Food Poisoning Law Blog : Food Poisoning Lawyer & Attorney : PritzkerLaw : Food Safety, Outbreaks & Recalls

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.

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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.

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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.

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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).
 

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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

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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 

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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.

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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.

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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

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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.

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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 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. 

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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. 

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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. 

• 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.  

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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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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Salmonella is paired with four of 10 foods in a ranking of the riskiest combinations of foods and illness-causing bacteria released this week by researchers at the University of Florida's Emerging Pathogens Institute.

It's interesting to say the least that the list excludes Shiga toxin-producing E. coli and ground beef -- a combination so lethal that the federal government for years has employed a vast testing program to prevent hamburger E. coli outbreak.  E. coli O157:H7, which doesn't make the institute's list, is the most linked pathogen to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), perhaps the most feared of a food poisoning outcomes. 

The pathogens institute at the University of Florida said the combinations it chose are responsible for nearly 3.9 million illnesses, about 30,000 hospitalizations and 765 deaths per year in the U.S., 

1. Campylobacter/poultry,
2. Toxoplasma/pork,
3. Listeria/deli meats
4. Salmonella/poultry.
5. Listeria/dairy products.
6. Salmonella/complex foods.
7. Norovirus/complex foods.
8. Salmonella/produce
9. Toxoplasma/beef
10. Salmonella/eggs.

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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.

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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.   

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You may have heard that food poisoning outbreaks in the United States are declining, but a pre-eminent public health doctor has written in The New England Journal of Medicine that we've made very little progress combatting disease from contaminated food.

Dr. Michael Osterholm, director of the University of Minnesota's Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy, wrote in a "Perspective'' piece in the lastest issue of the Journal that says the best measure for up-to-date trends in foodborne illness is FoodNet, a CDC surveillance system that tracks infections reported to labs in 10 states.

Osterholm notes that when the 2009 incidence of infections with the eight primary bacterial and parasitic pathogens is compared with their incidence in the period from 2006 through 2008, no significant change can be seen for six pathogens. Only the infection rates for Shigella and E. coli O157 show significant decreases . In addition, recent  studies have demonstrated a significant increase in the incidence of foodborne disease caused by emerging non-O157 types of E. coli, suggesting that surveillance for O157 is no longer sufficient to determine the effect of foodborne shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections.

"On the basis of FoodNet data for the past 14 years, we must conclude that the improvements made in the late 1990s in the safety of our food supply are still having a positive effect,'' Osterholm wrote. "But we’ve made little additional progress in the last decade.'' 

The CDC now estimates that there are approximately 48 million foodborne illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3000 deaths per year. That means that 15% of Americans can expect to have a foodborne illness annually and that 41 in 100,000 will be hospitalized and 1 in 100,000 will die.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is one of the very few attorney groups in the country practicing extensively in foodborne illness litigation. Dr. Osterholm's son, Ryan Osterholm, is a lawyer for the firm, representing victims of E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, Listeria and other diseases caused by the negligence of food companies, restaurants, distributors and retailers. To contact Ryan about an outbreak of food poisoning that has sickened you or a member of your family and friends, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our form for a free consultation. 

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 E. coli HUS lawsuits and other foodborne illness litigation will be discussed by food safety lawyer Fred Pritzker and two other attorneys with expertise in lawsuits resulting from outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 and other dangerous human pathogens.

Pritzker is founder and president of PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a leading national practitioner of foodborne illness litigation. He currently represents multiple individuals and families in lawsuits and other legal actions stemming from infections of E. coli 0157:H7, non-O157:H7 E. coli strains, Salmonella and Campylobacter jejuni. One recent E. coli 0157:H7 lawsuit filed by the firm's local counsel in Arizona is on behalf of an Arizona family sickened in the Bravo Farms cheese E. coli outbreak of late 2010. The contaminated Gouda cheese (since recalled) was sampled and sold in Costco stores in Arizona, Colorado, California, New Mexico and Arizona. PritzkerOlsen represents seven people sickened in the cheese E. coli outbreak.

Mr. Pritzker will appear January 21, 2011, at  the Northeastern University Law Journal's annual symposium: "From Seed to Stomach: Food and Farming Law." The symposium will focus on recent legal developments in the areas of food and farming law, including intellectual property and genetically-modified foods, sustainable economic farming, and food labeling and consumption. The symposium will take place on Northeastern's campus in Boston and the three-lawyer panel featuring Mr. Pritzker will be called "Inside Foodborne Illness Litigation.'' Jason Sapsin, former associate chief counsel for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, also is scheduled to participate in the panel discussion.

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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. 

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 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.

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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.

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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. 

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 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. 

• 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.

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