli outbreak.

Firm founder and president Fred Pritzker has been an outspoken critic of the U.S. food safety system and an advocate for change. One of the firm's clients, Jeffrey Almer, testified before Congress this year about the pain and suffering that accompanies food poisoning. Jeff and his siblings lost their mother in the peanut butter Salmonella outbreak that erupted earlier this year. Pritzker Olsen represents the Almer next of kin and the families of two other women who died in the outbreak. The law firm has filed a wrongful death lawsuit  in the case against Peanut Corp. of America.

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with E. coli O157:H7 after eating Nestle cookie dough, call an E. coli lawyer at Pitzker Olsen. The firm is ready to assist you at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or write to us online using one of our free case consultation forms.

E. coli Probe Centers on Toll House Cookie Dough

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has warned consumers in that state not to eat Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough, which health investigators believe may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The announcement, carried by Channel 9 News in Denver, quoted state health officials as saying there are at least 66 E. coli infections in 28 states that have been matched through laboratory analysis. Epidemiological study has associated the cases with Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough. Five cases have been confirmed in Colorado, including two people who have been hospitalized and one person has suffered severe complications.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys expects more information on the outbreak to be forthcoming. Colorado and Minnesota are two of the states involved. The firm has begun its own investigation and is accepting cases from all states involved in the outbreak. An E. coli lawyer is ready to assist you. The contact number is 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free).

Pritzker Olsen is involved in practically every major outbreak of foodborne illness and has collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning, including clients from the latest national Salmonella outbreak involving peanut butter and other peanut products. In that instance, Pritzker Olsen has filed a wrongful death lawsuit. Nestle Toll House Cookie Dough has not announced any recalls in the current outbreak.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly organism that is especially hazardous to small children, the elderly and other people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include bloody diarrhea, sharp abdominal cramping and nausea. Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is a potentially fatal complication of E. coli. It often involves kidney failure and is the leading cause of E. coli deaths.

Pritzker Olsen has years of experience representing victims of HUS, E. coli O157:H7 and other foodborne diseases. Founder and president Fred Pritzker has been a frequent critic of U.S. food safety laws and inspection efforts. He also has been dedicated to educating the public on the dangers of contaminated food and to illuminating unsafe food manufacturing processes.

To contact the firm in writing for a free case consultation, complete one of our online consultation forms.  

CDC Issues Retropsective On Food Poisoning in 2006

With the caveat that only a small percentage of food poisoning cases in the United States are part of an identifiable outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a retrospective report on foodborne illness outbreaks that happened in 2006.

To help people digest the data, national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys has broken out highlights from the report. To contact a food poisoning lawyer at Pritzker Olson, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). Here are the highlights:

  • A total of 1,270 outbreaks were reported in 48 states with 27,634 illnesses and 11 deaths.
  • Among 634 outbreaks that had a confirmed etiology, Norovirus was the most common -- 54 percent of the total and 11,879 individual cases. Salmonella was second with 18 percent of the outbreaks and 3,252 individual illnesses.
  • Of the 11 deaths that were linked to outbreaks, six were attributed to E. coli O157:H7, two were attributed to Listeria monocytogenes, one each to Salmonella and foodborne botulism and one to a mushroom toxin.
  • When outbreaks were attributed to a single food source, here was the breakout: poultry 21 percent; leafy green vegetables 17 percent; fruits and nuts 16 percent.
  • Although dairy products accounted for only 3 percent of single commodity outbreak-related cases (16 outbreaks and 193 cases), 71% of dairy outbreak cases were attributed to unpasteurized (raw) milk (10 outbreaks and 137 cases). A wide range of bacterial pathogens were associated with unpasteurized milk outbreaks, including Campylobacter (six outbreaks), E. coli O157:H7 (two outbreaks), Salmonella (one outbreak), and Listeria (one outbreak), resulting in 11 hospitalizations and one death.
  • The biggest  outbreaks of 2006 included peanut butter contaminated with Salmonella (714 cases) and spinach contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 (238 cases). In the spinach outbreak,  31 persons developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, and five died, including a child. The contaminated spinach was traced back to a single farm, where the outbreak strain was isolated from nearby cattle feces and feral swine feces.
  • Eleven outbreaks were coded as multi-state, meaning it spread beyond at least one state's borders. Of the multi-state outbreaks, four were attributed to E. coli O157:H7.

E. coli Victim Still Suffering One Year Later

Foodborne outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 happen year-round in the United States, but summer is clearly the high season for frequency of the infectious disease. It was one year ago this month when a client of PritzkerOlsen, P.A., consumed the potentially deadly bacteria on beef cooked at a popular restaurant in Moultrie, Georgia. Her life has not been the same ever since and her story is a reminder of how important it is for food companies and restaurants to improve food safety. For more information on PritzkerOlsen, a national food safety law firm, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or write to us online for a free case consultation.

By FRED PRITZKER

Twelve months ago, Faye Bryant had just turned 60 and was about to begin her retirement. She was healthy, strong and was looking forward to spending more time with her grandchildren and working in her large garden.

Faye and her husband, John, live in the small town of Moultrie, Georgia.  They often ate at a local restaurant, the Barbeque Pit. Unbeknownst to them, the Barbeque Pit sold beef products produced by Nebraska Beef, Ltd. The beef was adulterated with E. coli O157:H7. On the day Faye was about to begin her retirement, she developed symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 poisoning. Her illness nearly killed her.

After months of hospitalization and ongoing rehabilitation, Faye is still recovering. She’s been left with life-long residuals that profoundly affect virtually every aspect of her life.

In the year since Faye was sickened, thousands of other Americans have become victims of foodborne illness. Many, like her, owe their illnesses to companies that repeatedly violate food safety regulations or ignore them altogether. For example, our firm also is involved in  the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA) Salmonella outbreak. In that case, the processor knowingly distributed and sold peanut products that tested positive for Salmonella. Three of our client families lost loved ones in that outbreak. 

Another Salmonella outbreak, involving pistachio nuts produced at the Setton Pistachio plant in Terra Bella, Calif., includes allegations that the company knowingly shipped pistachios that were potentially contaminated with salmonella (although the company is on record as denying that claim). Nebraska Beef, the producer of the product that sickened Faye Bryant, has been implicated in previous E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks.

As a result of these outbreaks and others, it appears there will finally be some long overdue changes to our food safety laws. As needed as they are, all the laws and regulations will not prevent greedy or incompetent companies (or both) from selling adulterated food. Sadly, the only thing available to foodborne illness survivors that really causes companies to change (or go out of business) is forcing them to pay for the harms and losses they cause people like Faye Bryant.

This is one anniversary that people like Faye Bryant will not be celebrating.  

E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak Emerging in Maine

Maine's Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has increased its surveillance of E. coli O157:H7 infections now that seven cases have been confirmed in the state since April 17.

Officials are not saying how many school-aged children are involved, but "school-based health centers'' received top billing on the list of recipients for the May 28 public health alert about the outbreak. The age range of the seven patients was listed as 14 years to 65, with a median age of 26.

According to the alert written by Dr. Dora Anne Mills, director of the Maine CDC, four of the seven cases are "considered part of a national cluster'' of genetically related infections. The matching "fingerprints'' were derived from pulse-field gel electrophoreses, or PFGE.

Mills reported that public health interviews of affected individuals have not resulted in any answers regarding the cause of the outbreak. The interviews of victims found "no common venues, events or foods,'' she wrote. The onset of illness in all seven cases fell between April 17-May 17, in Cumberland and York counties.

Mills has asked health practitioners in the state to be on extra alert for possible E. coli infections in patients with diarrheal illness. Symptoms of the disease include severe stomach cramping, diarrhea (often bloody) and possible nausea and vomiting.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys is monitoring the Maine investigation and studying whether it is part of an emerging national outbreak. At this time of year, undercooked hamburgers on the grill are a common vehicle for E. coli O157:H7 food poisoning. But large summertime outbreaks of E. coli also have been linked to contaminated fresh produce.

 If you have concerns about a possible E. coli infection that may be related to this outbreak, see a physician and call anE. coli lawyer at Pritzker Olsen. The number is 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free), or complete our online form for a free case consultation.

Pritzker Olsen has years of experience representing victims of E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks. The organism, which grows in the hindguts of cattle, is a zero-tolerance adulterant in ground beef products. Most healthy adults overcome E. coli  without medical treatment, but the pathogen can lead to death in young children, elderly adults and others with weakened immune systems. Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, the leading cause of E. coli deaths, is a complication that can result in kidney failure.

E. coli O157:H7 Found In Oregon Company's Beef

SP Provisions, an Oregon beef processor, announced a recall today of 39,973 pounds of bagged ground beef, bagged "chili grind'' ground beef and 15-pound packages of hamburger patties. The recall announced that the meat  may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

In a press release, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said it has not received any reports of illness related to the contamination, which was found through FSIS random sampling.

The Portland, Oregon, company sold the processed beef under two brands: SP Provisions and Cascade Natural Beef. Under both brands, the patties were sold in 15-pound packages and the other items were sold in five- and 10-pound plastic bags.

Each package has an identifying case code, see recall notice.

Each identifying case code is preceded by the date code "040809" through "052809," signifying the production date in "month/date/year" format, i.e. April 8, 2009 through May 28, 2009. Additionally, each product bears the establishment number "EST. 2866" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

These ground beef products were produced on various dates from April 8, 2009 through May 28, 2009, and were distributed to retail establishments as well as hotels, restaurants and institutions in Oregon and Washington. The products, produced from the same source material, were sent into commerce prior to May 29.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly organism, especially dangerous to young children, the elderly and other people who have weakened immune systems. It can lead to Hemolytic Uremic System, which can cause kidney failure and is the leading cause of E. coli deaths.

If you or someone you know has become ill after eating ground beef at a restaurant, hotel, cafeteria or other institution in Washington or Oregon, see a doctor. In addition, call an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Olsen Attorneys at 1-888-377-8900 or go online to complete a quick and free case consultation form.

 Attorneys for Pritzker Olsen have been quoted in The New York Times, The Associated Press, CBS News, Fox News and The Wall Street Journal as recognized experts in the field of foodborne illness. The firm has won tens of millions of dollars for clients who have suffered bacterial infection from pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella and other micro-organisms.

FDA Sets Zero Tolerance for E. coli in Bottled Water

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration published its final rule in the Federal Register today establishing a zero tolerance for E. coli in bottled water.

The new federal code makes it illegal to sell bottled water containing E. coli.

The FDA's new rule requires bottlers to conduct tests at least once a week for total coliform in source water if it comes from any source other than a public water supply -- which already is regulated by the Environmental Protection Agency to have zero E. coli.

If E. coli is found in source water, it will be prohibited from use in the production of bottled water until five consecutive tests prove that the adulterant has been eliminated.

The new rule to control fecal microbial pathogens is effective on December 1.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys has been calling for tougher regulations and for a vastly more potent government inspection program to keep all pathogens out of the U.S. food supply. Just as the FDA has now made it illegal for bottled water to be used or sold if it contains E. coli, the agency previously adopted the same zero tolerance for E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef.

The E. coli lawyers at Pritzker Olsen advocate for additional foods and additional types of E. coli to fall under zero tolerance rules. For more information, contact the firm at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or write to us online for a free case consultation if you or someone you know has been sickened by contaminated food.

E. coli Lawyer Says Devastating Loss Was Preventable

Fred Pritzker, founder and president of national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys, has no mercy for food manufacturers and restaurants that distribute and serve food contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 or other lethal pathogens. His strident opinions are borne out of the experience of seeing too many people die or become permanently disabled from food poisoning. The latest victim is 7-year-old Abigail "Abby" Fenstermaker of Cleveland, Ohio. Friends of Brian and Nicole Fenstermaker, the parents, have organized a community fundraiser for the evening of Friday, May 29, at The Clevelander bar and restaurant near Jacobs Field. For more information, click here. To reach Mr. Pritzker, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or email him at fhp@pritzkerlaw.com

By FRED PRITZKER

On May 21, 2009, Valley Meats LLC, of Coal Valley, IllInois, recalled 95,898 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. This action followed an investigation by Cleveland, Ohio, health officials who identified two eateries that possibly served burgers tainted with E. coli O157:H7.

Three Cleveland area residents who became ill in April apparently had eaten at  two establishments, the VFW Hall in North Olmstead and Deekers Side Tracks in Mentor, Ohio. A 7- year-old Cleveland girl died from E. coli O157:H7-related complications (Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome – HUS).

This devastating loss was utterly preventable and points to a food safety system breakdown on many levels.

Federal, state and local law prohibits the sale of adulterated food. If Valley Meats LLC distributed and sold meat products contaminated with E. coli O157:H7 it means the company violated laws that have been on the books for more than a hundred years and failed to properly test and detect lethal pathogens before the products left its facility.

It also means the restaurants that served this poisoned food similarly violated the law. Whether the meat was adulterated when it entered the restaurant, there is no question and no doubt that with proper cooking and handling, any pathogen in the food could and should have been killed off before it caused harm.

Coincidental to this tragedy and illustrative of it, preliminary data published this week in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) indicates that the estimated incidence of E. coli O157:H7 infections did not change significantly when compared with the preceding 3 years. In fact, the percentage of ground beef samples yielding E. coli O157:H7 actually doubled in 2008 compared to 2007. What’s more, none of the target goals established by the federal government in its food safety initiative, Healthy People 2010, were met.

I am one of the few and most experienced food safety lawyers in the United States. I have represented foodborne illness survivors in virtually every major foodborne illness outbreak during the last several years.

In virtually every one of those cases, people were sickened or killed not because laws were lacking or technology was insufficient, but rather because of three primal deficiencies:  ignorance, sloth and greed.  As the Cleveland case illustrates, the companies responsible for this outbreak were either too stupid, too lazy or too greedy or a combination of all three, to prevent the lifelong losses that occurred.

Right now, my law firm represents wrongful death victims of the Peanut Corporation of America Salmonella outbreak that occurred when company officials knowingly shipped Salmonella-laced peanut products.

Within the last week we learned that another nut processor, Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella Inc., in California knowingly shipped Salmonella-positive nuts for six months.
These outbreaks and the Cleveland case indicate a shocking lack of responsibility and accountability.

It is only fitting that such wrongdoers be held accountable for the harms and losses they caused. But in these cases that means more than just a collection of insurance proceeds. It means actual accountability – the kind that comes from criminal prosecution and payment of punitive damages that actually punish wrongdoers and serves as a deterrent to prevent future outbreaks.

Without such deterrence, we can expect more of the same. 

A Night For Abby -- Ohio's Child Victim of E. coli

Abby Fenstermaker was a healthy and happy little girl from the Cleveland area who turned 7 years old on April 25.

Less than four weeks later, she was dead from complications of an E. coli O157:H7 infection that may have come from hamburger contaminated by the manufacturer

Friends and family of Abby's parents have begun a memorial fund in her name to collect at least $10,000 to help pay for a flood of bills. Anyone can contribute and a community event is scheduled this coming Friday, May 29, at The Clevelander Bar and Restaurant. 

In loving memory, a night for Abby. The number to call to offer your help is 216-832-6178.

Triathletes in Oklahoma Suffer Possible E coli Infections

A high E. coli count in the Oklahoma River didn't stop organizers of the Boathouse International Triathlon from staging the event May 16-17 in Oklahoma City.

Now public health officials are investigating what caused at least 20 of the athletes who swam in the river to suffer harsh gastrointestinal illnesses. The individuals who fell ill included six elite U.S. triathletes and 10 elite and junior competitors from Canada. The competition drew 367 athletes.

"It certainly could have been the river, but we don't know that yet at all,'' Oklahoma State Department of Health Leslea Bennett-Webb told The Associated Press.

A six-mile section of the river near the boathouse is listed by the state as "impaired" because of fecal coliform, sulfates and turbidity. The river is formerly a ditch that handled runoff. It has been used for rowing events, but this was the first time part of a triathlon was held there -- a 1.5-kilometer swim.

Debbie Ragan, a spokeswoman for Oklahoma City's Utilities Department, told the AP that water samples taken on May 15 near the swim course showed an E. coli count of 573 per 100 milliliters of water. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board said standards for "primary body contact recreation," in which there is a chance water could be ingested, is a 126 count for E. coli.

According to the AP story, Mike Knopp, Chesapeake Boathouse's executive director, said the May 15 testing was taken into consideration before the race, but the bacteria levels appeared to be dropping and the decision was made to go forward with the event.

Jenna Shoemaker said she feels certain the river water is what made her ill. She said she didn't stay at the hotel with other competitors and didn't eat the same foods and beverages, but still became ill. "It was a good week of being sick,'' said Shoemaker, who finished second in the triathlon. "My body was very achy, as if I was run over by a couple of trucks.''

If you or someone you know became ill as a participant in the Oklahoma City triathlon, contact national food poisoning law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys. Pritzker Olsen is involved in nearly every outbreak of E. coli and has recovered millions of dollars for victims. The firm is one of only a few in the country to practice extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation.

E. coli symptoms include diarrhea (sometimes bloody), severe stomach cramping, vomiting and mild fever -- the same sort of symptoms described by some triathletes. For healthy adults, E coli infections rarely require medical treatment, but the organism can be deadly in young children, the elderly and others who have weak immune systems.

To contact Pritzker Olsen, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or write to us online for a free case consultation. 

Two Restaurants Named in Ohio E. coli Outbreak

Health officials have named the two Cleveland area restaurants that were investigated as part of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak , that hospitalized two people, sickened a third and may be linked to the death of a 7-year-old Cleveland girl.

Matt Carroll, director of the Cleveland Department of Public Health, told the Akron Beacon Journal newspaper that the two eateries investigated by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service were the VFW Hall in North Olmsted and Deekers Side Tracks, a sports bar and dance club in Mentor.

The newspaper said health officials removed beef burgers from the two establishments, prompting Thursday's recall of 48 tons of frozen hamburger patties and refrigerated ground beef by Valley Meats LLC of Coal Valley, Ill.

The company has said its products were sold to restaurants and other foodservice accounts, not retail stores. The recalled meat, produced March 10, was sold to distributors in 11 states. The E. coli exposures happened in April. All of the hamburger meat recalled was sold in 10-pound, 20-pound and 40-pound packages stamped with USDA Establishment Number 5712.

Test results are expected next week to determine if the 7-year-old girl who died Sunday of an E. coli O157:H7 was sickened by the same strain of the micro-organism as the three others who were made ill. The two who were hospitalized have recovered from their original symptoms.

The little girl who died was a student at Westpark Comunity Elementary School in Cleveland. School Principal Macey Baldizzi said in a statement Friday, "I want to thank all our Westpark Community Elementary families for supporting the school and being so very respectful of our one family during their time of loss. The family deserves privacy, and they deserve the time to grieve."

National food poisoning law firmPritzker Olsen Attorney issued a pair of press releases Friday calling for Congress to act on a proposed food safety bill that would improve meat inspection and strengthen regulations to help keep deadly pathogens out of the U.S. food supply. The firm also called on Valley Meats LLC and any restaurants involved in the outbreak to pay medical bills, lost wages and other expenses for families who have suffered.

Pritzker Olsen has years of experience representing E. coli victims and their families. The firm has recovered millions of dollars for its food poisoning clients and is dedicated to educating the public about food safety issues. For more information, call the firm to speak to an E. coli lawyer at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or write to us online for a free case consultation. 

Girl's Death Prompts Call for Strong Food Safety Law

Food safety bills in Washinton are regularly introduced with much fanfare and then sent to committee, where they languish and die. With high-season for food poisoning already upon us, national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys issued a press release Friday asking  Congress to get moving. The call to action was spurred by an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois that may have caused the death of a 7-year-old girl in Cleveland.

PRESS RELEASE

MINNEAPOLIS, MN (Business Wire) May 22, 2009 - In light of the recent deaths from Salmonella and E. coli food poisoning, including the recent death of an elementary school girl in Ohio. Pritzker Olsen, P.A., a national food safety law firm, is calling for quick passage of H.R. 875, a food safety bill introduced by Representative Rosa DeLauro on February 4, 2009.

On May 17, 2009, a 7-year-old girl from Cleveland  died of an E. coli infection. According to health officials, her death may be part of a multi-state E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with the consumption of ground beef produced by Valley Meats LLC, a USDA-licensed processor of beef based in Illinois. Prompted by this outbreak, Valley Meats recalled over 95,000 pounds of ground beef products on May 21, 2009, due to possible E. coli contamination. The recalled ground beef had been distributed for use in restaurants and food service facilities. This case highlights the need for strong, enforced food safety laws from farm to fork.

“Eating a hamburger should not be a high-risk activity,” said Pritzker Olsen attorney Eric Hageman. “Parents need to know that the food they serve their children is safe to eat.”

If the major provisions of H.R. 875, outlined below, are enacted and new regulations are promulgated and enforced, tragic deaths like that of the little girl in Cleveland will be prevented.

H.R. 875 – Major Provisions

  • Establishment of the Food Safety Administration (FSA). Now the USDA-FSIS oversees the meat industries, and the FDA oversees other food products.
  • Authority for the FSA to promulgate strong, effective regulations, enforce those regulations, force the recall of products, adequately inspect and obtain pertinent records. Giving federal health officials the authority to force companies to recall products is critical to prevention of foodborne illness. It can take weeks after a food source of an outbreak is suspected for the manufacturer to recall the product. People can get sick and die while these companies drag their feet.
  • Authority for the FSA to establish a beefed-up inspection program. The anemic food inspection programs in the United States are a significant factor contributing to the rise of huge, multi-state foodborne outbreaks.
  • Requirement that imported food must meet the new standards as food manufactured in the United States. With global food sources becoming an ever-growing part of the food system, this is critical. In addition, we would like to see a much higher percentage of imported food being inspected by federal health officials.

Pritzker Olsen is one of the few law firms in the United States that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. The firm has collected millions of dollars on behalf of victims of E. coli poisoning and other foodborne illnesses. For more information, visit http://www.pritzkerlaw.com or contact Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). Pritzker Olsen has offices at Plaza VII, Suite 2950, 45 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402. 

Sticking Up For Valley Meats E. coli Victims

An E. coli outbreak associated with ground beef has sickened people in Illinois, Ohio and Pennsylvania and may have killed a seven-year-old girl in Cleveland, Ohio. One day after the outbreak was announced, national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys issued a press release calling on the meat processor and any restaurants involved in the outbreak to agree to pay medical bills and lost wages for victims and their families.

PRESS RELEASE

CLEVELAND, Ohio (Business Wire) May 22, 2009 -- According to the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, 96,000 pounds of frozen hamburger patties and refrigerated ground beef have been recalled by Valley Meats LLC of Coal Valley, Illinois, in association with an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7  Illnesses have been reported in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois, and the ground beef in question was distributed nationwide after it was produced March 10.

The Ohio Department of Health has stated that three E. coli O157:H7 infections have been confirmed, and Cleveland's health director has said a fourth case involving the E. coli death of a 7-year-old girl is being investigated as possibly related. At least two restaurants in Ohio's Cuyahoga County also are being investigated as possibly linked to the outbreak, officials have said.

"We are calling on Valley Meats and any restaurants involved in the outbreak to act responsibly and pay for the medical expenses and lost wages of those who contracted E. coli infections,'' said Fred Pritzker, founder and president of national food poisoning and food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys."While other legal issues, including compensation for pain and suffering, are pending. The families deserve that peace of mind.''

Pritzker also stated that he believes restaurants should do more to ensure that meat suppliers are following state of the art techniques to keep deadly pathogens out of the food supply. "It is really up to restaurants to demand that the meat they prepare for customers is produced under the safest possible conditions," Pritzker said. "Restaurants have the market power to change dangerous practices."

Pritzker Olsen is involved in practically all major outbreaks of foodborne illness and the firm has recovered millions of dollars for the families and victims of E. coli and related Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, or HUS. Currently, Fred Pritzker is representing the families of three women who died of Salmonella poisoning in Minnesota and Ohio in the outbreak caused late last year by Peanut Corp. of America.

"These women and their families have suffered immeasurably. No amount of money could fully compensate them for their loss, but pursuing the companies responsible is the best way of helping prevent anyone else from going through what they did,'' Pritzker said.

Pritzker Olsen is one of the few law firms in the United States that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. Attorneys at the firm have been quoted as experts in this area by The Associated Press, The New York Times, CNN, CBS News, Fox News and many regional newspapers and broadcast stations. For more information, visit http://www.pritzkerlaw.com/section-foodborne-illness/ecoli/valley-meats-ground-beef-recall-lawsuit.html  or contact Fred Pritzker at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free).  Pritzker Olsen has offices at Plaza VII, Suite 2950, 45 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402 

E coli Infection Kills Cleveland Girl - New Food Safety Laws Needed

On Sunday, a seven-year-old girl died from an E. coli infection that may be linked to an E. coli outbreak associated with consuming ground beef produced by Valley Meats LLC.  In response to this outbreak, the company recalled over 95,000 pounds of ground beef products that had been sold to restaurants and food service accounts.

When ground beef tests positive for E. coli O157:H7, it means cow feces got ground in with the meat. There are sanitation measures that meat producers can take to prevent this. When E. coli-contaminated ground beef is distributed, it means the producer did not test the meat for E. coli or sent it out even though it did test positive for E. coli. When ground beef (usually hamburgers) cooked by a restaurant transmits E. coli to a customer, it means the restaurant did not cook the meat adequately because E. coli can be killed with heat. 

This little girl’s death was preventable, and the companies that are responsible should payContact E. coli lawyers at Pritzker Olsen, a national E. coli litigation law firm, for information on compensation for E. coli victims and their families: 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free consultation form for review by an attorney.

In addition to fighting for the best possible compensation package for E. coli victims and their families, our attorneys support changes in law and policy that will help prevent E. coli outbreaks. 

When Safe Tables Our Priority (S.T.O.P.) called needing a family member of a food poisoning victim to testify before Congress, we arranged to have one of our clients go to Washington and tell Congress about his mother who died from Salmonella poisoning. Congress and the population in general need to know that we have a food safety crisis in this country and that people are dying. 

We are asking all of our readers to contact their federal legislators to tell them we don’t want any more seven-year-olds to die because they ate ground beef or any other food product.

Continue Reading...

Ohio Plant Has History With E coli Recall

It appears as though the processing plant belonging to Valley Meats LLC of Coal Valley, Illinois, has prior experience in a recall of ground beef related to an outbreak of  E. coli O157:H7.

Valley Meats LLC is the USDA-licensed meat processing plant that on Thursday recalled 48 tons of frozen beef patties and refrigerated ground beef as part of an investigation into an E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Illinois. Health officials are investigating whether the death of a 7-year-old Cleveland girl from E. coli O157:H7 was part of the outbreak.

An initial investigation by national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys uncovered the following press release information in the public archives of the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Keep in mind that Valley Meats LLC lists the brand name J & B Meats on its current federal processing certificate:

Washington, Oct. 13, 2007: - J & B Meats Corporation Inc., a Coal Valley, Ill., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 173,554 pounds of frozen ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The recall list in the 2007 press release included two-pound, three-pound and eight-pound boxes of frozen "Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers.''  The boxes were stamped with the unique USDA Establishment Number 5712 --  the same establishment number stamped on the packages of beef recalled Thursday by Valley Meats LLC.

The J & B recall of Topps hamburgers coincided with the large E. coli 0157:H7 recall of many more pounds of Topps beef patties by the Topps Meat factory in Elizabeth New Jersey. At that time, the Topps recall was the second-largest beef recall in U.S. history and it resulted in the plant going out of business. At least 40 E. coli illnesses had been associated with Topps burgers at the time of the recalls.

The same plant, with Establishment No. 5712, was the subject of two additional E. coli O157:H7 recalls in 2002 and 2003. In both outbreaks, J & B Meats Corp. was listed as operator and the recall involved frozen hamburger patties and packages of ground beef.

Records show the 2002 recall was for 63,000 pounds. Then, as now, the product was distributed to restaurants, hotels and other food service accounts.

A recall on May 30, 2003, happened after the State of Wisconsin investigated an E. coli O157:H7 illness from ground beef, records show.

Pritzker Olsen founder and president Fred Pritzker is calling on Valley Meats LLC and any restaurants that may be involved in the current E. coli outbreak to agree to pay the medical bills and lost wages of victims and their families. Pritzker also called on the responsible parties to issue a formal apology.

To contact an E. coli 0157:H7 lawyer at Pritzker Olsen, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or write to us online for a free case consultation.

Pritzker Olsen is involved in practically all major outbreaks of foodborne illness and has recovered  millions of dollars for victims  of E. coli infection and related Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, or HUS .

E. coli O157:H7 infections are especially dangerous for young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. HUS is a complication of E. coli that is the leading cause of E. coli deaths.  

E coli Death of Girl May Be Linked to Recalled Beef

A 7-year-old Cleveland girl has died from an E. coli O157:H7 infection that may have stemmed from contaminated ground beef recalled Thursday by an Illinois company.

The recall of 48 tons of frozen patties and refrigerated ground beef applies to meat produced March 10 by Valley Meats LLC of Coal Valley, Illinois. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said the recall was prompted by an epidemiological investigation by state health officials in Ohio who found genetically matched isolates of E. coli O157:H7 in three people who were not related.

One was a 3-year-old girl, one was a 24-year-old man and the third was a 71-year-old man. Two of the victims were hospitalized, but all three recovered, the Ohio Department of Health reported. The FSIS said other matching E. coli O157:H7 infections were found in Pennsylvania and Illinois, but the agency didn't say how many.

Hours after the recall was announced, news broke of a potential fourth victim in Ohio -- the 7-year-old girl. Here's what reporters Leila Atassi and Harlan Spector reported for The Plain Dealer's web site in Cleveland:

"Health officials did not identify the girl or provide details of the circumstances that led to her death. But Cleveland Health Director Matthew Carroll said the case might be the latest in a cluster of E. Coli infections traced to Valley Meats LLC, of Coal Valley, Ill.''

Lisa Abraham of the Akron Beacon Journal said two restaurants in Cuyahoga County are part of the investigation, but health officials haven't named them because it's not certain they are linked. The report said the recalled hamburger made by Valley Meats was for sale to restaurants and food service accounts.

According to the recall notice, the potentially contaminated beef was distributed nationwide under a dozen generic brands and the following name brands: 3S, Grillmaster, J&B, Klub, Thick 'N Savory and Ultimate. All packages are stamped with USDA establishment number 5712.

National food poisoning and food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys is monitoring the outbreak and urging anyone who believes they may have become ill from ground beef produced by Valley Meats to immediately see a physician. Symptoms of E. coli include diarrhea (often bloody), severe cramps, possible nausea or vomiting and possible mild fever.

Pritzker Olsen is involved in practically all major outbreaks of foodborne illness and has recovered tens of millions of dollars for victims of E. coli O157:H7 and other deadly pathogens. Earlier this year, the firm was chosen to represent the Ohio family of Nellie Napier, an 80-year-old resident of Medina County who died of Salmonella infection linked to Peanut Corp. of America.

To contact an E. coli O157:H7 lawyer at Pritzker Olsen, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or write to us online for a free case consultation.

 

E. coli Food Poisoning Increases in Summer Months

If you are someone who senses that E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella and other food poisoning outbreaks spike upwards during the summer months, it's not your imagination.

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) says quite simply: Yes. Foodborne illnesses do increase after Memorial Day.

One reason is that bacteria multiply faster  in hot, humid summer months. The optimum air temperature range for the fastest growth in pathogens on food is 90 to 110 degrees.

Secondly, human activity causes an upswing in the number of food poisoning cases because outdoor grilling, picnics and camping take people away from the relatively safe confines of  kitchens, where refrigeration, cleanliness and food termperatures are easier to control and monitor.

Year in and year out, food safety discussions are dominated by safe meat handling tips. (Hamburgers made of ground beef should reach 160 degrees and all poultry should reach a minimum of 165 degrees.)

But E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks related to bagged lettuce, spinach, cantaloupe and other fresh produce can pose an equally dangerous threat to human health. While healthy adults most often weather food poisoning infections without treatment, they can be potentially deadly for young children, the elderly and others with weakened immune sytems. For instance a 2006 E. coli outbreak invovling bagged spinach sickened more than 200 people and killed five.

Already this spring, national food poisoning and food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys is investigating claims of a possible E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with lettuce. If you or someone you know has recently been sickened by E. coli, please call our firm as soon as possible.

Pritzker Olsen has years of experience representing E. coli victims and their families, including those who have suffered from Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, or HUS, a potentially deadly complication. The firm has recovered tens of millions of dollars for its food poisoning clients and is involved in practically all major outbreaks of foodborne illness in the United States.

To reach an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Olsen, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or complete one of our forms online to receive a free case consultation.

Investigating Possible Lettuce E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak

Pritzker Olsen, P.A., one of the nation’s leading food poisoning and food safety law firms, is investigating a possible E. coli O157:H7 outbreak involving lettuce. If you or a loved one has been affected by this outbreak, please contact us immediately.

Pritzker Olsen has been involved in virtually every major E. coli outbreak, including many involving lettuce and other leafy green vegetables. The firm has collected tens of millions of dollars on behalf of E. coli and HUS victims.

Headquartered in the Midwest, the firm represents victims throughout the United States and is actively  involved in several recent E. coli outbreaks including the Nebraska Beef/Barbeque Pit cases in Michigan, Ohio and Georgia and the Michigan iceberg lettuce cases associated with Aunt Mid’s Produce Company.

Firm lawyers are ready to assist you. There is no charge for consulting with our firm. If we agree to represent you, we are paid a percentage of the money we collect for you. if there is no recovery, you owe us nothing. Please contact us toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or via email at fhp@pritzkerlaw.com.  Visit us on the Web at www.pritzkerlaw.com.

Addressing Lettuce E. coli Outbreaks Through Grants

Lettuce E. coli outbreaks have been a documented health hazard for more than 15 years and the leafy green vegetable industry has provided at least lip service for the need to diminish the threat of human disease coming from its crops.

The latest pronouncement is a "Partners in Research'' grant program awarding a total of $500,000 to seven scientific projects with the stated goal of lowering the risk and producing a safer product throughout the food chain. Five of the seven winning grants specifically target E coli O157:H7.

It is being called the first collaboration between the Center for Produce Safety and the California Leafy Grean Research Program.

Improving food safety for leafy greens to reduce the number of people who are killed or injured by E. coli O157:H7 and other serotypes of the organism is an important subject at national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys. Founder and president Fred Pritzker has been a critic of the industry's attempt at self-policing. What's needed are stronger laws and regulations that would carry heavy economic sanctions for violations.

If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with an E. coli infection -- possibly from eating bagged lettuce, head lettuce, spinach or other leafy greens -- contact Pritzker Olsen as soon as possible. The toll-free number is 1-888-377-8900.

 E. coli 0157:H7 is a serious health threat, especially to young children, the elderly and other with weakened immune systems. Infections in these populations can lead to hospitalization and renal failure. And some patients develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of E. coli deaths.

Other health risks of E. coli O157:H7 poisoning include abnormal kidney function, blindness, Hemorrhagic Colitis, high blood pressure, paralysis, seizures and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a disease in adults that carries the risk of stroke, seizures and central nervous system deterioration.

Pritzker Olsen has years of experience representing E. coli victims and their families. The firm has recovered millions of dollars for its food poisoning clients and is dedicated to educating the public about food safety issues, while lobbying for more effective legislation to protect the U.S. food supply from deadly pathogens. It is one of the few law firms in the country that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation.

For a free case consultation, contact us online.

E. coli in Cantaloupe: It Has Happened Before

If current claims being investigated by national food safety law firm Prtizker Olsen Attorneys are confirmed, it won't be the first time a multi-state outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 is associated with cantaloupe.

The cantalope's rough skin makes a natural breeding ground for foodborne pathogens. It also makes those organisms hard to wash off, which increases the risk of food poisoning. When you cut through the rind of the melon, you can inadvertently contaminate the fruit inside.

Cantaloupe can become contaminated in the field by soil, manure-based compost, contaminated water or the fecal matter of wild animals.
 
In the summer of 2006, contaminated cantaloupe was found to be the cause of an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak at Little Seeds Early Childhood Center in Yellowstone City, Montana.
 
And in March 2008, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public health warning about Honduran cantaloupe that was linked to an outbreak of Salmonella in the U.S. and Canada. Earlier U.S. outbreaks of Salmonella were linked or associated with cantaloupe in 1990, 1991, 2000, 2001 and 2002.
 
If you or someone you know has been recently diagnosed with an E. coli O157:H7 infection that could have come from contaminated cantaloupe, please call Pritzker Olsen as soon as possible at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free.) Or write to us online for a free case consultation.
 
E. coli 0157:H7 is a serious health threat, especially to young children, the elderly and others with weakened immune systems. Especially among those populations, infection can lead to hospitalization and kidney malfunction. And patients who are given antibiotics for an E. coli infection are at greater risk of developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of E. coli deaths.
 
Other health risks of E. coli O157:H7 poisoning include abnormal kidney function, blindness, Hemorrhagic Colitis, high blood pressure, paralysis, seizures and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a disease in adults that carries the risk of stroke, seizures and central nervous system deterioration.
 
Pritzker Olsen has years of experience representing E. coli victims and their families. The firm has recovered millions of dollars for its food poisoning clients and is dedicated to educating the public about food safety issues, while lobbying for more effective legislation to protect the U.S. food supply from deadly pathogens. It is one of the few law firms in the country that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation.

Food Safety Law Firm Investigating E. coli Claims

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys is investigating claims related to a possible multi-state outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 related to cantaloupe.

Please contact us as soon as possible if you or someone you know has been diagnosed with an E. coli 0157:H7 infection that coud have been caused by eating contaminated cantaloupe. E. coli attorneys at the firm can be contacted at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or write to us online for a free case consultation.

E. coli 0157:H7 is a serious health threat, especially to young children, the elderly and others with weakened immune systems. Especially among those populations, infection can lead to hospitalization and kidney malfunction. And patients who are given antibiotics for an E. coli infection are at greater risk of developing Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of E. coli deaths.

Other health risks of E. coli O157:H7 poisoning include abnormal kidney function, blindness, Hemorrhagic Colitis, high blood pressure, paralysis, seizures and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a disease in adults that carries the risk of stroke, seizures and central nervous system deterioration.
 
Pritzker Olsen has years of experience representing E. coli victims and their families. The firm has recovered millions of dollars for its food poisoning clients and is dedicated to educating the public about food safety issues, while lobbying for more effective legislation to protect the U.S. food supply from deadly pathogens. It is one of the few law firms in the country that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation.

E. coli 0157:H7 Found in Retailer's Ground Beef

Random testing by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) found evidence of E. coli 0157:H7 in ground beef sold at a retail store in Hot Springs, Arkansas, leading to a consumer product recall.

The FSIS announced Tuesday that Hot Springs retailer Bob's Food City is recalling 375 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The meat was produced May 7. The food safety agency said no reports of illness have been reported in association with the store's recalled hamburger, but anyone concerned about a possible infection should contact a doctor and seek legal advice if an infection is confirmed.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen is involved in practically all major outbreaks of foodborne illness and is currently representing clients sickened in E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks involving product made last year by Nebraska Beef Ltd.  The firm has recovered millions of dollars for food poisoning victims and has years of experience as a top practitioner in foodborne illness litigation.

To contact an E. coli lawyer at the firm, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or write to us online for a free case consultation.

In the Bob's Food City recall, the following ground beef products subject to recall were sold as tray packs of varying weights bearing a "Sell By" date of "05/09/09." The products subject to recall include:

  • 1-pound through 5-pound tray packs of "GROUND BEEF CHUCK," "GROUND ROUND" or "REGULAR GROUND BEEF." Each pack bears a sell by date of "05/09/09." There is no USDA mark of inspection on the tray packs.

E. coli Prompts Recall of Alex & George Hamburger

E. coli O157:H7 found in a test sample of ground beef produced by a New York state wholesaler has prompted a recall of 4,663 pounds of the meat.

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), which discovered the contamination in routine testing, announced the recall late Monday. Alex & George Wholesale Inc. of Rochester, N.Y., said the hamburger may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a potentially deadly pathogen. FSIS said the meat at issue was produced April 29 and distributed by Alex & George to restaurants in western New York state.

The FSIS said anyone in the region who is sick and suspects they may have eaten contaminated "A & G'' ground beef should see a doctor. People who have confirmed infections of E. coli should also call an E. coli  lawyer at national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen. The attorneys can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or by writing to us online for a free case consultation.

The recalled meat was packaged in bulk by Alex & George in 10-, 25- and 30-pound plastic bags. It was also sold in 10-pound cases of patties and in 48-count packages of ground beef "pucks.'' The recalled packages have "EST 4553" stamped inside the USDA mark of inspection.

E. coli O157:H7 is an organism that can cause death in very young children and the elderly. Symptoms include watery or bloody diarrhea, severe stomach cramping, possible mild fever and possible nausea or vomiting. Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a potential serious complication of E. coli infection and it can cause kidney failure.

Pritzker Olsen has represented E. coli victims and their families around the country and is involved in practically every major outbreak of foodborne illness. Founder Fred Pritzker and members of his firm are frequent guests and commentators about food safety issues and have been interviewed by and profiled in a number of media sources including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN and The Associated Press. 

Outbreak of E. coli at Day Camp Petting Zoo

This week’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), a CDC publication, has an article about an E. coli outbreak associated with a day camp petting zoo:

On June 7, 2007, the Pinellas County Health Department in central Florida was notified by a private physician regarding a positive laboratory result for Shiga toxin--producing Escherichia coli O157 (STEC O157) infection in a child aged 9 years. Initial interviews revealed the child had attended a week-long session at a day camp and had come into contact with animals in the camp's petting zoo. On June 8, an investigation was begun by the Pinellas County Health Department; the same day, the petting zoo was closed on the recommendation of the health department.

The outbreak investigation identified seven cases of E. coli O157 infection: four laboratory-confirmed primary cases, two probable primary cases, and one laboratory-confirmed secondary case, all associated directly or indirectly with the petting zoo. Two children were hospitalized.

The symptoms reported were as follows:

  • Diarrhea with bloody stools (four patients)
  • Diarrhea without bloody stools (three)
  • Abdominal cramping (four)
  • Nausea (two)
  • Vomiting (two)
  • Fever (two)

Both epidemiological and microbiological evidence associated the petting zoo with the E. coli outbreak:

goat.jpgAll four campers with primary confirmed cases reported contact (e.g., petting, carrying, and feeding) with the petting zoo animals. Direct contact with the animals also was reported by a camper with probable infection; whether the second camper with probable infection had animal contact was unknown. Investigation revealed no common food, beverage, or recreational water exposures that might account for the STEC O157 infections.

Stool specimens from five of the seven children were collected during May 31--June 12. Specimens from the 30 zoo animals and four soil samples from the grounds of the petting zoo were collected by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services on July 23. Four human clinical isolates of E. coli O157:NM (nonmotile), nine isolates from goats, and all four soil isolates had an identical pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) pattern (EXHX01.0202) when tested at the Florida Public Health Laboratory. The PFGE pattern did not match any of the 30 other STEC O157 strains collected in Florida's E. coli database in 2007 and did not match any of the strains in the CDC PulseNet database. One isolate from a goat had a different PFGE pattern from the human clinical isolates.

On June 8, the first day of the Pinellas County Health Department investigation, the petting zoo was closed on the recommendation of the county health department. The zoo animals were placed under quarantine for E. coli O157:NM colonization. Subsequently, no additional cases of STEC O157 infection were reported among campers or staff members.

This a good reminder to petting zoo operators that they should adhere to CDC guidelines for supervised handwashing and other prevention measures (e.g., no eating near the pens) when children are around animals.

A Modest Proposal: Enough Insurance for Victims

By FRED PRITZKER

Late last summer there was a devastating outbreak of E. coli O111 traced back to the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. 341 people were sickened and one person died.

While the source of the outbreak – the restaurant – was quickly identified, the disease-causing organism was not isolated on the restaurant premises or in the food and water served there. Thus, thefinal outbreak report (just released by the Oklahoma State Department of Health) concluded:

"In the absence of isolating the outbreak organism from any environmental specimen, including restaurant surfaces, food, well water and animal feces, or from a restaurant employee who reported diarrheal illness, the original vehicle of contamination could not be determined. The exact mode of spread within the restaurant was not established, however, the epidemic curve and exposure analyses suggests there was ongoing foodborne transmission of E. coli O111:NM to Country Cottage restaurant patrons between August 15 and August 24, 2008."

Not surprisingly, this outbreak created some political fallout in the Sooner state. The state’s attorney general was quoted as saying “they [OSDH] botched the investigation and are very reluctant to admit they botched the investigation.”  He said his own office determined the likely cause of the outbreak was poultry litter that contaminated the restaurant’s well water.  Local politicians and, of course, the poultry industry vigorously dispute the attorney general’s accusations.

What is not in dispute, however, is the fact that E. coli O111 is a virulent pathogen that causes severe illness and death. Also not in dispute is the fact that most of the restaurant patrons will never be fully compensated for the losses they suffered. That’s because although the restaurant had insurance, the amount of the coverage is woefully insufficient to cover the harms and losses sustained by the victims. Do the math: even assuming a liability policy of $1,000,000, the average recovery for an outbreak victim would be under $3,000.

Within a few months of this massive outbreak, the restaurant reopened its doors and presumably is well on the way to building back up its business. That’s probably a good thing, assuming the restaurant owners utilize this tragedy to review and revamp the restaurant’s food safety and sanitation practices.

Of course, the outbreak victims, especially the person who died, don’t have that luxury. Many of them will never recover and even those who do face financial and physical hardship for years to come.

 So the restaurant re-opens, the disease spreading vector is never identified, nobody is held accountable and politicians try to advance their careers. What about the victims?

The Locust Grove tragedy illustrates a number of problems – some insoluble, but some fairly easy to remedy. For example, let’s start requiring food purveyors to carry enough insurance to fairly compensate their customers when the food they sell is adulterated with deadly pathogens.  This should not be hard or prohibitively expensive.

 If the coverage is not available at a fair price in the private sector, let the government underwrite risk pools and excess coverage. There are a plenty of existing programs to model on including flood insurance, crop insurance, vaccine compensation programs, etc.

 Insurance is risk spreading when the risk of harm cannot be eliminated. So why should foodborne illness survivors have to go it alone, especially when they are absolutely blameless for the damage they suffer. If we write off toxic assets, can’t we at least underwrite insurance for victims of toxic food?

Fred Pritzker is founder and president of PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a national food safety law firm that represents victims of all major outbreaks of foodborne illness, including the Country Cottage E. coli 0111 event.  Mr. Pritzker and members of his firm are frequent guests and commentators about food safety issues and have been interviewed by and profiled in a number of media sources including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, CNN, The Associated Press and CBS News. The firm's telephone number is 1-888-377-8900.

Oklahoma Poured 6,500 Hours Into E. coli Probe

The Oklahoma State Department of Public Health issued a report this week that provides an excellent example of the impact that food poisoning has on our society -- beyond the ultimate price of human health and life.

For starters, the most important thing to remember about the E. coli O111 outbreak at Country Cottage Restaurant in northeastern Oklahoma last year was that contaminated food or water killed one of the patrons and sickened more than 300 others. National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., represents some of the victims, including a toddler who became seriously ill with hemolytic uremic syndrome and had to undergo dialysis.

According to the executive summary of the report, the state alone poured 6,481 hours of work into the public health response and investigation into what was to become the largest E. coli O111 outbreak in U.S. history. Once victims started to show up at Tulsa area hospitals with bloody diarrhea, it took less than 48 hours for health investigators to identify Country Cottage as the likely source of the outbreak. Shutting the restaurant down contained the outbreak, but investigators were never able to pinpoint the exact cause of transmission inside the restaurant. 

If you were to conservatively attach $65 an hour to the equation, the cost to Oklahoma taxpayers exceeded $420,000 -- probably much closer to half a million dollars. And that doesn't count the many hours of work on the outbreak performed by health departments in nearby states, the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

There's no surprises in the report, but here's what the official findings of the state's epidemiologic investigation indicate:

  1. This was a point source outbreak originating from the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, Oklahoma.
  2. Because the outbreak organism was not isolated from any environmental specimen, it could not be conclusively determined how E. coli O111 was introduced into the restaurant.
  3. The exact mode of spread within the restaurant was not established, however, the epidemiological analyses suggests there was ongoing foodborne transmission of E. coli O111 to Country Cottage restaurant patrons between August 15 and August 24, 2008.

The report also had a nice, technical summary of how E. coli reaches and damages its victims:

Enterohemorrhagic E. coli can cause serious illness and pathology because of its ability to produce potent cytotoxins called Shiga toxins 1 and 2. Persons who ingest Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) may have a diarrheal illness ranging from very mild and non-bloody to severe with very bloody stools. Cattle and other ruminant animals such as sheep, goats, and deer are considered the primary reservoir of STEC bacteria. The infectious dose is very small and STEC are often spread by ingesting food items contaminated with ruminant feces that are not subsequently cooked. Person-to-person transmission, direct animal contact, and waterborne transmission, either from contaminated drinking water or recreational water, are other exposure routes.

Dining Hall Closed After MSU Students Get Sick

One of the first indicators last year to the development of a regional outbreak of E. coli 0157:H7 was a rash of student illnesses at Michigan State University. Eventually, health investigators traced those cases and others to E. coli contamination of lettuce packaged by a Detroit supplier.

Now the university is working with the Ingham County Health Department to figure out what caused more than 20 MSU students to be hospitalized overnight this week with diarrhea, vomitting and stomach cramps. The Detroit Free Press reported today that the school closed one of its cafeterias -- a recently renovated eatery in centrally located Shaw Hall -- and has pulled fresh produce from all of its other cafeterias.

Officials said it's too early to even tell if the illnesses were even foodborne, but tests are being conducted and results could be back as early as tonight.

"This is not something that happens every year at MSU,'' Robin Roach, a nurse epidemiologist and infection control coordinator for Sparrow Hospital told the Free Press.

Officials Investigate 5 E. coli Cases in Hartford

Connecticut health officials have informed officials at Aetna Insurance in downtown Hartford that five employees there have been infected with E. coli bacteria in the past three to four weeks.

The Hartford Courant newspaper reported that the cause of the outbreak is still under investigation. As part of the probe, kitchen workers at Aetna's cafeteria have been interviewed, but the restaurant has remained open.

The most recent infection occurred last week, the Courant said. An employee went to the company's wellness center complaining of feeling ill. He was taken to an emergency room and admitted to the hospital but has since been released. The other employees did not require hospitalization, the newspaper said.

Fred Laberge, a spokesman for Aetna, said the company is working closely with state and city health investigators.

PritzkerOlsen Attorneys, a national food safety law firm involved in nearly every major foodborne illness outbreak, offers a reminder that classic E coli symptoms include bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal cramping, possible mild fever and possible nausea or vomiting. If you suspect you may have an E. coli infection, you need to make sure your doctor collects a stool sample.

To protect your legal rights and to make sure the correct tests are done, contact the E. coli lawyers at PritzkerOlsen by calling 1-888-377-8900 or by completing a free case consultation form

E. coli Vaccine Given Conditional License

The United States Department of Agriculture has given its first approval to a vaccine to reduce E. coli O157:H7 in cattle.

The product is made by Willmar, Minnesota,-based Epitopix LLC, a spin-off of Willmar Poultry Co. Other companies have been working on E. coli O157:H7 vaccines for cattle herds, but Epitopix is the first to win a conditional license from the USDA.

A conditional license means a company can market the product but that the USDA still requires additional safety and efficacy tests.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, E. coli O157:H7 infects about 70,000 Americans each year. The bacteria live in intestines of cattle without making them ill. It is shed through manure and can contaminate meat during the slaughtering process.

Michael Doyle, director of the University of Georgia's Center for Food Safety, told the Star Tribune that trials by Epitopix produced impressive results: Reducing the number of cattle testing positive for E. coli O157:H7 by 85 percent.

For consumers, the vaccine breakthrough shouldn't present a false sense of security. The vaccine is voluntary and many ranchers and farmers certainly will avoid the product because of the extra cost -- especially because cattle routinely live with E. coli with no ill effects.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen Attorneys, which represents clients in nearly every major E. coli  O157:H7 outbreak in the U.S., said consumers should continue to take their own precautions to protect themselves from infection. Click here for a breakdown on preventative measures.

Epitopix General Manager Jim Sandstrom said he is hopeful the company will have the vaccine in mass quantities by summer, the peak season for cattle slaughter. 

Corporate Dairy Supersizes E. coli Threat

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources has approved a plan for a 4,000-cow dairy operation that some residents of Fond du Lac County opposed on grounds that liquified manure from the cows could pollute groundwater and cause sickness.1

In other words, the risk of E. coli O157:H7 in that area of the Midwest has just been supersized.

The owners of Rosendale Dairy in Rosendale, Wisconsin, received a wastewater discharge permit under a plan that calls for the manure to be systematically spread over 5,600 surrounding acres. The dairy itself is 2,500 acres.

One of the concerns raised by opponents was E. coli. Spills of dairy cow manure have polluted lakes and water wells in the past. In 2004, for example, the Wisconsin DNR received a report that three children near Luxemburg in Kewaunee County became infected with E. coli bacteria after a farmer with a dairy operation of more than 700 cows spread manure near their home.2

E. coli O157:H7, a deadly pathogen, lives in the hindguts of cows without threatening the health of the animals. The bacteria is discharged in manure and can spread into well water supplies or contaminate fields of produce. Currently in Oklahoma, experts are investigating whether manure from large poultry operations caused a major outbreak last year of E coli 0111 that killed one man and sickened more than 300 others. The chicken manure is spread on fields around Locust Grove, Oklahoma, home of the restaurant where the disease spread.

Traditionally, dairy cow manure was scattered in clumps over fields. Today, large operators liquify it for easier handling. Besides being more odorous, the waste can more easily reach waterways and groundwater when it's in liquid form.

Todd Ambs, water division administrator for the Wisconsin DNR, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the Rosendale Dairy situation is a classic case of the agency getting pulled in two directions.

"Agriculture is be far our most important industry, and good water quality undergirds much of our quality of life and our economic health,'' Ambs said.

Part of the winning argument in the case of Rosendale Dairy was the owners' assertion that the farm will create 70 permanent jobs. The company ultimately wants to expand to 8,000 cows.

