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

Listeria, the pathogen responsible for the 2011 cantaloupe outbreak- the deadliest foodborne illness outbreak in U.S. history, is dominating food safety headlines in 2012 as the source of food recalls for ten brands of cheese and 20 varieties of vegetable sprouts. (UPDATED 1/612)

Listeria, which occurs everywhere in nature, can cause a serious, sometimes fatal infection called listeriosis. Onset of symptoms, which generally include fever, chills, muscle aches, diarrhea and upset stomach, can begin up to two months after ingestion of tainted food. In severe cases, symptoms will also include headaches, stiff neck, convulsions or death, according to the according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Pregnant women, young children, the elderly and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk. Among pregnant women, Listeria can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth or birth defects in newborns.

At least three illnesses have been reported in connection with these recalls. Anyone experiencing symptoms, should contact a healthcare provider.

Currently the nine brands of cheese with products under recall are: BMF, Brennan’s Cellars, El Viajero, Edelweiss, Green Cedar Dairy, HEB, Fromagerie Marie Kade, Miller’s Cheese Corp., Nordic Creamery and World Cheese Corp.

All but two of those brands, Green Cedar Dairy and Marie Kade, are associated with Alpine Slicing and Cheese Conversion of Monroe, Wisconsin, which issued the recall after samples of one product tested positive for Listeria.

The cheese products under recall are as follows:

BMF
BMF Queso Quesadilla (Shredded)” -- 5 lb. packages, Distributed in New York. Sell by date of 16FEB12, 01MAR12 or 15MAR12, on product cases. The recalled product was distributed between October 21, 2011 and January 3, 2012.

Brennan’s
Brennan’s Cellars Shredded Premium Fondue Blend
Emmentaler Swiss & Gruyere Cheese
Brennan’s Cellars Shredded Mild Colored Cheddar Cheese,
Brennan’s Cellars Shredded Part Skim Mozzarella Cheese

The recalled products were distributed to Brennan’s Stores located in Milwaukee, Dane and Green Counties in Wisconsin.

El Viajero
El Viajero Queso Quesadilla (Shredded)” -- 8 oz packages,  UPC code 0 7282014045 7 (located on the bottom left of front label) and sell by dates of 24FEB12, 09MAR12 or 15MAR12, which are located on the back of the package. The recalled product was distributed in Wisconsin, Illinois, Tennessee and Florida between November 1, 2011 and January 3, 2012.

El Viajero Queso Cotija (Grated)” -- 4 lb. packages, Use-by code 09MAR12, located on the back of the package. The product was distributed in Indiana and Minnesota between November 11, 2011 and January 3, 2012.

Edelweiss Creamery
Edelweiss Creamery Premium Fondue Blend
16 ounce packages with a red and blue label UPC code of 758590116914 on the back of the package Identifier code of 290A11 on the back of the package
The products were distributed to Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, Oklahoma, Michigan, New Mexico, Texas, Utah and Wisconsin and sold between November 1, 2011 and December 30, 2011.

Fromagerie Marie Kade
Cedar brand Shinglish firm unrippened cheese, delivered before November 13, 2011 UPC: 78546 10000
Cedar brand Tresse firm unrippened cheese, delivered before November 13, 2011 UPC 78546 01000 

These cheeses are sold in vacuum packs which bear the picture of a green cedar tree and were distributed in Southern California to Mediterranean specialty markets.

Fromagerie Marie Kade
Akawi Cheese Best Before 08 MAR 2012
Baladi Cheese Best Before 08 FEB 2012
Shinglish Cheese Best Before 07 NOV 2012
Tresse Cheese Best Before 10 NOV 2012

Vachekaval Cheese Best Before 10 MAR 2012
Halloom Best Before 01 MAY 2012

Moujadale Best Before 04 MAY 2012

These cheeses were distributed in Massachusetts to Cedar Market in Norwood and Bahnan’s in Worcester and bear the establishment number 1874

Green Cedar Dairy
All Natural Ackawi Cheese 
All Natural Chives Cheese
The recalled cheeses have sell by dates up to July 1, 2012 The products, produced at Green Cedar Dairy (Plant # 26941), were distributed in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. They are sold in clear plastic vacuum-packed, square packages of 12 -14 oz. Two people who had contact with these products have confirmed cases of listeriosis.