In that configuration, the operation would fill 11 tanker trucks of milk a day and produce more waste than the City of Green Bay.

References:1 The Business Journal of Milwaukee, March 2, 2009; 2 The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, March 1, 2009.

E. coli in Oklahoma Water Wells Still Under Test

The Oklahoma Department of Health will do more testing to determine the type of E. coli bacteria found in water wells around Locust Grove, the location of an E. coli 0111 outbreak last year that killed a man and sickened 313 others.

Health officials have known since the outbreak occurred in August 2008 that the E. coli was spread by Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, but no one has ever pinpointed the cause. The issue arose again in mid-February when Oklahoma Attorney General Drew Edmondson issued a report saying that chicken manure spread in area fields was the possible source of the problem.

In conjunction with the report, the Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality tested water wells within a five-mile radius of the restaurant. The results showed 17 of 59 water wells contained  E. coli.

Leslea Bennett-Webb, a spokesman for the state Department of Health, told the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, that Health Department officials will conduct additional tests in an effort to find the cause of the E. coli contamination. At this point, the state doesn't even know what type of E. coli was found in the wells. Bennett-Webb said "we're going to be looking for 0111."

The region around Locust Grove is known for poultry production, but industry officials have repeatedly said there is no link between the spreading of chicken litter on area pastures and the presence of E. coli in well water supplies.

E. coli Spreads at Chicago Area Daycare Center

The Cook County Health Department has mandated that all children and adults at the KinderCare Learning Center in the Village of Lemont, Illinois, be tested for E. coli.

Twenty-one children and one adult have become infected with the pathogen in an outbreak that began earlier this month, the Southtown Star newspaper reported.

The Chicagoland daycare center has been allowed to remain open, but those who have tested positive or who have developed diarrhea have been sent home until tests for the bacteria turn up negative twice within 24 hours.

Three of the children who were sickened in the outbreak were hospitalized, but they have since been released, according to the Southtown Star. The newspaper said the outbreak was associated with a "lack of handwashing.''

KinderCare reportedly has stepped up sanitation in the facility and has hired a certified nurse.

To thoroughly understand the health risks of E. coli and to protect your legal rights, contact the law firm of PritzkerOlsen Attorneys toll free at 1-888-377-8900. PritzkerOlsen is a national food safety law firm that has years of experience in foodborne illness litigation. The firm is involved in virtually every major food poisoning outbreak in the United States and its experts are frequently quoted or interviewed by major media outlets including CNN, The New York Times, The Associated Press and the The Wall Street Journal.

Oklahoma E. coli O111 Outbreak Revisited

The Oklahoma Department of Environmental Quality has finished its first round of testing of some 70 private water wells located within a five mile radius of the restaurant that caused a major E. coli O111 outbreak last year.

According to the Arkansas Democrat Gazette, the testing is being done as part of the Oklahoma Attorney General's review of what caused the outbreak. State health officials never pinpointed the source of contamination at Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, but the investigators said well water serving the facility was not the likely cause.

But state Attorney General Drew Edmondson issued a report recently saying that the well is and has been contaminated with poultry waste and associated bacteria, including E. coli. The area around the restaurant is populated with chicken farms and litter from the farms is routinely applied to fields in the area The attorney general's report called for testing of private wells as part of its investigation.

The poultry industry denies that waste from the farms had anything to do with the E. coli 0111 outbreak, which sickened 341 people last year. One person died in the outbreak and 72 were hospitalized.

The Country Cottage restaurant was closed for months after the outbreak occurred. When it reopened late last year, the owners agreed to a health department stipulation that well water not be used. On two different days last year before the outbreak occurred, the restaurant resorted to using well water in its kitchen because of a problem with its municipal supply of water.

Results from the recent well tests are expected to be available late in the coming week. If a well shows sign of contamination, a follow-up sample will be taken for additional testing.

Colorado E. Coli Outbreak Still Growing

Denver Public Health has recorded another seven E. coli O157:H7 infections in Colorado, bringing the number of cases there to 27 in an ongoing outbreak.

Spokeswoman Dee Martinez told the Denver Post that the health agency's investigation is continuing. When the first 20 matching strains of E. coli O157:H7 were reported to the public on Feb. 6, Dr. Chris Urbina of Denver Public Health said the working hypothesis was that the cause could be related to the National Western Stock Show in Denver.

He said then that tests he hoped would help pinpoint the cause would likely be ready within a week, but no test results have been reported. Of the first 20 cases, 16 were children who had been to the 15-day livestock extravaganza.

In press release issued by PritzkerOlsen, attorney Fred Pritzker had this to say about the outbreak's association with the National Western Stock Show:

This outbreak should not have happened and could have been prevented. When stock shows encourage or permit public contact with animals, there is a well known risk of E. coli O157:H7 infection and equally well known measures that should be in place to prevent such infections.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc. (NASPHV) published a compendium of such infection prevention measures almost four years ago.

Although the matter is still under investigation, it seems likely that rules of this sort were not implemented or followed.

 

Families, School Groups Urged To Take E. coli Precautions on Trips to Livestock Shows, Petting Zoos

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Fred Pritzker 1-888-3777-8900 (toll-free)

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – February 6, 2009 – Eating contaminated food is still far and away the most common way for people to become infected with E. coli O157:H7, a deadly pathogen that sickens more than 70,000 Americans each year.

But national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen Attorneys is reminding families early in 2009 that contact with animals at livestock shows, petting zoos and other exhibits is another proven way for the organism to travel.

The law firm's warning stems from a current E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Colorado. Health officials there are investigating an apparent connection between a growing number of genetically matched infections and attendance at the recent Western National Stock Show in Denver.

According to numerous press reports, at least 20 people who live on the Front Range in Colorado have been infected with the same strain of E. coli. Sixteen of the illnesses are in children who attended the animal exhibit, including a child who is 17 months old. The two-week show drew more than 643,000 attendees before it ended January 25 and health officials expect the number of E. coli O157:H7 infections in the current outbreak to grow.

"This outbreak should not have happened and could have been prevented,'' said Fred Pritzker, founder and president of PritzkerOlsen. "When stock shows encourage or permit public contact with animals, there is a well known risk of E. coli O157:H7 infection and equally well known measures that should be in place to prevent such infections.''

Pritzker said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Association of State Public Health Veterinarians, Inc. (NASPHV) published a compendium of such infection prevention measures almost four years ago.

"Although the matter is still under investigation, it seems likely that rules of this sort were not implemented or followed,'' he said.

Escherichia coli O157:H7 is a rare variety of E. coli that produces a toxin that causes severe damage to the lining of the intestine. Specifically, the acute disease caused by E. coli O157:H7 is hemorrhagic colitis. E. coli O157:H7 can also result in hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States.

With the understanding that children are more at risk for being seriously injured or killed by E. coli O157:H7 infection, it is imperative for families and school groups to take precautions while attending petting zoos, livestock shows and other animal exhibits.

Based on guidelines set by the (CDC) and the National Ag Safety Database, PritzkerOlsen presents the following strategies to reduce the risk of E. coli transmission in settings with animals:

  • Locate hand-washing stations and always wash your hands after being in an area with animals, even if you don't touch them. Bacteria can be spread by shaking hands, touching railings or coming in contact with soil.
  • Running water and soap are best for hand washing. Where there is no running water, hand sanitizing gel is better than nothing.
  • Don't consume food or drinks in any area shared with animals.
  • Older adults, pregnant women, people with weakened immune systems and young children should be extra careful.
  • Avoid hand-mouth activities such as smoking, drinking or nail biting in any area shared with animals.
  • Do not eat or drink raw (unpasteurized) milk or other dairy products.
  • Children younger than 5 years old need adult supervision around animals.
  • Never allow children to put their hands, toys, pacifiers or other objects in their mouths while around animals.
  • Supervise the hand washing of children.
  • Even after hand washing, be aware that exposure to E. coli O157:H7 can come from shoes, contaminated clothing or even strollers that were in areas shared with animals.

PritzkerOlsen currently is representing victims of the nationwide Salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter and peanut products made by Peanut Corporation of America at a plant in Blakely, Georgia.  The Minneapolis-based firm is representing the families of two Minnesota women who died in the outbreak after consuming contaminated peanut butter served on toast.

In one case, Pritzker already has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Peanut Corporation of America and King Nut Companies, a peanut butter distributor.

PritzkerOlsen has considerable experience and a reputation for success in representing survivors of foodborne illnesses, including E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella and Shigella. The firm is involved in virtually every national outbreak and has collected large sums on behalf of people injured or killed by adulterated food.

In addition, the firm is devoted to educating the public about food safety issues and advocating for badly needed food safety legislation and increased funding for the federal, state and local agencies charged with protecting our food and enforcing food safety laws.

Pritzker and members of his firm are frequent guests and commentators about food safety issues and have been interviewed by and profiled in a number of media sources including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Associated Press and CNN.

For more information, visit http://www.pritzkerlaw.com or contact Fred Pritzker at 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free). PritzkerOlsen has offices are located at Plaza VII, Suite 2950, 45 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402

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Safety Guidelines for Attending Animal Exhibits

The primary reservoir for E. coli O157:H7 is ruminant livestock. And although the most common route of infection in humans is foodborne, a significant number of illnesses each year are caused by contact with animals.

With Colorado health officials currently investigating a possible link between a growing number of E. coli O157:H7 infections and attendance at the National Western Stock Show in Denver,  the food safety lawyers at PritzkerOlsen Attorneys present the following guidelines for families attending animal shows, exhibits or petting zoos in 2009.

The guidelines are combined from sources including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Ag Safety Database:

                      Safety Guidelines

  • Locate hand-washing stations and always wash your hands after being in an area with animals, even if you don't touch them. Bacteria can be spread even by shaking hands or touching railings.
  • Running water and soap are best. Where there is no running water, hand sanitizing gel is better than nothing.
  • Don't consume food or drinks in any area shared with animals.
  • Older adults, pregnant women and young children should be extra careful with hygiene around animals.
  • Avoid hand-mouth activities such as smoking, drinking or using a pacifier in any area shared with animals.
  • Do not eat or drink raw (unpasteurized) milk or other dairy products.
  • Children younger than 5 years old need adult supervision around animals.
  • Never allow children to put their hands, toys or other objects in their mouths while around animals.
  • Supervise the hand washing of children.
  • Even after hand washing, be aware that exposure to E. coli O157:H7 can come from shoes, contaminated clothing or even strollers that were in areas shared with animals.

PritzkerOlsen currently is representing victims of the nationwide Salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter and peanut products made by Peanut Corporation of America at a plant in Blakely, Georgia. Firm president Fred Pritzker is representing the families of two Minnesota women who died in the outbreak after consuming contaminated peanut butter served on toast.

In one case, Pritzker already has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Peanut Corporation of America and King Nut Companies, a distributor of the peanut butter. A second wrongful death action will commence soon in connection with the second death.

PritzkerOlsen has considerable experience and a reputation for success in representing survivors of foodborne illnesses, including E. coli, Listeria, Salmonella and Shigella. The firm is involved in virtually every national outbreak and has collected large sums on behalf of people injured or killed by adulterated food.

Stock Show a Denominator in Colorado E. coli Cases

Health officials in Denver are investigating a correlation between a growing number of E. coli O157:H7 infections and attendance at the National Western Stock Show.

Dr. Chris Urbina of Denver Public Health told the Denver Post that 20 people have been infected with the same strain of E. coli O157:H7, including 16 children who attended the two-week animal show in Denver that ended January 25.

"We are trying to figure out the source -- whether food, water or animals,'' Urbina said.

A spokesman for the Stock Show said officials are cooperating with the investigation but stressed that no one has yet established a scientific link. Urbina says the number of lab-confirmed infections is expected to grow. More than 643,000 people attended the animal show in Denver, many of them children on school or family outings. The youngest child to be sickened with the pathogen is 17 months old.

Because it sometimes takes eight to 10 days after exposure to the organism for a child to feel sick, health officials fear that some infected children returned to day care centers or schools and further spread the E. coli.

PritzkerOlsen Attorneys, a national food safety law firm, is currently representing victims of the nationwide Salmonella outbreak linked to peanut butter and peanut products from the South Georgia processing plant of Peanut Corporation of America. PritzkerOlsen has considerable experience and a reputation for success in representing survivors of all foodborne illnesses, especially E. coli O157:H7 and a complication of the infection known as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, or HUS.

In the peanut butter Salmonella outbreak, firm president Fred Pritzker represents the families of two Minnesota women who died with infections matching the outbreak strain. He has already filed a wrongful death lawsuit in one of the cases and will soon file a second one.

The Year in E. coli: Major Outbreaks of 2008

In 2008, large-scale corporate farms and centralized production facilities continued to play a major role in America's E. coli problem.

But by far the largest E. coli outbreak of the year was centered at a lone family restaurant in Locust Grove, Oklahoma.

The Country Cottage Restaurant outbreak started August. 15. By the time it was over, 341 people were sickened with E. coli O111 infections, 72 persons were hospitalized and one 26-year-old man, a gospel singer, was dead.

Fred Pritzker, a Minneapolis lawyer whose law firm is nationally recognized in the area of foodborne illness litigation, said that when taken all together, 2008 was a year in which America's deadly E. coli threat showed no signs of slowing down from a dangerous pace set in 2007.

Pritzker said the variety and number of serious outbreaks was due in large part to a failure of regulation. He also said it's easy to gloss over the problem if you don't see the individual suffering inflicted during and long after outbreaks.

"The agony and the suffering of these individuals is dramatic and significant,'' he said.

With hope for greater food safety in 2009, here's a listing by Pritzker Law of five major E. coli outbreaks in 2008: 

  • Country Cottage Restaurant. The outbreak was linked in August to contamination by E. coli O111. A total of 341 outbreak-related cases were reported, 56 cases were in children, 72 persons were hospitalized and one died. The restaurant was shut down and reopened in late November under an agreement with health officials. While no single food item was found to be the source, officials believe several different foods became contaminated with the bacteria.
  • Nebraska Beef Ltd. In late June, the Omaha company recalled 5.3 million pounds of trimmings for ground beef. Health officials linked the product to 49 confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection in seven states. About a month later, the same slaughterhouse recalled another 1.2 million pounds of meat linked to 31 confirmed E. coli O157:H7 cases in 12 states. Much of the recalled meat was supplied through the Kroger grocery chain, but the tainted beef also turned up elsewhere. At the Barbecue Pit in Moultrie, Georgia, there were at least eight confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7. In four of those illnesses, victims suffered hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a complication that can lead to kidney failure.
  • Goshen Boy Scout Reservation. Health officials this summer confirmed 25 cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection among attendees at a Boy Scout camp in Goshen, Virginia. The cases were matched through molecular fingerprinting and linked to frozen ground beef from California-based S&S Foods. S&S recalled about 153,630 pounds of ground beef products.
  • Aunt Mid's Iceberg Lettuce. Michigan officials confirmed that bagged iceberg lettuce was the common source of illness in a September-October outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections that included 38 cases in Michigan, nine in Illinois and three in Ontario. At least 21 of those who were sickened spent time in the hospital. The outbreak strain of E. coli was never found at Aunt Mid's processing plant and investigators could never say if the lettuce became contaminated at the plant or in California, where it was grown. Aunt Mid's lettuce was associated with E. coli infections at the Lenawee County Jail, two Illinois restaurants and Michigan State University.
  • Vermont Ground Beef. In September,Vermont Livestock Slaughter and Processing Co. in Ferrisburg, Vermont, recalled 2,758 pounds of ground beef products that had been distributed to restaurants in the state. The recall was prompted by an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7. At least 10 people were sickened, including one who was hospitalized. An investigation by state and federal health officials found that the recalled beef may have caused the illnesses.

Pritzker Law & Associates, P.A. is one of the few law firms in the United States that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. The firm has collected millions of dollars on behalf of victims of E. coli poisoning and other foodborne illnesses. For more information, visit http://www.pritzkerlaw.com or contact Fred Pritzker at (612) 338-0202. Pritzker Law has offices at Plaza VII, Suite 2950, 45 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402  

E. coli Rate Rises Again in Ground Beef Sample Tests

For the third year in a row, the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in raw ground beef has increased in sample tests conducted by the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

A review of the latest 2008 FSIS data by Pritzker Law, one of the few law firms in the United States that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation, indicates that .47 percent of raw ground beef samples analyzed from Jan. 1 to Dec. 16, 2008, tested positive for E. coli O157:H7.

That compares to .23 percent positive test results in 2007, .17 percent in 2006 and .08 percent in 2005. According to the Pritzker Law review, the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 in samples of raw ground beef in 2008 was the highest it has been in the past six years.

E. coli O157:H7 is an adulterant in raw ground beef and FSIS inspectors test for it in federally regulated packing plants and at retail stores. The overwhelming majority of tests are performed at packing plants.

In 2008 (through Dec. 16), there were 54 positive microbiological test results for E. coli O157:H7 in 11,535 samples, according to the FSIS. One year earlier, FSIS inspectors found the bacteria only half as often: 29 times in 12,292 samples.

The results bolster what leading food safety attorney Fred Pritzker said in a press release issued last week: That America's E. coli outbreaks of 2008 are indicative of a problem that's getting worse.

Going back to 2002, here's a listing of year-end result posted by FSIS for its E. coli O157:H7 testing program for raw ground beef:

  • 2008 -- 54 positives in 11,535 samples or .47 percent.
  • 2007 -- 29 positives in 12,292 samples or .23 percent.
  • 2006 -- 20 positives in 11,779 samples or.17 percent.
  • 2005 -- 9 positives in 10,976 samples or .08 percent.
  • 2004 -- 14 postives in 8,010 samples or .17 percent.
  • 2003 -- 20 positives in 6,584 samples or .30 percent.
  • 2002 -- 55 positives in 7025 samples or .78 percent. 

Health Officials Rule Out Water in E. coli Case

Health officials in Solano County, California, have ruled out the municipal water supply in the town of Dixon as the potential source of an E. coli infection that killed a 15-year-old boy who lived there.

In early December, part of Dixon was put under a boil water advisory after a utility pipe broke and E. coli was detected. The death occurred last week and health officials took stool samples from another area youth who had gone to the emergency room with symptoms of an E. coli infection.

The Reporter, a newspaper in Vacaville, California, reported today that the Solano County Public Heath Department has ruled out E. coli in the second child's illness. "That is very reassuring,'' said Dr. Ronald Chapman, deputy director of the county health department.

Chapman told the newspaper that multiple tests of city water supplies, including water at the boy's house, have come back negative for E. coli.

"The Dixon public should not have any concerns about the water,'' Chapman told The Reporter.

He said the fatal case of E. coli is still under investigation. One possibility is that naturally occurring E. coli in the boy's intestines made its way to his bloodstream, Chapman said.

California Child Dies of E. coli Infection

Public health officials in Solano County, California, are investigating what caused an E. coli infection that killed a young child from Dixon, a town that was under a boil water advisory in early December.

The officials aren't releasing any identifying information about the child for privacy reasons. KCRA-TV reported the E. coli death late Friday. The station said health officials haven't said what strain of E. coli infected the youth, or when the illness began.

Solano County, which features a large agricultural community, sits midway between San Francisco and Sacramento.

County Health Education Manager  Robin Cox told KCRA-TV that the source is unknown and they have no other cases. A second child recently was treated in a hospital emergency room in Dixon for severe diarrhea, a symptom of E. Coli, but the child returned home and reportedly is doing well. Stool samples are pending.

 Cox said area hospitals have been asked to be extra vigilant for signs of E. coli infections in other patients. The county also is working with the local water utility to pull water samples for screening.

A large batch of water samples taken from the child's house and from areas close to it came back negative, KCRA reported. More water samples taken Thursday are still being examined, the station said.

In early December, part of Dixon was under a boil water advisory after a utility pipe broke. With one exception, water samples screened for bacteria at that time came back clean. The one "hit' was for E. coli, but it was determined to be a false result, KCRA reported Friday.

Nebraska Hospital Sued Over E coli Misdiagnosis

Doctors in Nebraska  misdiagnosed an elderly woman who was afflicted by E. coli O157:H7 and have refused to change the cause of death on her death certificate, according to a lawsuit filed by family members.

Nebraska state epidemiologist Dr. Tom Safranek told the Omaha World-Herald newspaper that he is certain 81-year-old Ruby Trautz was sickened in August 2006 from eating spinach that was contaminated with the same strain of  E. coli O157:H7 bacteria that poisoned more than 200 other Americans in 26 states. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also counted Trautz as a victim of that multi-state spinach E. coli outbreak, the newspaper reported.

Bringing the lawsuit against Creighton University Medical Center, the university and certain physicians are Trautz's daughter and son-in-law, Polly and Ken Costello of Bellevue, Neb. They  told the World-Herald they want the hospital to adopt a protocol under which any patient showing bloody diarrhea would automatically be tested for E. coli infection. 

The Costellos also want Creighton to produce an educational video about the importance of testing for E. coli . If those demands are met and Ms. Trautz's death certificate is corrected -- it now says she died of clostridium difficile infection -- the Costellos said they would consider dropping the suit.

"I don't think we're asking for a lot, but we are also pretty inflexible,'' Ken Costello told the World-Herald.

The university has said that Costello's lawsuit is without merit and that it will "vigorously'' defend itself.

E. coli Threat Prompts Burger Recall in New Jersey

 A government sampling procedure at a food company in New Jersey indicated that certain ground beef products may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a finding that has prompted the firm to recall 345 pounds of the meat.

The announcement Tuesday by  the U.S.Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) relates to five-pound and ten-pound plastic bags of ground beef produced Nov. 18 at Dutch Prime Foods Inc. of Long Branch, N.J.

FSIS said in a press release that it has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of the product. Anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a medical professional, the agency said.

The FSIS said the potentially tainted meat was distributed to restaurants in New Jersey. The bags of "Dutch Prime Foods Hamburger" were shipped in cases bearing the establishment number "EST. 5206" inside the USDA mark of inspection. (See product label on this page).

FSIS said the problem was discovered in routine sampling procedures by its own inspectors.

Feds Sue Raw Milk Producer To Stop Shipments

The federal government is suing a California organic dairy producer, alleging that the company labeled  shipments of unpasteurized milk as "pet food'' even though the product was intended for human consumption.

The U.S. Justice Department, in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration, filed the lawsuit earlier this week in an effort to ban Organic Pastures Dairy Co. of Fresno from shipping any of its raw milk across state lines.

"Raw milk and raw milk products contain a wide variety of harmful bacteria including, but not limited to Listeria moncytogenes, E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter and Brucella, all of which may cause illness and possibly death,'' according to the lawsuit.

Shipping raw milk products across state lines for purposes of consumption by animals is not illegal, but the lawsuit said Organic Pastures Dairy was using the "pet food'' label as a ruse. The labeling information on the milk containers themselves showed the products were clearly meant for human consumers, according to the lawsuit.

The agricultural website Capital Press reported Friday that the lawsuit seeks an injunction banning Organic Pastures from shipping its raw milk products across state lines no matter how its packages are marked or labeled. The suit says that between 2000 and 2005, seven people died and more than 460 fell ill in the United States from diseases associated with raw milk consumption in general.

The complaint said epidemiological studies have established a direct link between raw milk and gastrointestinal disease. Proponents of raw milk say the product is beneficial to human health and that such studies are unreliable.

Mark McAfee, founder of Organic Pastures Dairy, told Capital Press that the FDA 's lawsuit is meant to intimidate him and that the agency is "way beyond'' its authority.

The company no longer labels its containers as "pet food'' unless would-be buyers sign an affidavit, swearing it will go to animals, McAfee told the website.

"They fail to understand that what we are doing is completely legal,'' McAfee said of the FDA. 

Mutant Version of E. Coli Found in British Herd

A new version of E. coli 026 that is resistant to families of antibiotics, including penicillins, has been found on a British dairy farm for the first time.

The emergence of the so-called superbug, announced this week in minutes of a meeting of the Veterinary Medicines Directorate, is thought by some to be related to heavy use of antibiotics on farms. 

Lancashire-based Farmers Guardian magazine said government vets found 19 of 20 calves and three of 40 cows on the farm positive for a type of E. coli 026 that is resistant to common antibiotics.

The finding isn't considered an immediate public health risk, but officials have instructed the family that operates the farm on methods to protect themselves against infection. The long-range concern is that such mutant strains of E. coli could cause food poisoning in humans that couldn't be treated with antibiotics.

The Soil Association, a British lobby group that promotes organic farming, said farmers and veterinarians need to reign in the use of antibiotics. The government should provide specific recommendations to limit the drugs, the group said. The association claims that heavy use of antibiotics has prompted E. coli bacteria to start mutating to ensure their own survival.

Other strains of E. coli that are resistant to common antibiotics have been found on 57 other farms in the United Kingdom, Farmers Guardian reported. But the latest case is the first resistant strain that has the potential to cause life-threatening foodborne infections in humans, the magazine said.

Iowa College Still Passionate About Irradiation

Fifteen years have passed since Iowa State University first launched its Linear Accelerator Facility, but animal science professors at the school are still passionate about their study of irradiation of meat and other food.

The use of irradiation destroys most microorganisms and decreases the chance of potentially deadly E. coli O157:H7 infections. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has allowed the irradiation of meat to control pathogens since 1997, and since 1990 in poultry.

But as Iowa State's research indicates, cost and consumer acceptance have loomed as the biggest obstacles in moving irradiation into the mainstream of the food world. A recent story in High Plains/ Midwest Ag Journal zeroed in Iowa State's specialty, including a look at work on ground beef by Iowa State University researcher Doug Uk Ahm.

Ahn has learned that by adding an antioxidant and vitamin E to ground beef before irradiation, he can keep the meat from turning a brownish or grayish color. The additives also prevent an unfamiliar odor that occurs in ground beef when it is irradiated without additives.

Ahn considers the discovery a breakthrough for consumer acceptance, but regulation stands in the way. For one thing, meat cannot have more than one additive under FDA rule. And as it stands now, irradiation itself is considered an additive by the FDA.

"I hope the FDA will change irradiation's classification from an additive to a treatment, or approve the use of irradiation in processed meat, a petition that has been pending since 1999,'' Ahn told the journal.

Iowa State Professor Dennis Olson said foodborne illness outbreaks in 2006 that were associated with fresh produce generated greater interest in using irradiation to protect the U.S. food supply. In August 2008, the FDA approved irradiation to kill bacteria in fresh spinach and iceberg lettuce.

Olson said he wishes that the FDA would have expanded the approval to include other fresh produce, but the story notes an expansion is under consideration. And from Olson's perspective, it is significant the newest FDA rule marks the first time the federal government has allowed produce to be irradiated at levels sufficient to kill E. coli, Salmonella and Listeria .

"It's unfortunate that people have to get sick for us to get reqauirements to prevent the illnesses,'' Olson told the journal.

PETA Wants Meat-Eaters to Pay More For Insurance

The largest current outbreak of E. coli O157:H7  infection in North America appears to be centered in southeastern Ontario, where health officials suspect  that the disease is spreading via romaine lettuce.

Given that possibility and the fact that other widespread foodborne illness cases in the past two years have been linked to veggies, officials at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) may have a hole in their argument when it comes to urging the health insurance industry to raise rates for meat-eaters.

In a Nov. 10 letter to the head of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman said the "effects of E. coli on meat-eaters and the mountain of evidence linking meat consumption to some of our nation's deadliest diseases'' should correlate to lower health premiums for vegetarians and higher rates for meat-eaters. Reiman listed other reasons, as well.

A Blue Cross spokesman told KCCI-TV that Vermont prohibits insurers from varying rates based on nutritional habits of policyholders. The spokesman also said Blue Cross has no information one way or the other if vegetarians are more healthy.

Two E. coli Cases Confirmed in Tennessee

Health officials in Tennessee have launched an intensive food poisoning investigation, interviewing more than 180 sick people and confirming two cases of E. coli O157:H7.

The Elk Valley Times newspaper in Fayetteville, Tenn., reported Wednesday that state laboratory tests confirmed two E. coli O157:H7 infections in the Lincoln County area.

"After an extensive investigation, so far no source for these cases of illness has been identified,'' Shelley Walker, spokeswoman for the Tennessee Department of Health in Nashville, told the newspaper.

The state did not release information about the two people who were sickened by the bacteria. Walker said the investigation is continuing

E. coli O157:H7 is a virulent micro-organism that lives harmlessly in the hind guts of cattle and other animals. The bacteria can spread when manure comes in contact with meat during processing. E. coli can also spread to fresh produce when water contaminated with the bug is used in irrigation.

Infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, a complication that can turn fatal for children, the elderly and those who have weakened immune systems.

E. coli Fears Prompt Youth Football Cancellations

The presence of elk droppings on the football field at Evergreen High School in Jefferson County, Colo., prompted local health officials over the weekend to cancel youth-league games.

 The concern stemmed from recent findings that eight confirmed E. coli O157:H7 infections among children from the Evergreen area were very likely acquired from exposure to elk droppings in local fields, parks and around area houses.

The Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment announced last week that specimens obtained from elk droppings in the area around Evergreen tested positive for the same strain of bacteria identified in the children.

The illnesses occurred sporadically this summer and fall in children ranging from ages 4 to 12, health department officials have said.

KUSA-TV reported the football game cancellations on Monday. The station quoted health officials as saying people in the area should use extra caution on sports field s that are also used by wildlife.

Dr. Gayle Miller, senior epidemiologist for Jefferson County, said It's the first time that E. coli in wildlife has been this clearly linked to the source of an outbreak in humans.

Especially in children, E. coli O157:H7 infections can lead to a serious and sometimes deadly complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS. The disease can result in kidney failure.

 

Link Suspected Between E. coli Cases in U.S., Canada

Southern California is 2,100 miles away from southeastern Ontario, but health officials have found a genetic match between 21 confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 in Canada and five E. coli cases in Southern California, South Dakota and New Jersey.

The Canadian cases are located in a tight geographical cluster between Halton, Niagara and Waterloo, Ontario. The source of the outbreak has not been identified, but Niagara's chief medical officer of health has said tainted lettuce served in restaurants could be the source.

Through laboratory testing, the Canadian cases were recently found to share the same DNA fingerprint. Then on Monday, Dr. Bob Nosal, medical officer of health for Halton, told The Hamilton Spectator newspaper, that the same genetic code has shown up in five E. coli O157:H7 cases in far-flung locations in the United States.

"When you get something that rare showing up in the U.S., you really wonder -- is it possibly linked?'' Nosal said.

Involved in the investigation are the Ontario Ministry of Health, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta.

Media reports vary slightly on the number of confirmed cases in the Canadian outbreak, but the latest news releases from the Ontario Ministry of Helath and Long-Term Care and the Regional Municipality of Halton put the number at 21. Another 70 cases or more remain under investigation. 

 

 

 

 

Two Children With HUS Survive, Leave Iowa Hospital

A 5-year-old boy from Illinois and a 7-year-old girl from Iowa have been released from University of Iowa Children's Hospital after battling severe complications from E. coli O157:H7 infections over the course of a month..

Health officials say the two cases are among a recent cluster of six confirmed E. coli O157:H7 infections in southeastern Iowa and western Illinois. They say several things associated with the cases increased the risk of E. coli exposure, "such as drinking unpasteurized apple cider, eating fresh unwashed apples and eating ground beef.''

The parents of the boy and girl who were hospitalized in Iowa City say the two children drank unpasteurized apple cider one day apart from each other at the same pumpkin patch.

Days later, on Oct. 7, they both became ill with cramping and diarrhea. They met in the hospital.

It took two weeks for health officials to confirm that either child was infected with E. coli O157:H7, a delay that the parents said was disappointing. They told KHQA-TV of Quincy, Ill., that not knowing the cause of the symptoms for so long put others at risk of contracting it from person to person,

In addition, doctors early on misdiagnosed the boy's illness and prescribed antibiotics for him -- a treatment that can cause kidney failure in E. coli patients, the station reported.

While hospitalized, both children developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, a complication of E. coli O157:H7 that can be fatal. KHQA reported that the girl suffered internal bleeding, was at risk of stroke and required kidney dialysis to keep her alive.

Parents of the boy have said their son underwent kidney dialysis, blood transfusions and suffered from respiratory problems while in the hospital. Dr. Pat Brophy, the physician for both children, said they each face long-term health risks as a result of HUS.

 

Petting Zoo of Interest in E. coli Cases

A petting zoo in Greenville, N.C., has been temporarily closed as a precaution while health officials investigate the cause of at least two recently confirmed E. coli infections in children.

The infections were among several identified last week by the Beaufort County Health Department. The department has been working with area schools to make parents aware of a potential outbreak and WNCT-TV reported that the petting zoo will remain closed until officials know where the infections are coming from. The health officials have reminded parents of the importance of hand-washing after adults or children come in contact with livestock or other farm animals.

The station said the county also is working with health care clinics to indentify and test for additional cases.

E. coli symptoms can appear one to 10 days after exposure to the pathogenic bacteria. The symptoms range from mild diarrhea to severe abdominal cramps and bloody stools, but you may display no symptoms at all.  E. coli is a leading cause of bloody diarrhea. These symptoms are more severe in children, the elderly and in those who have another illness. 

Though most people recover from an E. coli infection, some of those infected develop hemolytic uremic syndrome, which is a severe and life-threatening complication.  

Iowa Sees Spike in E. coli Cases

Iowa health officials have confirmed  an unusually high number of  E. coli O157:H7 infections in the state since late September, prompting them to remind residents of ways to reduce the risk of contamination.

In a press release Friday, the Iowa Department of Public Health said most of the 29 cases do not appear to be related. But the officials confirmed that a cluster of  recent infections in the eastern part of the state -- all reported in the past three weeks -- share some common exposures.

Previously, state health officials hinted that the recent cluster of cases was associated with consumption of unpasteurized apple cider. Now they say several things associated with the cases increased the risk of E. coli exposure, "such as drinking unpasteurized apple cider, eating fresh, unwashed apples, and eating ground beef."

Of the 29 confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 statewide since late September, 22 involved children 12 and younger. Several of those children were hospitalized, and a "few'' experienced kidney failure -- a symptom of hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, a complication of E. coli O157:H7.

The spike in cases throughout the state compares to the five-year average of 18.4 cases for the same period of time, the health department said.

Two of the children sickened by the pathogen in the most recent cluster of cases remain at University of Iowa Children's Hospital. Parents for the 7-year-old girl and the 5-year-old boy told the Gate City Daily newspaper in Keokuk, Iowa, that the kids separately visited a business in Lee County Iowa, where they drank raw apple cider from a vendor who was demonstrating how to press apples. One child consumed the cider on Oct. 4, the other on Oct. 5, but health officials have said DNA fingerprints of their illnesses do not match.

Both children have been treated with blood transfusions, kidney dialysis and other procedures during their long hospital stays.

Iowa officials announced the following precautions to help prevent E. coli infections:

  • Make sure fresh juice or milk has been pasteurized. Even small smaples can make you sick.
  • People with diarrhea should not prepare or touch food meant for others. Wash hands with soap and water after using the restroom. If not available, use an alcohol-based hand gel.
  •  When caring for someone with diarrhea, wash your hands after giving care and ensure that the ill person's hands are frequently washed.
  • Cook all ground meats like hamburger thoroughly -- to a temperature of 155 F for at least 15-16 seconds, or until juices run clear and no pink is visible.
  • Always wash fresh vegetables or fruits thoroughly before eating.

8 Children Contract E. coli in the Evergreen Mountain Area (Colorado)

Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment (JCDHE) in conjunction with the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is investigating a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 infections in 8 children, aged 4-12 years of age, in the Evergreen mountain area. 

The children contracted E. coli from July through October. Testing by the Colorado Public Health Laboratory has identified similarities in the specific strains of E. coli O157:H7 infecting several of the children, leading health officials to believe that the E. coli infections may be linked to a common source or exposure.  According to the Denver Post

State and local health officials are investigating possible sources of exposure, including deer and elk droppings, as well as common behaviors, activities, foods and drinks.
"We are doing a comprehensive investigation," said Gayle Miller, an epidemiologist with the Jefferson County Department of Health and Environment. "We don't have a smoking gun. We don't know yet what the source is."

All of the earliest affected children have fully recovered without complications. Two children who became ill in mid-late October required hospitalization in a Denver area hospital after developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can lead to kidney failure.  The Denver Post reported:

An 11-year-old girl has been in Children's Hospital since Monday, her grandmother said Thursday.
"She's doing better, but it has affected her kidneys," said the woman, who did not want to be identified.

Our law firm is currently representing E. coli victims who developed HUS.  To contact our law firm, please call 1-888-377-8900 or submit our online consultation form.

Officials in Iowa Warn Against Drinking Raw Cider

Health officials in Iowa are hinting that consumption of unpasteurized apple cider may be associated with at least one of five recently confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 in the southeast part of the state

Patricia Quinlisk, medical director for the Iowa Department of Public Health, told The Hawk Eye newspaper in Burlington that authorities won't release the source of a communicable disease unless it poses an immediate health risk to the public.

ecoliclump2.jpgQuinlisk said the department has made recommendations in the "last several weeks'' to prevent further cases of E. coli. The department's latest recommendation, issued Tuesday, said raw apple cider should not be served to children under 8 years old, the elderly or people who have weakened immune systems..

"Cider and other unpasteurized juices have been linked with outbreaks of disease,'' the department's news release said.

The Hawk Eye reported Wednesday that two children hospitalized at University of Iowa Children's Hospital have been battling hemolytic uremic syndrome, a complication of E. coli O157:H7, for more than two weeks. Both children have reportedly undergone kidney dialysis, surgeries, blood transfusions and other procedures.

Pediatric nephrologist Patrick Brophy, the doctor for both children, told the newspaper that the 5-year-old boy, "as well as a couple other kids,'' probably drank apple cider that contained E. coli.

 Three of the confirmed cases came from Lee County while two others were in Des Moines County, officials have said. A sixth case of E. coli infection was confirmed by health officials last week in Hancock County, Ill., across the state line.

There has been no announcement that the cases are releated and no health officials in either state has identified a specific source of bacteria.

 

New drug could help neutralize toxins from E. coli

Scientists from Canada and Japan have designed a drug that they envision could be used in the future with antibiotics to treat the most severe E. coli  infections.

Their study, summarized in the Oct. 28 issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States, says the drug protected mice from potentially deadly and exceptionally potent injections of Shiga toxins produced by E. coli O157:H7

The scientific article, written by George Whitesides of Harvard University, said Shiga toxins -- which can cause potentially lethal hemolytic uremic syndrome in E. coli O157:H7 patients -- belong to the same family as cholera.

The new drug is designed to inhibit or mop up the toxic bacteria. As Scientific American put it in an article summarizing the study, the drug promises to disarm bugs that cause food poisoning.

At least 12 scientists were involved in the research, which took place at universities in Kumamoto, Japan and in the Canadian province of Alberta at Edmonton and Calgary. 

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates there may be 70,000 infections with E. coli O157:H7 each year.

Sweet and Sour Bambi?

deer.jpgHealth officials in suburban Buffalo, N.Y., are expected to decide this week whether to permanently shut down a local Chinese restaurant where workers reportedly were butchering a deer in the kitchen.

The China King restaurant in the Town of Hamburg has been closed since the incident  happened late last week.

WKBW-TV reported that the Erie County Health Department received a tip Friday morning that someone was dragging a dead animal into the restaurant. An inspector responded and found a deer being gutted on the premises, a violation of public health law designed to prevent the spread of disease.

Erie County Health Commissioner Dr. Anthony Billittier IV told the Buffalo News that it wasn't clear if the deer had been hunted or if it was road kill.

"From our standpoint it doesn't matter,'' he said. "In general, you can't have a dead animal in a food services establishment.''

Although E. coli infections are usually associated with beef cattle, other animals can also carry and spread this pathogen.

Last year in North Carolina, for example, a case of butchering inside a restaurant proved deadly. Health officials there closed Captain’s Galley Restaurant in China Grove after learning a goat had been slaughtered in the kitchen days before several restaurant patrons contracted E. coli infections. One of those sickened died.

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Two children hospitalized in Iowa with HUS

A 7-year-old girl from southeastern Iowa and a 5-year-old boy from neighboring Illinois have been hospitalized with complications from E. coli 0157:H7.

The two children are among four people in the area who have confirmed cases of E. coli infection. Health officials in both states have not determined the source of the illnesses.

The Hawk Eye newspaper reported Friday that the two hospitalized children have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, a complication that can lead to kidney failure, stroke, seizures and death. Both children at the University of Iowa Children's Hospital have undergone kidney dialysis and received blood transfusions since being admitted during the second week of October, the newspaper reported.

The boy is from Basco, Ill., and the girl is from Mount Pleasant, Iowa. According to the newspaper, they both came down with their initial symptoms on Oct. 7.

Patricia Quinlisk, medical director for the Iowa Department of Public Health, told The Hawk Eye that no business or entities have been asked to close down in association with the four confirmed cases of E. coli.

Colorado E. coli Outbreak Sickens 14 People

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment is investigating an E. coli outbreak that has been associated with a Jimmy John’s in Boulder, Colorado. Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) began investigating the Colorado E. coli outbreak in September when 7 students and a sorority adviser at the University of Colorado at Boulder became ill. All 8 had eaten Jimmy John’s subs.

PFGE-ecoli.jpgThe Colorado Health Department is now investigating 3 additional cases that have surfaced in Boulder and 3 cases elsewhere in Boulder County.

Alicia Cronquist, a spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment told KUSA-9News:

“It's pretty clear to us that many of the cases in Boulder County are connected to the same sandwich shop. What's not clear to us is how the other cases around the state are linked to that. We suspect that they all ate some kind of common food item, but we're investigating to determine which one it is.”

Although the Boulder cases have been associated with Jimmy John’s, the health department is continuing its investigation to determine what sickened the three people that do not reside in Boulder. E. coli isolates from those three cases have the same genetic fingerprint as E. coli isolates from the 11 Boulder cases, meaning the illnesses were caused by the same source. 

Four E. coli cases confirmed in Iowa, Illinois

feature3.jpgHealth officials in southeast Iowa and neighboring Illinois have confirmed four cases of E. coli O157:H7, with the latest case confirmed by the Hancock County Health Department in Illinois on Thursday.

Health officials have not determined the source of the illnesses.

According to news reports from the area, two of the Iowa cases were confirmed in Lee County and a third was confirmed in Des Moines County. The most recent case was confirmed across the state line in Hancock County, Ill.

In the past few months there have been numerous E. coli outbreaks linked to beef products. A report issued last week by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)  has shown conclusively that there is a link between distillers’ grain  and the prevalence of E. coli in cattle. The grains, which are fed to some cattle, are a byproduct of ethanol production.

USDA Should Prohibit Use of Distillers' Grain as Cattle Feed

A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) study has shown “conclusively that there is a link between distillers’ grain [ethanol by-product] and the prevalence of E. coli,” according to University of Minnesota associate professor Francisco Diez, who was interviewed by Minnesota Public Radio for a report on the USDA study.

The objective of the USDA research project, which started in October of 2007, was to determine the effect of feeding distillers’ grain on the shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in finishing feedlot cattle.  The USDA researchers collected hide and feces samples from 300 control cattle and 300 cattle fed diets supplemented with distillers’ grain.

USDA researcher Jim Wells told MPR that the study found E. coli O157:H7 in almost 15 percent of the samples from the distillers’ grain group and in only 1.5 percent in the samples from the control group.  

This is a significant difference, yet Wells stated what is clearly the profit-comes-first position of the USDA:

"The point of the study isn't necessarily to say that what someone is doing is bad, it's just to make the people aware that there are consequences," said Wells. "I don't know if I could tell them to change it, because there are advantages to feeding distillers’ grain."

Here are the advantages of using distillers’ grain as cattle feed:

  1. Distillers’ grain is a cheap food source, thus saving ranchers money and
  2. Ethanol companies make money selling the distillers’ grain to ranchers

E. coli O157:H7 kills and severely sickens people. This disadvantage outweighs the “advantages.” USDA, prohibit the use of distillers’ grain as cattle feed. 

The following image is from a 2006 USDA article praising the use of distillers' grain as livestock feed to boost the profitability of ethanol production:

distillers-grain.jpg

Snohomish County E. coli Cases May be Connected

Snohomish County health officials are investigating at least 6 cases of E. coli that may be related.   According to the Seattle Times:

Dr. Gary Goldbaum says that while at least six cases have been confirmed, health officials still don't know what caused people to become ill.

The public heath agency alerted doctors Friday afternoon that it was investigating a possible cluster of E. coli cases.

A Washington E. coli outbreak in June was associated with lettuce.  That outbreak sickened at least 9 people.

 

Vermont Hamburger Recall Prompted by E. coli Outbreak

Vermont Livestock, Slaughter and Processing Co., LLC, a Ferrisburg, Vermont firm, has recalled approximately 2,758 pounds of ground beef products because they may be contaminated with O157:H7www.pritzkerlaw.com/escherichia-coli-O157/. Vermont health officials have confirmed 10 cases of E. coli in Vermont associated with consumption of the recalled ground beef (hamburger). The 10 people sickened ate the ground beef at certain Vermont restaurants.

feature1.jpgThese recalled hamburger was produced on Sept. 5, 8, 12, 19 and 22 and delivered to distribution centers. It was intended for restaurants and institutions in Vermont and Plattsburgh, New York; it was not intended to be available for direct retail purchase.

The possible E. coli contamination was discovered through a joint epidemiological investigation by FSIS and the Vermont Department of Health.
 

Vermont E. coli Outbreak Linked to Ground Beef Served at Restaurants

hamburger-patties.jpgEight Vermont E. coli O157:H7 cases have been linked to ground beef served at three Vermont restaurants, according to the Vermont Department of Health. These eight confirmed cases — including a child who was hospitalized, but has been released — had E. coli 0157:H7 with an exact DNA match confirmed by the Vermont Department of Health Laboratory. An additional E. coli O157:H7 case has been confirmed and another case is suspected. Most of the people sickened lived in Chittenden County.

“Our laboratory results tell us that each person became ill from the same source,” said Deputy State Epidemiologist Susan Schoenfeld. “And our epidemiology investigation has found that source to be ground beef that was contaminated before it was distributed to, prepared, and served at a few restaurants in Vermont.” All of the three Vermont restaurants involved in this outbreak got their ground beef from the same distributor.

Our law firm is representing victims of E. coli outbreaks linked to restaurants, including victims who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening illness that is usually caused by E. coli O157:H7 infections. HUS can lead to kidney failure and damage to the pancreas, lungs, brain and heart.

Update to E. coli Outbreak Associated with Aunt Mid's Lettuce

The Michigan Department of Community Health has provided a nice summary of the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has been associated with iceberg lettuce distributed by Aunt Mid’s Produce Company. Below is the information from the MDCH. 

1. Since September 1, 38 cases of E.coli O157:H7 with the same genetic fingerprint have been reported to Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) from various counties. Additionally, nine individuals in Illinois and three from the Province of Ontario have also been identified with the same genetic strain of E. coli O157.

2. Of the 38 Michigan E. coli cases, 21 have been hospitalized, and one has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths are known to be associated with this outbreak.

3. Based upon analysis of scientific evidence from MDCH’s epidemiological investigation, iceberg lettuce has been identified as the source of the illness outbreak. Case control studies performed independently in Michigan and in Illinois both identified iceberg lettuce as the common source of illness.

4. Based upon the product traceback investigation conducted by the MI Department of Agriculture (MDA), Fresh Pak/Aunt Mid’s was the common processor of the lettuce supplied to the outbreak locations at MSU, Lenawee County Jail, and in Illinois as well as other foodservice locations identified by ill individuals.

5. The heads of lettuce being supplied to Aunt Mid’s for washing, cutting, and bagging during the outbreak timeframe were identified as lettuce from California. However, the point at which the lettuce was contaminated is still unknown. MDA continues to work in close cooperation with our food safety partners at the California Department of Public Health – Food & Drug Branch who are investigating the origin and handling of the lettuce in that state.

6. MDA conducted product and environmental sample testing at Aunt Mid’s the week of September 26. Additional testing was conducted by the firm, MDCH, MSU, and FDA and all those tests were negative for E.coli. However, those were CURRENT products, not products from the outbreak timeframe.

7. Lettuce from the outbreak timeframe was not available for testing during the investigation due to the perishable nature of the product.

8. Aunt Mid’s has resumed operations on its iceberg lettuce product line. Aunt Mid’s is monitoring and testing each lot of lettuce production over the next 30 days and providing testing documentation to MDA. MDA will also be randomly testing production and checking records.

9. None of the E. coli illnesses that have occurred within the past two weeks have been linked to this outbreak in Michigan. Because the contaminated iceberg lettuce that caused this outbreak of E. coli O157 is no longer available for consumption, no new illnesses linked to the outbreak are expected to occur. However, as the investigation into illnesses that occurred during the identified outbreak period continues, and additional laboratory results are available, more related cases may be identified and reported. MDCH will continue to conduct surveillance and investigate any new cases of E. coli O157 as they occur.

10. The product traceback process is lengthy and time-consuming. State and federal investigators need to go through the entire supply chain, sorting records, analyzing data, and case history to determine the origin of the patient’s illness and the food source involved.

E. coli Takes the Lives of Two Children in Kansas

Two children in Kansas have died from E. coli infections.  According to the Kansas Department of Health, the E. coli deaths are not related, and health officials have not determined the source of either E. coli infection.  According to a KSN-TV:

It is not known how 18-month-old Tanner Strickland, of Liberal, who passed away Wednesday, contracted the bacteria. His brother also came into contact with it, but will be okay. No other cases in Seward County have surfaced.

The other boy, an unidentified four-year-old, from Chase County, died Sunday.

"He's the only case in Chase County right now,” said Cheryl Jones with the Chase County Health Department. “He has an infant sister that is well and no one else associated with him has become ill."

Jones says the boy’s father is a rancher and because cow manure is a major source of E. coli, she says there’s a good chance the four-year-old came into contact with and ingested cow manure or manure tainted water.

The following is a press release issued by the Kansas Department of Health about these deaths:

e.coli.jpg

The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) is working with local health departments to identify possible sources of E. coli infection. Two children, one in Seward County and the other in Chase County, have died from the disease within the past several days. The deaths are unrelated and were caused by different E. coli serotypes.

E. coli are common bacteria that live in the intestines of animals and people. However, some kinds can cause serious illnesses in people. Among these are kinds that produce potent toxins, known as shiga toxins, and can cause severe bloody diarrhea. Approximately 8 percent of persons infected with the most common shiga toxin-producing serotype, E. coli O151:H7, progress to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a serious complication.

KDHE recommends the following steps to reduce the risk of exposure to E. coli:

  • WASH YOUR HANDS thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before preparing or eating food. WASH YOUR HANDS after contact with animals or their environments (at farms, petting zoos, fairs, even your own backyard).

  • COOK meats thoroughly. Ground beef and meat that has been needle-tenderized should be cooked to a temperature of at least 160°F/70°C. It's best to use a thermometer, as color is not a very reliable indicator of "doneness."

  • AVOID raw milk, unpasteurized dairy products, and unpasteurized juices (like fresh apple cider).

  • AVOID swallowing water when swimming or playing in lakes, ponds, streams, swimming pools, and backyard "kiddie" pools.

  • PREVENT cross contamination in food preparation areas by thoroughly washing hands, counters, cutting boards, and utensils after they touch raw meat.

E. coli can also be spread to playmates by toddlers who are not toilet trained or by adults who do not wash their hands carefully after changing diapers. Children can pass the bacteria in their stool to another person for two weeks after they have gotten well from an E. coli O157:H7 illness.

The incubation period (the time between when a person is exposed to E. coli bacteria until when they develop symptoms) may range from 1-10 days, and symptoms usually lasts for 3-4 days. Bloody diarrhea and stomach pain are the most common signs of E. coli O157:H7 sickness.

People usually do not have a fever, or may have only a slight fever. Some people, especially children under 5 and the elderly, can become very sick from E. coli O157:H7. Anyone who suddenly has diarrhea with blood in it should call or see a doctor.

Fifty-two cases of E-coli were reported to KDHE in 2007; 33 of these were caused by E-coli O157:H7. Kansas' three-year median for 2004-2006 was 48 cases. The highest rate of disease (8.8 per 100,000) was reported among children aged less than five years.

 

Aunt Mid's Lettuce Came from California

lettuce-field.jpgNot surprisingly, Michigan agriculture officials have determined that iceberg lettuce associated with an E. coli outbreak that has sickened people in Michigan, Illinois, Ohio and Canada came from California, which produces the majority of the commercial lettuce in the United States.

The California lettuce was sold to Aunt Mid’s Produce Company, a Detroit firm, and possibly other distributors, who sold the lettuce to institutions and restaurants.

The outbreak first surfaced at Michigan State University and Lenawee County Jail. A Michigan State University student sickened by E. coli-tainted lettuce is suing Aunt Mid’s. Other lawsuits will follow. 

Our law firm is available to represent E. coli victims.  For information, please see Aunt Mid's lawsuit and University of Michigan and Michigan State University (MSU) E. coli lawsuit.

Young Victim of Oklahoma E. coli O111 Outbreak Recovering

feature3.jpgA 20-month-old little girl is recovering from hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), an illness she developed after contracting an E. coli O111 infection. She stayed in the hospital for 12 days and needed dialysis treatment to get her kidneys working again. Her father stated in a USA Today report that “she received dialysis treatment and was stuck with so many needles she thought she was being punished.”

This little girl was part of an E. coli O111 outbreak that health officials associated with the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. According to the CDC, 313 people were sickened in the outbreak. One person died and 17 developed HUS and needed dialysis. To date, health officials have not found a food source for the outbreak.

 

Meat Served at Forest Ranch Fundraiser Tests Positive for E. coli O157:H7

Butte County Public Health continues its investigation of a California E. coli 0157:H7 outbreak that sickened at least twenty-seven people. The outbreak occurred among attendees of an event held in the community of Forest Ranch on September 6. The event was a fundraiser for the Forest Ranch Volunteer Fire Department. The people sickened ranged in age from two years old to eighty years old. Four cases were hospitalized and are now home recovering.

After analyzing data collected from interviews of those sickened and others who attended the event, health officials determined that beef tri tip served at the barbecue was the most likely source of the outbreak.  Butte County Public Health now reports that cultures taken from leftover meat cooked at the event have grown E. coli 0157:H7 which genetically matches the outbreak E. coli O157:H7.  This finding links the beef tri tip to the outbreak.

Butte County health officials continue to investigate how the cooked meat was contaminated.

 

Michigan E. coli: Evidence and Liability

Breaking News April 19, 2010: An E. coli outbreak in Washtenaw County, Michigan has sickened at least 10 people, 2 of whom have been hospitalized.  Most of those sickened live in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Our law firm is currently representing E. coli victims and E. coli HUS victims.  Contact us.

The Michigan E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with iceberg lettuce distributed by Aunt Mid’s Produce Company has sickened at least 35 people in Michigan. At least 6 people in Illinois have also been sickened in this outbreak.

According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, some of the Michigan cases consumed shredded or chopped iceberg lettuce in restaurants or institutions purchased from Aunt Mid's Produce Company, a Detroit-based wholesale distributor. This is epidemiological evidence that associates Aunt Mid’s with the outbreak. 

The Michigan Depatment of Agriculture has been testing Aunt Mid's iceberg lettuce samples and Aunt Mid's processing facility. To date, the state tests have found no contamination of either Aunt Mid’s iceberg lettuce or Aunt Mid’s processing facility.

According to James McCurtis, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Community Health, Aunt Mid’s is still suspected because its lettuce is the only kind delivered to the Lenawee County Jail (5 inmates sickened) and the two restaurants in Illinois where the outbreak-strain of E. coli O157:H7 bacteria was also found.

Legally, an epidemiological association with an outbreak can be sufficient evidence to find liability. This is necessary in cases involving a perishable food product because by the time an outbreak is uncovered, perishable food items are often consumed. This is particularly true in the case of a perishable food product served at a restaurant or other food service facility.  In this case, the epidemiological evidence is supported by the finding of the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 (microbiological evidence) at the Lenawee County Jail and the two restaurants in Illinois.

If you or your child has been sickened in the Michigan E. coli outbreak, it is critical that you contact an E. coli lawyer if you want to be compensated for medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damages. Liable parties could include farms, processors, distributors, a food service company, a restaurant and others. If you retain our law firm, we will immediately investigate your case.

Our law firm has a national reputation in this area, and we handle E. coli cases throughout the United States. We are currently handling a number of E. coli cases, including cases involving hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). To contact the firm, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online consultation form for a free consultation.

University of Colorado E. coli Outbreak

Boulder County Public Health (BCPH) is investigating an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has sickened at least eight people, seven of them students at the University of Colorado at Boulder (CU).  The investigation began September 23rd.

ecoli-clump.jpgHealth officials have not determined the source of the outbreak, but initial investigations indicate that on-campus dining is not related to the illness. BCPH staff is working closely with CU and the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to identify the source of the outbreak and any additional cases among students and the public.

News reports have indicated that most of the students sickened are members of the same sorority.  This suggests that the source of the outbreak is water or food associated with the sorority.  Contact our law firm regarding liability and compensation in an E. coli case.

Illinois E. coli O157:H7 Cases Associated with Aunt Mid's Produce Company

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has identified Aunt Mid’s Produce Company as the distributor of iceberg lettuce consumed by six Illinois residents during late August to mid-September who have been diagnosed with E coli 0157.

The Michigan Department of Community Health has also identified Aunt Mid’s Produce Company as one of the wholesale processors who sold institutional-sized iceberg lettuce to establishments which served 26 people who were diagnosed with the same strain of E coli.

IDPH is working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention laboratory to test persons suspected of being linked to this Illinois E. coli outbreak and to trace-back where the lettuce came from. Aunt Mid’s Produce Company has voluntarily suspended any processing and sale of its iceberg lettuce product line throughout the United States.

For information on the legal rights of E. coli victims, distributor liability and an Aunt Mid's lawsuit, please contact our law firm at 1-888-377-8900 or email attorney Fred Pritzker.

 

Aunt Mid's Lettuce Associated with Multi-State Outbreak

Health officials have associated cases of E. coli O157:H7 with bagged, industrial-sized packages of iceberg lettuce sold to restaurants and institutions by Aunt Mid's Produce Company, a Detroit-based wholesale distributor.  Health officials have indicated that additional distributors may be involved in this E. coli outbreak.

To date, 26 of the E. coli cases are from Michigan, including 7 students at Michigan State University (MSU) and 3 students at the University of Michigan.

lettuce-field.jpg

“Our top priority at the Michigan Department of Community Health is to protect the public,” said Dr. Gregory Holzman, chief medical executive for MDCH. “We appreciate all of the assistance from Aunt Mid’s. They have been very helpful in this investigation. We want to ensure that the public’s health and well-being is protected. Even though the investigation is ongoing, available evidence is strongly pointing to iceberg lettuce."

Liability in an E. coli lawsuit can be complex.  Contact attorney Fred Pritzker with questions about who is responsible for paying compensation to the victims of the outbreak.

 

Aurora, Colorado Home Daycare Associated with E. coli Death and Illness

Last week a 3-year-old boy from Aurora, Colorado died after contracting an E. coli infection. The boy attended an unlicensed home daycare center in Aurora, Colorado. Health officials have focused their investigation on the home daycare center, which has been closed.

According to KWGN out of Denver, health officials have confirmed that another child who attended the home daycare center has an E. coli infection:

Dr. Richard Vogt, executive director of Tri-County Health, said a positive test culture came back taken from a 1-year-old girl. The bacterial illness killed a 3-year-old boy last Friday. Health officials traced the cause back to a daycare the toddler attended. Since then health workers have taken samples from every child who attended the center.

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Health officials have not found the source of these illnesses, but according to the KWGN news report, health workers believe the E. coli outbreak originated from food served at the daycare center. The news report suggests that the source may be “spoilt” food, but that wording is not quite accurate. E. coli contamination does not happen when a food spoils; it happens when fecal matter with E. coli in it gets on or in the food. Spoilage might suggest simply that the E. coli bacteria had more time to colonize.

The Aurora, Colorado daycare may have violated state laws, according to the same KWGN report:

Arapahoe County Human Services have issued a cease and desist order to the operator of the daycare. It was estimated that 21 children attended the daycare on and off. That swollen number broke state laws which state an unlicensed daycare can only take care of relatives and two additional children. Vogt said given the investigation, it is very doubtful that this operation would ever be allowed to operate again.

This appears to be a case where issues of gross negligence need to be explored by an E. coli lawyer. If you would like to contact a lawyer at our law firm, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online form for a free consultation.  We have experience with daycare liability.

24 Michigan E. coli Cases Linked to Cases in Illinois, New York, Ohio and Oregon

Seven MSU E. coli O157:H7 cases have been linked by genetic testing to 17 additional cases of E. coli throughout the state of Michigan. The Michigan E. coli cases are located as follows:

  • 7 students at MSU
  • 3 students at Michigan University
  • 5 inmates at Lenawee County Jail
  • 3 people in Macomb County
  • 2 people in Wayne County
  • 2 people in Kent County
  • 1 person in St. Clair County
  • 1 person in Oakland County

PFGE-ecoli.jpg

Health officials have genetically linked the Michigan E. coli cases with E. coli cases in several other states: Illinois, New York, Ohio and Oregon.

Health officials do not know the source of the E. coli, and investigations are ongoing. According to WILX-TV, however, the source may be food from a commercial distributor:

There's speculation the food came from a commercial distributor, so MSU says, as a precaution, they've removed frozen turkey and particular produce items from their cafeteria for the time being.

Eight of the nine people hospitalized in this E. coli outbreak were MSU students.

Six-Year-Old E. coli Victim Fighting For Her Life

The E. coli outbreak associated with a barbecue benefit for volunteer firefighters in Forest Ranch, California has sickened at least 21 people, according to health officials. Four people were hospitalized, one of them a six-year-old girl.

This little girl is fighting for her life at the U.C. Davis Medical Center in Sacramento after developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that is usually caused by E. coli O157:H7. HUS is the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States, and it can also cause damage to other organs, including the brain.

HUS can cause life-long illness, and patients may need future surgeries and other medical care. These future medical expenses and the future pain and suffering need to be considered when seeking compensation from responsible parties. Contact attorney Fred Pritzker for more information. Fred is representing E. coli victims who have developed HUS and has years of experience in this area.

To learn more about the struggle of this six-year-old, please see the following news report on the KHSL-TV Web site.

Colorado Toddler Dies from E. coli O157:H7 Infection

A 3-year-old Aurora, Colorado boy died from an E. coli O157:H7 infection. Health officials are focusing their investigation on the toddler’s child-care facility, an unlicensed home day care:

Health officials are focusing on a home child-care facility as the possible source of an aggressive type of E. coli bacteria that killed a 3-year-old Aurora boy.

Several other children cared for at the facility have had mild gastrointestinal illness, said Dr. Richard Vogt, executive director of the Tri-County Health Department.

"That's why we are trying to gather stool samples from the children who attended the facility in the last month and a half," Vogt said.

The boy, whom officials declined to identify, died Friday after his kidneys shut down, Vogt said. He developed symptoms a few days before his death. "He was hospitalized in a timely fashion," he said. (Denver Post)

Home child-care facilities are responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary facility.  E. coli is spread through food, water, animal contact or person-to-person contact.  Although there are a number of different ways E. coli can spread, the underlying source is feces.  Only a very small amount (100-200 bacterium) of E. coli O157:H7 is needed to cause disease.

“Because young children often put their hands and toys in their mouths, home child-care facilities can quickly become hot zones for E. coli O157:H7,” stated Fred Pritzker, nationally-recognized food safety lawyer.

The best way for day care workers to prevent the spread of E. coli O157:H7 is to wash their hands.  Bacteria can easily hide under a fingernail or anywhere on the hand that was not thoroughly washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  It is especially important that day care workers wash their hands after using the restroom, changing a diaper, preparing food, or feeding a child.

Other basic sanitation measures that home child-care facilities should maintain include the following: 1) clean and disinfect diapering area and potty chairs after each use; 2) clean toilets, sinks and toys at least daily; 3) cook all hamburger and ground beef until it reaches an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit; 4) do not allow children to drink unpasteurized milk or fruit juices; 5) wash and disinfect all cutting boards, knives, utensils and dishes that have been used for raw meat or poultry before using them with fresh produce and other uncooked foods; and 6) do not let children serve or prepare food for other children.

Child in Colorado Dies from E. coli Poisoning

The Tri-County Health Department officed in Greenwood Village, Colorado has reported that it is investigating the death of a 3 1/2-year-old Aurora boy who died from E. coli poisoning.  Most of the E. coli outbreaks in the last several weeks have been caused by contaminated beef products.

Most children who die after contracting an E. coli infection had developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a sereve illness that can cause kidney failure, pancreatitis, brain damage and a host of other serious medical contditions.  E. coli O157:H7 is responsible for most cases of HUS.

Health officials are investigating this case, looking for a source of the illness.

Beef Tri-Tip Source of Forest Ranch, California E. coli Outbreak

As we predicted, beef tri-tip is the source of the E. coli outbreak that has sickened attendees of a BBQ Benefit in Forest Ranch, California. The BBQ Benefit took place on Saturday, September 13, 2008 at Fire Station 24. 

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Beef processors have recalled millions of pounds of beef products in the last several months. These recalls were all allegedly due to unsanitary conditions in processing plants. In one case, the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service concluded that Nebraska Beef Ltd., a beef processor that had recalled over 5 million pounds of ground beef, had production practices that were insufficient to effectively control E. coli bacteria. "The products subject to recall may have been produced under unsanitary conditions," the government said.

Health officials have not reported names of the processor, distributors or retailer of the contaminated tri-tip associated with this E. coli outbreak in Forest Ranch, California. These parties are all potentially liable to the victims of this outbreak for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of income and other damages.  We are representing several victims of E. coli outbreaks linked to beef products. Contact us for E. coli lawsuit information.

According to the Butte County Public Health Department, at least 18 people were sickened, 4 of them seriously. 

Two people are still hospitalized, one of them a six-year-old child. As happens to many children who contract E. coli infections, the child has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe illness that can cause kidney failure, pancreatitis, brain damage and damage to other organs. As attorneys who represent people with HUS and families of people with HUS who have died, we have witnessed the pain and suffering and emotional distressed caused by this illness. Attorney Fred Pritzker recently spent two days in an intensive care unit with a family whose loved one was in a HUS-associated coma.

If you are a victim of this outbreak or a parent of a victim, please feel free to contact us for a free consultation.  Even if you do not hire us to represent you, we understand that it can be helpful just to have the opportunity to have some questions answered.

E. coli Outbreak Associated with Barbecue for Volunteer Fire Stations

Saturday, September 13, 2008, the community of Forest Ranch, California gathered for a benefit barbecue for volunteer fire Station 24 and Station 23. What attendees did not know was that deadly E. coli bacteria had contaminated some of the food. According to Butte County health officials, at least 13 people were sickened, 4 of them seriously. 

Two people are still hospitalized, one of them a child. E. coli infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe illness that can cause kidney failure, pancreatitis, brain damage and damage to other organs. We are representing E. coli victims who developed HUS and have recently recovered compensation for families of E. coli victims who died after developing HUS. Attorney Fred Pritzker recently spent two days in an intensive care unit with a family whose loved one was in a HUS-associated coma.

Most of the E. coli outbreaks in the last several months have been linked to beef products. One of the outbreaks was linked to beef tri-tip. One of the food items served was beef tri-tip sandwiches. Health investigators have not yet associated this outbreak to the beef tri-tip sandwiches or any other food source. Interviews and tests should shed light on what caused this outbreak. If the beef tri-tip is the source of the E. coli outbreak, the processor, distributor and retailer of the meat may be liable for any injuries caused by the contaminated meat. Contact attorney Fred Pritzker for more information about liability for E. coli-associated illness.

The following is an upbeat report of the benefit barbecue in Forest Ranch found on the Forest Ranch Community Association Web site that is dated September 19, 2008, days before health officials reported the E. coli outbreak associated with the event:

Saturday morning, the air was filled with anticipation as members from the community and Station 24 and Station 23 came together to set up for the Benefit BBQ. . . Inside Station 24, members of the Women's Club were arranging pies, cakes, cookies. . . Members of Mountain Joy Bible Fellowship were busy in the kitchen getting the food ready for the day. Many folks who came enjoyed the Tri-tip sandwiches, hot dogs, chili, BBQ Chicken Breast, veggie burgers and salad. The magic hour of noon came and the event was on underway.

With the Butte County Health Department, we encourage people to wash their hands to help prevent secondary spread of E. coli.

Michigan State Univeristy E. coli Outbreak Update

At least 10 Michigan State University (MSU) students have been hospitalized with E. coli O157:H7 infections. The Ingham County Health Department has reported that 4 additional students may also have E. coli infections.

If the food source of this MSU E. coli outbreak is found, there may be a number of parties that could be held liable for damages, which could include medical expenses, pain and suffering and loss of income. If a specific food source is not found, epidemiological evidence alone may be sufficient to hold parties liable. Epidemiological evidence includes interviews with those sickened, an analysis of food purchased with the sickened students’ MSU cards, and other evidence that would point to a common source of illness.

Our law firm represents E. coli victims throughout the United States. To contact one of our lawyers, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online form for a free consultation.

Forest Ranch, California E. coli Outbreak

According to news reports, health officials in Butte County, California have associated an E. coli outbreak in Forest Ranch, CA with a fundraiser that was held in Forest Ranch earlier this month.

At least 4 people contracted E. coli infections after attending the fundraiser, which was held to raise money for a volunteer fire station in Forest Ranch.

If you have questions about E. coli, please contact attorney Fred Pritzker at 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free) or fhp@pritzkerlaw.com.

10 Michigan State University Students Contract E. coli Infections

10 Michigan State University (MSU) students have contracted E. coli O157:H7 infections. The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is investigating this outbreak.  To date, health officials have not uncovered the source of this outbreak.

Because students make their food purchases on campus with a MSU card, health officials can determine what the students ate and where.  This will provide significant evidence for health officials' epidemiological investigation.  We will continue to monitor this situation.

Ladies' Tea at Bethany Free Will Baptist Church in Broken Arrow, OK May Hold Key to Source of E. coli 0111 Outbreak

As part of the investigation into the E. coli 0111 outbreak linked to the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, Oklahoma, the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), the Tulsa Health Department, and a team from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are investigating an event catered by the Country Cottage restaurant at the Bethany Free Will Baptist Church in Broken Arrow, OK on Aug. 16. According to the OSDH, about 250 persons attended the event. At least 30 of the attendees have reported illness with diarrhea and other symptoms. According to news reports, one attendee at the event (an annual ladies’ tea) has been diagnosed with E. coli.

The number of confirmed cases of E. coli 0111 associated with the Country Cottage continues to grow. OSDH reports that at least 291 persons have confirmed cases of E. coli 0111. Of that number, 227 were adults and 46 were children; the ages of 18 cases have not yet been identified. One person has died.

At least 67 persons have been hospitalized, including 16 who have received dialysis treatment after developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause E. coli-associated kidney failure. Of that number, nine were children and seven were adults.

We are representing a victim of this Oklahome E. coli 0111 outbreak and her family. The victim is a toddler who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). To contact us about a Country Cottage lawsuit, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), e-mail attorney Fred Pritzker, or submit our online form for a free consultation.

Locust Grove E. coli 0111 Outbreak Update

According to the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), at least 231 persons have become ill as the result of an E. coli 0111 outbreak in northeastern Oklahoma that has been linked to the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. Of that number, 185 were adults, 43 were children and the ages of three cases have not yet been confirmed.

At least 61 persons have been hospitalized including 16 who have received dialysis treatment due to the development of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Of that number, nine were children and seven were adults.  One 26-year-old man died.

The OSDH cautions that the number of reported cases and hospitalizations associated with the outbreak are likely to change as the investigation continues.

The source of the outbreak has not been found. Laboratory analysis of the restaurant’s well water found no E. coli 0111 bacterium. Laboratory analysis of environmental samples taken from the restaurant indicated no disease-causing pathogens were found on the restaurant’s surfaces. Laboratory analysis of food samples from the restaurant is continuing.

“We found no firm evidence of E. coli 0111 on food preparation and serving surfaces,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley. “I would caution, however, that it is very challenging to go to the scene of a food-borne illness outbreak and try to retrieve an organism from surfaces that may have been cleaned since any contamination took place.”

“It is possible that any environmental contamination was not widespread in the restaurant, so our epidemiological investigation will continue to focus on what foods may have been contaminated and caused persons to become ill,” Bradley said.

E. coli 0111 was identified from laboratory specimens of patients sickened by the outbreak.

Our law firm has been contacted by families of victims of this outbreak.  To contact us for a free consultation, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online form.

Investigation into Oklahoma E. coli 0111 Outbreak Continues

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH), with the aid of 3 CDC staff, interviewed an additional 310 people over the weekend who ate at the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, OK, from August 15 through August 17.  Over 200 people who ate at the restaurant on these dates contracted E. coli 0111 infections.  One 26-year-old man, a gospel singer, died and several children developed hemolytic uremic syndrome and are on dialysis.

So far more than 1,300 persons who ate at the restaurant have been interviewed as part of the OSDH investigation. The OSDH is interviewing both those who became sick as well as those who did not after eating at the Country Cottage in an attempt to identify the distinction between what might have been a popular food choice versus a valid association with food selection and illness.

The OSDH and the CDC are doing an epidemiological analysis of the interview data. In addition to studying the possible association of illness to specific food items, the OSDH has conducted environmental sampling of food preparation and serving surfaces at the restaurant, as well as some food sampling. Laboratory results are still pending on environmental and food samples.

More Interviews May Lead to Source of E. coli 0111 Outbreak

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) said today it has determined the need to interview about 320 additional persons as part of its ongoing investigation into the source of an E. coli 0111 outbreak in northeastern Oklahoma.  The E. coli 0111 outbreak has been linked to the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, Oklahoma.

According to State Epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley:

In our efforts to establish if there is an association with particular food items and illness, we will be interviewing more persons to find those who ate at the Country Cottage and did not become ill. In an investigation of this scope, it is as important to collect information on those who did not get sick as those who did become ill. We’ve determined that our statistical database does not adequately represent those who ate at the Country Cottage but did not become ill. This information is necessary so that we can make the distinction between what might have been a popular food choice versus a valid association with illness.

The OSDH also announced that the CDC is going to participate in the outbreak investigation:

“This outbreak is of great interest to CDC because it will add to knowledge on the range of disease that the E. coli 0111 organism can cause,” Bradley said. She said federal officials will conduct medical reviews to look at acute symptoms and complications of those who became sick due to the E. coli 0111 infection. They will also assist OSDH staff in telephone interviews.

At least 206 persons have become sick as a result of this E. coli 0111 outbreak, including 149 adults, 53 children, several of whom developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a life-threatening illness that can cause kidney failure, pancreatitis, liver damage, brain damage and damage to other organs. One person has died.

Oklahoma E. coli 0111 Outbreak Update

Many of the persons who were hospitalized as a result of the Oklahoma E. coli O111 outbreak have recovered and are being released from area hospitals. State health officials believe the total number of persons hospitalized at the peak of the outbreak exceeded 50; about 27 are currently hospitalized.

At least 206 persons have become sick as a result of the outbreak including 149 adults, 53 children, and four whose ages have not yet been confirmed. Cases range in age from 2 months to 88 years. One person has died.

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) investigation is focused on the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, OK. Most of the people who became ill reported eating at the restaurant from Aug. 15 through Aug. 23. The 26-year-old man who died in this outbreak also reportedly ate at the Country Cottage before becoming ill. 

Health officials have not found the source of the outbreak.  As OSDH officials continue their investigation of this outbreak, they are sampling and testing food preparation and serving surfaces in the Country Cottage restaurant for any E. coli 0111 contamination. They are also still interviewing people who may have eaten at the restaurant from Aug. 15 through Aug. 23.

OSDH did not find E. coli in the restaurant's well water, which means the source of the outbreak was most likely a food item.

La Clarita Queseria, Queso Fresco (Fresh Cheese) Recalled Due to Possible E. coli Contamination

The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets alerted consumers to a recall of La Clarita Queseria, Queso Fresco (Fresh Cheese) because it may be contaminated with E. coli. The recalled cheese is contained a foil-wrapped, 14-oz. net weight package with a code of Sept. 21, 2008. The recall is of all packages with that code.

According to the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets, a sample of La Clarita Queseria, Queso Fresco made by Queseria La Poblanita in New York City, was tested August 20th and found to be contaminated with E. coli.

 

Oklahoma E. coli 0111 Outbreak Not Caused by Well Water

An Oklahoma E. coli 0111 outbreak has sickened over 200 people.  The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has linked the outbreak to the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, Oklahoma.  Last week, news reports indicated that the source of the outbreak may have been the restaurant's well water.  Today, the OSDH reported "that laboratory analysis of water samples taken from a private well on the property of the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, OK, has found no disease-causing bacteria."

“The well water is not the source of this outbreak,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley. “We are continuing our efforts to conduct microbiological testing of food preparation and serving surfaces in the restaurant, and we continue to interview cases, as we try to establish an association with those who became ill and a potential source.”

At least 206 persons are sick as a result of the outbreak including 149 adults, 53 children, and four whose ages have not yet been confirmed. One person has died, a 26-year-old man, and several children have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome.

“This appears to be the largest E. coli 0111 outbreak ever reported in the U.S.,” Bradley stated. “The complexity of this outbreak and the necessity to be extremely thorough in our investigation means we still have more questions than answers.”

Although health investigators have interviewed more than 500 persons, they have not yet determined the source of this Oklahoma E. coli 0111 outbreak.

For information about restaurant liability and an E. coli 0111 lawsuit, please contact our law firm: call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free) or email attorney Fred Pritzker, managing attorney for our E. coli litigation cases.

Oklahoma E. coli 0111 Outbreak Sickens over 100 People and Kills One

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has notified the Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) that it has identified E. coli 0111 from laboratory specimens CDC has analyzed as part of the ongoing investigation into the diarrheal illness outbreak in northeastern Oklahoma linked to the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, Oklahoma.

According to the OSDH, at least 116 persons have become ill as a result of the E. coli 0111outbreak, including 87 adults and 29 children.

“This is a rare type of E. coli that is not normally found in an outbreak this large,” said State Epidemiologist Dr. Kristy Bradley.


According to health investigators, most of the people sickened in this E. coli 0111 outbreak ate at the Country Cottage restaurant during the time period of August 15 through August 23. The OSDH has not found the source of this Oklahoma E. coli outbreak. Legally, even if a specific source is not found in an outbreak linked to a restaurant, that does not prevent those sickened from seeking compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income and other damages from the restaurantContact our law firm about restaurant liability. To contact the firm, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online form for a free consultation.

Toddler Struggles to Fight E. Coli

A young boy from Nebraska is in Colorado with a serious E. coli infection.  The boy, only 21 months old, became sick on August 10. According to The North Platte Bulletin, the toddler had diarrhea and was taken to the Perkins County Community Hospital, but was moved to the Great Plains Regional Medical Center after becoming severely dehydrated.   At that point, physicians informed the boy’s parents that he was suffering from E. coli, and on August 14, the decision was made to fly the toddler to the Children’s Hospital in Denver. Currently there isn’t any information about a period of recovery for the boy, nor is there any information on how the boy may have contracted E. coli or clues to a source of the infection, which is usually transmitted via contaminated food.

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Serious cases of E. coli infection like this child's usually involve hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), an illness that often develops in young children who have E. coli infections.  Hemolytic uremic syndrome is the leading cause of kidney failure (renal failure) in children in the United States.  It can also lead to pancreatitis, brain and spinal cord damage and other serious conditions.

Although the name of the Nebraska boy is in news reports, we have withheld his name here out of respect for him and his family.

Update Regarding Country Cottage E. coli Food Poisoning

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has issued an update regarding the E. coli outbreak that has been linked to the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, Oklahoma. According to the update:

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has narrowed the focus of its investigation into a severe diarrheal outbreak in northeastern Oklahoma to the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, OK. The OSDH is trying to determine how food served at the restaurant might have become contaminated. The restaurant continues to remain closed while the outbreak investigation continues.

Yesterday the OSDH confirmed that this is an Oklahoma E. coli outbreak. One man has died, four children have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (three of them are on dialysis and fighting to recover), at least 50 people have been hospitalized and at least 23 others have been sickened but not hospitalized.

The OSDH is trying to determine how food served at the restaurant might have become contaminated.  Contact our law firm regarding restaurant liability: 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free) or email attorney Fred Pritzker, managing partner for our E. coli litigation practice.

Oklahoma E. coli Kills One and Three on Dialysis after Developing Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

The Oklahoma State Department of Health has reported that the outbreak that has resulted in one death and dozens sickened is an E. coli outbreak. The Oklahoma State Department of Health's public health laboratory found "a type of E. coli bacteria" in 10 patient specimens tested. (Update: On August 29, 2008 the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported that the E. coli involved in this outbreak is 0111 and that 116 persons have been sickened in the outbreak.)

Four children sickened in this Oklahoma E. coli outbreak have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).  Three of those children are on dialysis.

We are representing people who contracted E. coli infections after eating at restaurants. One person we are representing developed hemolytic uremic syndrome and is in a coma.  Attorney Fred Pritzker spent two days in the intensive care unit with the family.

Antibiotics and anti-diarrheal medicines are not recommended for treating E. coli. Research has shown that antibiotics and anti-diarrheal medicines can lead to the development of hemolytic uremic syndrome.  Although the CDC has issued a warning to medical professionals regarding this, we have been contacted by people who have been prescribed these medications when they presented to a doctor with the symptoms of an E. coli infection.

For information about E. coli lawsuits, restaurant liability, or any other legal help, please contact our law firm: 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free) or email Fred Pritzker, managing attorney for our E. coli litigation cases.

South Dakota Boy Fights HUS

A family from Brandon, South Dakota is learning the hard way about the dangers associated with E. coli. Their four-year-old son was diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, which is usually caused by E. coli.  HUS can lead to kidney failure and possibly death.

The sickened child is currently in a hospital in Minneapolis, fighting his way to recovery.  Although the name of this little boy is in the news, we are withholding it here out of respect for the family.

According to Keloland, the residents of Brandon have recognized the family’s predicament.  The community came together and raised a thousand dollars to help the family pay for expenses.

 

Outbreak Linked to Country Cottage May Be E. coli

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) has issued an update of what appears to be an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has been associated with the Country Cottage restaurant in Lotus Grove, Oklahoma.  (Update: On August 28, 2008 the OSDH reported that the E.  coli involved in this outbreak is 0111 and not O157:H7.) The Country Cottage "E. coli" outbreak may have sickened over 50 people.  According to the OSDH, "At least 17 cases have been hospitalized and 40 or more cases are under investigation. One person has died."

This is up from the 14 hospitalized cases and "20 or more potential cases" reported yesterday.

Although health officials have not determined the source of the illness, epidemiological evidence has determined that "a large number" of the people sickened and the person who died ate at the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, OK.

Oklahoma health laboratory officials continue to analyze specimens taken from ill persons to try to determine if the diagnosis is E. coli O157:H7 infections. (Again, as of 8/29/08 the diagnosis is E. coli 0111.) Signs and symptoms of these Country Cottage "E. coli" cases include diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and severe abdominal cramping.

Our law firm has been contacted by people sickened in this Country Cottage "E. coli" outbreak. It is imperative for both medical and legal reasons for people experiencing symptoms of E. coli to seek medical attention. If you or your child is diagnosed with E. coli, you should immediately contact us regarding the additional testing that needs to be done to connect your or your child’s case of E. coli to this outbreak.

Our law firm represents people sickened in E. coli outbreaks linked to restaurants. We recently recovered compensation for victims of an outbreak linked to a restaurant even though health officials never found the source of the outbreak. Contact us about restaurant liability.

Death of Oklahoma Man Possibly Caused by E. coli

A 26-year-old newlywed from Pryor, Oklahoma died on Sunday from what appears to be an E. coli O157:H7 infection.  (Update: On August 29, 2008 the Oklahoma State Department of Health reported that the illnesses are E. coli 0111 infections.) As a law firm that practices in the area of E. coli litigation, we feel that we have a responsibility to do our part to make people aware of the dangers of E. coli and to advocate for food safety. That is why we started this blog.

When someone dies from the complications of an E. coli infection, we think people need to know. The young man who died, a gospel singer, was a husband (for only a few months), son and friend, and he died of a preventable illness. Although health investigators may never find the source of the E. coli that killed this young man and sickened over 30 other people, E. coli contamination is always the result of unsanitary practices that lead to feces (usually cattle feces) getting into food or water.

If you follow the links above, you will meet a young man with talent and a bright future. We urge you to take action and contact your federal legislators:

  • Tell them that they need to quit just talking about food safety and do everything possible to eliminate E. coli from the food chain. 
  • Tell them either to create one, well-funded food safety agency, or to give the USDA (meat regulation) and the FDA (non-meat food product regulation) the authority and funds needed to keep our food safe.
  • Send them to the links above, to Eric's Echo and to Safe Tables Our Priority, and tell them to meet some of the people whose lives were cut short by E. coli.

Although the name of the man from Oklahoma who died is in news reports, we have withheld his name from the content of this post out of respect for the family.

Outbreak Associated with Country Cottage Restaurant in Locust Grove, OK

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) published a press release today regarding the outbreak of diarrheal illness that has been associated with the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, OK.  The following is the press release: 

The Oklahoma State Department of Health (OSDH) is investigating an outbreak of severe diarrheal illness among residents of several northeastern Oklahoma communities. At least 14 cases have been hospitalized and 20 or more potential cases are under investigation. One person has died.

Disease investigators from the OSDH, Tulsa Health Department, and several northeastern Oklahoma county health departments are looking at all likely sources, including restaurants and specific food sources. Early investigation indicates a large number of persons who became ill ate at the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, OK. The restaurant is working closely with the OSDH to assist in the investigation. No source has been identified.

State public health laboratory officials are conducting confirmatory testing of specimens to try to determine the diagnosis.

Persons who have become ill are from a number of communities including Bixby, Pryor, Sand Springs, Locust Grove, Broken Arrow, Peggs, Tulsa, and McAlester.

Signs and symptoms of these cases include diarrhea, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and severe abdominal cramping. Fever is generally mild to absent. Persons who believe they have symptoms of this illness should contact their health care provider immediately.

 

Oklahoma E. coli Outbreak Linked to Locust Grove Restaurant

One person in Oklahoma has died from what appears to be E. coli food poisoning. At least 14 others have been hospitalized with symptoms of E. coli. The Oklahoma State Department of Health is also investigating at least 20 other cases of diarrhea that may be E. coli.  A large majority of the people sickened ate at the Country Cottage restaurant in Locust Grove, Oklahoma, according to the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

This situation is tragic for everyone. The culprit in this case may be beef. Millions of pounds of beef products have been recalled recently, most if it by one processor, Nebraska Beef, Ltd., a company with a history of sanitation violations.

Although beef is the most common source of E. coli outbreaks, other foods can be the source of E. coli infections, including but not limited to leafy greens and unpasteurized apple cider and milk.

ecoliclump2.jpgOne of our recent E. coli wrongful death cases involved spinach. Another E. coli wrongful death case our law firm is handling involves a restaurant where a goat was slaughtered in the restaurant kitchen.

Legally, E. coli outbreaks involving restaurants can lead to a finding of liability on the part of the restaurant, a distributor, a processor and/or others. We investigate all possibilities and thoroughly discuss the options with our clients. Our goal in all of our E. coli cases is to recover compensation for our clients.  

E. coli victims may seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering and other damages.  In E. coli wrongful death cases, family members receive any money recovered in a settlement or jury verdict. These cases are governed by specific wrongful death laws. In cases involving sickness but not death, family members may also recover amounts for losses suffered, including but not limited to loss of income and loss of consortium. It is important to hire an E. coli lawyer who will take the time to listen to the victim and the victim's family and be able to communicate the extent of the losses to a judge and jury.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims of this Oklahoma E. coli outbreak and their families. If you would like a free E. coli litigation consultation, please contact our law firm:

 

Indiana Warns Against E. Coli Threat

 Health officials have warned residents of Delaware County, Indiana, that the county has had 8 cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection since July.   Health officials have been unable to identify the source or sources of the infections.  Interviews of those sickened has not led to a common food or restaurant.  According to The Star Press,  the Delaware County Fair is being considered a possible target for investigation.

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Animals at county fairs have been the source of a number of E. coli outbreaks.  Cattle, sheep and goats can harboring E. coli O157:H7 in their intestines.  If a human consumes even a small amount of contaminated animal fecal matter (poop), the human can contract an E. coli O157:H7 infection and become sick.  E. coli symptoms can include stomach cramping, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and can lead to a deadly form of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

When visiting a county fair or anyplace that has animals to pet, wash your hands after petting the animals.  Wash your hands again right before you eat.

 

Nebraska Beef Expands Recall

 The USDA’s Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has determined that the production practices employed by Nebraska Beef, Ltd., on June 24 were insufficient to effectively control E. coli O157:H7. According to FSIS, the products subject to the expansion may have been produced under insanitary conditions. Nebraska Beef, Ltd. has expanded its August 8 recall of beef products to 1.36 million pounds due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7. According to the USDA-FSIS announcement:

The total amount of product subject to recall is approximately 1.36 million pounds. The expansion of approximately 160,000 pounds and the clarifying information include:

  • Primal cuts, subprimal cuts and boxed beef produced on June 24, whose shipping containers and labels bear the establishment number "EST. 19336" inside the USDA mark of inspection and the company name "Nebraska Beef Ltd" The products may or may not bear a green sticker.
  • Primal cuts, subprimal cuts and boxed beef produced on July 8, whose shipping containers and labels bear the establishment number "EST. 19336" inside the USDA mark of inspection, the company name "Nebraska Beef Ltd." as well as a 2-inch plain, circular green sticker on one side of the shipping box.

Ground-Beef--Bulk.jpg

This recall is an expansion of the recall that was prompted by an E. coli outbreak linked to Nebraska Beef and Coleman Natural Foods that has 31 confirmed cases on 12 states and Canada.  We have filed a lawsuit against Nebraska Beef and are representing several families. For a free E. coli case review, please contact attorney Fred Pritzker, managing partner for our E. coli litigation practice: 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free) or fhp@pritzkerlaw.com

 

 

Whole Foods Market and Coleman Natural Foods Caught up in E. coli Outbreak

Thank you, Annys Shin of the Washington Post, for your update on the E. coli outbreaks linked to Nebraska Beef and the Whole Foods Market and Coleman Natural Foods connection:

Nebraska Beef, an Omaha meat packer, has been linked to two separate outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 in the past two months. The first triggered a ground beef recall by Kroger's supermarkets. The second outbreak kicked off a ground beef recall by Dorothy Lane Market, a small chain in Ohio. The U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consider these two separate outbreaks because they involve two genetically distinct strains of O157:H7.

Whole Foods initiated the recall after Massachusetts health officials investigating a cluster of E. coli illnesses discovered all seven victims had bought meat at Whole Foods. The chain pulled ground beef from some of its stores on Wednesday. The Nebraska Beef recall was announced late Friday night.

. . . The strain found in the Whole Foods customers matches the strain found in the Dorothy Lane customers and the one found in a sample of Nebraska Beef meat, according to USDA. Dorothy Lane and Whole Foods both bought meat from Coleman Natural Foods which temporarily used Nebraska Beef to process its meat.

What this means legally for Whole Foods Market and Coleman Natural Foods is that they will most likely be sued, perhaps by our law firm. 

Innocent people contracted a violent illness because they consumed contaminated meat that went through a number of hands to land on their plates. Every company involved in the processing, distribution and sale of the contaminated meat is a potential defendant in a lawsuit seeking medical expenses and compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of income and other damages. Contact attorney Fred Pritzker for more information.

Nebraska Beef, Ltd and Coleman Brand Ground Beef. Associated with Cases in California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illnois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia

 An E. coli outbreak that has sickened people in at least 12 states and Cananda has been associated with Nebraska Beef, Ltd. beef products that were sold under the Coleman brand.  As a result, Nebraska Beef recalled 1.2 million pounds of ground beef.

We have contacted a number of the states involved in this outbreak, and the investigation is ongoing.  To date, states involved in this outbreak include the following: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Virginia.

hamburger-patties.jpg Nebraska Beef produced the recalled products on June 17, June 24 and July 8, 2008. The shipping containers and product labels bear the establishment number “EST. 19336” inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as the brand “Coleman Natural.” However, these products were sent to establishments and retail stores nationwide for further processing and will likely not bear the establishment number “EST. 19336” on products available for direct consumer purchase.

On July 3, Nebraska Beef recalled 5.3 million pounds of beef manufacturing trimmings and other products intended for use in raw ground beef produced between May 16 and June 26. This recall also involved some Coleman brand products.   This recall was prompted by an E. coli outbreak that sickened people in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio, and Utah. Read more about the previous Nebraska Beef recall.

We have filed a lawsuit against Nebraska Beef.  Read more about the Nebraska Beef lawsuit.

Another Case of E. Coli Confirmed in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health today confirms another E. coli case linked to ground beef.  This new case brings the total number of confirmed cases in the state to 7.  Investigators found that the seven individuals had eaten ground beef purchased from Whole Foods Markets in July.  The Department of Public Health has since warned consumers not to eat ground beef purchased from Whole Foods Market stores between June 2 and August 6.  The warning applies to all ground beef and ground beef patties from the meat counter and prepackaged in meat coolers.

Interestingly enough, health officials believe these cases are connected with the nationwide recall of ground beef from Nebraska Beef. The beef products have already been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination, but Whole Foods Markets purchased some of the affected products from Nebraska Beef (Coleman brand name).  Officials are looking into why Whole Foods Market sold the products after the recall had been issued. Whole Foods Market has since removed all beef products purchased from Nebraska Beef from store shelves.

E. coli can cause serious symptoms, such as bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and can lead to kidney failure (hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS).  The Department of Public Health continues to warn all consumers to always cook ground beef properly in order to kill any possible bacteria. So far, 5 of the 7 confirmed cases of E. coli in Massachusetts have been hospitalized.  Below is more information on each of the cases.

County of Purchase

Age

Sex

Onset of Illness

Essex

3

Male

7/10/2008

Middlesex

29

Female

7/16/2008

Middlesex

59

Female

7/12/2008

Middlesex

60

Female

7/14/2008

Middlesex*

57

Male

7/29/2008

Middlesex

13

Male

7/11/2008

Middlesex

19

Male

7/13/2008

*Asterisk indicates new case

S & S Foods Ground Beef Recall

S&S Foods LLC., a California company, is recalling approximately 153,630 pounds of frozen bulk ground beef because the beef may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7

The recalled ground beef was sold in 30 pound boxes and was intended for food service and institutional use. The frozen, bulk ground beef was shipped to distribution centers located in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Allentown, Pennsylvania.

Some of the ground beef has been linked by DNA fingerprinting to an E. coli outbreak at Goshen Scout Reservation in Virginia, according to a story in the Wall Street Journal that included statements by Laura Reiser, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service agency spokeswoman:

Reiser said the only known E. Coli cases connected to the meat are from the camp. State health officials said there are 25 confirmed cases among people who attended camp between July 20 and 26. Two campers who attended last week were also infected, and more than 80 people have shown symptoms since the outbreak, said Christopher Novak, an epidemiologist with the Virginia Department of Health.

At least one Scout, a Northern Virginia resident, remains hospitalized with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a complication that can occur when the E. coli toxin enters the bloodstream and that can lead to kidney failure, Novak said.

A box of meat from the Goshen Scout Reservation, near Lexington, had an "establishment number" corresponding to an S&S plant, Reiser said, and E. coli in the meat has been genetically matched to bacteria found in samples taken from some campers. That and other evidence led the agency to recommend the recall, Reiser said.

"Virginia tested products and provided us the information, and then we have our illness investigation, and between all that, we can say, 'Yes, these illnesses [at Goshen] are associated with this product," Reiser said.

J. Michael McMahan, an environmental health supervisor with the state Health Department, said Virginia health officials obtained the box of meat July 28, one day after the department first received reports of ill campers.

In this case, we got extremely lucky that we got a box of product left we could test," McMahan said. "That's really fairly unusual in an outbreak."

The contaminated meat went from the hands of S & S Foods, a California company, to Cargill, a Minnesota company, to a single food service customer, whose name was not released by Cargill. The food service provider for Goshen Scout Reservation was Sodexo, a worldwide food service provider.

The contaminated meat traveled from California to Virginia and landed in meals eaten by boy scouts, 25 of whom have confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7. One scout is still in the hospital and has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Beef From Boy Scout Camp Tests Positive For E. Coli

The Washington Post reports today that beef collected from a Boy Scout camp in Goshen, Virginia has tested positive for E. coli.  The camp, located near Lexington, Virginia, shut down yesterday due to an increasing number of sick campers. At least 18 people who attended the camp two weeks ago tested positive for E. coli.  Epidemiologist Christopher Novak of the Virginia Health Department reports that as many as 67 people from the camp have had symptoms of E. coli infection.

Reports of sick campers started coming in on July 27. Since then there have been 10 hospitalizations, though most have been treated and released.  Officials from the Virginia Health Department estimate that E. coli exposure was limited to 1700 people who visited the camp between July 20 and 26.  Boy Scout officials stopped serving ground beef because of the illnesses, because of its connections to E. coli.  

Beef from the boy scout camp has since tested positive for E. coli.

Three more people became sick last week, even though ground beef was no longer being served. Although the three people have exhibited symptoms of E. coli infection, Novak reports that the three cases have not been confirmed to be E. coli infections. Symptoms of E. coli infection include bloody diarrhea, fever, and nausea, and can lead to a dangerous kidney disease known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Officials are still investigating whether there may be another source of E. coli infection which may have sickened the three people from last week. Goshen Scout Camp has been closed and will remain closed until further notice.

Massachusetts Investigating Six E. Coli Cases

According to The Boston Channel, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is investigating six related cases of E. coli O157:H7. The source of contamination has not yet been identified, but officials think the cases may be linked to beef products.  At least five of the ill patients were hospitalized and reported becoming ill between July 10 and July 16.  Officials also say that the strain affecting the individuals seems to be the same strain affecting 20 patients from other states.  However, there is no information confirming a match among the six Massachusetts patients or those from other states at this time.

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health is working with the USDA to investigate the source of contamination. After working on the cases over the weekend, no source has been identified, but officials are primarily investigating ground beef, and will be collecting samples from several stores. The Department of Public Health is reminding the public to consume only ground beef that is fully cooked (to an internal temperature of 160 degrees Fahrenheit).  E. coli O157:H7 can cause a variety of symptoms and can lead to a deadly type of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Ground Beef May Be Source of Goshen Scout Camp E. coli Outbreak in Virginia

According to the Virginia Department of Health, ground beef may be the source of the E. coli outbreak associated with Goshen Scout Camp.  According to the Wall Street Journal, "the number of people who contracted the E. coli infection has grown to at least 18, with two boys in the most serious condition."  The serious condition is hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause renal failure, pancreatitis and central nervous system damage.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is devastating.  Attorney Fred Pritzker, managing attorney for our E. coli cases, recently spent two days in intensive care with a family whose loved one was in a coma because of E. coli-related HUS.

grubby-stew.jpg

The Wall Street Journal story provides additional information about the Goshen Scout Camp E. coli outbreak:

Christopher Novak, a Health Department epidemiologist, said about 30 employees were investigating the outbreak, interviewing Scout troops and taking stool samples from those with symptoms.

Novak said a possible source was food in foil-packaged meals that included ground beef and vegetables. The camp staple, typically cooked over a fire by Scouts, is not problematic if cooked long enough and at the right temperature, Novak said.

Those who were infected with E. coli 0157, a harmful strain of the bacterium, were a mix of Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts and two people from Maryland, officials said. The sick children ranged in age from 10 to 16, and about 10 required hospitalization, Novak said.

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Six of those were treated and released, Novak said. Of the remaining four, two had hemolytic uremic syndrome, which occurs when the toxin produced by the bacterium enters the bloodstream, he said.

The "camp staple" referred to by the Wall Street Journal is "grubby stew," ground beef and vegetables wrapped in foil and cooked in a campfire.

If ground beef is the culprit, test should reveal whether this outbreak is connected to the outbreaks around the country linked to Nebraska Beef, Ltd. ground beef components.  We have filed a lawsuit against Nebraska Beef on behalf of an E. coli victim, and we are other families whose loved ones have been sickened by ground beef made with Nebraska Beef products.

Nebraska E. coli Outbreak Associated with Pork Sandwiches

A Nebraska E. coli outbreak has been associated with pork sandwiches eaten at a community event. 

According to the Four Corners Health Department:

5 laboratory confirmed cases of E. coli have been reported, with the sickened individuals having attended a common event held in York.  Of the 5 confirmed cases, 2 required hospitalization, no one died.

Vicki L. Duey, Executive Director of the Four Corners Health Department explains that “we are focusing on an event where barbeque pork sandwiches were eaten. There is no evidence at this time to relate these illnesses to food served by a restaurant or licensed caterer.” She reports investigators have interviewed 70 people who ate food from the event. “Twenty-eight have indicated they fell ill after consuming a barbeque pork sandwich, including the 5 confirmed cases, with the individuals becoming ill sometime between July 18 and July 26. The food preparation process may have contributed to the contamination. Because there have been no other related E. coli cases in the region, officials are focusing on this one time event.  The investigation continues.” 

The people sickened in this outbreak should have their medical expenses paid and be compensated for their injuries.  In this case, the responsible parties may include:
  • The organization that sponsored the event
  • The organization that sold the pork sandwiches
  • The retailer who sold the pork
  • The distributor who supplied the pork to the retailer
  • The processor who processed the pork
If you have questions about compensation for E. coli victims, please contact our law firm: call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our Free E. coli case review form.

Virginia Boy Scout Reservation Associated with E. coli Outbreak

The Virginia Department of Health (VDH) is investigating an outbreak of E. coli O157 infection among recent attendees of a Boy Scout reservation located in Goshen, Virginia. In an effort to determine the source of the outbreak, health officials are interviewing staff, the parents of the ill children, and health care providers.

“The majority of ill persons are residents of northern Virginia, although we are aware that attendees of the camp live in areas throughout Virginia, as well as in Maryland, the District of Columbia, and possibly other states,” said Virginia State Health Commissioner, Karen Remley, M.D., M.B.A..

There are at least 13 confirmed cases, all of them boys, according to a story in the Washington Post.  Twelve of  the thirteen sickened boys are from Northern Virginia, and one boy is from Maryland.

Two of the thirteen boys were hospitalized. 

ecoliclump2.jpg“Some people who are exposed to E. coli O157 do not become ill,” explained VDH epidemiologist, Seth Levine. “Others may develop stomach cramps and watery bloody diarrhea. Fortunately, most people recover on their own within 5-10 days - but it is important that anyone who has bloody diarrhea seek medical attention just to be safe. However, antibiotics do not appear to help people get better faster and are not usually indicated. Persons with diarrhea should drink plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration. Drugs that stop diarrhea (e.g., Imodium) should not be used.”

About 5% of the people who contract E. coli O157:H7 infections develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe illness that often causes kidney failure and damages other organs.

Nebraska Beef, Ltd, has recently recalled over 5 million pounds of ground beef components due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7.  The recall was prompted by a multistate E. coli outbreak that has over 40 confirmed cases.  We have filed a lawsuit on behalf of one of the victims of the outbreak against Nebraska Beef, Ltd. and Kroger Co., the retailer who sold ground beef to our client.

Further testing is needed to determine whether this E. coli outbreak associated with the Virginia Boy Scout reservation is also connected to recalled Nebraska Beef, Ltd. beef products.

Unsanitary Conditions Can Lead to Contamination of Raw Milk with E. coli O157:H7

E. coli outbreaks linked to raw milk can be caused by unsanitary conditions that exist during the milking process.  An example of this is a 2005 E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk from a farm in Washington State. The outbreak-strain of E. coli O157:H7 was found in the farm’s raw milk and in environmental samples, including "seven environmental samples collected from the floor of the farm milking parlor," according to a CDC report on the outbreak.

Unsanitary conditions were found at the farm by state health officials investigating the outbreak:

During inspections of the farm, officials from the Washington State Department of Agriculture (WSDA) noted mud and manure accumulation in the entrance to the milking parlor and on the rubber mats covering the dirt floors of the parlor. The bucket used for milk collection had direct contact with these surfaces. Inspectors also noted inadequate hand-washing facilities and improper procedures for cleaning milking equipment and handling fresh milk.

It is critical that farmers supplying raw milk for human consumption keep milking areas impeccably clean.  If not, people may get sick.  And when elderly people and children end up on dialysis and fighting for life because they consumed raw milk, the farmers who didn't take the time to clean up the milking area should compensate those sickened and their families.

Dorothy Lane Market Hamburger Recall

Six people in the Dayton, Ohio area have confirmed cases of E. coli.  Two of those people got sick after consuming hamburger purchased at the Dorothy Lane Market Washington Square store in Dayton, Ohio, according to WHIO Radio.  This E. coli outbreak has been linked to Nebraska Beef, Ltd. ground beef components and so far includes 49 confirmed cases of E. coli in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York, Ohio and Utah.

We have filed a lawsuit in Ohio against Nebraska Beef, Ltd. and Kroger Co. on behalf of a victim of this outbreak.  We are also representing other families.  Contact attorney Fred Pritzker for more information: 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free) or email attorney Fred Pritzker.

ground-beef.jpgIn response to this outbreak, Dorothy Lane Market has asked consumers to bring back unused ground beef products purchased at all of the store's locations (3 locations) with "sell by" dates between June 9th and July 29th. This Dorothy Lane Market hamburger recall involves over 25,000 packages of raw hamburger that used ground beef components provided by Nebraska Beef, Ltd.  This outbreak has prompted Nebraska Beef, Ltd. to recall over 5 million pounds of beef products.

Three More Cases of E. coli in Nebraska

ecoli.jpgThree more people have tested positive for E. coli in Nebraska, according to an Associated Press story.  This brings the total number of Nebraska E. coli cases to five.

Health officials are still investigating the outbreak, but according to the AP story:

Vicki Duey of the Four Corners Health Department says she's looking at whether the food served at a public event held earlier this month may have sickened people. She declined to give specific information about the event or where it took place.

During the investigation, it is valuable to have legal representation. To contact our law firm, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email attorney Fred Pritzker, managing partner for our E. coli cases, or submit our E. coli case review form.


Nebraska Officials Investigate E. Coli Cases

Investigators are looking into two confirmed cases of E. coli in the Four Corners District of Nebraska.  According to the York News-Times, the cases were confirmed by Nebraska Public Health Laboratory, but there is no information regarding specific locations, except that they occurred in the Four Corners District. No source has yet been identified.

Vicki Duey, executive director of the Four Corners Health Department, stated, “We’re investigating to look for a potential common source.  We have no conclusive information at this time. That’s where we are in the investigation right now. But the situation does not present a significant public health threat.  We do not see this as an ongoing threat at this time.”

No connection between the two cases has yet been identified, and there is no information whether or not there are any other cases under investigation.

Beef Cheek Products Recalled

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today a recall by Beef Packers, Inc. of approximately 1560 pounds of beef cheek products because of E. coli O157:H7.  The Fresno, California company discovered the contamination during microbiological testing.

The products bear the following information:

  • 30 pound boxes of “Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, Beef Cheek Meat, Sm Bx.”
  • The boxes contain establishment number “Est. 354” and a “Packed On” date of “07/02/08”

The boxes of beef cheek were intended for further processing, so the products available in stores for consumers will most likely not contain the establishment number information. The affected products were shipped to distributors in Fresno, Modesto, Santa Rosa, and Vernon, California.

Raw Milk Associated with Four Cases of E. coli

Four people have fallen ill in Connecticut after consuming raw milk that may have been contaminated with E. coli. The raw milk was produced by the Town Farm Dairy in Simsbury, Connecticut, and the farm has since stopped the production and sale of all milk products.  Investigators say that drinking raw milk from Town Farm Dairy was a common link.

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Unlike pasteurized milk, raw milk has not been treated to kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli and Listeria monocytogenes.  Currently, 21 states require that all milk products for sale be pasteurized, while 25 allow the production of raw milk.  However, federal regulations by the FDA require that all milk products produced for interstate sale be pasteurized.  According to courant.com, Connecticut allows the sale of raw milk, but it must be labeled saying that the product contains “organisms that may be harmful to human health.”