HEB

HEB Queso Cotija (Grated)” – 8 oz. packages, Distributed in Texas. UPC code 0 4122024846 9 and sell-by dates of 08FEB12 and 09MAR12, which are located on the back of the package. Product was distributed between October 27, 2011 and December 23, 2011.

Miller’s Cheese Corp.
All 8 oz and 16 oz. bags of Miller’s shredded cheese (Pizza, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Fancy, Muenster), with an expiration of June 5,2012 through Sept 4, 2012
All 32 oz bags of Miller’s shredded Mozzarella with an expiration date of February 6, 2012 through May 7, 2012
All 5 lb bags of Miller’s shredded Mozzarella, Cheddar, Muenster and Monterey Jack with a pack date of September 8, 2011 through Dec 7, 2011
Please note: everything is expiration date except the 5 lb. Shredded bags are pack date
 

Nordic Creamery
Grumpy Goat Shreds in eight-ounce bags with a code date of 10-MAR-12 sold in stores in Wisconsin, Minnesota and California beginning Nov. 11.

World Cheese Corp
All 8 oz and 16 oz. bags of Haolam shredded cheese (Pizza, Mozzarella, Cheddar, Fancy, Muenster, R/F Muenster, R/F Cheddar), with an expiration of June 5,2012 through Sept 4, 2012
 
All 32 oz bags of Haolam shredded Mozzarella and Gourmet Blend with an expiration date of February 6, 2012 through May 7, 2012
 
All 5 lb bags of Haolam shredded Mozzarella, Cheddar and Muenster with a pack date of September 8, 2011 through Dec 7, 2011

Vegetable sprouts
Green Valley Food Corp. of Dallas, Texas is recalling approximately 35,159 cases of a variety of products potentially contaminated with Listeria.

Products purchased between 12/07/2011 and  1/1/2012 are affected in this recall and/or if the items have a use by date ranging from 12/22/2011 to 1/17/2012. 
The items affected in the recall are as follows:

• “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Alfalfa Sprouts 5 oz. plastic 2 piece containers with the UPC number 714722228818
• “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Spicy Sprouts 5 oz. plastic 2 piece containers with the UPC number 714722229914
• Alfalfa Sprouts 4oz. plastic security sealed clamshell UPC number 815098001088
• “Green Valley Food Corp.” Onion Sprouts” 4oz. plastic security sealed clamshell UPC number 815098002054
• “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Sunflower Greens 5 oz. plastic 2 piece containers with the UPC number 714722206069
• “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Clover Sprouts 5 oz. plastic 2 piece containers with the UPC number 714722225510
• “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Onion Sprouts 2 oz. plastic 2 piece containers with the UPC number 714722227712
• “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Zesty Sprouts 5 oz. plastic 2 piece containers with the UPC number 714722221116
• “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Organic Wheat Grass 6oz. plastic 2 piece containers with the UPC number 714722608122
• “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Mung Bean Sprouts 8oz. red polypropylene bag with the UPC number 714722208087
• “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Mung Bean Sprouts 8oz. clear polypropylene bag with the UPC number 815098001071
• “Let’s Grow Healthy Together!” Mung Bean Sprouts 16 oz. clear polypropylene bag with a green label, the UPC number 714722208162
• “Green Valley Food Corp.” Spicy Sprouts 4 oz. plastic security sealed clamshell containers with the UPC number 815098002023
• “Green Valley Food Corp.” Snow Pea Shoots 3 oz. plastic security sealed clamshell containers with the UPC number 714722106062
• “Green Valley Food Corp.” Organic Wheatgrass 4 oz. plastic security sealed clamshell containers with UPC number 714722608122
• “Green Valley Food Corp.” Daikon Sprouts 3 oz. plastic security sealed clamshell containers with UPC number 714722206076
• “Broccosprouts” Sandwich Blend 4 oz. plastic security sealed clamshell containers with UPC number 815098000289
• “Broccosprouts” Salad Blend 4 oz. plastic security sealed clamshell containers with UPC number 815098000265
• “Broccosprouts” Deli Blend 4 oz. plastic security sealed clamshell containers with the UPC number 815098000272
• “Broccosprouts” Broccoli Sprouts 4 oz. plastic security sealed clamshell containers with UPC number 815098000258
• The sprouts affected in this recall were distributed via truck deliveries to all custom