Town Farm Dairy was originally shut down by its owner in 2003, but was reopened recently by a group known as Friends of Town Farm Dairy.  The farm is also the only one in the state of Connecticut that is a certified organic dairy farm that has retail and wholesale distribution.  The group running the dairy had hired farmers to run daily operations, but the farmers left July 1, leaving the group’s board members and volunteers to operate the farm. The milk was purchased with sell-by dates of June 24, July 4, and July 16, which was during the transition period of the farmers leaving.  The timing of the outbreak questions whether or not enough attention was being paid to the safety of the dairy products during the transition.

For information on legal representation, please contact our law firm:

CDC Updates E. Coli Outbreak to Include Utah and More Cases in Georgia

Updated CDC information on the multistate outbreak of E. coli now includes the state of Utah and more confirmed cases in Georgia.  The outbreak now has affected 7 states: Georgia (4 cases), Indiana (1), Kentucky (1), Michigan (20), New York (1), Ohio (21), and Utah (1).  The illnesses began between May 27 and July 1, 2008, resulting in 27 hospitalizations and one case of a type of kidney failure caused by E. coli known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Investigators first traced the outbreak strain to contaminated ground beef purchased at Kroger retail stores located in Michigan and Ohio. Kroger has recalled all of its ground beef products that may have been contaminated.  Kroger’s supplier was then found to be Nebraska Beef, who originally recalled 531,707 pounds of ground beef on June 30, but then expanded the recall on July 3 to include approximately 5.3 million pounds of ground beef components produced between May 16 and June 26.

The cases in Georgia were traced back to the Barbecue Pit restaurant in Moultrie, Georgia, which also had used ground beef components from Nebraska Beef. 49 confirmed cases have been linked to the outbreak, with Nebraska Beef as the common denominator for supplying contaminated ground beef components.

CDC Updated Information: E. coli Cases in Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, New York and Ohio are Part of E. coli Outbreak Linked to Ground Beef

The multistate E. coli outbreak that originally affected residents of Michigan and Ohio has now spread to four more states.  According to the CDC, there have been 45 confirmed cases linked to this outbreak, 20 in Michigan and 21 in Ohio, which now includes one case in each of the following states: Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, and New York.  In all instances, illness began between May 27 and June 24.

According to the CDC,

Twenty-three persons have been hospitalized. One patient developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths have been reported. Twenty-six (58%) patients are female. Patients range in age from 4 to 78 years with a median age of 19 years.

Ground beef samples from several patients were found to match the outbreak strain of E. coli. The ground beef was connected to Kroger retail stores in Michigan and Ohio, prompting Kroger to recall ground beef sold at their Michigan and Ohio stores. On June 30, Nebraska Beef, Ltd. (Kroger’s supplier) recalled half a million pounds of ground beef. One July 3, the Nebraska Beef recall was expanded to include 5.3 million pounds of beef products.

Georgia E. coli Outbreak Part of Multi-State E. coli Outbreak

The CDC has reported that one case in Georgia is now part of the multi-state E. coli outbreak that has been linked to Kroger ground beef and Nebraska Beef, Ltd. ground beef components.  The first cases reported in this outbreak were in Michigan and Ohio.  On July 15, the CDC reported that Indiana, Kentucky and New York each had one confirmed case.  With Georgia added to the list, there are now 6 states involved in the outbreak.

Our law firm has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a victim of this E. coli outbreak.  To contact us regarding this lawsuit, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free) or email attorney Fred Pritzker.

The Georgia case is one of 8 E. coli cases in Georgia that have been linked to the Barbecue Pit in Moultrie, Georgia. According to the Moultrie Observer:

“This is not a new case,” Southwest Georgia Public Health District Health Director Jacqueline Grant said. “What is new is that the CDC has now determined that it fit their case definition for the outbreak that began in Michigan and Ohio.”

Late Tuesday, Grant said the CDC announced that New York, Kentucky and Indiana each had a lab-confirmed case of bacterial infection that matched the clusters in Michigan and Ohio that had been traced to beef sold in Kroger supermarkets. With the inclusion of Georgia, six states are now linked to the outbreak.

“The number of lab-confirmed E. coli cases associated with the Colquitt County outbreak remains at eight, with four presumed cases,” Grant said. “That number has not changed. The lab-confirmed cases are undergoing additional testing to determine whether they also match the multi-state case definition. Testing results are expected later this week.”

The Colquitt County cases are the only cases related to the national outbreak found in Georgia by disease investigators, Grant said. All confirmed and presumed cases involve people who ate at the Barbecue Pit, located at 311 First Ave. S.E. in Moultrie from mid-June through July 3.

Michigan and Ohio E. coli Outbreak Linked to Kroger and Nebraska Beef, Ltd. Now Includes Cases in Indiana, Kentucky and New York

According to the CDC, the E. coli outbreak that has been linked to Kroger ground beef and Nebraska Beef, Ltd. ground beef components now involves 5 states: Indiana (1), Kentucky (1), Michigan (20 according to the CDC and 22 according to the Michigan Department of Community Health), New York (1), and Ohio (21). The illnesses began between May 30 and June 24, 2008. Patients range in age from 4 to 78 years with a median age of 20 years.

Twenty-one ill persons have been hospitalized, according to the CDC. One patient has developed hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), an illness that can develop from an E. coli O157:H7 infection. HUS can cause kidney failure (renal failure) and damage to other organs. 

ground-beef.jpg

Health officials have linked Kroger ground beef to this outbreak.  According to the CDC:

State health and agriculture departments tested ground beef recovered from several patient residences that was purchased at Kroger® retail stores in Michigan and Ohio. Molecular fingerprinting testing conducted by the Ohio and Michigan Departments of Health and Agriculture Laboratories, in collaboration with PulseNet, the national molecular subtyping network for foodborne disease surveillance, on E. coli O157 isolates isolated from these ground beef samples have confirmed the isolates to be the outbreak strain of E. coli O157.

CDC's OutbreakNet Team conducted a multi-state case-control study in collaboration with health authorities in Ohio and Michigan to epidemiologically examine exposures that would be related to illness. The data indicate a significant association between illness and eating ground beef purchased at one of several Kroger® Company stores in Michigan and Ohio. CDC has provided these results to the USDA-FSIS and public health agencies in Michigan and Ohio.

On June 25, 2008, a recall was announced for ground beef sold at Kroger® Co. Stores in Michigan and Ohio. On July 3, the Kroger® Co. expanded the June 25th recall to include ground beef products from Kroger® establishments outside of Michigan and Ohio.

Kroger used Nebraska Beef, Ltd. ground beef components to make the Kroger ground beef involved in this outbreak. According to the USDA:

Nebraska Beef, Ltd., was identified as a common supplier to those stores in addition to two federally inspected establishments where FSIS obtained a positive ground beef sample that was matched to the outbreak strain.

On June 30, 2008, a recall of 531,707 pounds of ground beef components from Nebraska Beef Ltd. was announced. On July 3, 2008, the Nebraska Beef recall expanded to include all beef manufacturing trimmings and other products intended for use in raw ground beef produced between May 16 and June 26, 2008, totaling approximately 5.3 million pounds.

Our law firm has filed a lawsuit against Kroger Co. and Nebraska Beef, Ltd. on behalf of a victim of this E. coli outbreak.  To contact our law firm regarding this lawsuit, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free) or email attorney Fred Pritzker.

The Failure of Nebraska Beef to Promptly Deal With Contaminated Beef

Now that the health investigators have associated Nebraska Beef, Ltd. with the Ohio and Michigan E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least 43 people, they are looking at this outbreak as evidence that our food safety system that does not go far enough to protect consumers.

The Columbus Dispatch has conveniently drawn up a timeline of events in the outbreak:

June 9

  • Nebraska Beef gets the first word from the U.S. Department of Agriculture that samples of meat from processing companies tested positive for E. coli. According to a company spokesman, that notice said Nebraska Beef was among a group of firms suspected to have supplied the product.

June 11

  • Central Ohio health officials express concern over six reports of E. coli O157:H7 infections in Franklin and Fairfield counties in one week. The cases followed the death in late May of a Gahanna woman who was infected with the bacteria.

June 16

  • Columbus Public Health declares an E. coli outbreak as reports of new cases accumulate and emergency rooms see a spike in visits from patients with gastrointestinal problems.

In central Ohio, the E. coli count jumps to 11.

June 17

  • Nebraska Beef gets another notice about contaminated meat.

June 23

  • The Ohio Department of Agriculture laboratory confirms a ground-beef sample from a sickened resident is contaminated with E. coli bacteria.

June 24

  • Michigan Health officials say many of the sickened people ate ground beef from Kroger. The grocer's Columbus division confirms that its meat was consumed by at least one of the people infected in central Ohio.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declare a multistate outbreak.

June 25

  • Ohio health officials genetically match bacteria found in ground beef sold at a Gahanna Kroger to 33 DNA-linked illnesses, 17 in Ohio and 16 in Michigan.
  • Kroger recalls an undetermined amount of ground beef with sell-by dates from May 21 through June 8.

June 27

  • USDA issues Nebraska Beef a notice of intended enforcement, a warning that the agency issues to companies that need to make changes. In this notice, the department's Food Safety and Inspection Service cited an inability to control E. coli O157:H7.

June 30

  • Nebraska Beef recalls 531,707 pounds of meat used to make ground beef. The meat was sent to companies in seven states.
  • The first Ohio product-liability lawsuit is filed in Franklin County by a New Albany woman who was sickened by E. coli bacteria.

July 3

  • Nebraska Beef expands recall to 5.3 million pounds of meat.
  • The Nebraska Beef recall prompts Kroger to expand its recall to include company-owned stores throughout the country with sell-by dates as late as July 5.

When Kroger ground beef was confirmed as a source of the Ohio and Michigan E. coli O157:H7 outbreak on July 25, Nebraska Beef knew that they supplied ground beef components to Kroger, knew that some of their ground beef components were testing positive for E. coli O157:H7, and still chose to do nothing until June 30, when the company issued its initial recall (later expanded to 5 million pounds of beef).

Arguably, Nebraska Beef's failure to quickly act on knowledge of contamination resulted in more people being sickened in Michigan and Ohio.  An E. coli outbreak in  Georgia (E. coli outbreak linked to the Barbecue Pit) has also been linked to Nebraska Beef.

Nebraska Beef's delayed response during this outbreak has prompted the Ohio Department of Agriculture to make a change in its policies.  the Ohio Department of Agriculture will no longer wait for agencies or companies to make an announcement about tainted products that the department finds.  The department will now only wait three hours (or until 4 pm) for agencies or companies to notify the public of the results before the department releases the information itself.

 

Barbecue Pit Ground Beef Tests Positive for E. coli

Microbiological evidence has linked ground beef taken from the Barbecue Pit in Moultrie, Georgia with an E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least 12 people, probably more. According to WCTV news:

Ground beef taken from the Barbecue Pit, the restaurant that has been the common thread in a Colquitt County disease outbreak, has tested positive for Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157, says Southwest Georgia Public Health District Health Director Dr. Jacqueline Grant.

"We received confirmation that ground beef samples tested positive," Grant said.

. . . There are eight lab-confirmed cases of E. coli and four presumed cases to date in the Colquitt County disease outbreak, which began in late June. All confirmed and presumed cases involve people who ate at the Barbecue Pit, located at 311 First Ave., S.E. in Moultrie.

According to the Southwest Georgia Public Health District, the ground beef was made with Nebraska Beef, Ltd. ground beef components that may have been contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. Nebraska Beef, Ltd. ground beef components have also been linked to an outbreak that has sickened at least 43 people in Ohio and Michigan. Nebraska Beef, Ltd. has recalled beef trim and other ground beef components.  The Nebraska Beef recall involves 5 million pounds of ground beef components.  

hamburger-patties.jpgWe have filed a lawsuit on behalf of a victim of the E. coli outbreak associated with Nebraska ground beef components and Kroger ground beef. For information about this Nebraska Beef and Kroger lawsuit and E. coli litigation, please contact our law firm at 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email attorney Fred Pritzker, or submit the firm’s free, E. coli-case consultation form.

Georgia E. Coli Outbreak May Be Linked to Michigan/Ohio

Further investigation into an outbreak of E. coli in Colquitt County, Georgia, has uncovered a possible link to the Georgia outbreak and the Michigan/Ohio outbreak related to Nebraska Beef and Kroger, according to the Moultrie Observer. Laboratory tests of patients revealed that the strain in the two outbreaks were the same, which establishes a possible connection between the two outbreaks. So far, six people in Georgia have been sickened, with another three probable cases being investigated. The three individuals listed as probable cases have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a deadly disease associated with E. coli infection. Brenda Greene, Southwest Georgia Public Health District Deputy Health Director had the following to say:

“A specimen sample from one of the patients resulted in a match to the same strain of E. coli bacteria in disease outbreaks in Michigan and Ohio, and those illnesses are linked to ground beef. The National Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and state epidemiologists agree that ground beef may be a source of the infection in Colquitt County.”

Moultrie, Georgia E. coli Outbreak May Be Linked to the Barbecue Pit

According to a Southwest Georgia Public Health District news release, the Barbecue Pit, a restaurant in Moultrie, Georgia may be linked to an E. coli outbreak that may have sickened at least nine people in Colquitt County, Georgia. Six people have confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7, and three other patients have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe illness that can cause kidney failure (renal failure) and that is often associated with E. coli infections.

“All of the patients with lab-confirmed cases of E. coli have recalled eating there [at the Barbecue Pit],” said Southwest Georgia Public Health District Deputy Health Director Brenda Greene.

Two of the people with hemolytic uremic syndrome also ate at the Barbecue Pit, according to Greene.

“The two patients with HUS are considered probable and we have some other tests pending that are possible cases of E. coli. Patients are still seeking medical treatment for symptoms that suggest the infection remains active,” said Greene.

According to Green, “We do not have all the evidence needed to clearly point to any one item as the source of the infection.” Even if a specific food is not implicated in this outbreak, restaurants are strictly liable for illnesses and death caused by the food they prepare. Our law firm has had several cases where a restaurant was held liable even though a specific food item served at the restaurant was not pinpointed as the source of the outbreak. 

If health officials determine that a specific food item served at the restaurant was the source of the outbreak, the supplier and manufacturer of that food item, the restaurant and others may all be found liable for illness and death.

ground-beef.jpgAccording to the Moultrie Observer, this E. coli outbreak that has been linked to the Barbecue Pit may have been caused by ground beef and may be connected to an E. coli outbreak in Michigan and Ohio that has been linked to Kroger ground beef, the components of which were supplied by Nebraska Beef, Ltd, which has recalled over 5 million pounds of ground beef components due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7 (Nebraska Beef recall):

“A specimen sample from one of the patients resulted in a match to the same strain of E. coli bacteria in disease outbreaks in Michigan and Ohio, and those illnesses are linked to ground beef,” Greene said. “The National Centers of Disease Control and Prevention and state epidemiologists agree that ground beef may be a source of the infection in Colquitt County.”

Ground beef is used in some of the dishes served in the Barbecue Pit, a Moultrie restaurant that has voluntarily closed as disease investigators attempt to find the source of Escherichia coli (E. coli) 0157 contamination. A common thread among patients with confirmed cases of the disease is that they ate at the restaurant.

If ground beef is connected to this Georgia outbreak, it would be possible to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of income and other damages from the supplier of the ground beef components [for example, Nebraska Beef, Ltd.], the processor of the ground beef, the distributor of the ground beef, the seller of the raw ground beef, the Barbecue Pit and others. A law firm with E. coli litigation experience should be consulted.

Our law firm has filed a lawsuit against Kroger Co. and Nebraska Beef, Ltd. on behalf of one of the victims of the Ohio E. coli outbreak
.  We are a national law firm and represent E. coli victims throughout the United States. 
To contact our law firm about an E. coli lawsuit, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email Fred Pritzker or submit our firm's free E. coli case consultation form.

Several Stores Involved in Expanded Kroger Recall: Fred Meyer, QFC, Fry's Ralphs, Smith's, Baker's, King Soopers, City Market, Hilander, Owens, Pay Less, Scotts and Dillons

As of this morning, there are 40 confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 associated with Kroger ground beef and Nebraska Beef, Ltd., the company that supplied the beef trim, etc. that went into the Kroger ground beef. hamburger-patties.jpgIn response to this outbreak, Kroger recalled an “undetermined amount” of Kroger ground beef on June 25, 2008 because the ground beef may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. On June 30, Nebraska Beef, Ltd. recalled approximately 531,707 pounds of beef trim and other ground beef components because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

Note: Our law firm is representing one of the victims of this outbreak.  Please see our press release about the imminent Kroger lawsuit.

On July 1, 2008, Kroger expanded its ground beef recall as follows (from the Kroger website, www.kroger.com):

The U.S. Department of Agriculture has informed The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) that Nebraska Beef, based in Omaha, Neb., has been identified as the supplier of ground beef products linked to E. coli illnesses in Michigan and central and northern Ohio. The illnesses were reported between May 31 and June 8. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have not reported any additional illnesses related to this outbreak. [Note from Pritzker Law: There have been additional illnesses reported by Michigan and Ohio. There are now 19 confirmed Ohio E. coli cases and 21 confirmed Michigan E. coli cases.]

Kroger has expanded the voluntary recall the Company initiated last week for Kroger stores in Michigan and in central and northern Ohio (Columbus and Toledo areas). [Read the June 25 Kroger Recall.]

Based on the latest information from the USDA, Kroger is expanding the recall to include ground beef products in Styrofoam tray packages wrapped in clear cellophane or purchased from an in-store service counter from the stores described below.

There are various “sell by” dates on the ground beef being recalled due to different Nebraska Beef production dates.

The following chart explains the range of “sell by” dates that customers should check:

Fred Meyer May 21-July 5

QFC May 21-July 5

Kroger stores May 21-July 3 *

(*except Kroger stores in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama, and Knoxville, Tenn. and Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic division, which includes stores in North Carolina, Northeastern Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia. Kroger stores in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Knoxville, Tenn. are not involved in the recall of ground beef in Styrofoam trays or from in-store service counters.)

Kroger Mid-Atlantic May 19-June 6

Fry’s May 21-July 3

Ralphs May 21-July 3

Smith’s May 21-July 3

Baker’s May 17-June 4

King Soopers June 20-July 3

City Market June 20-July 3

Customers who shop at Hilander, Owen’s, Pay Less, and Scott’s should follow the “sell by” dates listed above for Kroger stores.

In addition to the ground beef described above, Kroger is recalling Private Selection Natural ground beef sold in 16 oz. packages that were in the self-service meat case. The “sell by” dates for this product is July 11 through July 21, 2008. The product was available at all Kroger stores (including Kroger Mid-Atlantic and stores in Georgia, South Carolina, Alabama and Knoxville, Tenn.) and Dillons, Fred Meyer, Baker’s, Smith’s and Fry’s.

What Customers Should Do:

Kroger is asking customers to carefully check the ground beef they have at home in their refrigerators and freezers. If they have any products covered in this recall, they should return the product to a store for a full refund or replacement.

[Note from Pritzker Law: If someone has been sickened by the ground beef, DO NOT DISPOSE OF OR RETURN THE PRODUCT. Test may have to be done on the product, the results of which may be used as evidence in a Kroger E. coli lawsuit.]

What Kroger Is Doing:

Kroger has expanded the recall due to new information provided by the USDA. This information links product produced by Nebraska Beef to the illnesses. As a precaution, Kroger is removing all ground beef supplied by Nebraska Beef during the dates provided by the USDA.

The following items are not included in this recall: ground beef sold in sealed tubes in one, three or five-pound packages and frozen ground beef patties sold in the frozen food section of its stores.

Kroger has already begun notifying customers about this recall by placing signs in stores in meat departments. Kroger is also using its register receipt notification system that alerts customers about recalls of products they may have purchased.

Kroger has instructed every store involved in the recall to discard the ground beef products in question and thoroughly clean and sanitize all equipment used to prepare ground beef for sale.

We commend Kroger for taking measures to prevent further illness; however, any measures taken by Kroger does not alter the company’s responsibility to its customers who were sickened in this outbreak. If you or your child has been diagnosed with E. coli, please contact our law firm.

Giant Food Stores Recalls Hamburger Patties Due to Possible E. coli Contamination

According to the GIANT® Food Stores website, the company has recalled Natures Promise 90% Ground Beef Patties with a “Use/Freeze By” date of 7-11-08 because these hamburger patties may be contaminated with E. coli bacteria. The size of the recalled package is 1.33 LB and the UPC number is 20160800000. The recalled hamburger patties were sold at Giant grocery stores and at Martin’s Food Market stores.

Stores are located in Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

Our law firm represents persons who are sickened by E. coli throughout the United States. For more information, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email Fred Pritzker or submit the firm’s free case consultation form.

Nebraska Beef Recall Associated with E. coli Outbreak Linked to Kroger Ground Beef


Our law firm has filed a lawsuit against Nebraska Beef, Ltd. in an Ohio E. coli case that is part of a Michigan and Ohio E. coli outbreak linked to Kroger ground beef and Nebraska Beef ground beef components.  The Ohio and Michigan outbreak may be connected to a Georgia E. coli outbreak that has been linked to the Barbecue Pit in Moultrie, Georgia.

EXPANDED NEBRASKA BEEF, LTD. RECALL: In response to the Michigan and Ohio outbreak, Nebraska Beef, Ltd. has expanded its recall to over 5 million pounds of ground beef components (Expanded Nebraska Beef Recall) and Kroger has recalled an "undetermined amount" of ground beef products.sold at a number of stores, including Kroger stores (Kroger recall).

The supplier of the Kroger ground beef linked to an E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least 35 people in Michigan and Ohio was Nebraska Beef, Ltd., an Omaha, Nebraska firm. In response to the outbreak, Kroger recalled an "undetermined amount" of Kroger ground beef products. (Read about the Kroger recall.)  Nebraska Beef has recalled 531,707 pounds of ground beef components because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

beef-trim.jpg

The potentially-contaminated ground beef components were distributed to a number of states, meaning cases of E. coli O157:H7 in other states may surface that are connected to the Michigan and Ohio E. coli outbreak linked to Kroger ground beef.   

The recalled Nebraska Beef ground beef components were sold to firms that processed the components into ground beef. This means that one contaminated component could have contaminated thousands of pounds of ground beef. The ground beef processors who used the recalled Nebraska ground beef components need to recall any ground beef products that may have been contaminated with the recalled ground beef components.

Our law firm has been retained to represent 20-year-old Zachary Everhart from Pickerington, Ohio, one of the victims of the E. coli outbreak linked to Kroger ground beef.  In a recent interview on WBNS 10TV, Mr. Everhart had this to say, “It was very painful, actually severe abdominal pains for probably a duration of four days.” The WBNS story states:

Everhart said that in addition to having his medical bills paid for, he wants to send a message to those who sell, prepare and process ground beef to pay closer attention to how they clean the food they sell.

 We are privileged to represent Mr. Everhart.  (Read about our recent Kroger lawsuit filed on behalf of Zachary Everhart.) To contact our law firm about legal representation, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free) or email Fred Pritzker.

Recalled Nebraska Beef Products

The following Nebraska Beef products have been recalled:

  • Combo bins of "Coleman 75/25 Trim." The shipping containers bear the case code "38097," and were produced on June 17. These products were sent to an establishment in Colorado for further processing.
  • Combo Bins of "Coleman Plate Navel Combo." The shipping containers bear the case code "38044," and were produced on June 17 and 24. These products were sent to an establishment in Texas for further processing.
  • 60-pound boxes of "Nebraska Beef, Beef Chuck." The boxes bear the case code "10260," and were produced on May 19. These products were distributed to wholesalers in Illinois, Michigan, New York and Pennsylvania.
  • 60-pound boxes of "Nebraska Beef, Beef Chuck." The boxes bear the case code "10263," and were produced on May 19. These products were distributed to wholesalers in New York.
  • 60-pound boxes of "Nebraska Beef, Beef Knuckle." The boxes bear the case code "46140," and were produced on June 9. These products were distributed to wholesalers in Illinois and New York.
  • 60-pound boxes of "Nebraska Beef, Beef Clod." The boxes bear the case code "13060," and were produced on June 9. These products were distributed to wholesalers in Illinois.
Continue Reading...

Two Confirmed Cases of E. coli in Cloquitt County, Georgia

UPDATE TO THE INFORMATION BELOW (July 7, 2008) -- There are now six confirmed cases of E. coli, all of which have been linked to the Barbecue Pit in Moultrie, Georgia.  There are also 3 cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) that may be part of this E. coli outbreak. 

 

This outbreak may be connected to an Ohio and Michigan E. coli outbreak that has been linked to Kroger ground beef and Nebraska Beef, Ltd. ground beef components.  We have filed a lawsuit on behalf of a victim of this outbreak.  Read about the Nebraska Beef and Kroger lawsuit. We are a national law firm and represent E. coli victims throughout the United States.  To contact us, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free) or email Fred Pritzker.


(June 30, 2008 - See updated information above) -- There are now two confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 in Cloquitt County. Several other cases are probable. 

Southwest Georgia Public Health District Deputy Director Brenda Greene had this to say about the outbreak:

"This appears to be a cluster of E. coli 0157, which is one of the most commonly identified disease-causing groups of this bacteria in the United States. Public Health became involved last week after healthcare providers noticed a number of patients from Moultrie were experiencing similar symptoms. Symptoms ranged from stomach pain to bloody diarrhea."

The investigation is ongoing and we are doing everything we can to find out as quickly as possible what is behind the cluster of illnesses. In the meantime, we are urging people to practice good hand-washing and food preparation techniques to avoid this and other types of food-borne illnesses.

Symptoms of E. coli include stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea, which is often bloody. In some instances, fever occurs.

"Most people who become sick with E. coli become better within five to seven days without treatment. While some infections are very mild, others can be severe or even life-threatening," Greene said.

"If you are experiencing severe symptoms, you should consult your personal healthcare provider at once,"she said.

The investigation is focusing on patients who have been hospitalized or treated as outpatients, but is expected to expand to include persons who visited physicians or similar healthcare providers and did not go hospitals, she said.

Those most at risk of experiencing severe illness from E. coli include children, the elderly and people with compromised immune systems.

"As our disease investigators learn more, we will continue to update the community," said Greene. "We are looking for what the patients may have in common. Investigations such as these may take days or even weeks."

Along with looking at whether patients have foods or places and times they ate in common, investigators ask about activities such as swimming, since some disease-causing bacteria are found in water.

"Since we know illness occurs when E. coli bacteria are swallowed, we are reminding the public to take precautions when handling food,"Greene said. "At this time, however, we have not linked a type of food or any specific food item to the symptoms we are investigating."

Pritzker Law is representing victims of E. coli outbreaks.  Our law firm has also recently settled an E. coli wrongful death case where an elderly woman contracted an E. coli outbreak that developed into hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).  To contact our law firm, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email Fred Pritzker or submit the firm's free case consultation form.

Georgia E. Coli Update

In an update to a possible E. coli outbreak in Georgia, one teen has been confirmed to have an E. coli infection.  15-year-old Lauren Hill Bannister is being treated at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston and is in fair condition, according to The Moultrie Observer.  WALB News had recently reported that at least a dozen people in Colquitt County, Georgia, had gone to emergency rooms with symptoms resembling an E. coli infection, but the teen is the only confirmed case at this point. Health officials think the common link might be ground beef, much like the recent Kroger ground beef outbreak in Michigan and Ohio.  Officials are still investigating any possible causes of the infection and are determining whether or not the other illnesses may be linked.

Michigan and Ohio E. coli Outbreak Update

As of this afternoon, Ohio has confirmed 18 cases of E. coli O157:H7 with an additional 4 cases that are probable.

According to the Ohio Department of health, the 18 cases have been confirmed in the following Ohio counties:

  • Franklin (ten confirmed)
  • Delaware (one confirmed)
  • Fairfield (four confirmed)
  • Lucas (one confirmed)
  • Seneca (one confirmed)
  • Union (one confirmed)

Also of this afternoon, Michigan has confirmed 17 cases E. coli O157:H7 with an additional 4 cases that are probable. According to the Michigan Department of Health, the 17 genetically-linked cases of E. coli O157 are present in seven Michigan counties including,

  •  Eaton (one)
  •  Macomb (three)
  •  Washtenaw (four)
  •  Saginaw (one)
  •  Genesee (one)
  •  Wayne (three)
  •  Oakland (four)

Another Possible E. Coli Outbreak in Georgia

Although the multistate E. coli outbreak which is linked to Kroger is making headlines across the nation, there may be another E. coli outbreak farther south.  WALB News reports that at least 12 people in Colquitt County, Georgia, have shown up in emergency rooms with symptoms of E. coli infection. Just as in the Kroger outbreak, the common link so far is ground beef.

“During this investigation, we will see if there is any common denominator in the community, but basically we will like the public to know how to handle ground beef and good hand washing and not to handle the beef while touching any other objects, so that we will stop any of the bacteria from spreading," said Denise Linnenkohl, Director of the Colquitt County Health Dept.

Attorney Fred Pritzker represents victims of E. coli outbreaks throughout the United States.  To contact an attorney with E. coli litigation experience, please call 1-888-377-8900, email Fred Pritzker or submit the firm's free case consultation form.

Pritzker Law Firm Has Been Retained to Represent Victim of E. coli Outbreak Linked to Kroger Ground Beef

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The national food safety law firm of Pritzker Law has been retained to represent 20 year-old Zachary Everhart from Pickerington, Ohio in connection with injuries he received as a result of consuming Kroger hamburger contaminated with the dangerous foodborne pathogen, E. coli O157:H7.

Everhart’s illness was confirmed by genetic testing. The strain of E. coli O157:H7 found in his stool sample matched the outbreak strain found in stool samples from other victims in Ohio and Michigan and from hamburger purchased at a Kroger store in Ohio.

Everhart’s symptoms initially included cramping and diarrhea. He subsequently developed bloody diarrhea and vomiting. He required hospitalization.

Everhart is represented by the national food safety law firm of Pritzker Law, P.A. located in Minneapolis, MN. The firm has been involved in most of the major foodborne illness outbreak involving E. coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, and other dangerous pathogens and has collected millions on behalf of foodborne illness survivors and the families of people killed by foodborne illness.

Attorney Fred Pritzker, who represents Mr. Everhart, has called on Kroger to pay for the medical expenses incurred by him and other victims of this outbreak. Pritzker has also called on Kroger to promptly identify the distributor and producer of the adulterated meat implicated in this outbreak and to quickly release the results of its internal investigation into this crisis. “The public deserves corporate responsibility and transparency from Kroger now that its product has been implicated,” Pritzker said.  

If you have been diagnosed with E. coli O157:H7 from this or other outbreaks, please contact Senior Partner, Fred Pritzker toll-free at 1-888-377-8900, via email at fhp@pritzkerlaw.com  or on the web at www.pritzkerlaw.com.

Kroger Recall and E. coli Outbreak Update

In response to the multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 linked to ground beef purchased in the Kroger chain of grocery stores, Kroger has recalled the affected ground beef.  The recalled product is limited to ground beef sold between May 21 and June 8, 2008 that have a Kroger label.  The product is no longer available in stores, and anyone who may still be in possession of the affected product is instructed to discard it immediately. The product was distributed to Kroger stores in Michigan and in the cities of Toledo and Columbus, Ohio. Read more about the Kroger recall.

The CDC reports that 33 E. coli O157:H7cases have been linked to this outbreak (16 in Michigan, 17 in Ohio).  The CDC also reports that the state agencies recovered samples of the Kroger ground beef, and after having undergone molecular fingerprinting, the sample was shown to match the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7. Read CDC information regarding the Kroger E. coli outbreak.

The Kroger recall is the second recall involving ground beef this month. On June 8, Dutch’s Meats recalled 13,275 pounds of ground beef that was distributed around the Trenton, New Jersey area. The recalled products were packaged between May 27 and June 6, 2008, roughly the same period as the affected Kroger ground beef.  Although Dutch’s Meat did not supply any ground beef to Michigan or Ohio Kroger stores, the two companies may have acquired contaminated beef trim from the same processor or supplier.  

The source of Kroger’s contaminated ground beef has not yet been identified, but the similarities in the two recalls occurring in the same time frame leave open the possibility of another responsible party. Victims of the Kroger E. coli outbreak may be entitled to compensation from a number of responsible parties. Read more about a Kroger lawsuit.

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has already recognized the danger of contaminated beef trim.  Being distributed to multiple companies for use as ground beef, one source of contaminated beef could cause widespread outbreak, such as the multistate Kroger E. coli outbreak.  FSIS has already decided to implement a stricter testing policy for beef trim suppliers to decrease the number of E. coli-related ground beef recalls.

Press Release: Pritzker Calls on Kroger to Pay Victims' Medical Expenses

Health officials have linked Kroger ground beef to an Ohio and Michigan E. coli outbreak. "Whether the source of the E. coli is the grocery store or its suppliers," said Fred Pritzker, a leading food safety attorney, "it is only fair that the retailer pay for the medical bills of its injured customers. The families deserve that peace of mind."

 

Minneapolis, MN (PRWEB) June 26, 2008 -- Fred Pritzker, a prominent Minneapolis lawyer that practices in the area of E. coli litigation, called on Kroger to pay the medical expenses of the victims of the Ohio and Michigan E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has been linked to Kroger ground beef. According to the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), more than half of the fifteen people sickened in Michigan reported buying and eating ground beef from Kroger grocery stores. Moreover, molecular fingerprinting testing on E. coli O157 isolates isolated from Kroger ground beef samples have confirmed the isolates to be the outbreak strain of E. coli O157, according to the CDC. These Kroger ground beef samples were collected from the homes of outbreak victims and had been purchased at Kroger stores in Michigan and Ohio.

In response to these illnesses, Kroger has recalled an undetermined amount of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157. The products subject to recall include all varieties and weights of ground beef products bearing a Kroger label sold between May 21 and June 8 at Michigan Kroger stores and Columbus and Toledo, Ohio Kroger stores. The recalled Kroger ground beef products have a sell-by date between "05/21/08" and "06/08/08."

attorney-fred-pritzker.jpg"Whether the source of the E. coli is the grocery store or its suppliers," said Fred Pritzker, a leading food safety attorney, "it is only fair that the retailer pay for the medical bills of its injured customers. The families deserve that peace of mind." According to Pritzker, other corporations involved in E. coli outbreaks have advanced medical expenses to those injured by their food products. "Corporate responsibility means taking concrete steps to right a wrong," Pritzker said. "It is time for Kroger to step up and guarantee that its customers will not be stuck with hundreds or thousands of dollars in medical bills."

Pritzker also stated that he believes retailers should do more to ensure that meat processors follow state of the art techniques. "It is really up to retailers to demand that the meat they sell is produced under the safest possible conditions," Pritzker said. "Retailers have the market power to change dangerous practices."

Pritzker has recovered substantial amounts for victims of E. coli outbreaks associated with ground beef products sold at grocery stores. "These people suffered unimaginable pain. It has been our privilege to help our clients obtain just compensation."

Pritzker Law is one of the few law firms in the United States that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. The firm has collected millions of dollars on behalf of victims of E. coli poisoning and other foodborne illnesses. For more information, visit http://www.pritzkerlaw.com or contact Fred Pritzker: (612) 338-0202; 1-888-377-8900(toll-free); email Fred Pritzker; or submit the firm free case consultation form

###

 

Kroger Ground Beef Recall and Michigan and Ohio E. coli Recall

Kroger Ground Beef Recall

Today, in response to the E. coli outbreak linked to Kroger ground beef, Kroger recalled ground beef sold at Kroger® Co. Stores in Michigan and Ohio. The products subject to the Kroger beef recall include all varieties and weights of ground beef products bearing a Kroger label sold between May 21 and June 8 at Michigan Kroger stores and and Columbus and Toledo, Ohio Kroger stores. The recalled Kroger ground beef products had a sell-by date between "05/21/08" and "06/08/08." Read more about the Kroger recall.

Number of E. coli Victims Climbs to 32

map_ecoli_june2008_01_tn.jpg

According to the CDC, 32 confirmed E. coli O157:H7 cases have been linked both epidemiologically and by molecular fingerprinting to Kroger ground beef: 15 in Michigan and 17 in Ohio. Onset of illness in these patients occurred from 5/30/08 to 6/11/08. Fourteen ill persons have been hospitalized. One patient has developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). Read CDC information regarding the Kroger E. coli outbreak.

E. coli Outbreak Linked to Kroger Ground Beef

hamburger-patties.jpg

Health investigators tested ground beef from victims' homes that was purchased at Kroger® retail stores in Michigan and Ohio. Molecular fingerprinting testing on E. coli O157 isolates isolated from ground beef samples have confirmed the isolates to be the outbreak strain of E. coli O157, meaning Kroger ground beef has been linked to the outbreak.

Health investigators also found a significant association between illness among case patients and eating ground beef purchased at at one of several Kroger Co. stores in Michigan and Ohio.

Read about a Kroger lawsuit.

Legal Representation

Pritzker Law is one of the leading E. coli litigation law firms.  Lawyers at the firm have obtained a national reputation and have been interviewed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Lawyers USA and other publications. 

To contact one of our experienced lawyers regarding an E. coli case, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email Fred Pritzker or submit the firm's free case consultation form.

Michigan and Ohio E.coli Outbreak Linked to Kroger Ground Beef

Pritzker Law, a leading E. coli litigation law firm, is monitoring the E. coli outbreak in Michigan and Ohio linked to ground beef, at least some of which was purchased at Kroger stores.  Read about a Kroger lawsuit.  People sickened in the outbreak reported purchasing ground beef at Kroger stores.  Morever, according to an Ohio Department of Health press release,  health officials found E. coli with a genetic fingerprint that matched the outbreak strain in a sample of  Kroger ground beef:

A raw ground beef sample provided by an Ohio E. coli O157:H7 case is linked by genetic fingerprinting to the multistate outbreak in Ohio and Michigan. Test results released today verify the E. coli present in the beef sample shares the same genetic fingerprint with the bacteria that has sickened 19 Ohioans in recent weeks. Information submitted with the positive beef sample indicates the product was purchased at the Kroger Marketplace in Gahanna [Ohio].

map_ecoli_june2008_01_tn.jpg CDC reports 17 confirmed E. coli cases in Ohio and 15 confirmed E. coli cases in Michigan.

The Ohio cases involve a number of counties:

  • Franklin (nine confirmed, two probable)
  • Delaware (one confirmed)
  • Fairfield (four confirmed)
  • Lucas (one confirmed)
  • Seneca (one confirmed)
  • Union (one confirmed) cases

Onset of the E.coli cases began at the end of May and continued into early June. Fourteen victims of this outbreak have been hospitalized. Of those 14, “One patient has developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS).”

In response to this outbreak, Kroger has recalled an undetermined amount of ground beef products.  Read about the Kroger recall.

While the E.coli outbreak has only been linked to beef from Kroger, the Ohio Department of Health stressed increased vigilance when handling all foods and has issued guidelines to the public to prevent any further spread of E.coli.  They encourage people to:

  • Wash your hands often, especially after using the bathroom or changing diapers, before and after eating or preparing food and after touching animals.
  • Cook ground beef to 160° F. Test the meat by putting a food thermometer in the thickest part of the meat. Wash the thermometer after each use. Don’t eat ground beef that is pink in the middle. If a restaurant serves you an undercooked hamburger, send it back for more cooking. Ask for a new bun and a clean plate, too.
  • Don’t spread bacteria in your kitchen. Keep raw meat away from other foods. Wash your hands, cutting board, counter, dishes and silverware with hot soapy water after they touch raw meat, spinach, greens or sprouts. Never put cooked meat in a container that held uncooked meat.
  • Drink only pasteurized milk, juice or cider. Frozen juice or juice sold in boxes and glass jars at room temperature has been pasteurized, although it may not say so on the label.
  • Drink water from safe sources such as municipal water that has been treated with chlorine, wells that have been tested, or bottled water. Do not swallow lake or pool water while swimming.
  • Wash all fruits and vegetables prior to eating them.

More Information on Michigan/Ohio E. Coli Outbreak

Update to the Information Below: Ohio and Michigan E. coli Outbreak Linked to Kroger Ground Beef
hamburger-patties.jpgAccording to the CDC, ground beef sold at Kroger grocery stores has been linked with an E. coli outbreak that has sickened people in Michigan and Ohio. Read about the legal implications of this association and a Kroger E. coli lawsuit. In response to this outbreak, Kroger has recalled an undetermined amount of Kroger ground beef products.  Read about the Kroger recall.

More information keeps on piling up as investigators try to get to the bottom of the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Michigan and Ohio.  Although not as widespread as the Salmonella outbreak in tomatoes affecting the entire country, the residents of Michigan and Ohio have cause to worry about ground beef purchased from the Kroger chain of grocery stores. 24 cases have been epidemiologically and genetically linked in the two states, according the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 15 of the cases were reported in Michigan and 17 cases in Ohio. 14 people have already been hospitalized and one person has developed kidney failure related to E. coli O157:H7 infection (hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS).

Ohio officials are also investigating two other possible cases. Officials from the Michigan Department of Community Health also say there are now 15 cases related to this strain of E. coli in the state, 10 of whom have been hospitalized.

More than half of the affected individuals were found to have purchased ground beef from Kroger grocery stores.  One of the infected patients in Ohio had a sample of the ground beef purchased from Kroger, which then tested positive for E. coli O157:H7.  According to an Ohio Department of Health press release issued today, the E. coli in the Kroger ground beef sample has the genetic fingerprint of the outbreak E. coli.

Kroger has been cooperating with state and federal officials regarding the outbreak, but has not yet issued a recall of any ground beef.  All of the cases began experiencing symptoms in late May and early June (May 31-June 8), and Kroger has urged customers to dispose of any ground beef purchased in that time frame, especially near the cities of Columbus and Toledo in Ohio.  Kroger also states that the ground beef during that period is no longer in stores. Kroger is also working with the state and federal agencies to find which supplier provided the contaminated ground beef.

The evidence linking the illnesses together and to the ground beef sold by Kroger can be used in a lawsuit against Kroger as causal evidence that the product was behind the outbreak of sickness. Pritzker Law has dealt with many cases involving victims of E. coli outbreaks and complications that come with it, including deaths associated with E. coli infection and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Contact a lawyer from our firm:

Pritzker Law represents foodborne illness survivors in cases throughout the United States.

Law Firm Calls on Kroger to Recall Ground Beef

Update to the Information Below: Ohio and Michigan E. coli Outbreak Linked to Kroger Ground Beef
hamburger-patties.jpgAccording to the CDC, ground beef sold at Kroger grocery stores has been linked with an E. coli outbreak that has sickened people in Michigan and Ohio. Read about the legal implications of this association and a Kroger E. coli lawsuit. In response to this outbreak, Kroger has recalled an undetermined amount of Kroger ground beef products.  Read about the Kroger recall.

According to the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), more than half of the 15 people sickened in the current Michigan E. coli outbreak reported buying and eating ground beef from Kroger grocery stores. Also,a raw ground beef sample provided by an Ohio E. coli O157:H7 case is linked by genetic fingerprinting to the multistate outbreak in Ohio and Michigan. Test results released today verify the E. coli present in the beef sample shares the same genetic fingerprint with the bacteria that has sickened 19 Ohioans in recent weeks. Information submitted with the positive beef sample indicates the product was purchased at the Kroger Marketplace in Gahanna, Ohio.  We just checked with the USDA-FSIS, and there is not yet a Kroger ground beef recall.  [Update: There is now a Kroger recall.]

It is extremely likely that many people have ground beef in their freezers that was purchased at the Kroger stores purchased by those sickened in the  Michigan E. coli and Ohio E. coli outbreak.  This outbreak has 24 confirmed cases and more cases awaiting confirmation. Fourteen people have been hospitalized and one person has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (kidney failure). An immediate Kroger recall would most likely prevent further illness.

We call on Kroger to recall all ground beef that may be contaminated. It is the company’s corporate responsibility to prevent further illness.

To contact Fred Pritzker, managing attorney for our E. coli litigation cases, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email Fred Pritzker or submit the firm's free case consultation form (reviewed by Fred Pritzker).

Ground Beef E. coli Outbreak in Michigan and Ohio

Update to the Information Below: Ohio and Michigan E. coli Outbreak Linked to Kroger Ground Beef
hamburger-patties.jpgAccording to the CDC, ground beef sold at Kroger grocery stores has been linked with an E. coli outbreak that has sickened people in Michigan and Ohio. Read about the legal implications of this association and a Kroger E. coli lawsuit. In response to this outbreak, Kroger has recalled an undetermined amount of Kroger ground beef products.  Read about the Kroger recall.

Information from the CDC regarding the investigation of the Ohio and Michigan E. coli outbreak associated with ground beef, including ground beef sold at Kroger grocery store:

State departments of health and agriculture in Michigan and Ohio, CDC, and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections. map_ecoli_june2008_01_tn.jpgBased on this investigation, 24 confirmed cases have been linked both epidemiologically and by molecular fingerprinting to this outbreak, 11 in Michigan (Michigan E. coli) and 13 in Ohio (Ohio E. coli). Onset of illness in these patients occurred in late May and early June. Fourteen ill persons have been hospitalized. One patient has developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths have been reported. Thirteen (54%) of patients are female. Patients range in age from 9 to 78 years with a median age of 22.5 years.

For information about grocery store liability, E. coli cases involving ground beef, money damages in an E. coli case, compensation for pain and suffering and E. coli and HUS, please contact our law firm.  An attorney can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free).  If you would prefer, you can email our law firm or submit our free case consultation form.

Michigan E. coli Outbreak Associated with Kroger Ground Beef

Update to the Information Below: Ohio and Michigan E. coli Outbreak Linked to Kroger Ground Beef
hamburger-patties.jpgAccording to the CDC, ground beef sold at Kroger grocery stores has been linked with an E. coli outbreak that has sickened people in Michigan and Ohio. Read about the legal implications of this association and a Kroger E. coli lawsuit. In response to this outbreak, Kroger has recalled an undetermined amount of Kroger ground beef products.  Read about the Kroger recall.

According to the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), ground beef sold at Kroger grocery stores has been associated with a Michigan E. coli outbreak that has sickened people in Michigan and OhioThe MDCH has stated that more than half of the 15 people sickened in Michigan reported buying and eating ground beef from Kroger. This epidemiological evidence of the source of the Michigan E. coli outbreak has legal implications for a possible Kroger E. coli lawsuit.

When epidemiological evidence associates ground beef sold at a grocery store with an E. coli outbreak, that epidemiological evidence can be used by an E. coli lawyer to seek compensation for victims of the E. coli outbreak. Our law firm has successfully used epidemiological to successfully prove “causation,” an element of an E. coli lawsuit that looks at whether the suspected food product was the actual cause of the victim’s E. coli infection and related complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is one of the leading causes of kidney failure (renal failure).

We have recovered compensation for victims of E. coli outbreaks involving ground beef sold at grocery stores. We have also recently recovered amounts for families of people who died from E. coli and HUS

Contact a Pritzker Law lawyer:

Pritzker Law represents foodborne illness survivors in cases throughout the United States.

New Testing Policy for Beef Trim

Ohio and Michigan E. coli Outbreak Associated with Kroger Ground Beef
June 26, 2008 (update to information below): According to the CDC, ground beef sold at Kroger grocery stores has been linked to an E. coli outbreak that has sickened people in Michigan and Ohio. Read about the legal implications of this association and a Kroger E. coli lawsuit.
In response to this outbreak, Kroger has recalled an undetermined amount of ground beef products.  Read about the Kroger recall.

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced that it will begin a new type of follow-up testing at establishments that supply trim and other components of raw ground beef. According to the FSIS:

FSIS will conduct the new follow-up testing in response to positive E. coli O157:H7 findings in receiving establishments’ testing programs (including results from laboratories with which the establishments have contracted). FSIS is developing this new program in response to the increased positive findings for E. coli O157:H7 and the increase in recalls associated with E. coli O157:H7 in 2007.

. . . To assess how much follow-up testing FSIS may need to conduct under this new policy, inspection program personnel are to collect information from receiving establishments’ testing programs about E. coli O157:H7 positive or presumptive positive test results for incoming raw ground beef products, beef manufacturing trimmings, and other raw ground beef or beef patty components. Inspection program personnel are to collect information on test results for such product that the receiving establishment did not co-mingle or further process before collecting the sample. The Agency is looking for results that reflect product from a single supplier that has not been further processed.

. . . For purposes of this notice, a test is considered presumptive positive when microbiological analysis indicates the strong possibility that E. coli O157:H7 is present, but additional steps are needed to confirm the presence or absence of the organism.

beef-trim.jpg

An E. coli outbreak in Ohio and Michigan has been associated with ground beef.  A recall of meat by Dutch's Meat, a New Jersey firm, may be a key to finding the source of the Ohio and Michigan outbreak.  Dutch's Meat recalled over 13,000 pounds of ground beef because routine testing found E. coli contamination.  The recalled meat was not distributed in Ohio or Michigan, according to Dutch's Meat, but the supplier of the ground beef components (beef trim, etc) used by Dutch's Meat may have distributed contaminated components (beef trim, etc) to another processor that did distribute ground beef to Ohio and Michigan. Stated another way, the possible scenario, according to Dutch's Meat, is that one supplier of beef trim and other beef products used to make ground beef distributed contaminated beef products (beef trim, etc) to Dutch's Meat and one or more other companies that grind beef products into ground beef. 

Because contaminated ground beef is usually caused by contaminated beef products used to make the ground beef, additional testing of these ground beef components (beef trim, etc) is a step in the right direction.

If you have been sickened by E. coli, an E. coli lawyer can help you recover money damages.  To contact a lawyer at our law firm that has extensive E. coli litigation experience, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email Fred Pritzker or submit our free case consultation form.

45 E. coli Cases in Michigan and Ohio May Be Associated with Ground Beef

Update to the Information Below: Ohio and Michigan E. coli Outbreak Linked to Kroger Ground Beef
hamburger-patties.jpgWe have filed a lawsuit on behalf of a victim of this E. coli outbreak.  The defendants in the case are Kroger Co. and Nebraska Beef, Ltd.  Please read our press release regarding this Nebraska Beef and Kroger lawsuit.  Contact us for more information: 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free) or email Fred Pritzker.

Health officials in Michigan and Ohio are investigating 45 cases of E. coli O157:H7, some of which have matching genetic fingerprints, which means the cases were most likely caused by the same source. 

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is investigating 16 cases of E. coli O157:H7. So far, genetic fingerprinting has linked 10 of the 16 cases. The Ohio counties reporting cases at this time include the following:

  • Delaware (one confirmed)
  • Fairfield (three confirmed; one probable)
  • Lucas (one confirmed)
  • Seneca (one confirmed)

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) is investigating 29 cases of E. coli O157:H7. Some of these Michigan E. coli cases have the same genetic fingerprint as the 10 Ohio cases.

Ground-Beef--Bulk.jpg

According to MDCH, the source of this E. coli O157:H7 outbreak is most likely ground beef:

Although the investigation is ongoing, early laboratory results, including DNA analysis of the bacteria, indicate that several of the illnesses may be linked, suggesting a common food source. Preliminary information collected from patients indicates ground beef is most likely the source.
When the source of an E. coli outbreak is ground beef, one thing is certain: feces (usually cow manure) got into the meat. Ground beef contaminated with E. coli is considered adulterated. If adulterated food causes injury, the injured person can sue responsible parties for compensation.

Our lawyers represent victims of E. coli outbreaks throughout the United States and have been interviewed by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, a number of TV stations and others. If you would like to talk to one of our experienced lawyers about your case, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free). If you call after business hours, leave a message for our on-call attorney, and he will contact you as soon as possible, usually within a few hours. Alternatively, you can email our lawyers or submit our free case consultation form.

Ground Beef Most Likely Source of Michigan E. coli Infections

Update to the Information Below: Ohio and Michigan E. coli Outbreak Linked to Kroger Ground Beef
hamburger-patties.jpgAccording to the CDC, ground beef sold at Kroger grocery stores has been linked with an E. coli outbreak that has sickened people in Michigan and Ohio. Read about the legal implications of this association and a Kroger E. coli lawsuit. In response to this outbreak, Kroger has recalled an undetermined amount of Kroger ground beef products.  Read about the Kroger recall.

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and several local health departments are investigating an increase in the number of illnesses related to the bacteria E. coli O157:H7. MDCH has received reports of 29 cases of infection so far in the month of June.  At least 10 E. coli cases in Ohio are part of this outbreak.  Health officials are investigating 45 cases in Michigan and Ohio that may be part of this E. coli outbreak.

According to the MDCH:
Although the investigation is ongoing, early laboratory results, including DNA analysis of the bacteria, indicate that several of the illnesses may be linked, suggesting a common food source. Preliminary information collected from patients indicates ground beef is most likely the source.
ground-beef.jpgE. coli O157:H7 lives in the intestines of healthy cattle and is present in their manure. When these cattle go to slaughter, unsanitary conditions in the slaughterhouse can lead to contamination of meat with the cattle manure. Sometimes the intestines of an animal are accidentally cut open, allowing the contents to contaminate exposed meat.

E. coli O157:H7 that has contaminated the outside of meat during slaughter can become thoroughly mixed within meat during grinding. Even a small amount of E. coli O157:H7 can contaminate hundreds of pounds of ground beef.  As a result, ground beef has been responsible for numerous E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks.

Our law firm represents victims of E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks throughout the United States.  When someone contracts an E. coli infection associated with ground beef, a number of parties may be responsible:
  • The slaughterhouse
  • The processor of the ground beef
  • The distributor of the ground beef product
  • A retailer
  • A restaurant
  • A school or other food service provider

To determine who can be pursued for compensation and how much compensation to seek, an E. coli lawyer needs to thoroughly review the facts of the case.  To contact a lawyer with E. coli litigation experience, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email our lawyers or submit our free case consultation form.

Update on Ohio E. coli Outbreak

Update to the Information Below: Ohio and Michigan E. coli Outbreak Linked to Kroger Ground Beef
hamburger-patties.jpgAccording to the CDC, ground beef sold at Kroger grocery stores has been linked with an E. coli outbreak that has sickened people in Michigan and Ohio. Read about the legal implications of this association and a Kroger E. coli lawsuit. In response to this outbreak, Kroger has recalled an undetermined amount of Kroger ground beef products.  Read about the Kroger recall.

ecoliclump2.jpg
The Ohio Department of Health is investigating at least 11 cases of E. coli.  Three of the cases are linked genetically, and health officials are awaiting test results to determine if any of the other cases are related.  Medical professionals are reporting a number of patients with symptoms of E. coli

The E. coli cases are spread throughout central Ohio, meaning the source is most likely a food product.  To find the source of an outbreak, health officials interview those who were sickened and their families.  If most of the people who were sickened ate at the same restaurant and/or ate the same food, this is epidemiological evidence of the source of the outbreak.

The source of most foodborne E. coli outbreaks is ground beef or leafy greens, particularly spinach and lettuce.  An E. coli outbreak in the state of  Washington has been associated with commercial, bagged romaine lettuce.  In every E. coli outbreak the underlying issue is bad sanitation. 

If you have been sickened by E. coli, contact our law firm, one of the few law firms in the nation that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation.  To contact an attorney at our office, please call 1-888-377-8900 or submit our online consultation form.

Ohio E. coli Cases May Be Connected

Update to the Information Below: Ohio and Michigan E. coli Outbreak Linked to Kroger Ground Beef
hamburger-patties.jpgAccording to the CDC, ground beef sold at Kroger grocery stores has been linked with an E. coli outbreak that has sickened people in Michigan and Ohio. Read about the legal implications of this association and a Kroger E. coli lawsuit. In response to this outbreak, Kroger has recalled an undetermined amount of Kroger ground beef products.  Read about the Kroger recall.


Several cases of E. coli in central Ohio may be connected.  Seven cases were reported to three counties in July:
  • Delaware County (1)
  • Fairfield (3)
  • Franklin (3)
Because these cases were reported within a short period of time, health officials believe they may be connected.  According to a story in the Columbus Dispatch, the most recent case of E. coli involved a woman who was hospitalized for three days:
A 55-year-old Delaware County woman who was hospitalized for three days with an E. coli infection brings the total number of central Ohio cases reported since June 4 to seven.

The woman is now home and has been interviewed about what and where she ate prior to the infection, said Jesse Carter, spokesman for the Delaware General Health District.

Health officials are also looking into the May 27 death of a Gahanna woman who had been hospitalized with an E. coli infection, according to the Columbus Dispatch story. 

E. coli can be spread through contaminated food or water, animal contact, or person-to-person contact.  Recent foodborne outbreaks of E. coli infections have involved spinach, lettuce and ground beef.  An E. coli outbreak in Washington State has been associated with bagged, commercial romaine lettuce.

E. coli Outbreaks in Minnesota Often Associated with Daycare Centers: Recent Wonder World Preschool E. coli Outbreak Sickens 8 Children

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, eight children who attend Wonder World Preschool have lab-confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7.  At least one of the children has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a complication of an E. coli infection that can lead to kidney failure and death. 

Young children are a high-risk group for developing serious complications from E. coli infections.  Most of the people who develop HUS in Minnesota and throughout the United States are children under 5.

As Minnesota E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzker stated in a recent law firm press release regarding the Wonder World Preschool E. coli outbreak:
Because young children often put their hands and toys in their mouths, preschools and daycare centers can quickly become hot zones for E. coli. Daycare facilities should know this and take affirmative steps to prevent the spread of E. coli.
Minnesota has a history of E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks associated with daycare centers:
  • 2005: One daycare-associated outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 resulted in seven confirmed cases and two cases of HUS. The route of transmission was likely person-to-person.
  • 2004: Three daycare-associated outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 resulted in a total of 14 laboratory-confirmed cases (four to six cases per daycare). The route of transmission for all three outbreaks was likely person-to-person. There were no associated cases of HUS.
  • 2003: One daycare-associated outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 resulted in three confirmed cases.  The route of transmission was likely person-to-person.
  • 2001: Three daycare-associated outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 resulted in 33 cases (27 of the cases in one daycare) and five cases of HUS, including one death. The route of transmission was likely person-to-person (Minnesota Department of Health E. coli O157:H7 and HUS Statistics).
We are a Minnesota law firm that practices extensively in the area of E. coli litigation.  If your child was sickened in this Minnesota E. coli outbreak associated with Wonder World Preschool, you can contact one of our experienced E. coli lawyers at 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free). If you prefer, you can email our lawyers or submit our free case consultation form. Our offices are located at Plaza VII, Suite 2950, 45 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402.  We are available to meet with you in Slayton to discuss your case.

Foodborne Outbreaks Associated with Leafy Greens

lettuce.jpg

This year at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases, one of the topics was foodborne outbreaks in the United States associated with leafy greens.  A leafy-green-associated foodborne outbreak was defined as two or more illnesses due to the consumption of a single leafy green food item (lettuce, cabbage, mesclun mix, spinach) or a salad item containing one or more leafy greens. According to CDC data, of 10,421 foodborne outbreaks reported during 1973-2006, 502 (4.8%) outbreaks, 18,242 (6.5%) illnesses, and 15 (4.0%) deaths were associated with leafy greens. Norovirus was responsible for 196 (58.3%) outbreaks; Salmonella, 35 (10.4%) outbreaks; and E. coli O157:H7, 30 (8.9%).

The following is some additional information from the conference regarding leafy-green-associated foodborne illness:

  • The median size of leafy green-associated outbreaks (18 illnesses) was twice the median size of non-leafy green-associated outbreaks.
  • During 1986-1995, U.S. leafy green consumption increased 17.2% from the previous decade. During the same period, the proportion of all FBDO due to leafy greens increased 59.6%.
  • During 1996-2005 leafy green consumption increased 9.0% and leafy green-associated outbreaks increased 38.6%.
  • In 296 (69.4%) outbreaks, leafy greens were served at a restaurant.
  • 11 (2.2%) involved cases in multiple states.

From 1986 through 2005, the number of leafy-green-associated foodborne outbreaks associated with lettuce rose at a much higher rate than can be accounted for by an increase in leafy green consumption. Over half of the leafy-green-associated foodborne outbreaks involved restaurants. 

In May there was a lettuce-associated E. coli outbreak in the state of Washington. As with most of the previous leafy-green-associated foodborne outbreaks, the lettuce was served at a restaurant and other eating establishments (in this case, a school cafeteria). Read our press release entitiled, “E. coli Outbreak Associated with Lettuce Prompts Call for Better Sanitation.”

New Jersey Ground Beef Recall

ground-beef.jpgJune 21 update to the information below: An E. coli outbreak in Michigan and Ohio may be connected to this recall.  Please do not eat any of this recalled meat.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service issued a recall on June 8th involving 13, 275 pounds of ground beef sold by Dutch's Meat, Inc. of Trenton, New Jersey.  The meat may have become contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. 

The following products have been recalled:
  • 10-pound plastic bags of "Dutch's Meats, Inc., Ground Beef."
  • 10-pound vacuum-packed plastic bags of "Dutch's Meats, Inc., Ground Beef."
  • 10-pound boxes of Dutch's Meats, Inc., Hamburger Patties."
The recalled products were packaged froom May 27, 2008 though June 6, 2008.  The packages bear the establishment number "EST. 5424." 

These ground beef products were distributed to restaurants and food service institutions in the Trenton, N.J., area. These ground beef products were not available to consumers for direct purchase in retail locations.

The potential contaminate was found by routine FSIS testing.  No illnesses have yet been reported.  If you have eaten recalled Dutch's Meats ground beef and have symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection such as bloody diarrhea, watery diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, abdominal cramps, and possible low grade fever, you should consult a doctor immediately.  Save any uneaten ground beef for evidence.

E. coli Outbreak at Slayton Minnesota Day Care Highlights Care Issues

Day cares are frequent sources of E. coli outbreaks.  An E. coli outbreak at the Wonder World Preschool in Slayton, Minnesota has led to 3 confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7. 13 other children have shown symptoms of an infection and are being tested.  One child has been hospitalized and is showing signs of hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication of E. coli O157:H7 infections that is the leading cause of acute kidney failure in children.  Read our press release regarding this outbreak entitled, "Preschools and Day Care Centers Can Become Hot Zones for E. coli."

The parents of sickened children should contact an E. coli lawyer immediately.  Compensation in an E. coli lawsuit could include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and emotional distress. 

Preschools are responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary facilityE. coli is spread through food, water, animal contact or person-to-person contact.  Although there are a number of different ways it can spread, the underlying source is feces.  If a worker changes a diaper or wipes a bottom and then does not wash his or her hands adequately, E. coli bacterium could be transfered from the worker's hands to the mouth of a little child.  Only a very small amount (100-200 bacterium) of E. coli O157:H7 is needed to cause disease.  

It is very important that children with symptoms of an E. coli O157:H7 infection are not taken to a day care facility. Symptoms of an E. coli O157:H7 infection are:
  • Watery diarrhea
  • Stomach cramps
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Low-grade fever (10-20% of cases)
  • Visibly bloody diarrhea
Children are considered contagious until TWO stool samples are taken that are free of E. coli O157:H7.  A recent study found that four out of five children who have a negative stool sample test positive in a subsequent test.

The best way for day care workers, parents, and children to prevent the spread of E. coli O157:H7 is to wash their hands.  Bacteria can easily hide under a fingernail or anywhere on the hand that was not thoroughly washed with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.  It is especially important that day care workers wash their hands after using the restroom, changing a diaper, preparing food, or feeding a child.    

Topps E. coli Outbreak Update

topps-hamburgers2.jpgIn 2007, Topps Meat Company, LLC, recalled 21.7 million pounds of frozen hamburger patties that health officials had linked to an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak. At least 40 people were sickened, some with a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome.

An Associated Press story highlights some of the problems at the Topps plant that health officials believe may have contributed to the E. coli O157:H7 contamination:

  • Beef ground one day was often stored and “reworked” with meat from another production cycle
  • A conveyor belt that moved raw patties to packaging was marred by "gouges, cracks and tears"
  • [Inspectors] found residue on surfaces that fresh meat came into contact with
  • [Topps] cut back on testing for the dangerous pathogen and disregarded sanitary issues
  • Federal food inspectors overlooked crucial evidence that Topps used risky processing procedures and operated under a flawed food safety plan

Kenneth Petersen, head of the national Office of Field Operations for the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), was sited by the Associated Press as saying, "Clearly, something was missed at Topps" and that Topps became “complacent.”

Continue Reading...

Washington E. coli Scare is Latest Produce-Related Outbreak

The recent Washington State E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that left 10 people ill, several requiring brief hospitalization, was officially linked to commercial romaine lettuce and is the most recent scare that has left people uncertain about the safety of leafy greens. 

High-profile lettuce-associated outbreaks in the past few years have helped to draw attention to the impact a produce-related outbreak can have.  A large outbreak in September, 2006 linked to Dole Pre-Packaged Spinach resulted in 205 confirmed cases and three deaths. 

The late 2006 outbreak at Taco Bell restaurants in Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania was linked by the FDA to shredded iceberg lettuce.  The Taco Bell outbreak left 71 people confirmed ill, 53 hospitalized and 8 who developed the severe complication of hemolytic uremic syndrome.

In November and December of 2006, another E. coli O157:H7 oubreak at Taco John's left 81 sick in Minnesota and Wisconsin.  Twenty-six victims were hospitalized and two developed hemolytic uremic syndrome.  This outbreak was linked to iceberg lettuce grown on Wegis Ranch in Buttonwillow, California. 

As a consumer, the best thing to do to prevent produce related illness is to cook produce before it is consumed to ensure any pathogens are killed.  But as most people don't like cooked salad, all that can be done by the consumer is to thoroughly wash leafy greens with running water before they are consumed.  However, only 100-200 E. coli O157:H7 bacterium are required to cause infection, so it is highly unlikely that simple washing of produce can prevent the spread of infection.  For more information, please see our page on food poisoning prevention.

Washington State E. coli Outbreak Linked to Romaine Lettuce

Washington State Health Department officials have implicated commercial, bagged romaine lettuce as the source of a recent E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Pierce and Thurston counties.  DNA fingerprinting confirmed that the E. coli cases were connected.  Dr. Marcia Goldoft, Acting Epidemiologist of the Washington  Department. of Health said that "This is a product that will be at a restaurant, a cafeteria or a food vendor. This is not a product that would be coming from a grocery store." 

Three people in Thurston County and six people in Pierce country were infected in this outbreak. 
A 10th case was reported but not confrimed because the individual did not undergo testing.  Of those ill in Thurston County, all the victims were teenagers.

We contacted Thurston county today, and they confirmed that three victims were students at Capital High School in Olympia, a fourth was a student at Thurgood Marshall Middle School.  In Pierce County, the cases may be associated with a restaurant and an educational institution.  Because the outbreak is deemed over, health officials are not releasing the names of either, but internet accounts of the outbreak suggest that some of those sickened may have eaten salads at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma. 

Several of the victims were briefly hospitalized, but none were seriously ill. 

On June 9th ,Donn Moyer, a spokesman of the Washington Health Department, said that no new cases of the had been reported since May 29.  Officials are still investigating the source of the outbreak and have narrowed their search to three California producers.

E. coli Outbreak Associated with Wonder World Preschool in Slayton

Wonder World Preschool in Slayton, Minnesota may be associated with an E. coli outbreak.  The Minnesota Department of Health is investigating the outbreak.

According to the Minnesota Department of Health:
  • 3 children who attend Wonder World have been confirmed positive for E. coli
  • One child has been hospitalized with symptoms consistent with hemolytic uremic syndrome, a severe complication of the infection that affects the kidneys
  • About 13 other children have shown symptoms of E. coli and are being tested for E. coli.
The parents of sickened children should contact an E. coli lawyer immediately.  Compensation in an E. coli lawsuit could include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and emotional distress. 

Preschools are responsible for maintaining a clean and sanitary facilityE. coli is spread through food, water, animal contact or person-to-person contact.  Although there are a number of different ways it can spread, the underlying source is feces.  If a worker changes a diaper or wipes a bottom and then does not wash his or her hands adequately, contaminated feces could pass from the worker's hands to the mouth of a little child.  Even small amounts of E. coli can seriously sicken a young child.

We are a Minneapolis, Minnesota law firm that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation.  We have recovered millions for victims of E. coli.  Contact us about our E. coli lawsuit experience and a possible Wonder World Preschool lawsuit.  To contact a lawyer with E. coli litigation experience at our Minnesota law firm, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email our lawyers or submit our free case consultation form.

Lab-Confirmed E. coli Infections in Washington May Be Linked to Lettuce

The Washington State Department of Health announced today that there are 9 lab-confirmed cases of E. coli infection in Washington that may be linked to contaminated bagged, commercial romaine lettuce. All of the cases occurred in May.  Four of the cases were identified in Thurston County, and six in Pierce. Some of the people infected were hospitalized.

According to the epidemiological evidence gathered by the Washington Department of Health, the sickened people had eaten salad or lettuce at different places.  This means that contaminated lettuce was most likely contaminated before it was distributed to a number of eating establishments.  The people The FDA is working to trace the source of the lettuce.

Although E. coli outbreaks usually involve beef products, there have been 22 E. coli outbreaks linked to leafy greens since 1995. 

Bagged lettuce has often been the culprit.  Bagged lettuce is to produce what ground beef is to beef products. Mixing chopped lettuce from a number of heads together and then bagging makes it possible for one contaminated head of lettuce to reach a great number of consumers and make them sick.

Although processors triple-wash the lettuce leaves in chlorinated water, enough E. coli can remain on the leaves to make someone sick.

Because lettuce is eaten raw, the only way to prevent deadly E. coli outbreaks linked to lettuce is to irradiate the lettuce. According to a recent study, small doses of ionizing irradiation, a non-thermal technology, on lettuce can:

  • Kill E. coli and other foodborne pathogens
  • Improve the visual quality of lettuce
  • Have no negative effect on texture
  • Have no negative effect on vitamin C.
Certainly the benefits of irradiation outweigh any risks.  Eliminating E. coli on produce and other food products with irradiation would save lives and prevent the majority of cases of kidney failure (E. coli complication) in children in the United States.

Orval Kent Foods Macaroni Salad Recall

Orval Kent Foods is voluntarily recalling about 23,000 pounds of Amish Macaroni Salad after the Ohio Department of Agriculture found E. coli in a single package.

The products included in the recall are Orval Kent Amish Macaroni Salad in 5-pound containers with June 12 expiration dates and Yoder’s Amish Macaroni Salad in 1-, 2- and 5-pound containers with June 7 expiration dates.

 The Amish Macaroni Salad was shipped to suppliers who distribute to retail and food-service establishments in Indiana, Ohio, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania. Neither Orval Kent Foods nor the Ohio Department of Agriculture provided information on the retailers or food service establishments that may have received recalled Amish Macaroni Salad. 

With the information provided, it is impossible for consumers to know if they have consumed any of the recalled Amish Macaroni Salad. We would encourage consumers who have eaten macaroni salad in Indiana, Ohio, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania to watch for E. coli symptoms, including bloody diarrhea. If symptoms appear, seek medical attention immediately.

Bacterial Infection May Cause SIDS

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) claims the lives of thousands of babies every year and researches continue to scratch their heads about the causes of the syndrome. Although risk factors include exposure to passive smoke, overheating, sleeping on the stomach or on soft beds, new research suggests that some cases of SIDS may be related to bacterial infection such as E. coli and Staphylococcus aureus

Bloomberg reports the research of Martin Weber, who studied 546 cases of SIDS between 1996 and 2005. Autopsies were done on the infants, and interesting results were found relating bacterial infection to SIDS.

According to Bloomberg,

As many as 19 percent of the unexplained cases of SUDI (as SIDS is known in the UK) may have been due to E. coli or S. aureus, or other pathogenic bacteria without an obvious focus of infection. The researchers found these pathogens in 24 percent of deaths diagnosed as bacterial infection and in 11 percent of cases explained by non- infective causes such as accidents or heart disease.

The researchers think that the bacteria may produce toxins which affect the infant. The increase in bacteria levels may be due to other causes, and not the direct cause of SIDS. Overheating and impaired infant arousal responses are linked to infant death and may also provide better conditions for bacterial growth inside the ailing infants. What the research does show is that S. aureus and E. coli may be related to SIDS and that more research is needed to learn more about the pathology of the illness.

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E. coli is also the leading cause of infant meningitis.  Meningitis in infants is fatal between 40 and 80% of the time.  If E. coli is also related to the many deaths caused by SIDS, it will be ever more important to make sure that the nation’s food supply, especially the foods that come into contact with infants and pregnant women, are kept free of life-threatening bacteria like E. coli.

E. Coli Strikes Two Young Boys

Two young Alabama boys have been hospitalized after being exposed to a dangerous strain of the E. coli bacteria. The two boys, brothers ages 4 and 7, are currently listed in good condition at the Children’s Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham.  The Press-Register reports that the younger child began showing symptoms of infection on May 15.  His older brother began showing symptoms on May 20.

The boys, of Spanish Fort, Alabama, were originally taken to the Mobile Infirmary, but were taken to the Children’s Hospital when the 4-year-old’s kidneys began to fail. His symptoms began on May 15, experiencing diarrhea which later developed into bloody diarrhea.  The older boy also experienced similar symptoms starting May 20.

The Alabama Department of Public Health has not identified the source of exposure. Investigation is currently underway in a similar case.

FSIS Issues Public Health Alert for 808 Pounds of Tyson Ground Beef Products

The USDA-FSIS has issued a public health alert regarding about 808 pounds of ground beef products produced at Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc., a Lexington, Nebraska, establishment. The ground beef products may have been contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

ground-beef.jpgTyson Fresh Meats, Inc., (EST. 245L), sold potentially-contaminated chubs of 85% lean, 15% fat coarse ground beef to Sherm’s Food-4-Less retail establishment in Medford, Oregon. Sherm’s Food-4-Less then processed the potentially-contaminated ground beef into various sized packages of ground beef products and sold the potentially-contaminated ground beef to consumers between May 7 and May 19.

The FSIS public health alert is not a recall. FSIS is issuing a public health alert rather than a recall because FSIS has confirmed that none of the affected products remain available for sale at this retail establishment.

Consumers should seek medical attention if they have symptoms of E. coli food poisoning.

Morreale Meat Recall Due to Possible E. coli Contamination

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JSM Meat Holdings Company, Inc. has recalled an undetermined amount of beef products intended for use in ground products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The following products are subject to recall:

  • 30-, 60- pound boxes, combo boxes or 47-gallon barrels of "MORREALE MEAT" beef products labeled as "Boneless Chucks," "Boneless Clods," "Flat Rounds," "Gooseneck Rounds," "Knuckle," "Heel Meat," "Scotties," "Trimmings 50," "Trimmings 60," "Trimmings 65," "Trimmings 70," "Trimmings 75," "Trimmings 80," "Trimmings 85," or "Trimmings 90."
The beef products bear the establishment number "EST. 6872" inside the USDA mark of inspection. These beef products were distributed to establishments for further processing in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin.

Roast Beef Associated with 14 cases of E. coli in Sarpy County, Nebraska

Health officials from the Sarpy County Health Department and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services are investigating an E. coli outbreak associated with roast beef eaten at a private event at a Sarpy County reception hall on March 26, 2008.  Leftover roast beef from the event tested positive for E. coli. 14 people who attended the event have also tested positive for E. coli. Four people were hospitalized. E. coli infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). For privacy reasons, health officials are not providing information on the medical conditions of those sickened, other than that everyone hospitalized has now been released. We support this decision.

We contacted The Sarpy County Health Department and spoke with Director Dianne Kelly. She stated that health officials are waiting for additional test results to determine if the E. coli serotype involved is O157:H7. DNA testing is also being done, which will provide genetic fingerprints of the E. coli.  These genetic fingerprints will be analyzed to determine the connection between the E. coli found in the roast beef and the E. coli that  sickened the 14 people. 

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The roast beef was implicated in this outbreak due to the positive E. coli test and an analysis of lists and charts of what people at the event ate, according to Kelly. 

The roast beef was prepared at a person’s home and brought to the Sarpy County event. Health officials are still investigating how the beef got contaminated with E. coli. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is attempting to determine the producer of the beef, an important step towards prevention.

Pritzker Law is a national law firm with extensive experience in the area of E. coli litigation.  To contact an E. coli lawyer at our firm, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email our E. coli attorneys or submit our free case evaluation form.

Nitrogen Content in Young Lettuce Leaves May Be Associated with E. coli Risk

Contrary to what most people would think, young (inner) lettuce greens may pose a greater risk of E. coli O157:H7 contamination than older (middle) leaves, according to a study conducted by researchers at Produce Safety and Microbiology Research Unity, Albany, California and the University of California, Berkeley. Romaine-Lettuce.jpgThe study found that E. coli O157:H7 consistently colonized on young (inner) romaine lettuce leaves at a rate ten-times greater than on the middle leaves of the romaine lettuce. The reason may be nitrogen content. Young-leaf exudates used in the study were found to have about 2.9 times more nitrogen than the middle-leaf exudates. 

According to the researchers involved in this study, “Our results indicate that leaf age and nitrogen content contribute to shaping the bacterial communities of preharvest and post-harvest lettuce and that young lettuce leaves may be associated with a greater risk of contamination with E. coli O157:H7.”

Reference: M.T. Brandl, R. Amundson. 2008. Leaf age as a risk factor in contamination of lettuce with Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella enterica. Applied and Environmental Microbiology, 74. 8: 2298-2306.

New USDA Study Will Investigate Broader Range of E. Coli

At the public meeting held by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service, plans were announced to begin testing for non-O157 Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli, or non-O157 STECs. The announcement comes in response to the growing amount of outbreaks associated with E. coli.  Although most dangerous outbreaks, especially among beef, are related to E. coli O157:H7, non-O157 STECs can pose just as many problems to the food industry. The USDA does not currently collect any data to track non-O157 STECs, so the testing will be done primarily to study the bacteria and collect as much data as possible.

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The new testing procedures will be done primarily for collecting data. As of now, the USDA does not plan on declaring non-O157 STECs as adulterants like O157:H7, but will use the data collected to determine that at a later date.  The USDA will test samples that tested positive for O157 and also those that did not.  No recalls will be issued by the USDA if a sample tests positive only for non-O157 STECs.

Samples will be tested for six different strains: 026, 0111, 0103, 0121, 045, and 0145. These strains have been shown to cause the greatest number of illnesses among non-O157 STECs.  If the USDA declares these strains as adulterants after collecting data, products contaminated with they will undergo the restrictions applied to O157:H7.  According to Meatingplace, the USDA has prepared the following checklist if non-O157 STECs are labeled as adulterants:

  • define applicable products from slaughter/dressing and further processing operations
  • issue a Federal Register Notice in the form of an interpretive rule
  • establish an effective date that ensures sufficient time to address seamless implementation for both domestic and imported products
  • issue compliance guidelines
  • issue policy implementation instructions and train FSIS inspection personnel
  • conduct outreach to the regulated industry

Foodconsumer.org provided information from FoodNet showing that the number of cases and incidence per 100,000 population in 2007 for non-O157 STECs were 260 per 100,000, or .57%.  The incidence for O157 STECs was 1.20%. However, CIDRAP has stated that states such as Virginia and Idaho (not part of FoodNet) have shown that the prevalence of non-O157 STECs is already equal or greater than the prevalence of O157:H7. This information provides raw numbers, showing that non-O157 STECs are almost as big, if not bigger, a problem as O157 STECs.

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A study on PubMed shows that even if non-O157 STECs aren’t as prevalent as O157, they may be just as dangerous.  After examining 940 non-O157 cases of human illness between 1983 and 2002, researchers discovered that the six strains the USDA will be focusing on are indeed the most prevalent in human illness. The data also showed that many of the bacteria were producing Shiga toxin 1 and Shiga toxin 2.  Shiga toxin 2 had a strong association with causing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). According to the data, the 0111 strain caused the most cases of HUS and also caused 3 outbreaks reported in the United States.

Much of the danger associated with E. coli O157:H7 involves its ability to cause HUS, which can often be fatal.  Research shows that non-O157 STECs can also cause HUS, making them just as dangerous as O157:H7.  Non-O157 STECs also contained genes for intimin, which has been shown to increase the risk of bloody diarrhea.  These are serious symptoms, which pose a great health risk to consumers.  More research and the new plan from the USDA to test for these bacteria can only help to better understand illness rates and to better protect the American consumer.

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Bacteria That Eat Antibiotics

Startling new research contributes more information about the effectiveness of antibiotics to kill bacteria, specifically in livestock.  Researchers from Harvard were trying to find microbes that could be used to convert waste into biofuels when they discovered that bacteria covered in antibiotics were not only unaffected by the drugs, but actually consumed them.

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According to Discover, the researchers gathered 11 soil samples that had varying levels of man-made antibiotics to see if more drug-consuming bacteria could be found. They found that in all samples, bacteria, including Shigella and E. coli, existed that lived entirely off of the consumption of antibiotics. Some of the bacteria were thriving in conditions that contained more that 100 times the normal dose of antibiotics given to humans and more than 50 times the amount necessary to consider a bacterium resistant.

This research not only adds fuel to the fiery debate over the use of antibiotics, but suggests that bacteria resistance isn’t the only problem.  If bacteria actually eat the drugs and the genes from these bacteria spread into pathogenic bacteria, standard treatments could become entirely ineffective.

FSIS Will Hold Meeting to Discuss E. Coli

In order to address the increasing prevalence of E. coli 0157:H7 in the nation’s food supply, the USDA’s FSIS has announced plans to hold a public meeting to discuss recalls and illnesses related to the deadly E. coli strain. The meeting will be held on April 9 and 10, and will include FSIS and CDC officials, legal representatives, and representatives from the food industry and consumer groups.

"The last significant positive changes in the reduction of foodborne illness and positive product tests attributed to E. coli O157:H7 occurred early in this decade but we have since hit a plateau. It is time for another series of bold, strong moves based on knowledge and science to produce further significant reductions in illnesses attributed to the products we regulate," said Under Secretary for Food Safety Dr. Richard Raymond. "We aim to prevent and not just respond to illnesses, and consumers, industry and our public health partners are critical partners in our long term strategy and we look forward to our continuing collaborative relationship to ensure food safety."

Not only will the meeting discuss the challenges associated with E. coli 0157:H7, but also non-0157:H7 Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli (STEC).  Discussions will be held to provide an aim for regulating STEC in products under USDA jurisdiction. The meeting will focus on the 0157:H7 strain as it relates primarily to beef products, due to the increased number of beef recalls because of the bacteria.  FSIS will also discuss a checklist of beef suppliers in order to improve inspection procedures to catch contamination before it reaches the level of a massive recall.

Meeting participants and panelists will represent government, industry, academia and other constituencies to discuss research progress and potential solutions for moving forward in controlling E. coli O157:H7. There will be multiple opportunities for public comment and questions on both
days.

NIH Grant for Researching New Antibiotics

Widespread problems of Salmonella and E. coli 0157:H7 are not only rooted in food safety.  There have also been issues lately with the treatment of infections due to these and other pathogens. More and more strains are becoming resistant to traditional antibiotics, bringing the need for new drugs and treatments to the forefront of the issue.  The National Institutes of Health has awarded the University of Texas Southwestern a $6.5 million grant to explore new treatments to combat a variety of pathogens.

Current antibiotics are developed to attack the process of DNA replication in bacteria, or protein synthesis, or cell wall synthesis.  UT Southwestern is researching another area.

“We are investigating a new target area in bacteria that appears to be vulnerable to a small molecule that has never before been used as a drug,” said Dr. Vanessa Sperandio, associate professor of microbiology and principal investigator on the new grant. “The drug compound has shown promise in fighting at least three different bacterial species including Salmonella, E. coli and Francisella tularensis, which causes tularemia.”

Sperandio also says that the five-year grant will allow her research to be ready at the preclinical level.  Early tests have been positive, but only further research will determine if the treatment can be used to treat human disease.  The research focuses on how bacteria like E. coli communicate biochemically inside the body, especially among good and bad strains for human health.  The research also targets any signals E. coli 0157:H7 sends that would trigger disease.

Conference Analyzes Produce Outbreaks

The 2008 International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases discussed the growing number of foodborne illnesses related to vegetables, mainly leafy greens. It has been thought that the increase of leafy greens in the average American’s diet has led to the increase in disease related to those foods; however, data analyzed at the conference suggests something entirely different.

Baby-Spinach.jpgMichael Lynch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), said, according to EurekAlert!,

“During the 1986-1995 period U.S. leafy green consumption increased 17% from the previous decade. During the same period, the proportion of all foodborne disease outbreaks due to leafy greens increased 60%. Likewise during 1996-2005 leafy green consumption increased 9% and leafy green-associated outbreaks increased 39%,” says Lynch.

Outbreaks recently have been located in E. coli contaminated spinach and lettuce and other various greens. Only 9% of all outbreaks related to leafy were greens, however, were due to E. coliSalmonella was responsible for 10% of outbreaks, but the major contributor, norovirus, accounted for 60% of leafy green outbreaks.

Although the data shows that the increase of foodborne outbreaks related to leafy greens is not caused solely by the increased consumption of that type of food, researchers and officials still cannot account for the increase.

“The proportion of outbreaks due to leafy greens has increased beyond what can be explained by increased consumption. Contamination can occur anywhere along the chain from the farm to the table. Efforts by local, state and federal agencies to control leafy green outbreaks should span from the point of harvest to the point of preparation,” says Lynch.

Reserch Identifies Most Dangerous and Prevalent E. Coli Strains

Recent outbreaks associated with a deadly form of the E. coli bacteria, known as the 0157:H7 strain, have made researchers wonder how the bacteria are evolving. A 2006 outbreak linked to contaminated spinach caused the removal of fresh produce from store shelves nationwide. Hundreds were sickened, three were killed, and scientists have noted the trend of the greater risk of serious E. coli outbreaks.

As reported by ABC7,

"The disease has gotten much worse than it was, with a much greater fraction of people having to go to hospital and a much greater fraction of people that are seriously infected with the toxin," says Thomas Whittam PhD. of Michigan State University.

Whittam’s research used new technology to quickly identify different strains of the deadly bacteria and to group them into eight different groups. The research showed that group eight is the most dangerous and is also becoming much more prevalent, appearing twice as much as it did two years ago.

"It's either added some of its ability to rapidly spread into human sources, or it's acquired something that causes it to be more serious once it infects humans."

The technology used in the research could be used to more quickly identify bacteria linked to outbreak and help reduce the spread of illness. The research focused on bacteria samples from outbreak victims, but Whittam’s future research will include a survey of food sources to gain a greater understanding of how dangerous pathogens are entering the food supply.

E. Coli Patients Suffer from HUS

When referring to the dangers of E. coli infection, the potentially lethal 0157:H7 strain often creates the biggest clout because it can lead to a very dangerous condition called Hemolytic Uremic Sydrome (HUS).  HUS is characterized by damage and destruction of the red blood cells, which leads to a lower-than-normal number of red blood cells (a condition called anemia), blood clots, and damage to blood vessel walls. In the most severe cases, HUS can include damage to the kidneys, which can lead to failure of the kidneys (renal failure). Other complications that can accompany the illness are thrombocytopenia (platelet deficiency in the blood) and neurologic signs, including irritability and, very rarely, seizures.

21-year-old Stephanie Smith contracted an E. coli infection that developed into HUS after eating a bad burger.  She was placed under a medically induced coma, but has since awakened from it. A story and video of Stephanie’s story can be found at KARE 11.  She was recently released from St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota.

Kevin Mendoza of New Mexico came down with E. coli poisoning a few weeks before the spinach E. coli outbreak in July 2006, although they aren’t sure from where he contracted the bacteria. Three days after being admitted to the University of New Mexico Hospital, he was diagnosed with HUS and his kidneys failed.

According to the Valencia County News Bulletin,

Things quickly cascaded from bad to worse — Kevin's lungs filled with fluid, he developed pancreatitis, he required blood transfusions and daily dialysis. "We didn't know when it was going to stop," his mother (Carolyn) remembers.

After five weeks of ups and downs, Kevin's kidneys began functioning again, but they are scared and damaged. "Most kids do recover, but with the scar tissue we have a long road ahead," Carolyn said. "We are probably looking at a transplant at some point. The doctors can't say when because they aren't sure what his body will do."

Kevin is again at home and recovering.  He and his family are also doing all they can to help the hospital any way that they can. They are currently working with 100.3 The Peak to host a radiothon to benefit the hospital and to tell his story of battling with HUS.

DuPont, USDA to Develop Better E. Coli Test

According to CNN, DuPont & Co. will be working with the USDA’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) to develop a new test to detect the potentially lethal E. coli 0157:H7 bacteria. The research team will work at the U.S. Meat Animal Research Center (USMARC) in Clay Center, Nebraska.

More than 30 million pounds of ground beef were recalled last year due to E. coli 0157:H7 and the research will use the Qaulicon BAX system to test for the bacteria.  The system is already used to detect fooborne pathogens such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, among others.

According to the DuPont website,

“We are committed to providing the meat industry with testing applications that use the best science available.  This agreement allows us to work with experts from the USDA ARS toward our common goal of an E. coli O157:H7 test that is even faster, more accurate and more efficient,” said Kevin Huttman, president, DuPont Qualicon.

"Our mission is to develop scientific information and new technology to solve high priority problems for the U.S. beef, sheep and swine industries," said Mohammad Koohmaraie, USMARC director.  "In the case of E. coli O157:H7 detection, we're looking at collaborative ways to quickly develop a new test."

Final Report on the Taco John's E. coli Outbreak

The California Food Emergency Response Team (CalFERT) and the FDA have issued a final report of their investigation of the Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7 outbreak associated with iceberg lettuce served at Taco John’s restaurants in Iowa and Minnesota. 

The final report suggests that the source of the outbreak may have been iceberg lettuce grown on Wegis Ranch in Buttonwillow, California. After initial traceback procedures led to Wegis Ranch, CalFERT began an environmental investigation of Wegis Ranch. 

CalFERT observed “2 dairy farms [Maya Dairy and West Star North Dairy] in close proximity to Wegis Ranch and its suspect lettuce growing fields” (page 12). The CalFERT team also “observed that the irrigation pipes from the Wegis Ranch equipment storage yard were stored approximately 50 feet from the cattle biosolids [composting manure] from West Star North Dairy” (page 15). Animal fecal material around the irrigation area was also observed.

lettuce-irrigation.jpgIn the course of the investigation, CalFERT learned that Wegis Ranch’s irrigation system was connected to both dairies and that Wegis Ranch sometimes irrigated with a blend of the dairies’ discharged wastewater and other water sources. Upon learning this, CalFert expanded its environmental investigation “to encompass a thorough assessment of the vicinity’s water distribution system and conveyances as a whole” (page 21).

When CalFERT assessed Wegis Ranch’s irrigation system, they made a “key observation”—“the farm irrigation system that utilized dairy runoff water did not have any backflow prevention devices to ensure manure-blended irrigation water did not contaminate the SWSD water system,” which was used to irrigate lettuce fields (page 23).

The following are details regarding the samples taken from the Buttonwillow area (Wegis Ranch, Maya Dairy and West Star North Dairy) from page 38 of the final report:

  • Out of the 194 samples collected at the Buttonwillow location, 32 (16.5%) were positive for E. coli O157:H7.
  • Of the 32 E. coli O157:H7 positive samples, ten (31%) were found to genetically match the Taco John’s outbreak strain.
  • For of the ten specimens (that genetically matched the outbreak strain) were gathered at the two dairies, and the remaining six were collected at the Wegis Ranch.

Elliot.jpgWe have recently filed a lawsuit on behalf of a victim of the Taco John’s E. coli outbreak that was the subject of the CalFERT investigation.  According to Elliot Olsen, lead attorney on the case, “These illnesses represent yet another breakdown in a system which seems incapable of protecting the public from contaminated food.  We believe there are other victims out there who have not yet come forward.”

To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s free case consultation form.  You may also contact Elliot Olsen via email.

To read the full report, please click here.

Hawaii E. coli Cases Prompt Closing of Sekiya's Restaurant

Seven cases of E. coli have been linked to Sekiya’s, a Kapahula restaurant. The most recent case occurred this month, and the others occurred in December. In response, the Hawaii State Health Department temporarily shut down the restaurant.

The recurrence of E. coli suggests more needs to be done to eradicate E. coli from the restaurant:     

Following the confirmation of E. coli O157:H7 cases in December, DOH sanitarians inspected Sekiya’s restaurant and worked with management to eliminate practices that may have contributed to the illnesses. Follow-up inspections within three days of the initial investigation revealed that all major violations had been corrected. Environmental samples were collected during the follow-up inspections, and all samples have turned up negative for E. coli O157:H7 and other disease causing bacteria after undergoing testing at the State Laboratory.

Although all major health code concerns had been corrected before the restaurant’s closing last weekend, the occurrence of a case more than five weeks after the initial cluster of illnesses led DOH to conclude there was still potential for the bacteria to be present in the establishment. Restaurant operations have been suspended temporarily while more extensive sanitation measures are taken. The DOH is also continuing to investigate the exact source of the E. coli O157:H7 bacteria.

Source: http://www.hawaiireporter.com/story.aspx?dfaa0bcb-5aea-4a4e-8f46-29a4fa9e25c


Alabama E. coli outbreak May be Linked to Church Supper

Eight cases of E. coli have been associated with a church supper at Eastern Shore First Baptist Church. 5 of the 8 were hospitalized. One boy is still hospitalized.

According to the Press-Register:  

Out of approximately 150 people interviewed by the health department as of Monday morning, 20 said they were ill, Porter said. Eight cultures have tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, a strain of the bacteria that can cause severe illness, [according to Theresa Porter, a Baldwin County surveillance nurse coordinator for the Alabama Department of Public Health Porter].

Three patients -- ages 15, 74 and 81 -- were admitted to Thomas Hospital in Fairhope between Thursday and Saturday, said Diana Brewer, a spokeswoman for Infirmary Health System, which operates Thomas. All were discharged by Sunday, she said.

Three others -- ages 10, 11 and 11 -- were treated for the bacteria with fluids and released, or referred to the hospital for lab work by a local physician.

Porter and Wilson [Ken Wilson, associate pastor of the Daphne church] said it may be difficult to identify the exact source of the bacteria because of the wide variety of food served at the event. Some of the food was prepared and brought to the dinner, while some people donated meat to be cooked for the event, Wilson said.

To read more about the Alabama E. coli outbreak linked to Eastern Shore First Baptist Church, click here.  

Taco John's E.Coli Outbreak Linked to California Ranch

A 16-month investigation by the California Department of Public Health’s Food and Drug Branch and the FDA has concluded that an E. coli outbreak in 2006 is linked to Wegis Ranch in Buttonwillow, California.  The E. coli was found in iceberg lettuce that was served at Taco John’s restaurants and sickened 81 people in Iowa and Minnesota. We represent victims of this outbreak.

According to The Bakersfield Californian,

The report does not definitively state how the lettuce was contaminated but said water contaminated by manure from two nearby dairies could be a possible source.

Wegis Ranch uses manure water to irrigate some fields where animal feed is grown, according to the report. It said lettuce linked to the E. coli outbreak was grown directly across from two of those fields.

In addition, the ranch’s irrigation system may have allowed manure water to taint freshwater used to irrigate fields where lettuce was grown, the report concluded.

E.coli samples from the ranch and dairies genetically matched the strain found in the tainted lettuce. The dairies were Maya and West Star North.

California State Senator Dean Florez said, “This latest report tells us once again that our food safety system is dysfunctional.”  The report will also be brought before the Senate Select Committee on Food-Borne Illness. California has already instituted the practice of self-regulated safety measures in farms, which include the banning of growing leafy greens close to animal facilities.  The Wegis Ranch lettuce was grown before these measures took effect, and the ranch has since stopped growing lettuce.

Concerns of Effective Microwave Cooking

totinos-pizza-recall.jpgThe International Association for Food Protection has released a series of presentations dealing with a growing concern among the frozen food industry to address the risks of microwavable foods.  Frozen foods have been the target of many recent foodborne illness outbreaks, including the Jeno’s and Totino’s frozen pizza E. coli outbreak and the Banquet Pot Pie Salmonella outbreak.

At the forefront of addressing the issue of microwavable foods is the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI), which has undertaken various measures to eliminate risks associated with frozen foods.  (Lawsuit prevention is most likely the reason for the AFFIs renewed interest in educating consumers about microwave safety.  Interestingly, food manufacturers commonly defend foodborne illness claims by arguing that it was the consumer's fault for not cooking the product correctly.)

AFFI has developed a guide entitled “Cooking with Microwave Ovens, Nutrition and Food Safety Considerations” which offers consumers ways to prepare nutritious meals with a microwave oven.  AFFI has also been working with microwave manufacturers and various organizations to develop better labeling for microwavable products to account for various power ratings and options on the ovens.

Not-ready-to-eat (NRTE) foods pose one of the biggest concerns to safe microwaving, because if not cooked properly, they are not completely safe to consume and may contain foodborne pathogens.  A group from the Grocery Manufacturers Association has developed guidelines to validate cooking instructions on NRTE foods to make sure that when cooked following the instructions, the food is safe to eat.

The greatest concern about providing the safest cooking instructions revolves around issues with microwave technology itself, and its incapacity to provide uniform heating throughout food.  Uneven cooking allows for hot and cold spots within the food.  It also allows for the failure to inactivate certain pathogens in the food.  Most research shows that heating in microwaves is the primary mode for the inactivation of pathogens, so it is quite important to solve the problem of uneven cooking.

The presentations address a variety of areas that affect uneven heating:

  • Non-uniform distribution of dipolar molecules and ionic materials within the food.
  • Differences in microwave absorption of frozen/thawed areas.
  • Product/component edge heating effects.
  • Areas of high and low microwave field strength within the oven cavity and product.
  • Different food component and thermal properties.

There are many ways to improve the safety of microwavable products, and doing so will greatly reduce the risk of outbreak of foodborne illnesses related to these products.  As is shown, there is much research and thought going into the betterment of these products to ensure safer products for consumers to prepare.

Taco John's E. Coli Sickens Woman

tacos.jpgA woman from Jesup, Iowa is taking CMT Inc. to court after becoming ill after eating at a Taco John’s restaurant.  Her illness is connected to an E. coli contamination linked to California lettuce, according to the WCF Courier.

The woman became sick in November 2006, and is being represented by Pritzker Law attorney Elliot Olsen.  According to Olsen, “These illnesses represent yet another breakdown in a system which seems incapable of protecting the public from contaminated food.  We believe there are other victims out there who have not yet come forward.”

Possible Link Between E. Coli and Ethanol Byproduct

Cow-Gazing.jpgConcern over global warming has pushed research to developing cleaner fuel resources, one of which includes using ethanol as a fuel additive. The ethanol industry has in turn driven up the price of corn for cattle producers to use as feed. Distillers grain, a byproduct of ethanol, can be used as cattle feed and is much cheaper compared to corn. But as recent years have seen the increase of the use of distillers grain, last year marked a record for the most beef recalls due to E. coli 0157:H7 contamination, including the largest in U.S. history, the Topps Meat recall.

The possible correlation between distillers grain and E. coli 0157:H7 has spawned a great deal of research.  According to the Des Moines Register,

Researchers at Kansas State University noticed the possible E. coli connection to distillers grains in 2005. A second study found a twofold increase in E. coli levels in cattle fed the product compared with those that ate only corn. Research at the University of Nebraska showed mixed results. Cattle fed a diet comprising 10 percent to 30 percent distillers grains actually had lower rates of E. coli than cattle on a diet of all corn. But cattle fed 40 percent to 50 percent distillers grains showed higher E. coli rates.

Currently, the U.S. Animal Research Center in Clay Center, Nebraska is conducting an experiment to test a possible link between the grain and the bacteria.  The center is unique in that it has the capability of conducting large scale experiments to test on cattle.  According the Associated Press,

The research involves 600 cattle. Half are being fed a traditional grain feed and half are being fed distiller's grain. The research will wrap up in June after the cattle have been sold for slaughter and samples of their carcasses have been collected.

The cattle fed with distillers grains receive a diet of 40 percent distillers grains.  The research will be a valuable insight into both the beef and ethanol industry. The study hopes to gain a greater understanding of E. coli 0157:H7 so that its dangerous effects can be prevented. The bacteria can cause stomach cramps and diarrhea that may turn bloody within one to three days.  It can also be lethal to the elderly, children, and those with weak immune systems.

Long-Term Health Problems Associated with Foodborne Illness

As food safety lawyers, we know that foodborne illnesses can lead to serious health problems that may not manifest themselves until months or years after a person first becomes ill. That is why compensation packages for victims of foodborne outbreaks need to include amounts for future medical expenses and future pain and suffering. 

Delayed health consequences of foodborne illnesses are discussed in one of today's AP stories, “Food Poisoning Can Be Long-Term Problem”:   

It's a dirty little secret of food poisoning: E. coli and certain other foodborne illnesses can sometimes trigger serious health problems months or years after patients survived that initial bout. Scientists only now are unraveling a legacy that has largely gone unnoticed.

What they've spotted so far is troubling. In interviews with The Associated Press, they described high blood pressure, kidney damage, even full kidney failure striking 10 to 20 years later in people who survived severe E. coli infection as children, arthritis after a bout of salmonella or shigella, and a mysterious paralysis that can attack people who just had mild symptoms of campylobacter.

In an effort to document and study some of these health affects, S.T.O.P. (Safe Tables Our Priority) is creating a national registry of foodborne illness survivors with long-term health problems, according to AP. The story quotes Donna Rosenbaum, Executive Director of S.T.O.P., "We're drastically underestimating the burden on society that foodborne illnesses represent."

The AP story discusses some of the long-term health consequences of an E. coli infection that has led to the development of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS):

About 10 percent of E. coli sufferers develop a life-threatening complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome, or HUS, where their kidneys and other organs fail.

Ten to 20 years after they recover, between 30 percent and half of HUS survivors will have some kidney-caused problem, says Dr. Andrew Pavia, the university's pediatric infectious diseases chief. That includes high blood pressure caused by scarred kidneys, slowly failing kidneys, even end-stage kidney failure that requires dialysis.

The story also discusses how many of the nations Guillain-Barre cases are associated with previous Campylobacter infections:

About 1 in 1,000 sufferers of campylobacter, a diarrhea-causing infection spread by raw poultry, develop far more serious Guillain-Barre syndrome a month or so later. Their body attacks their nerves, causing paralysis that usually requires intensive care and a ventilator to breathe. About a third of the nation's Guillain-Barre cases have been linked to previous campylobacter, even if the diarrhea was very mild, and they typically suffer a more severe case than patients who never had food poisoning.

The story points out the connection between reactive arthritis and Salmonella, Shigella and Yersinia:

A small number of people develop what's called reactive arthritis six months or longer after a bout of salmonella. It causes joint pain, eye inflammation, sometimes painful urination, and can lead to chronic arthritis. Certain strains of shigella and yersinia bacteria, far more common abroad than in the U.S., trigger this reactive arthritis, too.

Florida Cheese Recall

The Florida Department of Agriculture has recalled cheese from a Miami based company due to an E. coli contamination according to CBS 4 in Tallahassee. Samples were collected from Santa Rosa Cheese’s warehouse in Miami revealing that the manufacturer’s Naturally Aged White Cheese was contaminated with E. coli.

Tests showed that the cheese was contaminated with a generic strain of E. coli and not the potentially dangerous E. coli 0157:H7. The affected products bear the codes 565 and 589 which come in various different packaging. Stores selling the contaminated cheese are asked to return it to the manufacturer, whereas consumers should return the cheese to the store of purchase.

Where's the Recalled Rochester Meat Company Beef?

ground-beef.jpgRochester Meat Company, a Rochester, Minn., firm recalled about 188,000 pounds of ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The recall was prompted by 6 cases of E. coli O157:H7, five in Wisconsin and one in California.

According to the USDA-FSIS announcement regarding the recall, the meat was sold in bulk to restaurants and food service institutions, but the announcement did not name any of the restaurants or food service institutions where the recalled meat may have been served.  (Read more about the Rochester Meat Company recall.)

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Wisconsin and California E. coli Cases Associated with Rochester Meat Company Ground Beef

Ground-Beef--Bulk.jpgSix cases of E. coli O157:H7 have been associated with ground beef produced by Rochester Meat Company, a Minnesota firm. In response to this E. coli outbreak, the firm has recalled about 188,000 pounds of ground beef products due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7. 

This outbreak was discovered through an investigation initiated by the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services and the California Department of Public Health into the six cases of E. coli O157:H7, five in Wisconsin and one in California.

According to a USDA-FSIS announcement, the recalled Rochester Meat Company ground beef products were produced on October 30, 2007, and November 6, 2007. They were shipped to distributors nationwide for further distribution to restaurants and food service institutions. These products were not available for purchase by consumers in retail establishments.

If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of E. coli poisoning—bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramping, nausea, and sometimes mild fever and vomiting—get medical attention. E. coli poisoning can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening illness that can cause kidney failure and damage to other organs. Getting medical attention is also important for legal reasons. Ask your doctor to test specifically for E. coli O157:H7.

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Beef from Chicken Shack Confiscated Due to Possible E. coli Risk

USDA officials have confiscated beef contaminated with E. coli from Dallas restaurant Chicken Shack, according to the Dallas Morning News. The beef was discovered during a USDA check of Chicken Shack before any of the beef was cooked or served to customers. The contaminated beef was part of a larger shipment of stolen beef, which Chicken Shack unknowingly purchased.

A trailer transporting 15,000 pounds of beef was stolen, and when found in southeast Dallas a week later, most of the beef was gone. Health officials warn that the stolen beef is contaminated with E. coli and that opened packages of the stolen beef should be discarded, according to he Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). FSIS also requests that unopened packages of the beef be set aside. 

The beef was produced on Dec. 19 by American Food Service Corp. and all beef products from the company with establishment number “EST. 13116.” FSIS has reported no illnesses related to the stolen beef as of yet, but any contact with the stolen products should be reported to the company. E. coli can be lethal when ingested. Children, senior citizens, and those with weakened immune systems are at greater risk.

Fred Pritzker, a leading foodborne illness litigation attorney, is investigating cases of E. coli. The firm has a national reputation and has recovered millions for victims of foodborne illness. To contact an E. coli lawyer at the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's free case consultation form.

Dee Creek Pays Fine For E Coli Violations

Dee Creek Farm has paid a fine from the state of Washington, ending their E. coli outbreak, according to The Daily News. The farm, located in Woodland, Washington, was the center of a Dec. 2005 E. coli outbreak which sickened 18 people. 

Unpasteurized milk sold by Dee Creek was contaminated with E. coli, leading to the hospitalization of five children, leaving two in critical condition. When the state investigated the farm, they found various violations, including lack of a dairy license and failure to test animals for diseases. The state fined Dee Creek Farm $8000 for the violations.

According to The Daily News, Anita and Mike Puckett, owners of Dee Creek, stated that a dairy license was not needed because they did not directly sell cow milk. The Pucketts appealed the $8000 fine, but before the appeals hearing, they agreed to pay the fine. The Pucketts still claim innocence in the matter, but the state says that paying of the fine shows guilt. The Washington Legislature has since clarified matters dealing with dairy licenses.

Detroit Restaurant E. Coli Risk

steak.jpgMark’s Quality Meats, based in Detroit, Michigan, reports the contamination 13,150 pounds of beef products with E. coli 0157:H7, according to a news release from the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). The voluntary recall comes after the company submitted a sample to a third party test facility, revealing positive results for E. coli 0157:H7 contamination.

The meats were distributed among various Detroit restaurants, however the restaurant names have not been disclosed. The products were produced on Dec. 20, 21, 24, and 26, and were not available for retail consumer purchasing. No cases of foodborne illness have yet been reported concerning this contamination.

The following products, bearing establishment number 8951, are subject to recall:

  • Boxes of "Mark's Quality Meats, Inc., BEEF FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY, BALL TIP STEAKS."
  • Boxes of "Mark's Quality Meats, Inc., BEEF FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY, BEEF NY STRIPS."
  • Boxes of "Mark's Quality Meats, Inc., BEEF FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY, BEEF T-BONE STEAK."
  • Boxes of "Mark's Quality Meats, Inc., BEEF FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY, BEEF PORTERHOUSE STEAK."
  • Boxes of "Mark's Quality Meats, Inc., BEEF FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY, BEEF TOP SIRLOIN STEAKS."
  • Boxes of "Mark's Quality Meats, Inc., BEEF FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY, BULK GROUND BEEF."
  • Boxes of "Mark's Quality Meats, Inc., BEEF FOR INDUSTRIAL USE ONLY, GROUND BEEF PATTIES."