If you have legal questions about an illness associated with one of these recalls contact the foodborne illness lawyers at PritzKerOlsen P.A. for a free consultation.

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FDA inspectors found Listeria at Green Valley Foods Corp. in Dallas, Texas, after previously finding Salmonella in one of the company's products.  Both instances have resulted in food recalls, including a multi-label recall of sprouts. shoots and wheat grass in connection with the Listeria findings.

The company said in an FDA-published recall notice that the Salmonella was found in a sample of alfalfa-based product taken from a customer on December 12. A plant inspection ensued on December 21 and "several samples'' tested positive for Listeria monocytogenes, a potential deadly bacterium that recently caused 31 U.S. deaths in a cantaloupe outbreak. The Listeria testing prompted a recall late on New Year's Eve day covering more than 35,000 cases of a variety of food items, mainly sprouts of different kinds. Click here for the full Green Valley Foods recall published by FDA.

The FDA or CDC has not announced any outbreak of illness associated with food recalls this month by Green Valley. The company, in its own words, put it this way: "Till this present day there has been no related illnesses CONFIRMED because of this recall . This is a cautionary measure taken by Green Valley Food Corp. to assure safe and quality products are being distributed by our facility.''

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A Michigan Listeria outbreak that has sickened two people may be associated with one of two current cheese recalls. Both Green Cedar Dairy of Dearborn, Mich. and Fromagerie Marie Kade of Quebec have issued cheese recalls because of possible Listeria contamination.

Green Cedar Dairy is recalling its “All Natural Ackawi Cheese” and “All Natural Chives Cheese” with sell by dates up to July 1, 2012 The products were produced at Green Cedar Dairy (Plant # 26941) and distributed in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties. They are sold in vacuum-packed, clear plastic, square packages of 12 -14 oz and distributed in Michigan’s Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.Two people who were exposed to the recalled products from Green Cedar have contracted listeriosis.

Fromagerie Marie Kade is recalling cheeses that were distributed to markets in California and in Massachusetts to Cedar Market in Norwood and Bahnan’s in Worcester, according to the Massachusetts Department of Health. One confirmed case of listeriosis has been linked to the cheese according to Canadian and U.S. health officials.

The recalled products from Fromagerie Marie Kade, which bear the establishment number 1874 are as follows:

Akawi Cheese Best Before 08 MAR 2012
Baladi Cheese Best Before 08 FEB 2012.
Shinglish Cheese Best Before 07 NOV 2012
Tresse Cheese Best Before 10 NOV 2012
Vachekaval Cheese Best Before 10 MAR 2012
Halloom Best Before 01 MAY 2012
Moujadale Best Before 04 MAY 2012

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria found almost everywhere in the environment, but listeriosis, a Listeria infection, is most often caused by eating food that’s been tainted by the bacteria. Listeriosis usually causes flu-like symptoms including: fever, chills, muscle aches, diarrhea and upset stomach. In severe cases, it can also cause headaches, stiff neck, convulsions or death, according to the according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

If you have symptoms, see a health care provider. If you have legal questions about an illness or hospitalization associated with this outbreak, contact the Listeria attorneys at PritzkerOlsen P.A., a national leader in foodborne illness law for a free consultation.

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The Michigan Listeria outbreak that has infected at least two people and led to the recall of All Natural Ackawi Cheese and All Natural Chives Cheese from Green Cedar Dairy of Dearborn is being investigated by Listeria lawyer Fred Pritzker and members of his national food safety law firm.