Consumers who have consumed any of these products in Detroit area restaurants are encouraged to seek immediate medical attention if illness develops. FSIS has declared this contamination a Class I recall with a high health risk.

Pritzker |Law, a leading foodborne illness litigation law firm, is investigating cases of E. coli 0157:H7.  The firm has a national reputation and has recovered millions for victims of foodborne illness.  To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's free case consultation form.

FSIS Launches Upgraded E. coli 0157:H7 Protocol

USDA-FSIS-logo.jpgThe USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has launched an upgraded protocol for testing E. coli 0157:H7 in raw beef, according to Cattle Network. Effective on Jan. 1, the new testing program is largely a response to the Topps Meat recall of Fall 2007.

Under the new program, FSIS will consider establishment volume and any positive tests for E. coli 0157:H7 at the establishment in the past 120 days. FSIS inspectors will take frequent samples, ranging from 4 to 24 samples annually.

The Topps recall was one of the largest beef recalls in U.S. history and has forced FSIS to drastically change procedures to prevent massive recalls in the future. On Oct. 23, 2007, FSIS released a strategic plan to combat E. coli 0157:H7. The plan called for testing and analysis of trim, a new checklist for verifying control, testing more domestic and imported ground beef components, more rapid recalls, routine testing, and ensuring the safety of imported beef. FSIS also promised greater working cooperation with federal partners, small plants, stakeholders, and public health partners.

Pritzker Law, a leading foodborne illness litigation law firm, is investigating cases of E. coli 0157:H7.  The firm has a national reputation and has recovered millions for victims of foodborne illness.  To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's free case consultation form.

Stolen American Fresh Foods Beef Products May be Contaminated with E. coli O157:H7

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for approximately 14,800 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, that were produced by Texas American Food Service Corporation, a Fort Worth, Texas, establishment doing business as American Fresh Foods. FSIS initiated this public health alert after a trailer containing the products was reported stolen by the company.

The consumer products subject to this public health alert include:

  • 2-pound approximate weight packages of "73/27 GROUND BEEF" bearing a sell-by date of "12.30.07"
  • 2-pound approximate weight packages of "80/20 GROUND BEEF CHUCK" bearing a sell-by date of "12.31.07"
  • 1-pound approximate weight packages of "85/15 GROUND BEEF ROUND" bearing a sell-by date of "12.31.07"
  • 1-pound approximate weight packages of "90/10 GROUND BEEF SIRLOIN" bearing a sell-by date of "12.31.07"
  • 1-pound approximate weight packages of "96/04 EXTRA LEAN GROUND BEEF, 4% FAT" bearing a sell-by date of "12.31.07"

Each package label bears the establishment number "EST. 13116" inside the USDA mark of inspection and the company name "American Fresh Foods, Ft. Worth, TX 76102" below the nutrition information. Each package has a net weight of approximately 1 to 2 pounds. View the American Fresh Foods labels associated with this FSIS health alert.

Bulk product also subject to this health alert include:

  • 40-pound "net wt." box of "73/27 100% GROUND BEEF; REWORK MAP"
  • 260-pound "net wt." combo bin of " CHUCK 100% GROUND BEEF; REWORK MAP"
  • 370-pound "net wt." combo bin of "SIRLOIN 100% GROUND BEEF; REWORK"
Each bulk product label bears the establishment number "EST. 13116" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a date of "12-19-07" with the production information filled in by hand.

The consumer and bulk ground beef products were produced on December 19, 2007.

Consumers should not eat any of the products above.  When preparing ground beef products, cook them thoroughly--to an internal temperature of 160 degrees,

Recall of Snapp Ferry Hamburgers and Ground Beef Due to Possible E. coli O157:H7 Contamination

According to a USDA-FSIS announcement, Snapps Ferry Packing, a Tennessee firm, has voluntarily recalled approximately 102 pounds of hamburger patties and bulk ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The products subject to recall are:

  • 4-pound packages of "GROUND BEEF PATTIES."
  • Various weight bulk packages of "GROUND BEEF."


Each product subject to recall bears the establishment number "Est. 9085" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a "PACKED ON" date of "DEC.11.07" or "DEC.12.07."  The labels have “Packaged by Snapp Ferry” on them (see label right).

The products were sold at the Snapp Ferry retail counter in Afton, Tenn., on Dec. 11 and 12, 2007, according to the USDA-FSIS announcement. Because the incubation period for E. coli is generally between 3 and 8 days, people who have eaten the recalled Snapp Ferry ground beef or hamburger patties should watch for symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 poisoning, including severe abdominal cramping, nausea and bloody diarrhea.

The problem was discovered through routine USDA-FSIS testing. USDA has recently begun to enter data about E. coli isolates found in recalled meat into the PulseNet database, a database maintained by the CDC of the genetic fingerprints of pathogenic foodborne bacteria, including but not limited to E. coli, ListeriaSalmonella, and Shigella.  This information is used to help uncover multi-state foodborne outbreaks and to prevent future outbreaks.

USDA-FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of the recalled Snapp Ferry hamburgers or ground beef, but this could be due to the meat being recently sold and the long incubation period of E. coli O157:H7.

E. coli Research: Cattle Fed Distiller's Grain

ecolicow.jpgAccording to a Kansas State University (KSU) press release, KSU researchers have found that cattle fed distiller's grain, a byproduct of the ethanol distilling process, have an increased prevalence of E. coli 0157 in their hindgut.  According to the KSU press release, this could mean that cattle fed distiller’s grain pose a risk to humans:

The growth in ethanol plants means more cattle are likely to be fed distiller's grain, therefore harboring 0157 and potentially a source of health risks to humans, Nagaraja [T.G. Nagaraja, a professor of diagnostic medicine and pathobiology at K-State's College of Veterinary Medicine] said. That's why he and Jim Drouillard, K-State professor of animal sciences, have been collaborating on testing distiller's grain-fed cattle for 0157. Nagaraja and Drouillard, who studied the carcass quality of cattle fed distiller's grain, are joined by Megan Jacob, a K-State doctoral student in pathobiology. Through three rounds of testing, Nagaraja said the prevalence of 0157 was about twice as high in cattle fed distiller's grain compared with those cattle that were on a diet lacking the ethanol byproduct.

Given the rise in beef recalls due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7, it would be interesting to know if the meat from cattle fed distiller's grain was involved in any of the recent recalls, particularly those connected with an outbreak of E. coli infections.

Knox County (kentucky) Woman May Have Died from E-coli

ground-beef.jpgKentucky and federal health officials are investigating the death of a Knox County woman, Vickie Shelton, who died last week. Health officials believe Ms. Shelton had an E. coli infection.

According to a story in the Times-Tribune, “Officials at the U.S. Department of Heath in Fayette County are testing samples of ground beef Shelton had reportedly consumed prior to becoming sick.”

Given that over 28 million pounds of ground beef have been recalled this year due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7, it is likely that the ground beef is the source of the illness.

We will continue to monitor the situation.

Food Safety Lawyer Calls for Food Safety Disclosure Laws

Fred Pritzker, Food Safety Lawyer, Calls for Food Safety Disclosure Laws Following American Foods Group, LLC Recently Announced E. coli O157:H7 Recall

American Foods Group, LLC just announced a recall involving 48 tons of ground beef products that may be contaminated with deadly E. coli O157:H7. American Foods Group, LLC is the name of the company resulting from a merger between American Foods Group and another meat processor, Rosen’s Diversified.

This is not the first E. coli O157:H7 recall involving American Foods Group, one of the merged companies. In December 2000 Green Bay Dressed Beef Inc. also doing business as American Foods Group, recalled over 500 tons of ground beef contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. Over 20 people were sickened as a result of that outbreak including a number of individuals with severe and permanent injuries. 

Fewer than ten months later, on August 27, 2001, the same company recalled another 265 tons of fresh ground beef products contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

On March 11, 2003 there was another E. coli O157:H7 recall involving Green Bay Dressed Beef doing business as American Foods Group at a Sharonville, Ohio plant. This time, 53 tons of fresh and frozen ground beef products were recalled.  

In short, during the span of only seven years, a single meat producer and its predecessor entities has been responsible for E. coli O157:H7 recalls involving an astounding 1,732,000 pounds of ground beef products. What’s more, the most recent recall of 48 tons apparently involves production on just one day.  

But here’s the worst part: it is extremely difficult for the average consumer to learn anything about this company’s E. coli O157:H7 track record and just as hard to find out if hamburger from this recalled lot made its way into the consumer’s household (much less the mouths of his/her loved ones).  

That’s because the labels on most ground beef products do not disclose the identity of the company that produced it. In other words, even if a consumer wanted to avoid products from a company that consistently produced hamburger laced with E. coli O157:H7, there is no way to find out.

It gets worse. Even if an enterprising purchaser managed to find out that Store X sold hamburger produced by Company Y, trying to find out Company Y’s past history of E. coli O157:H7 adulteration requires the skill of an investigative reporter. There is simply no readily accessible source of information, other than digging through old press releases from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), about a meat producer’s prior safety record.  Even that won’t tell you how many people were sickened in prior outbreaks, the cause of the outbreaks, what corrective action, if any, was taken, and what fines or penalties were levied.  

If the currency of consumer choice is information, precious little is available about this most common food product.  This skews the balance in the producer-consumer exchange. Purchasers are powerless to “vote with their pocketbooks” and reward safe companies and punish those that consistently produce unsafe and dangerous products.

Our Federal and state governments are complicit in this outrage. The consumer is without information because no law requires adequate labeling and no government agency is required to produce readily accessible information that allows consumers to make informed choices.

Many states require restaurants (unfortunately not my home state of Minnesota) to post their inspection scores or grades. This basic safety information allows customers to patronize establishments that take it upon themselves to run a clean operation. Why shouldn’t huge multi-national meat producers have to do the same?

This is not rocket science. Here’s how it could work: every meat package has to identify the name of the company that produced it and the date on which it was produced. Simple enough.

In addition, one of the agencies of the federal government (preferably one that is more interested in consumers than producers) would be charged with maintaining a readily accessible web site that lists data about each federally inspected producer including the company’s past history of recalls, amount of product recalled, the number of people injured or killed in past foodborne illness outbreaks and other information that allows for informed consumer choice.

If our present regulatory scheme can’t solve (or even dent) the problem of foodborne illness, at least let consumers know enough to make their own choices.

Fred Pritzker is one of America’s leading food safety attorneys. He practices in Minnesota and represents survivors of foodborne illness throughout the United States. He may be reached toll-free at 1-888-377-8900, by email at fhp@pritzkerlaw.com, or through the firm’s web site at www.pritzkerlaw.com.  

Illnesses lead to ground beef recall due to suspected E. coli contamination

beef.gifOver the holiday weekend the USDA-FSIS announced the recall of 95,925 pounds of ground beef produced by American Foods Group, LLC, that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The recall is linked to an investigation into two illnesses by the Illinois Department of Public Health.

The affected ground beef was processed at an American Foods Group plant in Green Bay, Wisc., on October 10, 2007 and was sent to retail stores and distributors in Indiana, Kentucky, Maryland, Ohio, Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Virginia.

The shipping label bears the establishment number "Est. 18076" inside the USDA inspection mark, but that information won't help consumers know if they have the recalled product in their freezers, because the recalled ground beef was further processed and repackaged. The USDA is urging consumers to contact retailers to ask if they received any of the recalled products.

Keep Meat Off the Market Until USDA Tests Confirm No E. coli

The following from a story in USA Today highlights another problem with USDA policies and the need for more regulation of the beef industry:

The federal government may move to keep meat off the market until its tests confirm the meat doesn't have harmful bacteria, a step that officials say could have prevented some of this year's 53 meat recalls.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which regulates meat and poultry, may require meat producers to hold product that's been routinely tested by the government until test results come back, says Kenneth Petersen, assistant administrator for the USDA. "It's not in anybody's interest to do all of these recalls." [Why “may”? If this will prevent people from getting seriously ill from E. coli, it should be done.]

packaged-hamburger.jpgTen of this year's recalls, largely small ones with no associated illnesses, resulted from routine USDA testing, recall records show. The USDA tests thousands of products annually for bacteria, including E. coli O157:H7, before the meat leaves plants.

Companies can legally ship meat ahead of test results, which take a few days. Most tests are negative. When tests are positive and meat has been shipped, recalls follow. "They made a business decision that turned out to be the wrong one," Petersen says. [This should not be considered a business decision--it is a food safety decision.]

Nebraska E. coli Case Associated with Jeno's and Totino's Pizza

totinos-pizza-recall.jpgAccording to the CDC, an E. coli O157:H7 case in Nebraska is part of the E. coli outbreak associated with Jeno's and Totino's pizza.  This makes 23 confirmed cases.  Because about 5 million Jeno's and Totino's pizzas were recalled and the "best if used by" date is April 2008, there will probably be more confirmed E. coli cases associated with this outbreak.

We have been contacted by a number of people who became ill after eating a Jeno's or Totino's pizza but did not go to the doctor.  For medical and legal reasons, it is important to get medical attention if you are suffering from E. coli symptoms.  Attorney Fred Pritzker has written valuable information on foodborne illness and medical treatment.

If you have been diagnosed with an E. coli infection, you need an attorney with experience in this area.  Please read our information on how to hire a foodborne illness attorney.  To contact an E. coli lawyer at our law firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.

E. coli, Hus and the Death of a Teenager

Why did Kayla Boner, an athletic 14-year-old girl, die after contracting an E. coli infection and then developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in October? Health officials have not yet found the source of the E. coli infection. According to a story on DesMoinesRegister.com, Kayla’s mother believes it was Totino’s pizza:

At first, she associated Kayla's illness with a recent recall of two pizza brands, Totino's and Jeno's. Kayla ate Totino's pepperoni pizza regularly, Boner said, and she now wonders whether the recalled pizza - which has been associated with E. coli infections in 12 states - is the reason her daughter died.

totinos-pizza-recall.jpgGeneral Mills recalled about 5 million Totino’s and Jeno’s pizzas on November 1 because several people had contracted E. coli infections after eating the pizzas. The E. coli outbreak linked to Totino’s and Jeno’s pizza is one of several E. coli outbreaks in the last few months.  ground-beef.jpgMost of the outbreaks have been linked to ground beef products, and over 28 million pounds of ground beef products have been recalled due to possible E. coli contamination.  If the genetic fingerprint of the E. coli bacteria that killed Kayla does not match any E. coli bacteria involved in outbreaks linked to ground beef, it is still possible that the source of her E. coli infection was ground beef. Not all ground beef is tested for E. coli, and before Kayla became ill, USDA did not get genetic fingerprints of all ground beef that tested positive for E. coli.  Ground beef cannot be ruled out as a source of Kayla’s E. coli infection until another food source is found. For the sake of Kayla’s family and friends, we hope the source is found because they need to know what killed her. 

Another disturbing aspect of this case is that E. coli-related HUS does not usually kill healthy teenagers. In fact, most E. coli infections contracted by teenagers do not develop into HUS. Why did Kayla’s infection develop into HUS? Why did she die from it? One part of the answer may be that the E. coli O157:H7 strain that killed Kayla was unusually virulent. This brings us back to needing to find the source. We hope UDSA’s additional genetic fingerprinting of E. coli isolates found in ground beef and other meat products during routine testing will help health investigators pinpoint the source of more E. coli infections.

Proving Foodborne Illness: How Lawyers Evaluate Defective Food Product Cases

Article written by Fred Pritzker

We represent people injured by unsafe food products, usually containing foodborne pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7, Listeria, Salmonella, Shigella, or Hepatitis A.

As part of our service to the public, we’re asked to evaluate potential foodborne illness cases. Here is some information about how food safety lawyers prove foodborne illness cases.

In order to prove a case of foodborne illness, the injured person has to prove the following three elements: 1) the food product was defective, 2) the defect caused illness, and, 3) the person suffered damage as a result of that defect.

A food product is defective, according to the definition used in many states, “if an ordinary consumer would not reasonably expect the food product to contain the substance that caused the harm.”

Since food consumers do not expect the food they eat to contain injurious or lethal pathogens, satisfying the first element of foodborne illness proof is usually not difficult.

Some states, however, do not follow the “consumer expectation” test and require proof of food “adulteration.” That term is usually defined as follows:

  • It contains an added poisonous or deleterious substance that may make the food injurious to health, or that is not necessary for food production.
  • It contains enough of a poisonous or deleterious substance (added or not) to make the food normally injurious to health.
  • It contains any added substance that is considered “unsafe” under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, or that is present at levels considered “unsafe” under the federal act. The federal Food and Drug Administration publishes a list of substances “generally recognized as safe” (the GRAS list), but a substance is not necessarily considered “unsafe” merely because it is not included on the GRAS list.
  • It contains any diseased, contaminated, filthy, putrid or decomposed substance or is otherwise unfit for food.
  • It has been produced, prepared, packed, or held under unsanitary conditions that may have caused it to become contaminated, diseased, unwholesome or injurious to health.
  • It is the product of a diseased animal, or an animal that died other than by slaughter.
  • Its packaging contains any poisonous or deleterious substance that may make the food injurious to health.
  • The seller misrepresents the food contents, directly or by implication.

As a general rule, any food contaminated with a foodborne pathogen (e.g. E. coli O157:H7, Shigella, Listeria, Salmonella, etc.) is considered adulterated.

In foodborne illness litigation, the much more difficult element of proof is “causation”: Is the suspected food product the actual cause of the victim’s illness?

In order to prove causation, the first step is to identify the actual foodborne pathogen responsible for the victim’s symptoms. Put another way, identifying foodborne illness symptoms is not enough; in most cases, one has to prove the specific foodborne pathogen responsible for a client’s symptoms. The following example illustrates the point.

If you were injured in a car accident and wanted to sue the driver responsible for the crash, you would have to prove more than just that a car hit you. You would need to identify the make, model, color, year and serial number of the car as well as the vehicle’s owner. So it is with foodborne pathogens. You first have to nail down the specific foodborne pathogen responsible for your illness. This is done through testing, usually of the victim’s stool, blood or other bodily fluids. Thus, when you are sick enough to require medical treatment, insist that the doctor order appropriate tests to identify the particular foodborne pathogen responsible for your symptoms. This should ideally be done before antibiotics are prescribed. That’s because antibiotics may often kill off the pathogen before it can be identified.

Knowing the exact pathogen responsible for your symptoms also helps us to know when you likely consumed the food that caused your illness. Here’s how: all foodborne pathogens have incubation periods, the time from when you ate the food to the time when your symptoms first appear. By knowing when you ate the food we have a better idea of where it came from.

Foodborne pathogens have different incubation periods – from hours to weeks. For example, in the case of E. coli O157:H7 the incubation period is two to eight days (average of 3-4). Thus, if your testing confirms you have E. coli O157:H7, the food that caused it was probably eaten days, not hours, before your symptoms first appeared.  On the other hand, the incubation period for Hepatitis A is an average of one month.

Continue Reading...

Stop and Shop Recall of Beef Due to Possible E. coli Contamination

Stop and shop has issued 2 recalls of beef due to possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination.  The recalled beef is part of the larger, nationwide recall of 1,084,384 pounds of ground beef products by Cargill.  The following beef products have been recalled by Stop and Shop:

  1. Stop and Shop Meatloaf Mix: On November 8, Stop and Shop recalled Stop and Shop meatloaf mix in 1.25 lb packages with a use by/sell by dates of 10/31 and 11/2.  The recalled Stop and Shop meatloaf mix was sold at the following Stop and Shop stores: stores in New Jersey; stores in New York; Connecticut west of Route I-91, store 612, 11 Glenridge Rd. Glenville, Connecticut; Store 616, 161 West Putman Ave. Greenwich, CT; store 646, 1937 West Main Street, Stamford, CT; and store 698, 2146 Fairfield Ave., Bridgeport, CT.
  2. Stop & Shop Fresh Ground Beef and Ground Beef Patties: On November 3, Stop and Shop recalled ground beef and ground beef patties with use-by/freeze-by dates of Oct. 19, Oct. 31, and Nov. 3. As stated above, the Stop & Shop recall is part of a larger nationwide recall by Cargill Meat Solutions, which is a supplier of Stop & Shop fresh ground beef and ground beef patties.  Approximately 63,000 pounds of Stop & Shop fresh ground beef and ground beef patties with use-by/freeze-by dates of Oct. 19, Oct. 31, and Nov. 3 are implicated in Cargill's recall.

To contact E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzker, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consulation form.

Iowa Teenager's Death Linked to E. coli Was Preventable

The death of a teenager from Monroe, Iowa has been linked to E. coli. Although the source of the E. coli that killed her may never be found, what we do know is that her death was preventable. It was preventable because E. coli spreads via feces, and this spread of contaminated feces is preventable. 

ground-beef.jpgIn the last few months about 28 million pounds of ground beef products have been recalled, most of it prompted by E. coli infections in people who ate the products. There has also been a recall of almost 5 million Jeno’s and Totino’s pizzas by General Mills. Slaughterhouses are letting manure get onto beef carcass scraps that are sent to be processed. Processing plants don’t do enough testing for E. coli and use grinding procedures that allow hundreds of thousands (and sometimes millions) of pounds of ground beef to be contaminated. Even the threat of lawsuits is not enough to make the beef industry clean up its act. Although the USDA-FSIS is taking some actions, it is too little too late.

lettuce-field1.jpgThere have also been nationwide E. coli outbreaks linked to fresh spinach and lettuce. The contamination of produce with E. coli is also preventable. Again, it is feces—usually cow manure—that is the source of the E. coli contamination. Cow manure gets into irrigation water, is tracked into a field, or finds its way to a field during a flood. More testing needs to be done at every point from field to fork, and farmers should not plant fields close to cattle ranches or in flood zones (yes, this happens). 

The E. coli problem has to be seriously addressed by federal and state governments and the food industries that are cutting corners to make more of a profit. We have contacted our federal legislators and encourage others to do the same. 

If you have something to say about this issue, we would like to hear about it. Please leave a comment.

Fred Pritzker is one of the leading food safety lawyers in the United States.  He represent victims of E. coli outbreaks and the families of victims who have died.  To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.

Wegmans Recalls Ground Beef Due to Possible E. coli Contamination

Wegmans has recalled the following multiple fresh ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  All of the Wegmans recalled ground beef have use-or-freeze-by’ dates from 10/10/07 through 10/29/07. 

The recalled Wegmans ground beef products include the following:

  • 80%, 90% and 95% Lean Fresh Ground Beef, all packages sizes.  Also includes product sold from the service meat case.
  • 80% and 90% Lean Fresh Ground Beef Patties in the 4-patty pack only
  • All Ground Beef, Pork and Veal blends, including Century Farm brand
  • 85% and 91% Food You Feel Good About Fresh Ground Beef sold in the service meat case
  • Ready-to-Cook items made with Fresh Ground Beef, both packaged and in the service meat case.  These include:

Ready-to-Cook Burgers (bacon and cheddar, blue cheese, seasoned, roasted pepper and feta)
Ready-to-Cook Meatloaf (regular and bacon cheddar)
Ready-to-Cook Meatballs
Stuffed Peppers

Wegmans Food You Feel Good About fresh ground beef and irradiated fresh ground beef are not part of this recall.  This recall is related to a Cargill recall of over 1 million pounds of ground beef.

Pritzker Law, a leading E. coli litigation law firm, has recovered millions for victims of E. coli outbreaks. To contact an E. coli lawyer at the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form.

Cargill Recalls One Million Pounds of Ground Beef

Less than 30 days after Cargill recalled 845,000 pounds of hamburgers (October 6 recall), Cargill has again recalled ground beef, over 1 million pounds. In both cases, the reason for the recall was possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7. 

The ground beef products subject to today’s recall were produced between Oct. 8 and 11, 2007. According to Cargill, the company learned of the possibility of contamination after the U.S. Department of Agriculture returned a confirmed-positive on a sample of product produced Oct. 8, 2007.

We are concerned that it took 26 days after the contaminated sample was produced for Cargill to recall the ground beef. Here are some questions that need answers:

  1. On what date did Cargill know that its beef may be contaminated?
  2. Did Cargill distribute the ground beef after it knew a sample tested positive for E. coli?
  3. Why did Cargill wait to recall the ground beef?

We have provided a list of the recalled ground beef products, information on E. coli on our website.

21 Cases of E. coli May Be Linked to Jeno's and Totino's Pizzas

totinos-pizza-recall.jpg21 confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 may be linked to Jeno’s and Totino’s pizzas, General Mills products. The cases occurred in Illinois (1), Kentucky (3), Missouri (2), New York (2), Ohio (1), Pennsylvania (1), South Dakota (1), Tennessee (8), Virginia (1), and Wisconsin (1). According to the CDC at least 8 people were hospitalized, and 4 of them developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).  The earliest case reported to state authorities occurred on July 20, and the latest case reported occurred on Oct. 10.  Nine of the 21 people reported having eaten Totino’s or Jeno’s pizza with pepperoni topping at some point prior to becoming ill. 

In response to these illnesses, General Mills has recalled the following Jeno’s and Totino’s pizzas, all of which were made in the company’s Wellston, Ohio plant:

  • 10.2-ounce packages of "Totino's The Original Crisp Crust Party Pizza Pepperoni."
  • 10.2-ounce packages of "Totino's The Original Crisp Crust Party Pizza, Classic Pepperoni."
  • 10.2-ounce packages of "Totino's The Original Crisp Crust Party Pizza, Pepperoni Trio."
  • 10.7-ounce packages of "Totino's The Original Crisp Crust Party Pizza, Combination Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza."
  • 10.5-ounce packages of "Totino's The Original Crisp Crust Party Pizza, Three Meat Sausage, Canadian Style Bacon & Pepperoni Pizza."
  • 10.9-ounce packages of "Totino's The Original Crisp Crust Party Pizza, Supreme Sausage & Pepperoni Pizza with Green Peppers & Onions."
  • 6.8-ounce packages of "JENO'S CRISP `N TASTY PIZZA, PEPPERONI."
  • 7.0-ounce packages of "JENO'S CRISP `N TASTY PIZZA, COMBINATION SAUSAGE AND PEPPERONI PIZZA."
  • 7.2-ounce packages of "JENO'S CRISP `N TASTY PIZZA, SUPREME SAUSAGE AND PEPPERONI WITH GREEN PEPPERS AND ONION PIZZA."

Each package of pizza bears the establishment number "EST. 7750" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as a "best if used by" date on or before "02 APR 08 WS."

According to General Mills, since July 1 of this year, Totino’s and Jeno’s have distributed more than 120 million pizzas nationwide. The 414,000 cases of frozen meat pizza products subject to this recall were produced on or before Oct. 30 and were distributed to retail establishments nationwide.

 

Pritzker Lawn is a national food safety law firm. The firm represents victims of E. coli and the families of victims who have died. To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form.

Recalled Topps Hamburgers Found in Seven New Jersey Stores

New Jersey’s Division of Consumer Affairs has reported finding recalled Topps hamburgers in seven stores in Hudson County:

Bargain World (aka Stop 1 Food Mart)
715 New York Avenue, Union City

Lucky Food Center (aka Boca Chica Mini Market)
6501 Park Avenue, West New York

Wayne Gusto Meat Market
190 Ocean Avenue, Jersey City

Super Good Luck Grocery
91 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Jersey City

8 New Brothers Super World
61 Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Jersey City

La Mia Grocery
503A Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, Jersey City

BergenLine Supermarket
8107 Bergenline Avenue, North Bergen

The recalled Topps frozen hamburgers found at these stores are part of a 21.7-million-pound recall, one of the largest in U.S. history. This recall got far more publicity than most because of its size and because 40 cases of E. coli O157:H7 were associated with the recalled hamburgers, and yet these stores had not pulled the recalled frozen hamburgers out of their freezers. If Super Good Luck Grocery wants to live up to its name, it had better get recalled food products out of its store.    

Ranchers Beef, a Canadian Firm, Linked to Topps E. coli Outbreak

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), a joint investigation between the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the FSIS has found that Ranchers Beef, Ltd., a Canadian firm, is the likely source of the multistate outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 infections linked to the Topps Meat Company. Ranchers Beef, Ltd. provided trim to the Topps Meat Company. While the firm, which had been located in Balzac, Alberta, ceased operations on August 15, 2007, some product remained in storage and was collected and tested by CFIA as part of the joint investigation of the Topps recall and as part of CFIA's own investigation into 45 illnesses in Canada from E. coli O157:H7.

"We appreciate the assistance from our food safety partners in Canada. This piece of information helped us to determine a likely source of contaminated product which led to the September 29 Topps Meat Company expanded recall," stated under secretary for food safety Dr. Richard Raymond. "We have a long history of cooperation and collaboration with CFIA."

PulseNet provided verification to FSIS that the PFGE pattern of E. coli found on Ranchers Beef trim matched those from patients who were ill and from positive tests conducted by the New York Department of Health on product (both intact packages and open packages from patients' homes) that was later recalled by the Topps Meat Company on September 29. PulseNet is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) searchable database of all PFGE patterns from patients and food products in the United States.

As of October 26, CDC reported 40 illnesses under investigation in 8 states, with 21 known hospitalizations. The latest onset of illness is September 24, 2007. This summer was the first time this rare PFGE pattern had been seen in North America.  Read the CDC update on the Topps E. coli outbreak on our website.

As the result of the Topps Meat Company recall investigation, FSIS had delisted Ranchers Beef, Ltd., Canadian establishment number 630, on October 20, 2007. No product from that firm has been eligible to come into the U.S. since that date.

Today, FSIS notified industry to hold all boneless beef manufacturing trim from Ranchers Beef, Ltd., Canadian establishment number 630, or raw products produced in whole or in part from these products until the joint investigation is completed. The Agency has also today issued a Notice to inspection program personnel in the field to retain these products.

On October 23, FSIS announced new, ongoing and upcoming actions to protect public health against the risk of E. coli O157:H7, including expanded testing, including testing of imported trim at the border. On October 19, FSIS notified countries that export beef to the U.S. of new policies and programs and is working with them to ensure they implement the same or equivalent measures to protect the public from E. coli O157:H7 risks.

FSIS Discusses Topps Hamburger E. coli Contamination

topps-hamburgers2.jpgIn late September Topps Meat Company recalled almost 22 million pounds of frozen hamburger patties that had been produced over a one-year period due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7. According to Dr. Kenneth Petersen, USDA-FSIS Assistant Administrator, Office of Field Operations, FSIS has “nailed down” the facts and believes the contamination was a product of inadequate testing, unsafe grinding procedures, and inadequate training of FSIS meat inspectors:

  • Topps cut back on the testing of meat for E. coli O157:H7. Two years ago, before cutting back on testing, Topps was only receiving beef parts for processing that had tested negative for E. coli O157:H7. In addition, Topps was doing monthly testing of incoming product as a separate check.
  • Topps began grinding product that had tested negative for E. coli O157:H7 with product that was not tested. According to Dr. Peterson, “And so that doesn't mean that product that wasn't tested wasn't negative, but it means they don't know the status of it and so, over time, it introduces the opportunity certainly for contamination to go into their product. And when that kind of thing happens, we're going to have significant questions about obviously what they're doing. But that's the kind of situation that would lead you to have a one-year recall.”
  • FSIS inspectors were at the plant one or two hours a day, but did not cite the company for inadequate testing or unsafe grinding procedures. According to Dr. Petersen, “Did we here in headquarters sufficiently communicate to those inspectors that, here are the kind of things you should be looking for when you look at these programs? You know, when a plant says, we have these controls in place, what kind of documentation exactly should they be looking at?  And so in relooking at our training, we're giving them better clarity on what they should exactly be looking for so that these things don't get missed.”  
To read the full FSIS transcript regarding action on E. coli O157:H7 and Topps, please click here.

FSIS Actions Regarding E. coli in Ground Beef

Yesterday, Dr. Richard Raymond, USDA Under Secretary for Food Safety, spoke to reporters regarding the department’s E. coli O157:H7 actions. The following is an excerpt from the transcript with comments and explanations:  

Dr. Richard Raymond: Since January there have been 15 recalls related to E. coli in beef this year, eight of those have been associated with human illnesses. In comparison, in 2006 there were only eight related recalls and none of those were related to human illnesses and in 2005 there were only five E. coli related recalls. So obviously something has changed.

. . . We are announcing today that we will begin testing more domestic and imported ground beef components.  [These components are beef trim and other meat parts, such as hear muscle and weasand meat (the smooth muscular lining which surrounds the oesophagus from the larynx to the paunch). Are you hungry yet?]. FSIS will begin testing these materials that are used as components in raw ground beef, in addition to the beef trim that is already tested, which is the primary component of ground beef. [The heart muscle, weasand meat, etc. has not been tested in the past.] FSIS is also requiring countries whose beef is imported to the U.S. to conduct the same sampling or at least an equivalent measure. [The USDA-FSIS (Food Safety Inspection Service) has not been testing imported beef trim. American consumers should be outraged that this has not been happening.]

One area where I feel we have made progress is in getting recalls done more rapidly. [Reality check: The recall of almost 22 million pounds (initially over 300,000 pounds) of Topps hamburgers began 18 days after FSIS confirmed E. coli O157:H7 in a Topps hamburger.   40 people have confirmed E. coli infections from Topps hamburgers.] FSIS now takes into account a broader, more complete range of evidence when evaluating whether to seek a recall or whether to take regulatory action. This gives the agency a credible approach to more rapidly taking action when certain types of evidence are available. In two recent cases, FSIS acted upon epidemiological evidence that linked illness to opened, FSIS-inspected product found in consumers freezers. There was more than 1 million pounds of ground beef recalled as a result of that and this would not have happened prior to looking at our recall procedures.

But we still acknowledge that we can and must do better. We are looking at training and staffing patterns to ensure inspection program personnel and supervisors are doing their jobs correctly. That they are held accountable, that they have appropriate workloads and appropriate supervision. [FSIS inspectors were at the Topps plant an hour or two per day and did not cite the company for failing to adequately test the beef, using grinding practices that were unsafe, and other problems. Did they know they were supposed to cite the company and choose not to do so, or were they poorly trained? We believe a federal investigation into what happened at the Topps plant is needed.]

Based on the challenges posed by E. coli O157:H7 and what we have learned from recent recalls, I believe that we need to take additional time to strengthen our system and the data that supports it before moving forward with risk based inspection in processing.  

. . . In the spring of 2007, concerns were expressed about the FSIS practice that allowed inspection program personnel to discard raw ground beef samples for product that was going to be diverted to cooking or destroyed, after testing positive by the industry. This essentially removed this raw product from the marketplace. This practice was followed because cooked or destroyed product did not pose a human health risk for E. coli O157:H7 when the plant had found it to be positive and either discarded it or cooked it. [What is meant here is that when a raw ground beef sample tested positive for E. coli O157:H7, FSIS threw away the sample without getting a DNA fingerprint of the E. coli that could be used to link the contaminated meat to a case of E. coli in a consumer. The illogical justification behind this was that the beef was going to be cooked or destroyed by the processor or other party in possession of the meat. But some of  this raw ground beef still did get into the market. The hundreds of E. coli cases with “unknown sources” each year were most likely attributable to this, and the FSIS had to know this.] 

FSIS implemented a new policy on September 28, 2007, under which FSIS inspection program personnel send samples to FSIS labs for testing irrespective of the company's test results. While the previous practice did not pose a human health risk [yes it did], this new approach will allow us to increase the number of Pulse-Field Gel samples that will be entered into PulseNet. [Perhaps now more people who suffer from E. coli infections will be able to get justice and hold the responsible parties accountable.]

Finally, I want to emphasize again, how important it is to me personally to base agency actions on the need to protect the public's health. As I have often said I did not move to Washington to oversee recalls, but instead to prevent food borne illnesses. Even one illness is too many. With the actions we are going to outline today for you, I believe we are on the right track to bringing those E. coli numbers back down to where historically they have been for the past two or three years. [The goal should be elimination of E. coli O157:H7 in the food chain. This is a realistic goal because E. coli O157:H7 is preventable—it is merely a matter of keeping cow manure out of meat and off of produce.]

To read the full FSIS transcript, please click here.

40 Cases of E. coli O157:H7 Associated with Topps Frozen Hamburgers

topps-hamburgers2.jpgThe number of people with confirmed E. coli O157:H7 infections associated with Topps frozen hamburgers continues to rise as health investigators compare the “DNA fingerprint” patterns of E. coli O157 strains found in ground beef with “DNA fingerprint” patterns of E. coli O157 strains isolated from ill persons.  There are now 40 cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection with PFGE patterns that match at least one of the patterns of E. coli strains found in Topp's brand frozen ground beef patties. People sickened in this Topps frozen hamburgers E. coli outbreak reside in 8 states: Connecticut (2), Florida (1), Indiana (1), Maine (1), New Jersey (9), New York (13), Ohio (1), and Pennsylvania (12).

Twenty-nine (88%) of 33 patients with a detailed food history consumed ground beef. The remaining 12% most likely contracted secondary infections from people who ate contaminated hamburgers. 

Seven illnesses have confirmed associations with recalled products because the strain isolated from the person was also isolated from the meat in their home. This illustrates the importance of not disposing of or returning recalled meat (or any food product) until you are sure no one has been sickened by it. Contaminated food product can be used as evidence.

Thus far, two people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), one of the leading causes of kidney failure. HUS can cause permanent injury or death. In an unrelated case, a 20-month-old girl just died this week of E. coli-related HUS. She contracted an E. coli infection and 7 days later was dead. To say it is tragic seems inadequate.

All Talk and No New Food Safety Laws

senator.jpgIn the news today is Senator Charles Schumer’s call for improved federal oversight of meat safety. From the Associated Press:

"The USDA has become a toothless tiger when it comes to keeping our meat clean and safe," Schumer told a news conference in Manhattan's meatpacking district. "Ensuring the safety of our meat and poultry requires immediate action."

. . . Schumer said he would reintroduce legislation that would give the USDA the power to temporarily shut down meat processing plants that repeatedly fail inspections for E. coli bacteria and expand the agency's authority to trace and recall contaminated food.

. . . "The better we inspect and protect our food supply, the safer we are against bacteria that can come both from unsafe plants and from people looking to cause harm and wreak havoc by tainting our food supply," Schumer said. "We need to be more vigilant than ever, and that applies to everything from airline security to food safety."

The staggering amount of recalled ground beef has given politicians something to get on a soapbox about, but we need less talk and more action. On September 12 we wrote about some of the food safety bills that are before Congress. All of them were read and referred to committee, where they continue to sit, some since the beginning of this year. Since September 12, more food safety bills have been introduced. At some point our federal legislators need to get out of the limelight and get down to work to make some of these bills law.

Source: "Schumer Calls for Tougher Meat Inspection Standards," Associated Press and Newsday, October 14, 2007 <http://www.newsday.com/news/local/wire/newyork/ny-bc-ny--schumer-meatrecal1014oct14,0,5008480.story>
 

Tennessee E. coli Cases Linked to Cargill Hamburgers

3 E. coli cases in Tennessee have been linked to Cargill hamburger patties sold at Sam’s Club. According to a story on KnoxNews:

Two Knox County children . . .  also are being treated at UT Medical Center for E. coli-related illnesses.  In a news release late Monday night from the Knox County Health Department, the . . .  E. coli cases “have been positively linked to the ground beef recall.”

The family has said they believed the children contracted the illness from Cargill-brand hamburger patties purchased at Sam’s Club before a recent recall. They were not aware of the recall until after the children became ill.

The . . . children and a Knox County 14-year-old who has recovered from E. coli with the same “DNA fingerprint,” said Dr. Tim Jones, state deputy epidemiologist.

The E. coli outbreak linked to Cargill hamburgers purchased from Sam’s Club now has confirmed victims in Minnesota, North Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin, and E. coli cases in other states are being investigated.  In response to this outbreak, Cargill recalled about 845,000 pounds of hamburger patties.

Cargill Recall Prompted by E. coli Infections

On October 6, Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation recalled approximately 845,000 pounds of frozen hamburger patties because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The frozen ground beef patties were produced on various dates from Aug. 9 through Aug. 17, 2007, and were distributed to retail establishments, restaurants and institutions nationwide.  

sams-club-hamburgers.jpgTo date, people in Minnesota, North Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin have confirmed cases of E. coli that are associated with the recalled Cargill hamburger patties. The E. coli O157:H7 strain involved in this outbreak is particularly dangerous and an unusually high number of people have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). One Minnesota woman is in a coma. Two children in Tennessee also are hospitalized. Another child in Tennessee is in critical condition with an E. coli infection. Health officials are awaiting test results to determine whether the child’s E. coli infection is associated with Cargill hamburgers.

Health officials believe a large amount of the recalled Cargill hamburgers may still be in consumers’ freezers. Please distribute the USDA-FSIS Cargill recall information below to friends and family:

Each label bears the establishment number "Est. 924A" inside the USDA mark of inspection. Products distributed to retail establishments, including Sam’s Club, and subject to recall:

  • 6-pound boxes of "American Chef's Selection Angus Beef Patties 18-1/3 Pound Patties." Each package bears a case code of "7703100" and various package codes of Best If Used By dates of "02/05/08," "02/06/08," "02/12/08," and "02/13/08."

Products distributed to restaurants and institutions and subject to recall include:

  • 20-pound boxes of "Grille Works Seasoned Sirloin Steak Beef Patties." Each package bears a case code of "7700296" and a package code "packed/chilled by 08/15/07."
  • 20-pound boxes of "TNT Thick 'n' Tender Beef Patties with Seasoning." Each package bears a case code of "7703003" and a package code "packed/chilled by 08/15/07."
  • 20-pound boxes of "TNT Thick 'n' Tender Beef Patties with Seasoning." Each package bears a case code of "7703008" and a package code "packed/chilled by 08/15/07."
  • 10-pound boxes of "TNT Thick 'n' Tender Beef Patties with Seasoning." Each package bears a case code of "7703092" and a package code "packed/chilled by 08/15/07."
  • 20-pound boxes of "TNT Thick 'n' Tender Black Angus Beef Patties with Seasoning." Each package bears a case code of "7703132" and a package code "packed/chilled by 08/15/07."
  • 20-pound boxes of "TNT Thick 'n' Tender Black Angus Beef Patties with Seasoning." Each package bears a case code of "7703133" and a package code "packed/chilled by 08/15/07."
  • 10-pound boxes of "TNT Thick 'n' Tender Black Angus Beef Patties with Seasoning." Each package bears a case code of "7703139" and a package code "packed/chilled by 08/15/07."
  • 20-pound boxes of "TNT Thick 'n' Tender Black Angus Ground Beef Patties." Each package bears a case code of "7700922" and a package code "packed/chilled by 08/15/07."
  • 32.4-pound boxes of "100% Black Angus Ground Beef Patties." Each package bears a case code of "7700932" and a package code "packed/chilled by 08/15/07."
  • 36.0-pound boxes of "100% Black Angus Ground Beef Patties." Each package bears a case code of "7700983" and a package code "packed/chilled by 08/15/07."

E. coli Associated with Topps, Sam's Choice, and Sam's Club

ground-beef.jpgThere have been two new recalls of ground beef:

  1. J & B Meats Corporation Inc. has recalled approximately 173,554 pounds of frozen ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The recalled ground beef was sold to Sam’s Club and other retail establishments under the Topps and Sam’s Choice brands. More information on the Topps and Sam’s Choice ground beef and E. coli outbreaks associated with Sam’s Club hamburgers can be found on our website, www.pritzkerlaw.com.
  2. Arko Veal Company has recalled approximately 1,900 pounds of ground beef products because they may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The recalled ground beef was distributed to restaurants in Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina. There have been no reports of illness.

If you or your child has been diagnosed with E. coli, the likely source of the E. coli is ground beef. In addition to these recalls, over 27 million pounds of ground beef have been recalled in the last few months. To determine the source of the E. coli infection and pursue those responsible, it is critical for you to have DNA fingerprinting done on the E. coli that sickened you or your child. Please contact attorney Fred Pritzker for information regarding DNA fingerprinting, E. coli lawsuits, or any other legal matter related to your or your child’s E. coli infection. Our toll-free number is 1-888-377-8900, or contact one of our E. coli lawyers by submitting the firm’s online consultation form.

Wisconsin Cases Associated with Sam's Club Hamburger

We contacted the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services today regarding the E. coli outbreak linked to Sam’s Club hamburgers. There are now 4 people in Wisconsin with E. coli infections associated with Sam’s Club hamburgers (up from 1):

  • All 4 have laboratory-confirmed E. coli O157:H7 infections
  • They all ate “American Chef’s Selection Angus Beef Patties” from Sam’s Club
  • DNA fingerprinting has been done, and all 4 were sickened by the same strain of E. coli O157:H7 strain that sickened 4 children in Minnesota who also ate “American Chef’s Selection Angus Beef Patties” from Sam’s Club

Three Wisconsin counties are involved in the outbreak: Milwaukee (2), Outagamie (1), and Waukesha (1). The first onset of illness began on September 23, 2007. The 2 Milwaukee County cases may be associated with a cook out at Marquette University.

sams-club-hamburgers.jpgThe Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services is recommending that anyone who purchased "American Chef's Selection Angus Beef Patties" from Sam's Club (Item Number 700141) after August 25, 2007 should return the product to the nearest Sam's Club or throw it away.  However, if someone has eaten any of the hamburgers from the box, you should wait to return or throw away the remaining hamburgers until you are sure no one has been sickened, 10 days after consumption. Additional hamburger products from the same producer, Cargill Meat Solutions, were also recalled.

Attorney Fred Pritzker is currently representing victims of E. coli outbreaks linked to ground beef. We are also representing the families of people who died from E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), including a Wisconsin family. If you have been diagnosed with E. coli after eating Sam’s Club hamburgers, please contact us toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form for review by an attorney.We are a national law firm and represent victims of E. coli outbreaks throughout the United States.

35 E. coli Cases Associated with Topps Hamburgers

topps-hamburgers2.jpgNationally recognized E. coli litigation lawyer Fred Pritzker, is investigating cases of E. coli associated with Topps hamburgers. If you have been diagnosed with an E. coli infection and/or hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), please contact the firm toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form

Genetic fingerprinting has identified 35 cases of E. coli O157:H7 associated with Topps hamburgers. The new information from the CDC is as follows:

Investigators compared the “DNA fingerprints” patterns of E. coli O157 strains found in ground beef with “DNA fingerprints” patterns of E. coli O157 strains isolated from ill persons. As of 12 PM (ET) October 9, 2007, 35 cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection have been identified with PFGE patterns that match at least one of the patterns of E. coli strains found in Topp's brand frozen ground beef patties. Ill persons reside in 8 states [Connecticut (2), Florida (1), Indiana (1), Maine (1), New Jersey (8), New York (11), Ohio (1), and Pennsylvania (10)]. Twenty-one (91%) of 24 patients with a detailed food history consumed ground beef. Three illnesses have confirmed associations with recalled products because the strain isolated from the person was also isolated from the meat in their home. The first reported illness began on July 5, 2007, and the last began on September 23, 2007. Among twenty-four ill persons for whom hospitalization status is known, fifteen (63%) were hospitalized. One patient developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths have been reported. Fifteen (45%) patients are female. The ages of patients range from 1 to 77 years; 52% are between 15 and 24 years old (only 14% of the US population is in this age group).

Wisconsin E. coli Case Associated with Cargill Hamburgers

sams-club-hamburgers.jpgAccording to the Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services, an 18-year-old Wisconsin woman has contracted an E. coli infection associated with the E. coli outbreak linked to Cargill hamburgers that were sold by Sam’s Club under the American’s Chef brand. The Wisconsin woman is a resident of Milwaukee County. In addition to this Wisconsin woman, 4 children from Minnesota have been sickened in the Cargill hamburger/Sam’s Club hamburger E. coli outbreak. Two of the Minnesota children developed hemolytic uremic syndrome as a result of the E. coli O157:H7 infections. 

Health officials are investigating at least 4 other cases of E. coli O157:H7 that may be associated with the Cargill hamburger/Sam’s Club hamburger E. coli outbreak. To connect a case of E. coli O157:H7 to the outbreak, the DNA fingerprint of E. coli isolated from the patient has to match the DNA fingerprint of the outbreak E. coli.

If you have been diagnosed with E. coli and your case is associated with the Cargill hamburger/Sam’s Club hamburger E. coli outbreak, contact E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzker by calling toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submitting the firm’s online consultation form

There has been so much E. coli contamination of ground beef in the last few months (over 27 million pounds recalled) that any case of E. coli should be looked at as possibly associated with contaminated ground beef.  If you are diagnosed with E. coli, contact an E. coli lawyer at our office for a free consultation.


E. coli in Hamburgers Nationwide Problem

Frozen hamburger patties distributed throughout the nation to retailers, institutions and restaurants may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  

  • topps-hamburgers2.jpgOn September 29, 2007, USDA-FSIS announced a recall of 21.7 million pounds of Topps hamburger patties due to an E. coli outbreak that, to date, has 32 cases of E. coli with matching DNA fingerprints. According to the CDC: Ill persons reside in 8 states [Connecticut (2), Florida (1), Indiana (1), Maine (1), New Jersey (7), New York (9), Ohio (1), and Pennsylvania (10)].


  • sams-club-hamburgers.jpgOctober 6, 2007, USDA-FSIS announced the recall of 845,000 pounds of Cargill hamburger patties due to an outbreak of E. coli associated with Cargill hamburgers sold at Sam’s Club stores in Minnesota.

 

If you or your child has been diagnosed with E. coli O157:H7, the likely cause is a recalled hamburger. For legal purposes, it is important that the correct tests and DNA fingerprinting be done. Please contact an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Law by calling free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form. Our firm is currently representing victims of E. coli outbreaks linked to ground beef. The firm is also currently representing the families of people who died from E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

E. coli Cases Linked to Sam's Club Hamburgers

sams-club-hamburgers.jpgPritzker Law is currently representing victims of Minnesota E. coli outbreaks linked to ground beef. The firm is a Minnesota personal injury law firm with extensive experience with E. coli litigation, including cases involving hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). If your child has been sickened by hamburgers sold at Sam’s Club, contact attorney Fred Pritzker toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or at 612-338-0202. If you call after hours, our on-call attorney will contact you as soon as possible. The firm represents victims of E. coli outbreaks throughout the United States.

The Minnesota Department of Health issued a press release today regarding E. coli cases in Minnesota associated with American Chef’s beef patties sold at Sam’s Club stores in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, including Sam’s Club stores in Eagan, Maple Grove and White Bear Lake (other stores may also have sold contaminated hamburgers).  These cases are not connected to the E. coli outbreak linked to Topps beef patties. The following is from the press release:

[Minnesota] health and agriculture officials are investigating four cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection in Minnesota children associated with eating ground beef patties purchased from Sam’s Club stores in August and September.

All four cases were related to pre-made frozen ground beef patties purchased at Sam’s Club stores in the Twin Cities metro area. The people became ill between September 10 and 20 after consuming the meat. The brand name of the implicated frozen ground beef patties was “American Chef’s Selection Angus Beef Patties.”

All four cases were children. Two of the cases developed hemolytic uremic syndrome and were hospitalized. One case has been discharged and one remains hospitalized.  [For information regarding compensation for medical expenses, loss of earnings, and pain and suffering, contact a lawyer at Pritzker Law toll free at 1-888-377-8900 or 612-338-0202.  Compensation in an E. coli lawsuit should include amounts for future expenses and future pain and suffering.]

“The Sam’s Club stores currently involved include the Eagan, Maple Grove and White Bear Lake stores. However, we can’t be certain that meat from other stores is not involved, since the brand of implicated frozen ground beef patties was likely sold at other Sam’s Club locations,” said Heidi Kassenborg, Acting Director of the Dairy and Food Inspection Division of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).

American Chef’s Selection Angus frozen Ground Beef Patties that were purchased on or after August 26, 2007 from a Sam’s Club store, whether still in the refrigerator or freezer, should not be used, but should be discarded or returned to the store, officials said.  [E. coli is not killed by freezing temperatures, so any recalled Sam's Club hamburgers you have are potentially dangerous and need to be discarded or returned BUT ONLY IF YOU ARE SURE NO ONE HAS BEEN SICKENED.  The incubation period for E. coli is at most 10 days.  After that time, you should dispose of or return the recalled Sam's Club hamburgers.] 

“Thorough cooking kills E. coli bacteria. However, we know that some of this meat was contaminated so it is safer to eliminate the risk altogether by recommending that people not consume the meat,” said Kirk Smith, Supervisor of the Foodborne Illness Unit with MDH.

As a precautionary measure, Sam’s Club has voluntarily removed American Chef’s Selection Angus Frozen Ground Beef Patties from all of their stores and is cooperating fully with the investigation. MDA is working with the U.S. Department of Agriculture to determine the source of the product contamination.

Sam’s Club customers are urged to return or destroy any American Chef’s Selection Angus Ground Beef Patties purchased at any of their stores since August 26, 2007. Customers should return the product to any Sam’s Club immediately for a full refund. A receipt is not required.  [Again, if you have recalled Sam's Club hamburgers, do not return or discard them until you are sure no one was sickened.  If someone is diagnosed with an E. coli infection, contact Pritzker Law.] 

Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 illness include stomach cramps, which can be severe, and diarrhea. Diarrhea begins as loose, watery stools, with stools often turning bloody within 1-3 days. E. coli O157:H7 disease sometimes leads to a serious complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can include kidney failure. People typically become ill two to five days after eating contaminated food. E. coli disease should not be treated with antibiotics, which can cause additional complications.

People who have developed those symptoms after consuming this American Chef's hamburgers from Sam's Club should contact their physician.  [Contact Pritzker Law for information regarding testing that will need to be done to link your case of E. coli to Sam's Club hamburgers and/or the other recalled Topps hamburgers.]

30 Cases of E. coli Associated with Topps Hamburgers E. coli Outbreak

topps-hamburgers.jpgThe CDC is reporting 30 cases of E. coli O157:H7 linked to Topps hamburgers:

Investigators compared the “DNA fingerprints” patterns of E. coli O157 strains isolated from ill persons. As of 12 PM (ET) October 4, 2007, 30 cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection have been identified with PFGE patterns that match at least one of the patterns of E. coli strains found in Topp's brand frozen ground beef patties. Ill persons reside in 8 states [Connecticut (2), Florida (1), Indiana (1), Maine (1), New Jersey (7), New York (9), Ohio (1), and Pennsylvania (8)]. Twenty-one (91%) of 23 patients with a detailed food history consumed ground beef. Three illnesses have confirmed associations with recalled products because the strain isolated from the person was also isolated from the meat in their home. The first reported illness began on July 5, 2007, and the last began on September15, 2007. Among twenty-three ill persons for whom hospitalization status is known, fifteen (65%) were hospitalized. One patient developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths have been reported. Fourteen (47%) patients are female. The ages of patients range from 3 to 77 years; 50% are between 15 and 24 years old (only 14% of the US population is in this age group).

To contact an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Law, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.

For more information regarding the Topps hamburger recall and related E. coli outbreak, please see the following on our website:

CDC Update: E. coli Outbreak Linked to Topp's Ground Beef Patties

The following is the latest update from the CDC:

topps-hamburgers.jpgSeveral state health departments, CDC, and the United States Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS) are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Escherichia coli O157:H7 infections. On September 29, USDA issued a notice about a recall of 21.7 millions pounds of frozen ground beef patties. [The September 29 recall was an expansion of a September 25 recall of 300,000 of Topps ground beef patties. See a list of recalled Topps hamburger products.]

Health officials in several states who were investigating reports of E. coli O157 illnesses found that many ill persons had consumed the same brand of frozen ground beef patties. Ground beef patties recovered from patients' homes were tested by state public health department and federal laboratories. Tests conducted by the New York State Wadsworth Center Laboratory and by a USDA-FSIS laboratory on opened and unopened packages of Topp's brand frozen ground beef patties yielded E. coli O157 isolates with several different “DNA fingerprint” patterns.

Investigators compared the “DNA fingerprints” patterns of E. coli O157 strains found in ground beef with “DNA fingerprints” patterns of E. coli O157 strains isolated from ill persons. As of 12 PM (ET) October 3, 2007, 29 cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection have been identified with PFGE patterns that match at least one of the patterns of E. coli strains found in Topp's brand frozen ground beef patties. Ill persons reside in 8 states [Connecticut (2), Florida (1), Indiana (1), Maine (1), New Jersey (6), New York (9), Ohio (1), and Pennsylvania (8)]. Nineteen (90%) of 21 patients with a detailed food history consumed ground beef. Three illnesses have confirmed associations with recalled products because the strain isolated from the person was also isolated from the meat in their home. The first reported illness began on July 5, 2007, and the last began on September11, 2007. Among sixteen ill persons for whom hospitalization status is known, eleven (69%) patients were hospitalized. One patient developed a type of kidney failure called hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). No deaths have been reported. Thirteen (45%) patients are female. The ages of patients range from 3 to 77 years; 48% are between 15 and 24 years old (only 14% of the US population is in this age group).

[Our law firm has had several contacts from people who ate Topps ground beef patties and are now sick. We suspect that the number of confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 linked to Topps ground beef patties will continue to grow.]

Consumers who have frozen ground beef patties should determine whether they have the recalled product and discard it or return it to the place of purchase.  [IF SOMEONE HAS EATEN SOME OF THE TOPPS GROUND BEEF PATTIES, DO NOT THROW THEM OUT OR RETURN THEM. THEY MAY BE NEEDED FOR EVIDENCE. KEEP THEM FOR ABOUT 10 AFTER THE SOMEONE LAST CONSUMED SOME OF THE PATTIES. IF NO ONE DEVELOPS AN E. COLI INFECTION, THROW THEM OUT OR RETURN THEM. IF SOMEONE IS DIAGNOSED WITH E. COLI, CONTACT PRITZKER LAW IMMEDIATELY.]

Each recalled package bears the establishment number “Est. 9748” inside the USDA mark of inspection and has a sell-by date between “SEP 25 07” and “SEP 25 08.”

Attorney Fred Pritzker practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and is currently representing victims of E. coli outbreaks linked to ground beef, spinach, and lettuce. The firm is also representing the families of people who died due to E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). E. coli-related HUS is the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States and the primary cause of E. coli deaths in children and adults.  To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form for review by an E. coli lawyer.

 

Indiana: 7 of 10 cases of E. coli May Have Developed into HUS

ecoliclump2.jpg7 children with E. coli infections linked to Galena Elementary School may have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). A spokesman for Kosair Children’s Hospital told the Courier-Journal that “seven children with the bacterial infection were being treated for kidney failure at Kosair Children’s Hospital.” 

Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States and can cause death or life-long illness. These little children are fighting for their lives and enduring incomprehensible pain. 

Given the possible need for long-term medical care, it is important for children who contract E. coli infections to be compensated for future medical expenses.  As one mother stated in an e-mail to us, “I was not fortunate enough to know how my daughter got infected.  But these people who do know the source, need to be compensated not only for their initial horrifying experience with HUS but for the even more costly, life changing events that may face them 10 or even 20 years from now.” For the sake of the children, it is important that the source of this E. coli outbreak be found. 

According to the story in the Courier-Journal, some parents are questioning Galena Elementary School’s decision to keep the school open after it became apparent there was an E. coli outbreak associated with the school:

Melissa Miller, president of the Galena PTO and the parent of a student there, said she and other parents continue to question the decision to keep the school open and believe closing it for a time would have been for the best once officials knew they had an E. coli situation.

"You wait until you know what you're dealing with," Miller said.

A temporary closing would have allowed investigators to make sure there were no more cases and would have given them more time in the building without students present, she said.

If you would like to speak with an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Law, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online contact form.  

Update to E. coli Outbreak Traced to Galena Elementary School in Indiana

As an update to a previous entry, the E. coli outbreak traced to Galena Elementary School in Floyds Knobs, Indiana has 8 confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7—up from 7 confirmed cases. All of the people with confirmed E. coli infections are children, and some of the children have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening illness that can cause kidney failure and damage to other organs, including the pancreas, heart, and brain. 

Several more children and one adult also may have been sickened in this E. coli outbreak. Health officials are investigating these cases and expect one, at least, to be confirmed.

Health officials have not found a source of the E. coli bacteria involved in this outbreak. In cases involving elementary school children, food, water and petting zoos are usually the source of the E. coli. In recent months, millions of pounds of ground beef have been recalled, including a recent recall of 21.7 million pounds of Topps hamburgers. Health officials have reported that the Galena Elementary outbreak is not associated with the Topps hamburgers recall, but there have been so many recent recalls of ground beef, that the likelihood is that ground beef was involved in this outbreak.

Food poisoning attorney Fred Pritzker represents victims of E. coli outbreaks throughout the United States.  The firm is currently representing victims of E. coli outbreaks linked to ground beef, spinach and lettuce.  The firm is also representing families of people who died from E. coli-related HUS.  To contact our firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.

New Jersey E. coli Cases Associated with Outbreak Linked to Topps Hamburgers

topps-hamburgers.jpgURGENT UPDATE TO THIS ENTRY: Topps Meat Company has expanded the recall of Topps hamburgers to approximately 21.7 million pounds of hamburgers due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7.  At least 30 people have reported illnesses associate with this recall.  There are 7 people in New Jersey with E. coli cases associated with this outbreak.  The recalled hamburgers were sold nationwide, the bulk to states in the Northeast.
 
We have just contacted the New Jersey Department of Health regarding the multi-state E. coli outbreak linked to Topps hamburgers (see a list of the recalled Topps hamburger products on our website).  Here is the information we got on the E. coli cases reported in New Jersey:

  1. There have been 5 reported cases (7 cases as of Oct. 4)
  2. The people sickened are between the ages of 4 and 19
  3. 3 are female and 2 are male
  4. 2 of the 5 were hospitalized
  5. The investigation is ongoing
  6. The New Jersey Department of Health considers these 5 cases "associated" with the Topps hamburgers E. coli outbreak and not "confirmed" cases

Pritzker Law is one of the few law firms in the United States that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation.  To contact E. coli lawyers at firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.

Pennsylvania E. coli Cases and Topps Hamburgers

topps-hamburgers.jpgURGENT UPDATE TO THIS ENTRY: Topps Meat Company has expanded the recall of Topps hamburgers to approximately 21.7 million pounds of hamburgers due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7.  At least 30 people have reported illnesses associate with this recall.  The recalled hamburgers were sold nationwide, the bulk to states in the Northeast.

 

PENNSYLVANIA TOPPS E. COLI CASES AND TOPPS LAWSUIT INFORMATION

  • 8 people in Pennsylvania have confirmed cases of E. coli linked to Topps hamburgers. The Pennsylvania Department of Health and the CDC have reported that all 8 were sickened by E. coli with PFGE patterns (DNA fingerprints) that match a Topps E. coli outbreak PFGE pattern.
  •  Topps Meat Corporation has recalled over 21.7 pounds of ground beef hamburgers.  The recalled Topps hamburgers were sold at a number of grocery stores and Wal-Mart. The recalled Topps hamburgers were sold under the following brand names: Topps, Butcher's Best, Kohler Foods, Sand Castle Fine Meat and Westside.
  • Topps E. coli lawsuits have been filed in Florida and New York.
  • This E. coli outbreak also involves people sickened in Connecticut, Florida, Indiana, Maine, New Jersey, New York,  Ohio and Pennsylvania. The meat was sold nationwide.
  •  The Pennsylvania counties involved in the outbreak so far are Centre, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Northampton and Philadelphia. 

E. coli lawyers at Pritzker Law have extensive experience with E. coli lawsuits.  They are currently representing victims of E. coli outbreaks linked to ground beef, spinach, and lettuce.  They are also representing the families of people who died in E. coli outbreaks.  To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.  Attorney Fred Pritzker represents victims of E. coli outbreaks throughout the United States.

Topps Hamburger E. coli Outbreak

URGENT UPDATE TO THIS ENTRY: Topps Meat Company has expanded the recall of Topps hamburgers to approximately 21.7 million pounds of hamburgers due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7.  At least 30 people have reported illnesses associate with this recall.  The recalled hamburgers were sold nationwide, the bulk to states in the Northeast.

At least 21 people may have contracted E. coli infections after eating Topps hamburgers.  The AP is reporting the following tonight:

  • 2 confirmed E. coli cases in New York and 4 suspected cases
  • 1 confirmed E. coli case in Florida
  • 4 suspected E. coli cases in New Jersey
  • Suspected illnesses reported in Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, New Jersey, Ohio, and Pennsylvania

In response to these illnesses, Topps Meat Company has recalled about 331,582 pounds of hamburger patties.  The boxes of recalled Topps hamburger carry the number "Est. 9748" inside the USDA mark of inspection and were produced on June 22, July 12 or July 23.

topps-hamburgers.jpgThe recalled Topps hamburgers include the above-dated 10-pound boxes of Butcher's Best 100% All Beef Patties,10-pound boxes of Kohler Foods burgers, 10-pound boxes of Sand Castle Fine Meat, 2-pound boxes of Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers, and 3-pound boxes of Topps 100% Pure Ground Beef Hamburgers.  Please see our website for a full list of recalled Topps hamburger patties.

Pritzker Law is a leading E. coli litigation law firm and is currently representing victims of E. coli outbreaks linked to hamburger.  The firm is also representing the families of people who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and died after contracting E. coli infections.  In recognition of their accomplishments, attorney Fred Pritzker has been named "Super Lawyers" by a state legal magazine.  To contact an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Law, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form for review by an E. coli lawyer.  Please see the Pritzker Law website for more information on E. coli O157:H7.

Indiana E. coli Outbreak Connected to Galena Elementary School

There are now 7 confirmed cases and 6 probable cases of E. coli in Floyd County, Indiana.  Most of the people sickened  are elementary students who attend Galena Elementary School in Floyds Knobs, Indiana.  Most of the children with confirmed cases of E. coli are hospitalized.  It is hard to write this in such a matter-of-fact way when innocent children are suffering excruciating pain.  The following is an excerpt from Wave3 TV:

One mother, in particular, is upset not only about how the situation was handled, but also because she has to watch helplessly while her 6-year-old daughter suffers. "No child should ever have to endure, the stuff that  she's gone through," said Marcia Jacobi.

Jacobi says her daughter, Sydney, started showing symptoms of the illness last Wednesday. She had her tested and diagnosed within a day, but her condition has worsened.  Her platelets are down and she could have to be put on dialysis. . . .

Jacobi says her daughter screams when she goes to the bathroom. "It's just unbearable to listen to her."

Sydney must have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States.  About 5% of the children who get HUS die; others never fully recover.  The following is an excerpt of an e-mail we received:

My daughter was infected with E. Coli in August 2000 at the age of 3.  She developed HUS and was hospitalized for 2 weeks; 10 days on dialysis.  We have just hit the 7 year mark and she has developed mild hypertension and protein in her urine.  She is now taking an ACE inhibitor which is working for both problems and her doctor says it will get her through her "growing years".  Doctors don't seem to want to try to predict the future, but I have accepted the fact that she will need a transplant at some point in her young adult life.  The reason for this email is to stress that there is no crystal ball to determine how well someone will "recover".  It may take years before it is known what damage was really done.  I was not fortunate enough to know how my daughter got infected.  But these people who do know the source, need to be compensated not only for their initial horrifying experience with HUS but for the even more costly, life changing events that may face them 10 or even 20 years from now.

Fred Pritzker is a leading E. coli litigation lawyer.  To contact Pritzker Law, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.

E. coli Cases Associated with El Rancherito Restaurant in Effingham, IL

We just contacted the Effingham County Health Department (Illinois) to get the most up-to-date information on the E. coli cases associated with the El Rancherito restaurant in Effingham, Illinois. There are 6 confirmed cases of E. coli O157. These people ate at the El Rancherito between September 11th and 13thE. coli symptoms appeared between September 14th and 17th.  All of the people were hospitalized.  One is still in the hospital.  Epidemiological evidence—the fact that all of the victims ate at the El Rancherito—is all that is available so far to associate the 6 cases of E. coli with the restaurant and each other.

PFGE-ecoli.jpgGenetic fingerprinting is being done on E. coli isolates from the people’s stool samples to determine if the cases of E. coli were caused by the same source and thus part of an “outbreak.” Pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) is the DNA "fingerprinting" method that health officials use to determine the source of bacterial outbreaks, including E. coli outbreaks. Like human fingerprints, each bacteria and its offspring have a unique PFGE pattern. If two bacteria are found with an indistinguishable pattern, it is likely that they have a common source and are part of an outbreak.  If all 6 cases of E. coli associated with the El Rancherito have matching PFGE patterns, all 6 will be considered part of an E. coli outbreak.  Any food and water samples taken from the El Rancherito will also be tested for E. coli, and the PFGE patterns of any E. coli isolates will be determined.

The county is getting calls from additional people who became ill after eating at El Rancherito, but the county has not obtained any stool samples (for testing) from people since the 17th.  The county has been telling people who are taking antidiarrheal medication to get off of it, so the county can get a stool sample and test for E. coli.

Attorney Fred Pritzker is a leading E. coli litigation lawyer.  We are currently representing victims of outbreaks associated with restaurants and the family of a woman who died in an E. coli outbreak associated with a restaurant.  We are representing several victims of a foodborne outbreak in Illinois.  To contact an E. coli lawyer at the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.

Indiana Student Diagnosed with E. coli

orangeecoli.jpg(Update to below: There are now 6 students who have E. coli.  The venue of the outbreak appears to be Galena Elementary School.)

An Indiana elementary student has been diagnosed with E. coli. Another student has symptoms suggesting E. coli poisoning. Both students were hospitalized on Thursday. Further testing is needed to determine if the type of E. coli is E. coli O157:H7, the pathogen responsible for most E. coli outbreaks and cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States. In addition to damaging the kidneys (often permanently), HUS can also cause brain damage and injury to the pancreas, heart, and other organs. HUS can also cause death. 

To find the source of the Indiana E. coli infection(s), health officials need to interview the sickened students, test the students’ stools to determine the PFGE (genetic fingerprint) of the E. coli involved, test food served at the school and the drinking water, test any animals the two children touched, and test any swimming pool both children used.

Getting the genetic fingerprints of the E. coli involved is critical. For these 2 cases of E. coli (this is assuming the reported case becomes a confirmed case) to be considered an outbreak (caused by the same source), the genetic fingerprints of the E. coli in the 2 cases will have to match. Anyone else sickened by E. coli with matching genetic fingerprints will also be part of the outbreak.  

Food poiisoning attorney Fred Pritzker will continue to monitor this situation. To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form.

Piggly Wiggly Ground Beef Recall Prompted by Two Cases of E. coli

ground-beef-ecoli.jpgFresh Brands Distributing Inc. announced a Piggly Wiggly ground beef recall after E. coli infections in two people were associated with beef bought in Piggly Wiggly stores in Monroe and Sister Bay, Wisconsin.  The Piggly Wiggly ground beef affected by the E. coli recall includes “ground chuck" and "certified angus beef ground round 85 percent lean," with sell-by dates from July 15 through August 5, 2007.  The recall only involves ground beef sold in the company's Wisconsin-based Piggly Wiggly stores. 

If consumers still have any of the recalled ground beef, it is most likely in the freezer. Freezing does not kill E. coli bacteria.  

“Well, if it doesn’t get past my nose, it’s not going in the skillet. If I can smell there’s something wrong or it doesn’t look right, it’s getting thrown out,” Kevin Hartmann, a Piggly Wiggly customer, told TODAY’S TMJ4, a Milwaukee television station.  Along with many others, Mr. Hartmann does not know that beef contaminated with E. coli does not look, smell, or taste unusual.

If you have any of the recalled ground beef in your freezer, that beef may be harboring a silent and deadly pathogen. If no one has eaten any of the beef in 10 days, return it to Piggly Wiggly for a refund. If someone has eaten some of the beef, wait for 10 days from the time it was eaten, and then return it. DO NOT EAT ANY OF THE RECALLED PIGGLY WIGGLY GROUND BEEF.

If anyone who has eaten the recalled Piggly Wiggly ground beef develops symptoms of an E. coli infection, contact a doctor immediately. E. coli symptoms include watery and/or bloody diarrhea (possibly explosive), severe abdominal cramps, and sometimes nausea and vomiting. 

Pritzker Law, a leading E. coli litigation law firm, is currently representing victims of E. coli outbreaks associated with ground beef. To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form.

Key to Controlling E. coli Contamination is Controlling the Water Supply

In an interview with Channel 49 News out of Topeka, Kansas, Professor Daniel Fung had this to say about E. coli O157:H7, “When this strain occurs, it is very serious, because many people can get very sick and children can die.”  Professor Fung, a Kansas State microbiology professor, has spent his 30 years at Kansas State studying E. coli and other foodborne pathogens.  

lettuce-field1.jpgIn the interview, Professor Fung provides insight into what he thinks is the primary source of E. coli contamination on lettuce farms:

It isn’t his job to find out what caused this latest recall of Dole’s packaged lettuce. However, he teaches his students where the FDA should start looking.

“Make sure that the manure didn’t go into the field at the same time,” he said. “If you can control the water supply better, then you will have a better chance of controlling the micro-organisms.”

To watch Channel 49’s interview of Professor Fung, click here.

Dole Lettuce Recall

E. coli O157:H7 has been found in bagged Dole salad. It is becoming an annual event: 

  • In 2005 Dole bagged lettuce salad was recalled after health officials linked the salad to several cases of E. coli O157:H7
  • In 2006 at least 3 people died and hundreds were sickened in an E. coli outbreak linked to Dole bagged baby spinach
  • In 2007 bagged “Dole Hearts Delight” lettuce salad was recalled by Dole Fresh Vegetables, a division of Dole Food Company, Inc.

This 2007 Dole recall involves all salad bearing the label "Dole Hearts Delight" sold in the U.S. and Canada with a "best if used by (BIUB)" date of September 19, 2007, and a production code of "A24924A" or "A24924B" stamped on the package. The "best if use by (BIUB)" code date can be located in the upper right hand corner of the front of the bag. In the United States, the salad was sold in plastic bags of 227 grams in Canada and one-half pound in the U.S., with UPC code 071430-01038.

The recall is occurring because a sample in a grocery store in Canada was found through random screening to contain E. coli O157:H7. Eric Schwartz, President, Dole Fresh Vegetables, stated: "Our overriding concern is for consumer safety. We are working closely with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, and several U.S. state health departments."

One has to wonder if it is safe to sell fresh-cut produce in a plastic bag. There are many opportunities for contamination with E. coli O157:H7 and other pathogens that then grow exponentially in a plastic bag.

For those most at risk for E. coli O157:H7—the very young, the elderly, and the immunocompromised—it may be best to avoid lettuce and spinach sold “”pre-washed” in bags.

Pritzker Law is a leading E. coli litigation law firm. For a free consultation, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form.

3 E. coli O157:H7 Cases Prompt Stew Leonard's Beef Recall

Three cases of confirmed E. coli O157:H7 have prompted Stew Leonard’s grocery store in Yonkers, New York, to recall 96% lean ground round.  (Update: A fourth case of E. coli O157:H7 has been reported.) The package of ground beef in question was purchased on July 21, 2007. The company “out of an abundance of caution” has recalled all Stew Leonard’s 96% lean ground round that was purchased between June 30, 2007 and August 1, 2007. At this point, the only remaining recalled meat is in consumers’ freezers.

ecolicow.jpgAccording to a press release issued by Stew Leonard’s, the company recalled the meat “after learning that three confirmed cases of E. coli 0157:H7, from the same family, occurred after eating undercooked 96% Lean Ground Round.”  It is interesting that the company made a point of saying the family ate “undercooked” beef. These cases of E. coli O157:H7 are not the fault of the family member who made the fateful meal. Where there is E. coli in ground beef, there is cow feces. The family did not put the cow feces in their beef. The feces got there because of poor sanitation. Someone was negligent.

Attorney Fred Pritzker has extensive experience investigating E. coli outbreaks and presenting the evidence gathered to obtain compensation for E. coli victims from responsible parties. To contact an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Law, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form.

Shaw's Ground Beef Recalled Due to E. coli Risk

shawsgroundbeef2.jpgThe USDA-FSIS has announced the recall of about 884 pounds of ground beef distributed to Shaw’s grocery stores in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont. The recalled ground beef may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, a dangerous strain of E. coli responsible for most cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), an often-fatal illness that is the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States. The elderly and people with compromised immune systems are also susceptible to developing HUS. 

The recalled Shaw’s ground beef includes the following:

1.33-pound trays of “SHAW’S FRESH GROUND ROUND BEEF PATTIES, 85/15.” Each package bears the establishment number “Est. 492” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Each “Nutrition Facts” label bears a time stamp between “17:05” and “17:25” as well as a date code of “243.”


The Shaw’s ground beef products were produced on Aug. 31, 2007. The possible E. coli contamination was discovered through the establishment’s routine microbiological testing program.

If you have eaten any of the recalled ground beef, you will need to watch for symptoms of E. coli, including watery or bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramping, and sometimes nausea and vomiting.  E. coli poisoning can quickly develop into HUS and/or lead to severe dehydration, so please contact your doctor immediately if you suspect E. coli poisoning.

E. coli and Kroger Potato Salad

Ohio and Michigan E. coli Outbreak Associated with Kroger Ground Beef
According to the Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH), ground beef sold at Kroger grocery stores has been associated with an E. coli outbreak that has sickened people in Michigan and Ohio. Read about the legal implications of this association and a Kroger E. coli lawsuit..

orangeecoli.jpgThe Ohio Department of Agriculture (ODA) has issued a consumer advisory regarding Kroger-brand “Mustard” or “Southern-Style” potato salad with a "Best If Used By" date of Sept. 5, 2007, because it may contain E. coli O157:H7. ODA’s Consumer Analytical Laboratory tested a sample of the Kroger potato salad collected during routine food-safety sampling, and found it positive for E. coli O157:H7, a dangerous, potentially-fatal foodborne pathogen.

To date, no illnesses have been reported, and additional samples analyzed by a certified, third-party laboratory contracted by Kroger have tested negative for E. coli O157:H7. As a precautionary measure, the Kroger Co. has removed the product from sale.

The incubation period for E. coli can be as long as 10 days. Anyone who has eaten any of the above-referenced Kroger potato salad should watch for E. coli symptoms, including bloody diarrhea. If symptoms appear, it is important to immediately contact a doctor.

Pritzker Law is a leading E. coli litigation law firm. To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online contact form.

Northwest Finest Ground Beef USDA-FSIS Alert

ground-beef.jpgAn E. coli outbreak that has sickened six people in Washington and 2 people in Oregon has led to a USDA-FSIS public health alert regarding “Northwest Finest” ground beef products made by Interstate Meats, based in Oregon.

The illnesses were reported in late July and the first week of August.  The Washington cases included one child and five adults in King, Island and Clallam counties. Two people were hospitalized and have since recovered.

The “Northwest Finest” ground beef products include the following:

  • 16-ounce packages of "Northwest Finest 7% FAT, NATURAL GROUND BEEF." The label bears a UPC code of 752907 600127.
  • 16-ounce packages of "Northwest Finest 10% FAT, Organic GROUND BEEF." No UPC code is available.

Each package also bears the establishment number "Est. 965" inside the U.S. Department of Agriculture mark of inspection as well as a sell-by date between August 1 and August 11.

The ground beef products were produced on various dates between July 19 and July 30 and distributed in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The organic product was sold at QFC, Fred Meyer, and Safeway stores in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska. The natural product was sold at Safeway stores in Oregon, Washington and possibly elsewhere.

"The first eight confirmed cases were in six households, one in Oregon and five in Washington, said Dr. William E. Keene, senior epidemiologist at the Oregon Public Health Division's communicable disease section." Our investigation revealed that these households had purchased ground beef from the same source at grocery stores in Oregon and Washington."

Several other household members later became ill through what may have been person-to-person spread, Dr. Keene said.

We urge consumers to look for the recalled “Northwest Finest” ground beef products in refrigerators and freezers. If no one has eaten any of the ground beef, return it for a refund. If someone has eaten some of the beef, keep it for at least 10 days from the last day some of it was consumed. The incubation period for E. coli O157:H7 can be as long as 10 days. If someone becomes ill and is diagnosed with an E. coli O157:H7 infection, contact an E. coli lawyer immediately.

Pritzker Law has extensive E. coli lawsuit experience, and the firm is currently representing victims of E. coli outbreaks linked to beef. To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form.

E. coli-Related Death in Alabama

ecoli.jpgThe E. coli outbreak linked to Little Rosie’s Taqueria, a Huntsville, Alabama restaurant, claimed the life of a woman yesterday, according to a story on WAFF48News.   Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.  Epidemiological evidence, including statistical analysis and victim interviews, pointed to shredded lettuce served June 28-29 as the most likely source of the E. coli outbreak, Health officials believe the shredded lettuce was contaminated with E. coli bacteria by a Little Rosie’s Taqueria food handler.

Earlier in June of this year, an E. coli outbreak linked to the Captain’s Galley in China Grove, North Carolina claimed the life of Faye Sides, a dearly loved aunt who loved gardening and was an active member of her church. An investigation of the outbreak revealed that a goat had been slaughtered in the restaurant’s kitchen the night before she ate there.

Last summer, fresh spinach tainted with E. coli claimed the life of a dearly loved mother and grandmother.  Please see the WCCO News story, "Family Fights for Food Safety after E. coli Death."  

Attorney Fred Pritzker has a national practice representing E. coli victims and their families. To contact an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Law, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form

USDA Awards $5.5 Million for Research of E. coli O157:H7 in Fresh Produce

spinach-2.jpgPrompted by a number of E. coli outbreaks involving spinach and lettuce, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) will provide nearly $5.5 million to support collaborative research to identify risk factors and preventive measures for E. coli O157:H7 contamination in fresh produce.

"This research will help producers identify the sources of E. coli O157:H7 and ways to avoid contamination," Johanns said. "Developing new research and prevention tactics for the grower will contribute to assuring produce safety for consumers."

USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and Cooperative State Research, Education, and Extension Service (CSRES) are providing the funding to ARS researcher Rob Mandrell and his collaborators at the University of California to continue their research in the Central Valley of California.  Over the next three years ARS will contribute $5 million and CSREES will contribute $470,999.

Mandrell will address where E. coli O157:H7 originates, how it survives on the plant, and what factors lead to an increase in produce-related outbreaks. Potential risk factors include animals, land practices, packing and processing processes, and wildlife.

Additionally, the project will feature workshops and publications to educate the animal operators, natural resource managers, and the public about  the following:
  • Animal diseases that can be transferred to humans
  • How animal waste can contaminate water sources
  • Beneficial management practices for maintaining and improving water runoff quality

5 Confirmed Cases of E. coli O157:H7 and One Case of HUS in Colorado

We contacted Eagle County today to get the most current information on the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has sickened several young children in Colorado. DNA fingerprinting has confirmed 5 cases of E. coli O157:H7 that are connected to each other. 2 other cases of E. coli O157:H7 are suspected. All of the confirmed and suspected cases involve children under the age of 5. There is one child who has developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States. The child was critically ill and is now improving.

Health officials believe the first case involved a local swimming pool and the secondary cases involved 2 child-care centers.  Analysis of the DNA fingerprinting did not find a connection between these cases of E. coli O157:H7 and any recalled ground beef or other food product. 

There have been no new cases reported since Friday, leading health officials to believe that the outbreak has been contained.

Our firm is currently representing an E. coli victim from Colorado. To contact a lawyer at the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form.

Colorado Children Sickened with E. coli

ecoli.jpgSeveral children in Eagle County, Colorado have confirmed cases of E. coli.  Health officials have not determined the source of the outbreak, and they are focusing their investigation on swimming pools and child-care centers.  We will be contacting Eagle County on Monday regarding the following:

3 Cases of E. coli O157:H7 in Georgia

We just spoke with the Glynn County health department in Georgia regarding the 3 cases of E. coli the county is investigating.  The strain of E. coli for all 3 cases is E. coli O157:H7, the strain that is most often involved in an E. coli outbreak.  The county is still waiting for test results from Atlanta that will determine whether the 3 cases are connected. 

e.-coli-testing.jpg The testing being done in Atlanta is called pulse-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), a genetic fingerprinting method.  The DNA fingerprint of the E. coli O157:H7 involved in each of the the 3 cases will be determined and analyzed.  The 3 cases of E. coli O157:H7 will be considered linked to the same source if their genetic fingerprints are identical. 

Food poisoning lawyer Fred Pritzker is monitoring this situation.  To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's contact form.

Hawaii E. coli Outbreak Linked to Lettuce

ecoli.jpgThe Hawaii Department of Health has been investigating an E. coli outbreak on the island of Kaua'i. At least 8 people were sickened, four of whom were hospitalized. After 4 months of investigating the cases, health officials determined that the most likely source of the outbreak is floodwater from a nearby cow pasture, meaning cow manure containing E. coli O157:H7 washed into a lettuce field, got onto some lettuce leaves, and was consumed with the lettuce leaves by at least 8 unsuspecting customers at a restaurant. 

A story in the Honolulu Advertiser provides an interesting chronology of events leading to the discovery of the likely source of the outbreak:

The Health Department conducted extensive interviews with each of the known victims. The eight had not stayed in the same place on Kaua'i, had not swum in the same place or been in contact with the same animals. Between them, they had eaten in 37 different establishments.

Health investigators took DNA from the disease organisms in patients, and were able to determine that the strain of E. coli O157 bacteria in all the victims had the same DNA "fingerprint." That suggested there was a common source for the infections. . . .

Investigators focused on food, and studied the menus at each of the 37 Kaua'i restaurants. Because no victims appeared to have contracted the disease outside Kaua'i, it was assumed it must come from some local source.

"It was determined that one item, locally produced lettuce, was common to at least one restaurant eaten at by each case during their probable exposure," said Janice Okubo, public information officer for the state Department of Health.

Investigators then headed out to local lettuce farms, and located one farm — which has not been named — that was situated near a cattle farm. There was evidence of local flooding in the area in late February and early March, which could have carried bacteria from cattle manure from the pasture to the crop. Effler said it is likely that the farm was the source of the contaminated lettuce, but not certain.

Cattle are a natural reservoir for E. coli O157, and when samples were taken from cattle in the region where the farm was located, they were found to have the same subtype of E. coli O157 that infected the eight people in Kaua'i in March.

Investigation of Georgia E. coli

orangeecoli.jpgGeorgia state and local health officials are investigating 3 cases of E. coli to determine if they are related. “All 3 cases involve E. coli 0157: H7,” says Saroyi Morris, Environmental Health Director of the Coastal Health District. “We’re now waiting on results of more sophisticated testing to see if these 3 people were infected by the same source. If we can determine where they got it, we can take steps to protect the community from further infection.”

“Our health agencies are investigating every possible source,” says Morris, “although we may never be able to definitively say where or how these three people became infected.”   One possible source of the E. coli infections is ground beef.  In the last few months, there has been a surge of recalls of beef (primarily ground beef).  Outbreaks of E. coli infections associated with the recalled beef have surfaced in several states.

Wash Hands after Contact with Animals

Four cases of E.coli infection (E.coli O157) have recently been identified in Indiana that are associated with exposure to animals.  State health officials recommend washing hands or using hand sanitizer upon exiting animal areas.  Health officials say people should always wash their hands thoroughly before eating or preparing foods, after going to the toilet, and after removing soiled clothes and shoes. 

Directions for thoroughly washing hands are:

  • Wet hands with running water
  • Place soap in palms
  • Rub together to make a lather
  • Scrub hands vigorously for 20 seconds
  • Rinse soap off hands
  • Dry hands with disposable paper towels, not on clothing.

ecolicow.jpg“People should know that animals may carry germs that can make them sick, and they should never eat, drink, or put things in their mouths in animal areas,” said Indiana State Health Commissioner Judy Monroe, M.D.  “Older adults, pregnant women, and young children should be especially careful around animals.”

“We don’t want people to stop enjoying animal exhibits, like petting zoos,” said Dr. Monroe.   “However, it is important for people to remember that they can become infected with E.coli, salmonella, or other bacteria if they come into contact with domestic or farm animals and then do not wash their hands thoroughly.”

Boy Sickened by Water-Borne E. coli

There is a surprising lack of understanding regarding infectious disease. This ignorance can seriously injure and kill people. A 4-year-old boy is home from the hospital after spending the last several weeks in the hospital being treated for kidney failure. Health officials believe the boy contracted E. coli when he swam in the Mississippi River. According to a story on Quad Cities Online, the boy’s mother believes the E. coli contamination in the river was caused by boats dumping sewage tanks upriver. She and other family members “smelled a sewage-like stink” as they swam in the river.

Please let everyone in your life know that human and animal feces in rivers and lakes can cause serious illness and death. Here is a list of things one should not do:

  1. Don’t dump your waste in bodies of water.
  2. Don’t defecate in a body of water.
  3. Don’t have a baby in the water when others are swimming nearby. Even swimming diapers can leak.
  4. Don't swim in a designated swimming area unless you have showered first.
  5. Don’t wash out a diaper in a body of water.
  6. Don’t let your dog swim in a body of water near an area where humans swim, even if your dog “would never poop in the water.”

E. coli Case Prompts Ground Beef and Buffalo Meat Recall

ground-beef.jpgThe USDA-FSIS announced the recall of about 5,920 pounds of ground beef and buffalo processed in Nebraska that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.  At least one case of E. coli in Nebraska may be associated with the recalled ground beef. 

The products subject to recall include:

  • 10-pound bags of “CUSTOM PACK, INC., GROUND BEEF.” Each label bears a package date of “6-1,” “6-4,” “6-5,” “6-7,” “6-8,” “6-11,” 6-12” or “6-13.”
  • 25-pound boxes of “3.2 OZ. BEEF PATTIES.” Each box bears the package date of “6-7-07.”
  • 25-pound boxes of “4 OZ. BEEF PATTIES.” Each box bears the package date of “6-7-07.”
  • 25-pound boxes of “5 1/3 OZ. BEEF PATTIES.” Each box bears the package date of “6-7-07.”
  • 25-pound boxes of “8 OZ. BEEF PATTIES.” Each box bears the package date of “6-7-07.”
  • 6-pound boxes of “16-6 OZ. CHAR PATTIES.” Each box bears the package date of “6-7-07.”
  • 12-pound boxes of “GROUND BUFFALO PATTIES.” Each box bears the package date of “6-7-07.”
Each package also bears the establishment number “Est. 5650” inside the USDA mark of inspection.

The ground beef products were produced between June 1 and June 13, 2007, and were distributed to restaurants and institutions in Nebraska. The ground buffalo patties were produced on June 7, 2007, and distributed to restaurants and institutions in Colorado. None of these products were sold through grocery stores.

The problem was discovered through sampling done by the Nebraska Department of Health Services, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as part of an investigation into a reported illness.

Suffolk County E. coli Cases Identified

orangeecoli.jpgSuffolk County Department of Health Services (New York) has identified a cluster of 7 cases of E. coli O157. All of the ill individuals reported consuming ground beef products during the period of June 9th through July 3rd, mostly at neighborhood barbecues. Although all of the ground beef products were purchased locally, health officials are stressing that there has been no specific brand of ground beef identified and no common location where the ground beef was purchased. No cases have been associated with a restaurant or other commercial food establishment.

Preliminary findings suggest the E. coli O157 contamination is not specific to Suffolk, but is part of a larger national food supply concern.

To date, the CDC has completed the E. coli O157 DNA fingerprint analysis on four of the seven Suffolk cases, comparing these fingerprints to others in their national database. Two of the Suffolk cases match E. coli cases in Minnesota and California, and one Suffolk case matches an E. coli case in Michigan. The fourth Suffolk case is a newly identified type not seen before in the United States.  Because the 7 Suffolk County cases do not involve E. coli with the same DNA fingerprint, the 7 cases are most likely not part of the same E. coli outbreak. 

The two cases connected to Minnesota and California cases  may be part of a larger outbreak that is unfolding.  Health officials are trying to determine if the cases had a common source.  Also the New York case linked to Michigan may be part of a separate outbreak.

Three Victims of Alabama E. coli Outbreak Still Hospitalized

About two weeks after being hospitalized, three people are still in critical condition after being sickened in an E. coli outbreak linked to Little Rosie’s Taqueria restaurant in Huntsville, Alabama.

According to a story in today's Huntsville Times:

Five-year-old Samuel Coggin of Meridianville is undergoing dialysis at Vanderbilt Children's Hospital to flush the toxic E. coli O157:H7 bacteria from his kidneys. In a sign that the treatment is working, Samuel was able to urinate Sunday night, said his grandfather James Cole. "Before we left, we gathered around his hospital bed and prayed," Cole said Monday. "Rene (Samuel's mother) said he woke up about 10 minutes later and said, 'I've got to go to the bathroom.' I have no doubt prayer is what's helped the dialysis work better and hopefully faster."

Hampton Cove resident Regina Lassiter, 69, is also slowly improving, although she remains on a ventilator at Memorial Mission Hospital in Asheville, N.C. Lassiter and her husband, Max, were visiting a nephew in Highlands, N.C., when she got sick.

"The doctors are optimistic about her long-term recovery," Max Lassiter said Monday. "But they're saying it'll take a long time - maybe a few weeks or months."

The other hospitalized E. coli victim, a 48-year-old woman whose name has not been released, was in serious condition Monday in Huntsville Hospital's medical intensive care unit. She had been in critical condition.

ecoliclump2.jpg E. coli-related kidney failure is caused by hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition that can develop from an E. coli O157:H7 infection. HUS is the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States and is responsible for most E. coli-related deaths. HUS can cause permanent injury to the kidneys and other organs and is fatal in about 5% of the cases.

To contact Pritzker Law, a leading foodborne litigation law firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.  The firm is currently representing the families of two women who died from E. coli-related HUS.

Jefferson County Jail E. coli Outbreak

According to an Associated Press report, about 70 inmates at the Jefferson County Jail in Golden, Colorado, have been sickened by E. coli.  As of this morning, one inmate has been hospitalized. 

ecoli.jpgEpidemiologists are interviewing sickened inmates, testing samples of food and water, and reviewing food-handling procedures in an effort to find the source of the outbreak. E. coli can be transmitted by food, water, person-to-person contact, and animal-to-person contact.  Foods often associated with E. coli outbreaks are ground beef, spinach, lettuce, and unpasteurized apple juice. Any food, however, can be contaminated by cross-contamination (contamination of one food item by another food item that is already contaminated) or contamination by a food handler who has not adequately washed his or her hands.

Every case of E. coli, whether it is by water, food, another person or an animal is caused by consuming infected fecal matter, i.e., eating poop.  When a person contracts an E. coli infection, that person has the right to seek compensation for damages from responsible parties.  Compensation can include medical expenses (including future medical expenses), pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other damages.  

Pritzker Law, a leading E. coli litigation law firm, has a national practice. Attorney Fred Pritzker has been interviewed by the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and other publications.  He has also been selected by other lawyers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America and has been named, once again, a “Super Lawyer” by his state’s Law & Politics magazine. To contact an E. coli lawyer at Pritzker Law, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form.

Updated Information on E. coli Outbreak Linked to Little Rosie's Taqueria

Pritzker Law, a leading E. coli litigation law firm, is continuing to monitor the E. coli outbreak linked to shredded lettuce served at Little Rosie's Taqueria restaurant in Huntsville, Alabama. There are now 17 confirmed cases, with more possible confirmations in the next few days. Three of the people who contracted E. coli have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which has caused kidney failure in all three. According to the Huntsville Times:

Five-year-old Samuel Coggin of Meridianville was scheduled to start dialysis Tuesday evening at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Two female victims also remain hospitalized with kidney problems: a 48-year-old woman in critical condition at Huntsville Hospital; and a 70-year-old woman undergoing dialysis in Asheville, N.C.

According to health officials, epidemiological evidence, including statistical analysis and victim interviews, pointed to shredded lettuce served June 28-29 as the most likely source of the E. coli outbreak, Health officials believe the shredded lettuce was contaminated with E. coli bacteria by a Little Rosie’s Taqueria food handler.

Lettuce Source of E. coli Outbreak

According to the Huntsville-Madison County Health Department, shredded lettuce contaminated with E. coli is the source of the Alabama E. coli outbreak linked to Little Rosie’s Taqueria, a Huntsville restaurant.  There are 15 confirmed cases of E. coli.  14 of the E. coli victims ate at Little Rosie’s Taqueria over the 4th of July.  Health officials expect more cases to be confirmed and are awaiting test results.  

 At least three of the victims of this outbreak have developed into hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).  All three HUS patients are undergoing dialysis.  According to a story on WAFF  Channel 48 News:

The youngest victim, a 5-year-old was taken to Vanderbilt Medical Center where he will undergo kidney dialysis. A 48-year-old victim is being treated in Huntsville.

A 70-year old affected by E. Coli is undergoing kidney dialysis at a hospital in North Carolina. 

Read an earlier entry regarding the 5-year-old undergoing dialysis.

Pritzker Law is currently representing victims of E. coli outbreaks linked to lettuce, spinach and ground beef.  The firm is also representing the families of two E. coli victims who developed HUS-related kidney failure and died a few days later. To contact an E. coli lawyer , please call our firm toll-free at 1-88-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form.  

Five Hospitalized in Huntsville E. coli Outbreak

Five people with confirmed cases of E. coli have been hospitalized. The following quote from the Huntsville Times makes this more than a statistic:   

Five-year-old Samuel Coggin of Meridianville was taken to Vanderbilt by ambulance Sunday and may have to undergo dialysis, said his grandfather, James Cole. Kidney failure is one of the most serious symptoms of E. coli infection.

"He can't eat; he won't eat," Cole said today. "The doctors have told us (E. coli) is much worse on the very young and the very old, since their immune systems aren't as strong."

E. coli seriously sickens and kills people, primarily the very young and the elderly.  Medically, there is little that can be done. Even though E. coli is a bacterial infection, antibiotics are not recommended by the CDC because antibiotics may increase the risk of developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States. 

When an E. coli victim develops hemolytic uremic syndrome, recovery can take months.  About 30% of HUS patients have permanent kidney damage and about 5% die.  Samuel Coggin is fighting for his life. The other 4 people are most likely also severely ill.  

In addition to the 5 hospitalized people , there are at least 9 others with confirmed E. coli. This E. coli outbreak may be linked to a Huntsville restaurant, Little Rosie’s Taqueria.  [Update to the following information: Health officials have announced that the source of this outbreak is lettuce contaminated with E. coli.]  Health officials are still looking for the source of the outbreak, which could be food, water or an infected food handler who did not wash his or her hands adequately.  Even if the source is not found, a restaurant is liable for any illness linked to its food.  Finding the source is important for prevention, but not critical for a lawsuit against Little Rosie’s Taqueria.

Pritzker Law, one of the leading E. coli litigation law firms in the United States, vigorously pursues claims against restaurants and others responsible for E. coli poisoning. We do not rush to file lawsuits during E. coli outbreaks for our own marketing purposes. We take the time to gather evidence and thoughtfully develop a case. We always do what is best for our clients. To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form for review by an E. coli lawyer.  

Alabama E. coli Cases

ecoli.jpgThe Madison County health department has confirmed six cases of E. coli, all of which were reported on July 4.  More cases may surface.   The county has not announced the strain of E. coli involved in the outbreak, but the most common strain of E. coli associated with outbreaks is E. coli O157:H7, a enterohemorrhagic E. coli that causes bloody diarrhea and can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States and the most frequent cause of E. coli-related deaths. 

Health officials are investigating this outbreak and looking at all possible sources, including food, water, animal-to-person contact, and person-to-person contact.  Food poisoning attorney Fred Pritzker is monitoring the outbreak.  The firm, a leading foodborne illness litigation law firm, is available to represent victims of E. coli poisoning.  To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form for review by an E. coli lawyer.

Kentucky E. coli Cases

The Buffalo Trace District Health Department has confirmed three cases of E. coli poisoning in Bracken and Fleming counties in Kentucky.  All three were hospitalized. E. coli poisoning can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in the United States.  Children can be in the hospital for months recovering from HUS.  Some children never totally recover, and each year children die.  Recently, a boy in New Jersey died from E. coli-related HUS.

orangeecoli.jpgAccording to Tim Stump, director of the district health department, The three cases have been confirmed as E. coli, but the sub-type of E. coli has not been determined.  The sub-type of E. coli most often associated with HUS is E. coli O157:H7, although other sub-types of E. coli can cause HUS.  Also, genetic fingerprinting will have to be done to determine if the cases were caused by genetically-similar E. coli bacteria, which would suggest that the cases are connected to each other and a common source.

Health investigators are looking for the source of these E. coli cases.  The first step is stool samples for testing purposes. This has been done. Next, epidemiologists interview the children if they are well enough and old enough and the children’s parents regarding what the children ate, did, who they played with, basically everything that happened in their lives in the days before the children manifested symptoms of E. coli.  

Any connection to a food product and/or restaurant is investigated.  The combination of epidemiological research and microbiological testing sometimes leads to the source of an E. coli outbreak.  Often, a source is never found. 

The E. coli lawyers at Pritzker Law are available for a free consultation.  To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form.

E. coli O26 Cases in Iowa

According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, 3 children in Iowa have been sickened by enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O26 (E. coli O26), a rare strain of E. coli that is not generally associated with E. coli outbreaks.  Enterohemorrhagic E. coli strains (E. coli O157:H7 being another one) are characterized by bloody diarrhea due to bleeding in the bowls. The illness associated with these strains is hemorrhagic colitisHemolytic uremic syndrome (also referred to as HUS and hemolytic uremic poisoning) can also develop as a result of an enterohemorrhagic E. coli infection. 

Health investigators are looking for a possible source of the E. coli O26 bacteria, including pools, farm animals, food and water. According to the Iowa Department of Public Health, water-related activities and contact with farm kittens, were identified in two cases.

Idaho E. coli Cases Increase in June

The Department of Health and Welfare has announced a rise in E. coli O157:H7 cases in Idaho. During the month of May, five cases of E. coli O157:H7 were reported, but in June, 12 cases have already been reported to the state health department, with others under investigation. Last year, 55 cases of E. coli O157:H7 were reported in Idaho.

 “We are seeing clusters of illness in families and communities across southern Idaho”, said Dr. Christine Hahn, state epidemiologist. “In some cases, it is unclear how the disease has spread, but in some cases, exposure to potentially contaminated food or water may be to blame.”

Summer often brings a rise in foodborne and waterborne illness. Several beaches throughout the U.S. are closed each year due to E. coli levels in the water. Foodborne transmission of E. coli is generally higher in the summer and in recent years has hit a peak in late summer.  This year, with so many outbreaks linked to ground beef in the last several weeks, the peak may be early summer.

Robert's American Gourmet Recalls Veggie Booty

veggie-booty.jpgThe FDA is warning consumers not to eat Veggie Booty snack food, marketed by Robert's American Gourmet, due to possible contamination with Salmonella Wandsworth, bacteria that causes gastrointestinal illness. This strain of Salmonella (there are hundreds of strains) can cause bloody diarrhea.

The FDA is advising consumers to throw away any Robert's American Gourmet brand Veggie Booty they have in their home. However, if someone in your home ate some of the Veggie Booty, you need to preserve it in the event someone is sickened. 

Robert's American Gourmet and its contract manufacturer, are fully cooperating with FDA's investigation into the cause of the contamination. Manufacturing and distribution of this product has ceased, and Robert's American Gourmet is recalling all potentially contaminated product, including all expiration dates and lot codes (read the FDA announcement of the Veggie Booty recall). The product is sold in all 50 states and Canada at retail locations and over the Internet. Veggie Booty is sold in a flexible plastic foil bag in four ounce, one ounce, and one-half ounce packages.

Veggie Booty is often consumed by children, so parents are encouraged to watch their children, and seek medical care if they observe signs of illness. Of the more than 50 cases of salmonellosis that may be linked to Veggie Booty, most are children under 10 years of age.

States reporting illnesses include: California (seven cases), Colorado (five cases), Connecticut (one case), Georgia (one case), Indiana (one case), Massachusetts (three cases), Minnesota (two cases), New Hampshire (two cases), New Jersey (two cases), New York (13 cases), Oregon (one case), Pennsylvania (three cases), Tennessee (one), Texas (one), Vermont (three cases), Washington (four cases), and Wisconsin (two cases). Four people have been hospitalized.

To contact our firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultaiton form for review by a Salmonella lawyer.

California E. coli Bills Die

The leafy green vegetable industry has won a battle in the California legislature to continue its failed course of “self regulation.” Food safety advocates have been watching two bills make their way through the California legislative process. These bills would have provided needed government oversight of the sanitary processing of leafy green vegetables, including state inspections. The bills, which were sponsored by Sen. Dean Florez in response to the 2006 E. coli outbreak linked to California-grown spinach, had been passed by the state Senate but were killed in an Assembly committee.

In a story in the Central Valley Business Times, Nicole Para, chairwoman of the Assembly Agriculture Committee, was stated as saying that “her members prefer to let the agriculture industry regulate itself with a stricter, but voluntary, inspection program.”

Although state and federal enforcement of safety laws and regulations is dependent on adequate funding and political will, it is still better to have the laws and regulations than to have self-regulation. Spare the rod; spoil the industry; sicken consumers.

Reference: Politicians squabble: E. coli bills die, Central Valley Business Times, June 28, 2007.

 

2 Vermont Children Sickened with E. coli-Related HUS

ecoli.jpgTwo Vermont children are being treated for E. coli-related hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which has, in both cases, led to kidney failure. Most cases of HUS in the United States are caused by E. coli, usually E. coli O157:H7. 

E. coli can be spread via food, water, infected people, and animals. Throughout the summer, communities have to test beach water for E. coli, and tests on beach sand have indicated E. coli contamination.  Recent E. coli outbreaks have involved ground beef, other beef cuts, spinach, lettuce, an infected child at a backyard waterslide party (several other children and an adult at the party contracted E. coli infections), and what may be one of the oddest sources of an E. coli outbreak, a goat slaughtered in a restaurant’s kitchen. The goat is not the confirmed source of the outbreak, but it is the most likely source. 

Sadly, E. coli is extremely dangerous to children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems. One woman, Faye Sides, died in the E. coli outbreak involving the goat. Most other E. coli outbreaks also result in at least one death and several cases of serious illness, mostly HUS. 

The sources of these two cases of E. coli and HUS in Vermont may never be found. However, if DNA fingerprinting has not been done on the E. coli cultures collected from these two children, it needs to be done. We had a situation where a toddler died of E. coli-related HUS just days before a nationwide E. coli outbreak was announced. DNA fingerprinting had not been done (our firm was not contacted until days after the child died), and the child’s case of E. coli could not be linked to the outbreak.

If you have any questions about DNA fingerprinting, please contact Pritzker law, one of the leading food poisoning litigation law firms in the United States. To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form for review by an E. coli lawyer.

 

First Grade Boy Dies From E. coli Infection

ecoli.jpgE. coli has taken the life of a first grade boy in Hackensack, New Jersey. E. coli is extremely dangerous to children and treatment primarily consists of preventing dehydration. The CDC does not recommend the use of antibiotics because they may increase the risk of developing hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States and a frequent cause of E. coli-related death. E. coli O157:H7 is responsible for about 70% of HUS cases in the United States.

Officials at Jackson Avenue School, the school the boy attended, notified parents in a letter of the death. According to a report by CBS news (wcbstv.com), school officials think the risk to other students is low:

"We are very confident at this point based on the information they provided us that this is an isolated incident and there is no need for concern," Hackensack Superintendent Dr. Joseph Montesano told CBS 2 HD.

What's unclear, however, is how the boy contracted the bacteria.

State health officials say the Jackson Avenue School nurse sent the boy home sick on June 13, but he did not have diarrhea or a fever. That's important because health officials say E. coli is typically transmitted when those symptoms are present.

Although the source of the E. coli bacteria responsible for the death of this young boy may never be known, what is known is that every case of E. coli is caused by unsanitary conditions. This could be ground beef or fresh produce contaminated with feces, contaminated water, or the hands of someone who didn’t take the time to wash their hands well.  The beef and produce industries need to put far more effort into E. coli prevention; restaurants need to train all employees in food safety and E. coli prevention; and federal regulators have to enact regulations that will ensure the safety of our food supply.  E. coli is preventable.

No Criminal Charges Resulting from Spinach-Linked E. coli Outbreak

spinach-2.jpgThe U.S. Attorney General’s office has determined that criminal charges are not warranted in the 2006 E. coli outbreak linked to fresh, bagged California spinach. The outbreak was responsible for the deaths of at least 3 people, and hundreds of people were sickened, many with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)

The investigation into the outbreak involved two processing plants and several farms. The outbreak was traced to a field where Mission Organics grew spinach for Natural Selection. The theory is that wild pigs brought the feces of nearby cattle into the field, contaminating the spinach.

Although it is rare that criminal charges are filed following a foodborne outbreak in the United States, in 1996, an E. coli outbreak linked to lettuce did lead to criminal charges for violating food-safety laws. In that case an E. coli outbreak in the Eastern United States was traced back to Fancy Cutt Farms in California. According to the criminal complaint, the lettuce was processed in unsanitary conditions that could lead to bacterial contamination. The company was rinsing lettuce in dirty, bacteria-laden water close to cattle. It was believed that dust-borne manure contaminated with E. coli got into the rinsing water.

Goat Slaughtered in Captain's Galley Kitchen May be Source of Outbreak

Health officials closed Captain’s Galley Restaurant in China Grove, North Carolina, after learning a goat had been slaughtered in the kitchen days before several restaurant patrons contracted E. coli infections. One of those sickened, Faye Sides, died on Thursday.

Although E. coli is usually associated with beef cattle, goats can also carry and spread this pathogen. Raw goats milk and goat meat carry the risk of E. coli contamination. Goats at petting zoos and county fairs can also spread the pathogen. In this case, feces from the slaughtered goat could have been contaminated food preparation surfaces, utensils, or food that it came in contact with.

Interviews of Captain’s Galley employees have been conflicting, and investigators are doubtful as to whether any part of the goat carcass will be found. Without the carcass to test for E. coli, health officials may never be able to determine conclusively that the goat was responsible for the E. coli outbreak. 

The owners of Captain’s Galley in China Grove have denied knowledge of the goat killing, but even if they did not know about it, a restaurant is liable for any illness associated with its food. Microbiological evidence linking an outbreak to a specific food is often not necessary for a finding of liability against a restaurant if the other microbiological and epidemiological evidence is strong, for example if outbreak victims sickened by genetically-identical E.coli bacteria ate at a certain restaurant within a certain time frame.

Attorney Fred Pritzker has been contacted by families of victims of this outbreak.  For a free consultation regarding the liability of a restaurant that has been linked to an E. coli outbreak, please call Pritzker law toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online consultation form

Faye Sides Dies after Contracting an E. coli Infection

Faye Sides of Salisbury, North Carolina, died in a Rowan County hospital Thursday of multiple organ failure after contracting an E. coli infection. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. According to a story at IndependentTribune.com:

Great-niece Susan Ferrare said Sides loved children and she helped raise her nieces and nephews. “I never needed a babysitter,” Ferrare said. . . . Sides had five nieces and nephews, 14 great-nieces and nephews and 13 great-great nieces and nephews.

Sides loved to be outdoors, Ferrare said. “She always had a garden - where she grew corn, potatoes, cucumbers, everything,” Ferrare said.

Sides attended Mount Zion United Church of Christ, where she was a faithful member. . . . Kathy Ayash, another great-niece, said she always had Juicy Fruit chewing gum or candy for the children at church. Whenever there was a death in the church, Sides and a group of women would make meals for the family, Shepherd said. “They were always wonderful suppers,” Barbara Shepherd [a fellow church member] said.

Arizona Hamburger Recall

The Arizona Department of Health Services notified the public today that the expansion of the United Food Group hamburger recall (now 5.7 million pounds) may include hamburger repackaged by grocery stores.  The following Arizona grocery stores received hamburger (ground beef) from United Food Group and may have repackaged it under their store brand name.

Albertson’s
Basha’s
Fry’s
‘R’ Ranch Markets
Safeway
Sam’s Club
Save-a-lot
Smart and Final
Smith’s
Trader Joe’s

To date, there are six reported human cases of E. coli 0157 in Arizona linked to this outbreak; three in Maricopa, two in Yavapai, and one in Navajo Counties. These individuals became ill between May 2 and May 12, 2007. Their ages range from 6 – 63 years of age. Four cases could be contacted by public health, three required hospitalization and have recovered. No deaths have been reported due to this outbreak.

Pritzker law, a leading E. coli litigation law firm, has been contacted by victims of this outbreak. The firm is representing victims of another Arizona food poisoning outbreak. To contact Attorney Fred Pritzker, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm’s online contact form. Read about E. coli and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), one of the leading causes of kidney failure.

Tyson and Wal-Mart Ground Beef and Hamburger Recall

(September 2007 update to this hamburger recall entry:  Many people in search of hamburger recall information are landing on this page.  Our website has a significant amount of information you may find useful, including hamburger recalls and outbreaks, E. coli-HUS, E. coli lawyers, and E. coli lawsuits.  We also have an E. coli lawyer blog that you may find useful.  If you have any questions or concerns, you can always feel free to contact us toll-free at 1-888-377-8900, submit the firm's online consultation form, or submit a comment with the form below.  We are the law firm of Pritzker | Ruononen, one of the few law firms in the country that practices extensively in the area of E. coli litigation.  Because E. coli lawsuits involve complicated scientific evidence, it is valuable to have an E. coli lawyer with experience.  Please click here for Topps lawsuit and Topps hamburgers recall information.)

ground-beef.jpgMore ground beef has been recalled due to possible contamination with E. coli, this time Tyson is recalling ground beef (hamburger) shipped to Wal-Mart stores in 12 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Tennessee and Texas.  This is the seventh E. coli-related recall of beef in the last two months and the second recall of Tyson ground beef this year (see Tyson ground beef recall - March 2, 2007)

The recalled Tyson / Wal-Mart ground beef was produced in Tyson's Sherman, Texas, plant.  The recall involves 40,440 pounds of ground beef, which is sold in pre-packaged trays that are placed directly into the meat case by the retailer, in this case it would have been Wal-Mart.

The recalled Tyson / Walmart ground beef (hamburger) was produced on June 2. Each package bears the establishment code EST 244S as well as a “use or freeze by” code date of June 13, 2007. Specific products being recalled include:

  • 1.5-pound trays of “ANGUS STEAK BURGER ALL NATURAL, 85/15, 6- 1/4 POUND PATTIES.”
  • 1.33-pound trays of “ANGUS STEAK BURGER ALL NATURAL, 85/15, EXTRA THICK, 4- 1/3 POUND PATTIES.”
  • 2.25-pound trays of “73/27 ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF, CARNE MOLIDA DE RES.”
  • 5.5-pound trays of “73/27 ALL NATURAL GROUND BEEF, CARNE MOLIDA DE RES.”

According to Tyson, Wal-Mart has removed the recalled ground beef (hamburger) from sale and is destroying all of the recalled ground beef still in its possession at its distribution centers and stores.

The recent rash of beef recalls indicates that the beef industry has got to take greater measures to prevent E. coli contamination.   There have been more beef recalls in the last few months than in all of 2006. 

Fred Pritzker is a leading E. coli litigation attorney.  To contact Pritzker law, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the online consultation form.

Source of Fresno E. coli Outbreak: The Grill at Meat Market

According to the Fresno County Department of Community Health, the source of the E. coli outbreak in the Fresno area was cooked meat from "The Grill" at Meat Market in Northwest Fresno.  Earlier tests had confirmed that the strain of E. coli responsible for the outbreak was E. coli  O157:H7, a dangerous strain that is responsible for most of the E. coli outbreaks in the United States.

Every E. coli O157:H7 outbreak is caused by a genetically-unique E. coli O157:H7 bacterium.  When there is an E. coli outbreak, stool samples of victims are collected and tested to determine what strain of E. coli is involved.  Additional testing is then done to determine the genetic fingerprint of the bacteria.  E. coli cases are considered part of the outbreak if the E. coli that sickened the person has the outbreak's genetic fingerprint.

To determine the source of an outbreak, epidemiologists consider the above evidence, interview witnesses, and review test results done on food samples, etc.  In the Fresno outbreak, interviews with victims made it clear from early on that "The Grill" at Meat Market was most likely connected to the outbreak.   Testing done on victim's stool samples and leftover meat from The Grill at Meat Market has found the same, genetically-unique E. coli in the stool samples and the meat.

Food vendors are responsible for illness associated with their food.  If you were diagnosed with E. coli after eating meat at "The Grill" at Meat Market, contact Pritzker law toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.  Learn more about E. coli at the firm's website.

United Food Group Ground Beef Recall Expanded

Update to below: This recall has been expanded to include 5.7 million pounds of ground beef.


United Food Group LLC has expanded its June 3 recall of 75,000 pounds of ground beef to 370,000 pounds of ground beef due to E. coli cases in several states. The recalled products were shipped to retail distribution centers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. These distribution centers may have shipped the beef to additional states.

The original recall included ground beef processed at a California plant on June 20. The expanded recall includes ground beef processed at the same plant on June 13. 

Given the extensive nature of this recall, anyone who is or has been diagnosed with E. coli since June 13 should contact Attorney Fred Pritzker for help in determining if the E. coli infection is linked to the recalled ground beef. To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the online consultation form for review by an attorney at Pritzker law.

Continue Reading...

Arizona E. coli Outbreak: Lawsuit and Lawyer - Possible Save-A-Lot Lawsuit

ground-beef.jpgAttorney Fred Pritzker is investigating an E. coli outbreak associated with ground beef sold at Arizona grocery stores, including Save-A-Lot. Arizona Health Laboratory tests have identified four E. coli 0157:H7 cases in Arizona that may be linked to recalled ground beef from a California plant.  Health officials said the E. coli O157:H7  DNA fingerprint in the four Arizona cases matches the illnesses and ground beef, but further confirmation is necessary to determine whether the ground beef is responsible.  

Every E. coli O157:H7 outbreak involves a genetically-unique E. coli O157:H7 DNA fingerprint. When a case of E. coli O157:H7 is linked to a food product like has been done with the 4 Arizona cases, those responsible are usually strictly liable for damages suffered by the people sickened. Compensation in an E. coli case can include medical expenses, loss of earnings, pain and suffering and other damages.

Of the four cases of E. coli in Arizona, two are in Maricopa County, and one each in Yavapai and Navajo counties. Two of the cases were hospitalized but recovered. Even if someone sickened in an E. coli outbreak is not hospitalized, that person has suffered injury and has a case against responsible parties. In this E. coli outbreak, responsible parties may include United Food Group LLC, Supervalue or another distributor of the recalled ground beef, Save-A-Lot or another Arizona grocery store, and others.

The Arizona Department of Health Services is urging residents who purchased ground beef to check the product for specific code information and discard it or return it to the place of purchase for a refund.  If someone has eaten any of the ground beef, DO NOT RETURN IT OR DISCARD IT. You should seal it in a plastic bag, label the bag “Do not eat – 1-888-377-8900,” and put it in the refrigerator. You should watch for symptoms of an E. coli infection, which include watery or bloody diarrhea, cramps, and sometimes a low fever.  If someone is sickened, call Pritzker law toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 for a free consultation regarding your legal rights and remedies.

The ground beef products were produced on April 20 and were shipped to retail distribution centers in Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon and Utah. The labels of the products subject to recall bear the establishment number "EST. 1241" inside the USDA mark of inspection or printed on the package. All of the products bear a sell by date of "May/06/07," a freeze by date of "May/07/07" or a produced on date of "April/20/07." Products subject to recall include:

  • 10-pound casings of "MORAN'S All Natural, 73/27 fine ground beef."
  • 10-pound casings of "MORAN'S All Natural, 90/10 fine ground sirloin."
  • 2-pound chubs of "INTER-AMERICAN PRODUCTS 93/7 ground beef."
  • 1-pound chubs of "INTER-AMERICAN PRODUCTS 80/20 ground beef."
  • 1-pound chubs of "MORAN'S All Natural 73/27 ground beef."
  • 5-pound chubs of "MORAN'S All Natural 73/27 ground beef."
  • 5-pound chubs of "MORAN'S All Natural 73/27 ground beef."
  • 1-pound chubs of "MORAN'S All Natural, 90/10 fine ground sirloin."
  • 2-pound chubs of "MORAN'S All Natural 93/7 ground beef."
  • 2-pound chubs of "MORAN'S All Natural 96/4 ground beef."
  • 3-pound chubs of "STATER BROS. MARKETS 73/27 ground beef."

Albertsons and Save-A-Lot Stores Ground Beef Recall

[Update to the information below:  On June 5, the Arizona Department of Health Services issued a press release announcing that 4 cases of E. coli O157:H7 in Arizona have been linked to the ground beef recalled by Supervalue's supplier, United Food Group LLC.  Supervalue's Save-A-Lot stores in Arizona are involved in this recall.  Attorney Fred Pritzker is currently representing several victims of a foodborne illness outbreak in Arizona and is investigaing this E. coli outbreak.  If you have been sickened after eating ground beef, contact Pritzker law at 1-888-377-8900.]

Supervalue has issued a recall of ground beef that was sold at Albertson's stores in California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming and at Save-A-Lot stores in Arizona, California and Nevada.  This Save-A-Lot and Albertson's recall was issued after United Food Group LLC, a supplier of ground beef sold at Save-A-Lot and Albertsons, recalled 75,000 pounds of ground beef.  

The ground beef subject to the recall is labeled with a sell-by-date between April 20, 2007 and May 7, 2007.  The following products are recalled:

       Moran's 73/27 1# Chub, UPC:  34779 60501
       Moran's 73/27 5# Chub, UPC:  34779 60000
       Moran's 96/4 2# Chub, UPC:  34779 96000
       Moran's 93/7 2# Chub, UPC:  34779 91000
       Moran's 73/27 3# Chub, UPC:  34779 60010
       Moran's 96/4 1# Chub, UPC:  34779 96194
       Moran's 90/10 Sirloion 1# Chub, UPC:  34779 21117
       Albertsons 90/10 Sirloin fresh hamburger patties.

The legal team at Pritzker law helps E. coli victims get compensation for their injuries.  Because special testing is required to link an E. coli victim to a food product, E. coli victims should contact the firm as soon as possible.  To reach E. coli lawyer 

Fred Pritzker

, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit our free online consultation form

United Food Group California Ground Beef Recall

ground-beef.jpgUpdate to the information below:  On June 5, the Arizona Department of Health Services issued a press release announcing that 4 cases of E. coli O157:H7 in Arizona have been linked to the ground beef recalled by United Food Group LLC.  Supervalue's Save-A-Lot stores in Arizona are involved in this recall.  Fred Pritzker is currently representing several victims of a foodborne illness outbreak in Arizona and is investigaing this E. coli outbreak.  If you have been sickened after eating ground beef, contact food poisoning attorney Fred Pritzker at 1-888-377-8900.]

United Food Group LLC, a California firm, has recalled about 75,000 pounds of ground beef due to possible contamination with E. coli.  This is the second E. coli-related California ground beef recall in just over a month.  The first California ground beef recall occurred on April 20 and involved almost 108,000 pounds of ground beef.

The ground beef involved in this recall was shipped to retail distribution centers in  Arizona, California, Colorado, Oregon and Utah.  The labels of the recalled ground beef bear the establishment number "EST. 1241" inside the USDA mark of inspection or printed on the package. All of the products bear a sell by date of "May/06/07," a freeze by date of "May/07/07" or a produced on date of "April/20/07." Products subject to recall include:

  • 10-pound casings of "MORAN'S All Natural, 73/27 fine ground beef."
  • 10-pound casings of "MORAN'S All Natural, 90/10 fine ground sirloin."
  • 2-pound chubs of "INTER-AMERICAN PRODUCTS 93/7 ground beef."
  • 1-pound chubs of "INTER-AMERICAN PRODUCTS 80/20 ground beef."
  • 1-pound chubs of "MORAN'S All Natural 73/27 ground beef."
  • 5-pound chubs of "MORAN'S All Natural 73/27 ground beef."
  • 3-pound chubs of "MORAN'S All Natural 73/27 ground beef."
  • 1-pound chubs of "MORAN'S All Natural, 90/10 fine ground sirloin."
  • 2-pound chubs of "MORAN'S All Natural 93/7 ground beef."
  • 2-pound chubs of "MORAN'S All Natural 96/4 ground beef."
  • 3-pound chubs of "STATER BROS. MARKETS 73/27 ground beef."

The contaminated meat was sold at the following stores:  Albertson's in California, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, Utah, Washington and Wyoming and in Save-A-Lot Stores in Arizona, California and Nevada.  Other stores where the contaminated meat could have been sold at are:  Grocery Outlet, Fry's Save-Mart, Smart and Final, and Smith's and Stater Bros. stores.

Fred Pritzker, a leading E. coli litigation lawyer, is monitoring this recall.  To contact the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.

15 Confirmed E. coli Cases May Be Linked to Fresno Meat Market

According to a story in the Fresno Bee, 15 cases of E. coli in the Fresno area have been confirmed:

One man has been hospitalized with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, a kidney complication from the bacterial infection, said David Luchini, communicable disease division manager for the Fresno County Department of Community Health. . . .

More E. coli cases from the outbreak could emerge next week.

Samples from individuals are still being tested, said Tim Casagrande, director of Fresno County's environmental health services department. . . .

Most of the cases appear to be related to three private gatherings -- two graduation parties and a wedding, Casagrande said.

But health workers are "still investigating illnesses that might be related to other events," he said.

The health department began receiving reports from doctors of E. coli illnesses on May 26.

According to earlier reports, Meat Market, an eatery in the Fresno area, may be associated with this outbreak.

 

California E. coli Outbreak May Be Linked to Meat Market

Attorney Fred Pritzker is investigating an E. coli outbreak in the Fresno, California area that may be associated with a meat product from Meat Market, according to a story in the Fresno Bee. People who attended three parties in the Fresno area have reported symptoms consistent with E. coli infections. According to the story, all three events were catered by Meat Market.

According to a story last night on ABC30 Action News, there are now at least 8 cases of E. coli involved in this outbreak. Health officials told the news station that investigators may be close to finding the source of the E. coli outbreak.

An investigation into an E. coli outbreak involves both epidemiology and microbiology. Initially, epidemiologists gathered samples from possible locations of the E. coli source, in this case Meat Market. Epidemiologists also interview people who report illness and gather information relating to stool samples of the sickened people. Microbiologists test and analyze stool samples and any samples taken from the restaurant and any other possible sources of the outbreak. If E. coli bacteria are found, microbiologists do genetic testing on E. coli. This is the step that determines the depth and breath of an outbreak because each outbreak has a genetically-unique E. coli bacteria involved.

Our firm is nationally known E. coli litigation law firm..  To contact an E. coli lawyer at the firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's online contact form.  To learn more about the firm, please see the Pritzker law website.

 

Daycare May Link Three Cases of E. coli

Three children in Montgomery and Fulton counties in New York have been diagnosed with E. coli O157:H7.  One of the children has been hospitalized so far.  Two of the children attend the same daycare facility; the name has not yet been released. 

We are continuing to monitor this story and will bring you the latest updates as information is released.

Pritzker law is a leading E. coli law firm.  The firm has recovered millions for victims of E. coli poisoning and other foodborne illnesses.  To contact a lawyer at the firm, call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or e-mail Fred Pritzker.

Detecting E. coli O157:H7 With Ropes?

According to a recent article of Ropin the Web (an Ablerta, Canada sponsored agriculture website), food safety scientists from Alberta have developed a method of detecting E. coli O157:H7 using simple rope in feedlot cattle. 

cows.jpgAll that is involved in the process is hanging a rope in feedlot pens the night before the cattle are slaughtered.  Margaret McFall, a food safety division scientist with Alberta Agriculture and Food, was quoted in the article as saying:

 "the ropes were used as sampling devices.  When you put something strange in a pen, the animals are attracted to it and rub and chew on it, and the E. coli O157:H7 in their mouth can be transferred to the rope."
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Fred Pritzker and Family of E. coli Victim Speak out on Food Safety

spinach-2.jpgA recent story on WCCO Channel 4 in Minneapolis featured the family ofone of the victims of the 2006 E. coli outbreak linked to fresh spinach. The victim, a healthy, active woman, died just days after eating fresh spinach. 

Attorney Fred Pritzker, who represents the family, was quoted as saying:
"The pain that is produced by something like this is just off the charts," said Minneapolis attorney Fred Pritzker, who represents the family. Pritzker wants safety improvements in the food industry. "We have the technology, we have the understanding to make this a lot safer but yet no one has the will to do it," he said.
For the full story and a video of the interview, please click here.

E. coli Outbreak in Bakersfield, California

12 people in Bakersfield, California have been sickened by an outbreak of E. coli, 11 of them are children.  Four of the children involved in the outbreak of been diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which is the leading source of kidney failure of children in the United States. 

According to B. A. Jinadu, M.D., M.P.H., Kern County Health Officer and Director of Public Health Services:
After a thorough investigation, the Department of Public Health has identified that an initial exposure occurred on 4/26 during a water slide event, a known source of E. coli exposure in such a situation. This started the chain of an infectious process which stretched from 4/26 - 5/4, where some of the cases became ill following these events. This is consistent with the incubation period for E. coli.

Another significant event occurred on 4/29 during which the same social circle attended that event. This proves to be an event point for secondary infections.  The evidence also supports that the two (2) cases that showed symptoms on 4/27, a day following the water slide event, appeared to have been exposed at an earlier date and were infectious at the time of that event. One of the cases is considered the starting point for the investigation. The Department of Public Health continues to explore the point of exposure of the index case. However, it is not unusual in similar types of outbreaks that the initial point of exposure may never be identified.

Ukrop Beef Recall

Fearing E. coli contamination, Ukrop's grocery store has recalled some ground beef according to a notice on its web page.  Ukrop's has several stores in Virginia, including Williamsburg.  Seven cases of E. coli have been confirmed in Minnesota, and while Ukrop's has not been notified of any E. coli cases in Virginia associated with ground beef, the grocer received ground beef from the same supplier as the affected chain in Minnesota. 

On May 10, Ukrop's grocery stores removed all potentially affected products.

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Kalamazoo, Michigan, Beef Recall

Attorney Fred Pritzker is currently representing victims of E. coli outbreaks linked to ground beef. (Read about the E. coli recall and outbreak linked to ground beef sold at Byerly's and Lunds.)  Please contact the firm if you need representation in a lawsuit against Marketplace Foods or any other party that may be associated with the following recall.

Michigan Beef Recall Information

ground-beef.jpgDavis Creek Meats and Seafood of Kalamazoo, Michigan, is voluntarily recalling approximately 129,000 pounds of beef products, due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7. The beef products were produced between March 1 and April 30, 2007, and were shipped to foodservice distribution centers and Marketplace stores in Arkansas, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

The problem was discovered by Michigan Department of Community Health as part of an E. coli O157:H7 illness investigation.

The following products are subject to recall. They include boxes of mechanically tenderized steaks and ground beef of varying weights. Labels on the boxes bear the establishment number “Est. 1947A” inside the USDA mark of inspection and a date code (on the top right corner of the label) between “060” and “120.” Only products with those date codes are subject to recall. Each box also bears a net weight declaration and the message “Manufactured for Gordon Food Service” or “Distributed by Gordon Food Service.” The list of recalled products includes ground beef, roasts, steak, and other cuts of beef.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.

Generally, steaks are not considered a high-risk source of E. coli O157: H7. However, the steak products subject to recall were mechanically tenderized and that process may have transferred the bacteria from the surface to the inside of the product. FSIS reminds consumers and food preparers that mechanically tenderized beef products or those injected with a marinade or solution require a higher cooking temperature to achieve microbiological safety than steaks that are not mechanically tenderized. Therefore, these products should not be served “rare.”

The Food Code, a national guidance document specific to foodservice, states that injected meats, including those mechanically tenderized, should be cooked to an internal temperature of 155°F for a minimum of 15 seconds as measured with a food thermometer.

Byerly's and Lunds Pulls Ground Beef Products off of Shelves

Byerly's and Lunds have pulled the following products off of their shelves after 7 people contracted E. coli linked to Byerly's and Lunds  beef products.  Byerly's and Lunds have pulled the following products::

  • 80% Lean Ground Beef
  • 85% Lean Ground Beef
  • 90% Lean Ground Beef
  • 95% Lean Ground Beef
  • 85% Lean Ground Beef Patties
  • 90% Lean Ground Beef Patties
  • 95% Lean Ground Beef Patties
  • Fresh 3-Way Meatloaf
  • Fresh Oven-Ready Seasoned Meatloaf
  • Frozen Oven-Ready Seasoned Meatloaf
  • Ground Chili Meat
  • Fresh Wild Rice Beef Patties
  • Fresh Bacon Mushroom Swiss Patties
  • Fresh Sicilian Beef Patties
  • Great Foods Fast Beef Burger Bundles
  • Great Foods Fast Mini Meatloaf
  • Great Foods Fast Taco Meatloaf
  • Great Foods Fast Italian Meatballs
  • Great Foods Fast Mexican Meatballs

Learn about E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzker and Minnesota personal injury lawyers at Pritzker law that have a concentration in the area of foodborne illness.

Minnesota Food Poisoning Lawyer Calls on Lunds and Byerly's to Pay Medical Bills

E. coli information provided on website

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:          Fred Pritzker
                        612.338.0202
                        fhp@pritzkerlaw.com


ground-beef.jpgFred Pritzker, a Minneapolis foodborne illness lawyer and food safety advocate, called for Lunds and Byerly’s to pay victims’ medical bills.   The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) has linked at least seven E. coli cases linked to ground beef sold at Lunds and Byerly’s. Two of the victims were children.

“No matter what the source of the E. coli is,” Pritzker said, “it is only fair that the retailer pay for the medical bills of its injured customers. The families deserve that peace of mind.” According to Pritzker, other corporations involved in E. coli outbreaks have advanced medical expenses to those injured by their food products. “Corporate responsibility means taking concrete steps to right a wrong,” Pritzker said. “It is time for Lunds and Byerly’s to step up and guarantee that its customers will not be stuck with hundreds or thousands of dollars in medical bills.”

Pritzker also stated that he believes retailers should do more to ensure that meat processors follow state of the art techniques. “It is really up to retailers to demand that the meat they sell is produced under the safest possible conditions,” Pritzker said. “Retailers have the market power to change dangerous practices.”

Pritzker represents victims from recent E. coli  outbreaks including  the Longville, Minnesota outbreak and the national outbreak of contaminated spinach in which one of his clients, a Wisconsin woman, died. 

Pritzker believes that the health department’s current investigation will find the cause of the contamination because all the ground beef sold at Lunds and Byerly’s comes from a single processing facility.  

“The most challenging part of an E. coli investigation is tracing the bacteria back to its source,” Pritzker said.  “The fact that Lunds and Byerly’s sold ground beef processed in a single facility makes the trace-back process much easier.”

Another important part of such an investigation, according to Pritzker, is testing intact products.  “Genetic testing that matches bacteria in a package to the bacteria making people sick is some of the strongest possible evidence on the source of an outbreak.  The question then is how did the bacteria get in that product.” 

E. coli can be found on most cattle farms, and can live in the intestines of healthy cattle, deer, goats, and sheep. Meat can become contaminated during slaughter, and organisms can be accidentally mixed into meat when it is ground.  Careful production techniques, according to Pritzker, are essential to preventing E. coli contamination.  

Pritzker uses his food poisoning blog, to advocate for labeling rules that identify the source of ground beef.  “Labeling that shows where meat has come from is a common sense way of identifying problems in meat production and encouraging responsible production.”  Pritzker is also calling for better testing of ground beef before it reaches store shelves.    

Pritzker law is one of the few law firms in the United States that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation.  The firm has collected millions of dollars on behalf of victims of E. coli poisoning and other foodborne illnesses.  For more information, visit http://www.pritzkerlaw.com or contact Fred Pritzker at (612) 338-0202 or fhp@pritzkerlaw.com.  Attorney Fred Pritzker has offices are located at Plaza VII, Suite 2950, 45 South Seventh Street, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55402    

Minnesota E. coli Outbreak Linked to Lunds and Byerly's Ground Beef

According to the Minnesota Department of Health, 7 people, 2 children and 5 adults, have contracted E. coli O157:H7 infections after eating ground beef sold at Minnesota Lunds and Byerly's grocery stores.  Lunds and Byerly's have recalled all ground beef sold at the stores after April 7. 

Lawyer Fred Pritzker, a Minnesota lawyer who practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation, is monitoring the situation.  He has gained a national reputation in this area and has been interviewed by the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and other publications.  In recognition of his accomplishments, he was selected by other lawyers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America and has been named, once again, a "Minnesota Super Lawyer" by Minnesota Law & Politics magazine. 

To contact Fred Pritzker, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900, call 612-3388-0202 or e-mail Fred Pritzker.

Below is the Minnesota Department of Health press release regarding the E. coli outbreak linked to ground beef (hamburger) sold at Byerly's and Lunds.  Pritzker law is reprinting it here (with comments) as a public service.
E. coli O157:H7 cases linked to ground beef purchased at Lunds or Byerly’s stores since mid-April:

May 8, 2007 - State health and agriculture officials are investigating seven cases of E. coli O157:H7 infection in Minnesota residents associated with eating ground beef purchased from Lunds or Byerly’s stores since mid-April.

Routine monitoring by the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) found that the cases of illness were all caused by E. coli O157:H7 with the same DNA fingerprint. All of the cases had purchased the ground beef from one of four Lunds or Byerly’s stores in the west metro area since April 12. The people became ill between April 21 and 28 after consuming the meat.

The cases include two children and five adults. Three of the cases were hospitalized, but all have been discharged.

“The stores currently involved include Byerly’s St. Louis Park, Byerly’s Minnetonka, Byerly’s Chanhassen and Lunds Edina. However, we can’t be certain that meat from other stores is not involved, since all of the beef used for ground beef for Lunds and Byerly’s stores comes from a single processing facility,” said Heidi Kassenborg, Acting Director of the Dairy and Food Inspection Division of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA).

Ground beef that was purchased after April 7 from a Lunds or Byerly’s store, whether still in the refrigerator or freezer, should not be used, but should be discarded or returned to the store, officials said. [Note from Attorney Fred Pritzker: If someone has eaten any of the ground beef, DO NOT THROW THE GROUND BEEF AWAY.  If someone who has eaten the beef contracts an E. coli O157:H7 infection, the leftover meat could be evidence.  If you or a family member becomes ill, contact lawyer Fred Pritzker at 1-888-37-8900 or 612-338-0202 as soon as possible.]
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Mexican Cheese Recall

Ole Mexican Foods’ Verole Queso Fresco Authentic Crumbling Cheese and Ole Fresco Authentic Mexican Crumbling Cheese may be contaminated with E. coli.  According to a story on news-press.com about the Mexican Cheese recall:

Department inspectors are working with Florida grocery chains to remove any of the potentially tainted cheese from those stores and are checking warehouses in Florida from which the products were distributed. Bronson said his agency has also notified the U.S. Food Drug Administration, which is responsible for the products in other states.

The affected code for Verole Queso Fresco Authentic Mexican Crumbling Cheese Net Wt. 15 oz. is V7&8 052 47193 SELL BY: 05/31/07; the affected code for Ole Fresco Authentic Mexican Crumbling Cheese Net Wt. 12 oz. is V5&6 051 47193 SELL BY: 05/30/07.

If you have eaten any of the recalled Mexican cheese, do not throw any leftovers away until you are sure no one was sickened by it.  The incubation period for E. coli can be as long as 10 days.  Seal any leftovers in a plastic bag, label the bag "Do not eat."  Keep the bag in the refrigerator.  Watch for E. coli symptoms.

If you become ill and are diagnosed with E. coli, immediately call the law firm of Pritzker law, a leading food safety law firm.  Read  about  E. coli  lawyer Fred Pritzker. 

Hoss's Steak Restaurant Associated with E. coli Cases

steak-ecoli.jpgAttorney Fred Pritzker is monitoring a possible E. coli outbreak linked to Hoss's Steak and Sea Restaurants. An investigation carried out by FSIS and the Pennsylvania Department of Health has linked several illnesses to steak products produced at the plant for Hoss's Family Steak and Sea Restaurants, a Pennsylvania-based restaurant chain with restaurants in Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia.  Steaks, ground beef patties, and other cuts of meat used at Hoss's Steak and Sea Restaurants were recalled due to possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7. 

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.  Learn about E. coli symptoms and E. coli treatment.

Generally, steaks are not considered a high-risk source of E. coli O157: H7. However, the products subject to recall were injected with tenderizers and flavor-enhancing solutions, and that process may have transferred the bacteria from the surface to the inside of the product.  Read more about the April 20, 2007, beef recall.

Pritzker law is a leading E. coli litigation law firm and has recovered millions of dollars for food poisoning victims, including a recent settlement for $6,425,000E. coli attorney Fred Pritzker has gained a national reputation in this area and has been interviewed by the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and other publications.  In recognition of his accomplishments, he was selected by other attorneys for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America.

CALL TOLL-FREE AT 1-888-377-8900 OR SUBMIT THE ONLINE CONSULTATION FORM FOR REVIEW BY LAWYER FRED PRITZKER

3 Children Contract E. coli after Eating Hamburgers

Attorney Fred Pritzker is monitoring the possible E. coli outbreak linked to hamburgers served at the St. Helena and Calistoga Little League baseball snack shacks. At least 3 children have been sickened by E. coli O157:H7 after eating hamburgers at the little league snack shacks. 2 other cases are being investigated. The ground beef used in the hamburgers was processed by the Richwood Meat Co., which recalled ground beef processed on April 28, 2006, and sent to retail outlets in Arizona, California, Idaho, Oregon and Washington.

If your child has been diagnosed with E. coli after eating a hamburger, contact E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzker, one of the nation’s leading food poisoning litigators.  Fred has gained a national reputation in the area of E. coli litigation and has been interviewed by the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, and other publications.  Fred and his team at Pritzker law have recovered millions for victims of food poisoning, including a recent settlement for $6,425,000.  To contact attorney Fred Pritzker, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or e-mail Fred Pritzker.

15th Case of E. coli Infection Linked to Souplantation Outbreak

** OUTBREAK UPDATE: Attorney Fred Pritzker is investigating a Shigella outbreak associated with the Souplantation restaurant in Pasadena.  Victims of this outbreak ate at the Pasadena Souplantation at 201 Lake Avenue in Pasadena during the dates of Sunday, July 22 through Tuesday, July 24, 2007.  For Souplantation lawsuit information, please contact Fred Pritzker toll-free at 1-999-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.  **

A 15th person has been reported infected due to the recent E. coli outbreak at the Souplantation restaurant in Orange County, California. 

So far, 10 children and 5 adults have been infected.  But only 2 children have been hospitalized.  All of those who have tested positive for E. coli ate at the restaurant between March 23 and March 25. 

Souplantation remains closed as efforts to determine the source of the outbreak has not been determined. 

If you have been diagnosed with E. coli poisoning and ate at Souplantation, contact E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzker, one of the nation’s leading food poisoning litigators.  To contact Fred Pritzker, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or e-mail Fred Pritzker.


New CDC Report Highlights Foodborne Illness Challenges

The CDC released a report Thursday on data collected on foodborne illness levels in the United States collected by the agency's Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet).  Campylobacter, Listeria, Shigella and Yersinia (plague) levels have all declined since baseline data was collected from 1996-1998.

FoodNet data showed there has been little change in the number of Salmonella cases while the progress made in 2003 and 2004 reduction of E. coli O157 has been lost.   Vibrio infections, which are  usually related to the consumption of raw shellfish, have increased to the highest level since FoodNet began surveillance.

Dr. Julie Gerberding, the CDC director, had this to say about the results of the study:

As recent outbreaks have shown, too many people in the United States are getting sick each year from foodborne illnesses.  For instance, the outbreaks involving tomatoes, lettuce and spinach underscore the need to more effectively prevent contamination of produce.  We're also working to strengthen our ability to quickly detect and identify foodborne illnesses.  We know the faster we can detect an outbreak, the faster we can take actions that will help protect people.

Officials are unsure why incidences of E. coli O157 have increased, but believe it may be associated with the rise in number of infections cause by foods such as spinach and peanut butter which previously were not associated to infections. 

Fred Pritzker is a nationally leading food poisoning attorney from Minnesota that has recovered millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning, including a recent settlement for $6,425,000.  To contact attorney Fred Pritzker, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the firm's

online consultation form

.

 

 

14 Now Part of Souplantation E. coli Outbreak

orangeecoli.jpg** OUTBREAK UPDATE: Attorney Fred Pritzker is investigating a Shigella outbreak associated with the Souplantation restaurant in Pasadena.  Victims of this outbreak ate at the Pasadena Souplantation at 201 Lake Avenue in Pasadena during the dates of Sunday, July 22 through Tuesday, July 24, 2007.  For Souplantation lawsuit information, please contact Fred Pritzker toll-free at 1-999-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.  An attorney will review your case. **

A new case of E. coli infection has been reported in the Souplantation outbreak in California, bringing the total to 14 cases of infection; 10 children and 4 adults.  Health officials have closed the restaurant and continue their search for the source of the outbreak.

Health officials have identified E. coli O157:H7 as the strain of E. coli involved in the outbreak.  The O157:H7 strain, known as enterohemorrhagic E. coli (EHEC), is one of the more dangerous strains of E. coli, causing abdominal pain and cramps, followed by severe diarrhea, usually unaccompanied by fever.  In rare cases, especially in children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, E. coli O157:H7 can cause a complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).  HUS occurs in approximately 8% of cases of O157:H7 infections.  In cases of HUS, red blood cells are destroyed and kidney failure can result.  HUS is the primary cause of acute kidney in children.  Of the 110,000 cases of enterohemorrhagic E. coli each year, approximately 61 people die from HUS.

When there is an E. coli outbreak, health officials first determine the strain of  E. coli involved in the outbreak by testing the stools of  outbreak victims.  Further testing is done to determine the unique "genetic fingerprint" of the outbreak E. coli bacteria.  In this case, as stated above, the E. coli strain involved is E. coli O157:H7.  Further testing has provided the genetic fingerprint of the Souplantation outbreak E. coli O157:H7, which is different from E. coli O157:H7 bacteria involved in other outbreaks.  It is this genetically unique E. coli O157:H7 that provides the link between the people who were sickened after eating at Souplantation and the restaurant. 

If you have been diagnosed with E. coli poisoning and ate at Souplantation, contact E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzker, one of the nation’s leading food poisoning litigators.  To contact Pritzker law, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or e-mail Fred Pritzker.

Foothill Ranch Souplantation E. coli

** OUTBREAK UPDATE: Attorney Fred Pritzker is investigation a Shigella outbreak associated with the Souplantation restaurant in Pasadena.  Victims of this outbreak ate at the Pasadena Souplantation at 201 Lake Avenue in Pasadena during the dates of Sunday, July 22 through Tuesday, July 24, 2007.  For Souplantation lawsuit information, please contact Fred Pritzker toll-free at 1-999-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.  **


Orange county has closed the Foothill Ranch Souplantation in the wake of an E. coli outbreak that has sickened at least 12 people, 3 of whom were hospitalized. According to a story in the Los Angeles Times:

A Lake Forest restaurant linked to an E. coli outbreak was closed Saturday by Orange County health officials after a 12th customer and an employee tested positive for the bacteria. The customer, a juvenile, ate at the Foothill Ranch Souplantation on March 25, said Orange County Health Care Agency spokesman Howard Sutter. Sutter called the new case "a significant development" because the other cases involved customers who ate at the restaurant on March 23 or 24. . . .

Sutter said health officials have not identified the source of the E. coli outbreak. The strain of the bacteria is rare — but not necessarily deadlier — and has not been reported in California, he said. It is different from the strain linked to the spinach grown near Salinas, Calif., that was identified as the cause of an E. coli outbreak last summer that killed three people, including a toddler. . . .

"We can't draw any conclusions from the latest developments. The only thing this tells us is that we have the first reported case [of a customer] outside of March 23 and March 24," Sutter said.

E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzker is one of the few lawyers in the United States with extensive experience with E. coli lawsuits and multi-million-dollar recoveries in food poisoning cases. To contact Fred Pritzker, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the Pritzker law online consultation form.  Read more about E. coli on the Pritzker Law website.

Source: H.G. Reza, “O.C. shuts restaurant tied to E. coli outbreak,” Los Angeles, April 8, 2007.

Children are Victims of Souplantation E. Coli Outbreak

** OUTBREAK UPDATE: Attorney Fred Pritzker is investigation a Shigella outbreak associated with the Souplantation restaurant in Pasadena.  Victims of this outbreak ate at the Pasadena Souplantation at 201 Lake Avenue in Pasadena during the dates of Sunday, July 22 through Tuesday, July 24, 2007.  For Souplantation lawsuit information, please contact Pritzker law toll-free at 1-999-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.  An attorney will review your case. **

Health officials in Orange County, California recently reported that nearly all of the people who became infected by E. coli after eating at the Foothill Ranch Souplantation in Lake Forest, California,  were under the age of 18.  One person who became ill was over 70.  All of those infected dined at the restaurant between March 23-25.  

Officials are still unsure of the cause of the outbreak and found no health code violations after inspecting the restaurant.  Sometimes it is difficult to find the source of outbreaks because contaminated food can be disposed of before it is known that an outbreak has occurred. 

Even if the source of the outbreak is not found, children with E. coli infections linked to Souplantation, have viable cases against the restaurant.  If your child ate at Souplantation and has been diagnosed with E. coli poisoning, contact E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzker, one of the nation’s leading food poisoning litigators.  Fred and his team at Pritzker law have recovered millions for victims of food poisoning, including a recent settlement for $6,425,000.  To contact our firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or e-mail Fred Pritzker.

Souplantation E. coli Outbreak

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** OUTBREAK UPDATE: Attorney Fred Pritzker is investigation a Shigella outbreak associated with the Souplantation restaurant in Pasadena.  Victims of this outbreak ate at the Pasadena Souplantation at 201 Lake Avenue in Pasadena during the dates of Sunday, July 22 through Tuesday, July 24, 2007.  For Souplantation lawsuit information, please contact Pritzker law toll-free at 1-999-377-8900 or submit the firm's online consultation form.  An attorney will review your case. **

California health officials have stated that seven people who ate at  Souplantation in southern Orange County have contracted E. coli infections. Three of them were hospitalized. Six of the E. coli victims dined at Souplantation on March 23 or 24. The seventh is believed to have eaten there March 25.

Health officials have not determined the source of the contamination.

According to a story in the Los Angeles Times, San Diego-based Souplantation specializes in a soups and salads at 100 restaurants nationwide, including 34 in Southern California. Its parent company, Garden Fresh Restaurant Corp., issued a statement Monday saying that only one restaurant was involved.

Ken Keane, president of the company, was quoted as saying, "The health and welfare of our guests and employees is always our top priority, … and [we] remain committed to the highest level of quality, cleanliness and service."

If you ate at Souplantation and have been diagnosed with E. coli poisoning, contact E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzker, one of the nation’s leading food poisoning litigators.  Fred and his team at Pritzker law have recovered millions for victims of food poisoning, including a recent settlement for $6,425,000.  To contact our firm, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or e-mail Fred Pritzker.

Bill Aims to Prevent E. coli Outbreaks

The California Senate Agriculture Committee recently approved three bills whose aim is to lower the occurance of E. coli outbreaks associated with produce such as spinach, lettuce, and sprouts.  The senate wants to impose tougher safety standards that would regulate water, fertilizer and toilet use in fields; develop and implement systems to quickly trace, recall and quarantine contaminated produce; and require those who grow leafy greens to be licensed by the state.    

The bill was spurred by an outbreak of E. coli caused by contaminated spinach and lettuce last year that killed at least three people.  Although most people are familiar with E. coli being caused  by contaminated meat products, leafy greens are also a common source of E. coli infections.  Leafy greens can easily be contaminated by fertilizers or contaminated water. If contaminated leafy greens are not adequately cleaned or cooked, they can cause infection.  If the E. coli bacteria is within the leaf itself, no amount of washing will get rid of it.

For obvious reasons, the California Farm Bureau Federation and Western Growers Associations are against the bill, saying they are going to impose their own safety standards. 

But in cases of consumer health, it can be necessary for the government to step in and require that basic safety standards required in other industries are implemented by growers of leafy greens. 

Enforceable National Standards Needed to Prevent Future E. coli Outbreak

Fred even smaller for blog entries.jpgThe report entitled Investigation of an Escherichia coli O157:H7 Outbreak Associated with Dole Pre-Packaged Spinach has been issued by the California Department of Health Services and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on March 21, 2007.

While the precise cause of the bacterial contamination was not identified, the report highlights a number of health hazards involving the fault of the landowner, grower, packer and distributor of the spinach implicated in the outbreak that sickened over 200 people and killed at least three people.   

The report shows there is plenty of fault to go around,  including the manner in which the spinach was grown, harvested, cooled and processed. For example, with regard to the growth of the spinach, the report raises serious questions about the wisdom of growing ready-to-eat crops in close proximity to livestock and livestock waste, especially in the absence of detailed risk assessments intended to identify health hazards in or adjacent to the particular field in which the spinach was grown. The report also points to the need for water testing to determine fecal contamination, adequate standards for well construction and inspection and appropriate measures to prevent cross contamination by wild animals (in this case, there was strong evidence that feral pigs living in close proximity to the surrounding cattle and cattle waste tramped through the fields and spread the bacteria-laden feces on to the adjoining ready-to-eat spinach crop).

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Soft-Serve Ice Cream Poses E. coli Risk

Soft-Serve Ice Cream Machines May Be Serving up E. coli and Other Dangerous Bacteria

Soft-serve ice cream machines in Racine, Wisconsin, may be serving up more than just ice cream. According to city health officials, soft-serve machines at 15 Racine food establishments had to be shut down in the summer of 2006 because testing found unacceptable levels of coliform bacteria and general bacteria.  Coliform bacteria can include E. coli, a potentially-fatal foodborne pathogen. 

Perhaps soft-serve ice cream should be added to the list of foods to avoid for the very young, elderly, and those with compromised immune systems.

Source: Brent Killackey, “All but one of city's soft-serve ice cream machines that failed inspection passed a retest,” The Racine Report, March 5, 2007.

Tyson Ground Beef Recall Due to E. coli Risk

groundbeef.jpgThe USDA-FSIS has announced a recall of almost 17,000 pounds of Tyson ground beef sold in Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington due to possible E. coli contamination. The ground beef was labeled “ROUND, COARSE GROUND BEEF.” 

This recall announcement would have more value to consumers if it stated where the meat was sold. As it is, the announcement is merely a reminder that one should always cook ground beef to 160º, the temperature recommended by the USDA-FSIS. 

The following is the Tyson ground beef recall announcement:

WASHINGTON, March 2, 2007 - Tyson Fresh Meats, a Wallula, Wash., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 16,743 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department 4 of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The products subject to recall include:

  • 60-pound boxes containing six 10-pound chubs of "ROUND, COARSE GROUND BEEF, 85/15." The box end also bears a label with the establishment number "Est. 9268" as well as a "BEST BEFORE OR FROZEN BY" date of "03/08/07" and packaging date "02/16/07."


The problem was discovered through routine FSIS microbiological sampling at another federally inspected establishment. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products.

The ground beef was produced on Feb. 16, 2007 and was sent to distributors in Idaho, Oregon, Utah and Washington.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The very young, seniors and persons with compromised immune systems are the most susceptible to foodborne illness.

E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzker has recovered millions for victims of food poisoning.  To contact Fred about the Tyson ground beef recall, please call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or submit the online consultation form.

Raw Milk and Foodborne Illness

Since a recent E. coli outbreak linked to raw milk, the raw-milk debate has heated up.  Food safety experts, now solidly backed by the FDA and CDC, argue that raw milk should not be consumed because there is a high risk of contamination with a number of foodborne pathogens.  The FDA and CDC issued the following health alert yesterday outlining their position on raw milk:

FDA and CDC Remind Consumers of the Dangers of Drinking Raw Milk
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are reminding consumers of the dangers of drinking milk that has not been pasteurized, known as raw milk.  Raw milk potentially contains a wide variety of harmful bacteria – including Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, Listeria, Campylobacter and Brucella – that may cause illness and possibly death.

Consuming raw milk may be harmful to health.  From 1998 to May 2005 CDC identified 45 outbreaks of foodborne illness that implicated unpasteurized milk, or cheese made from unpasteurized milk.  These outbreaks accounted for 1,007 illnesses, 104 hospitalizations, and two deaths. This is based on information in CDC's Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report for the week of March 2, 2007.  The actual number of illnesses was almost certainly higher because not all cases of illness are recognized and reported.

Consumers who become ill after consuming raw milk, and pregnant women who believe they consumed contaminated raw milk or cheese made from raw milk, should see a doctor or other health care provider immediately.

Symptoms of illness caused by raw milk vary depending on which harmful bacteria are present. Symptoms may include but are not limited to: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, headache and body ache. 

Most healthy people will recover from illness caused by harmful bacteria in raw milk or in foods made with raw milk within a short period of time.  But some individuals can develop symptoms that are chronic, severe, or even life-threatening.  Illnesses caused by pathogens found in raw milk can be especially severe for pregnant women, the elderly, infants, young children and people with weakened immune systems.

Since 1987, in order to better protect consumers from such risks, FDA has required all milk packaged for human consumption be pasteurized before being delivered for introduction into interstate commerce.  Pasteurization, a process that heats milk to a specific temperature for a set period of time, kills bacteria responsible for diseases such as listeriosis, salmonellosis, campylobacteriosis, typhoid fever, tuberculosis, diphtheria and brucellosis.  FDA's pasteurization requirement also applies to other milk products, with the exception of a few aged cheeses. 

Proponents of drinking raw milk often claim that raw milk is more nutritious than pasteurized milk and that raw milk is inherently antimicrobial, thus making pasteurization unnecessary.  Research has shown that these claims are myths. There is no meaningful nutritional difference between pasteurized and raw milk, and raw milk does not contain compounds that will kill harmful bacteria. 

In fact, raw milk, no matter how carefully produced, may be unsafe. The CDC, the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the National Conference on Interstate Milk Shipments, the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, the Association of Food and Drug Officials and other organizations have endorsed the pasteurization of milk and restriction of the sale of products containing raw milk.  Because even pasteurized milk contains low levels of nonpathogenic bacteria that can cause food to spoil, it is important to keep pasteurized milk refrigerated.

Raw Milk Q&A [FDA]
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/rawm-toc.html

Food Facts: The Dangers of Raw Milk [FDA]
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/rawmilk.html

MMWR: Escherichia coli O157:H7 Infection Associated with Drinking Unpasteurized Milk [CDC]
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5608a3.htm

21 CFR, Sec. 1240.61 Mandatory pasteurization for all milk and milk products in final package form intended for direct human consumption [U.S. Government Printing Office]   http://a257.g.akamaitech.net/7/257/2422/10apr20061500/edocket.access.gpo.gov/cfr_2006/aprqtr/21cfr1240.61.htm

Raw Milk Position Statements

FDA Raw Milk Position Statement [FDA]
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~ear/mi-03-4.html
 

AMA Position on Milk and Human Health [American Medical Association]
http://www.ama-assn.org/apps/pf_new/pf_online?f_n=browse&doc=policyfiles/HnE/H-150.980.HTM&&s_t=&st_p=&nth=1&prev_pol=policyfiles/HnE/H-145.999.HTM&nxt_pol=policyfiles/HnE/H-150.946.HTM&

AAP Position on Unpasteurized Milk and Cheese [American Academy of Pediatrics] http://aapredbook.aappublications.org/cgi/content/full/2006/1/A.VII

Additional Raw Milk Information

On the Safety of Raw Milk [FDA]
http://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~ear/milksafe.html 

FDA Testimony on Raw Milk [Ohio Department of Agriculture]
 http://www.ohioagriculture.gov/dairy/documents/FDATestimonyRawMilk.pdf

Consumer Survey During Spinach Recall

Below is an interesting press release from Rutgers University.  During the recent spinach recall, Rutgers conducted a survey to determine consumer understanding and behavior in relation to the recall. A surprising number of people knew of the recall and quit buying spinach.  However, about half of the consumers surveyed did not know that spinach was recalled due to possible E. coli contamination.

Rutgers Survey Examines Public Responses to the Recent Spinach Recall

New Brunswick, NJ--Every year, the Food and Drug Administration issues dozens of food-related recalls, withdrawals and advisories. But few receive the attention that the advisory regarding E.coli-contaminated spinach received in September 2006. The broad scale of the resulting recall and related media attention provided a unique opportunity for researchers at the Food Policy Institute (FPI) at Rutgers to study the U.S. food recall system. The results of this study were published today on FPI's web site, http://foodpolicyinstitute.org.

To investigate the public's reactions to this incident, a nationally representative sample of 1,200 Americans were interviewed by telephone from November 8 to 29, 2006. The results of the nationwide telephone survey describe the level of consumer awareness and knowledge of the recall and foodborne illness. The results also provide insight into consumer behavior during the recall and likely future behavior in response to the recall.

"We examined both the successes and of the failures of this particular recall," said William Hallman, Director of the Food Policy Institute. "Our survey not only provides data to improve communications about future food recalls, but also enables us to explore how our systems might work in the case of intentional food contamination."

The results of the survey show that the FDA's main message to consumers warning that bagged fresh spinach had been contaminated and should not be eaten was heard by 87% of Americans. More than eight in ten (84%) of those who had heard about the recall said that they had also talked about it with others. In addition, the data clearly indicate that the majority of consumers did stop eating spinach because of the recall.

"As a result, the main public health goal of the recall was met," said Hallman, "However, fewer Americans were aware of important details related to the recall. Many were confused about the types of spinach affected, where it was grown, the organism that caused the contamination, the symptoms of the resulting illness, and perhaps most significantly, whether or not the recall had ended."

While nearly all (95%) of those who had heard about the recall knew that bagged fresh spinach had been recalled, only about two-thirds (68%) knew that loose fresh spinach was also part of the recall. However, they were confused about the safety of frozen and canned spinach during the recall, as only 57% and 71%, respectively, knew they were not affected by the recall.

Only half (52%) knew that the contaminated spinach had been grown in California, and only half (52%) could identify E. coli as the contaminant that made people ill. In addition, while 87% of Americans correctly recognized that abdominal cramps are a common symptom of E. coli infection, only about two-thirds (64%) of Americans correctly recognized the key symptom, bloody diarrhea. Instead, Americans are more likely to incorrectly associate the symptoms of nausea (88%) and vomiting (87%) with an