Michigan agriculture and health officials found Listeria monocytogenes in samples of cheese that had been distributed to bakeries and retail stores in the greater Dearborn and Detroit areas, including Macomb , Oakland and Wayne Counties. The cheese has a sell by date up to July 1, 2012. The product is sold in approximately 12-14 oz. squares vacuum sealed in clear plastic.

In Listeria outbreaks, it is important for victims and their families to understand their legal rights and remedies. A good Listeria attorney will have the experience needed to know who is responsible for the harm done to you and how best to proceed with a lawsuit. Please call or submit your contact information for a free case consultation. Pritzker Olsen Attorneys toll free phone is 1-888-377-8900.

Listeria outbreak litigation

Although Listeria tends to infect fewer people, it is typically deadlier than other foodborne pathogens and inordinately affects the elderly, newborns, pregnant women and anyone with a weakened immune system. The organism can result in fetal death or miscarriage and some people develop meningitis.

The nation's worst Listeria outbreak ever occurred earlier this year, killing 31 people who were infected by contaminated cantaloupe from Jensen Farms in Colorado. Pritzker Olsen was involved in that outbreak as attorney for victims and litigation is ongoing.

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Green Cedar Dairy in Dearborn, Michigan is recalling two cheeses after Listeria monocytogenes was found in tests by the agriculture department and two people who had exposure to the products contracted listeriosis, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administartion (FDA).

The recall includes products labeled: Green Cedar Dairy  (Plant # 26941) All Natural Ackawi and All Natural Chives Cheese with sell by dates up to July 1, 2012. The product is sold in approximately 12-14 oz. square, vacuum sealed, clear plastic packages and distributed in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties.

Consumers are urged not to consume the products. Green Cedar Dairy is requesting that all retail stores cease selling these cheeses immediately, and that restaurants cease serving them. 

The Michigan Department of Community Health and the Wayne County Public Health Department are investigating  two cases of listeriosis in people who may have been exposed to Green Cedar Dairy products, according to the FDA.

Listeriosis is a serious sometimes fatal infection caused by eating foods tainted with Listeria bacteria. Onset of flu-like symptoms can begin anywhere from a few days up to two months after ingestion of the tainted food. Children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems particularly pregnant women are most at risk. Among pregnant women, listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth or birth defects or other serious health problems in newborns.

PritzkerOlsen P.A. is a national leader in foodborne illness law. Their attorneys can answer legal questions about an illness or hospitalization associated with this outbreak. Contact them for a free consultation.

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RaceTrac, an Atlanta company that operates 320 stores in the southeast, has cut ties with Flying Food Group after sandwiches it made for RaceTrac stores were recalled for potential Listeria contamination, according to Patch.

The recalled sandwiches, listed below, were made at Flying Foods’ Lawrenceville location and were to be sold in Georgia RaceTrac locations only.

RaceTrac removed all Flying Food Group products from its Georgia locations “on November 26 after our independent testing revealed a potential food safety issue at the supplier’s Lawrenceville facility. We immediately notified state and federal authorities of our findings and fully participated in their investigations,” a RacetTrac spokesman told Patch.

But it wasn’t until December 3, a week later, that Flying Foods issued a recall of the sandwiches and issued an updated recall to include more sandwiches on December 5. No illnesses have been reported in connection with this problem.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause listeriosis, an infection that can be serious and sometimes fatal in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Among pregnant women, listeria infections can cause miscarriages or stillbirths. Symptoms include high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea. The time period between ingesting contaminated food and onset of illness can be as long as 70 days.

The sandwiches, which had an expiration date of November 30, 2011, were made for RaceTrac and distributed to retail outlets in Georgia only. They are:

Race Trac (distributed in Georgia):
7.8 ounce packages of “Chicken Quarter Pounder” that have “Sell Thru” dates 10/11/11-11/30/11
8.8 ounce packages of “Chicken Quarter Pounder with Tomatoes” that have “Sell Thru” dates 10/11/11-11/30/11
7.38 ounce packages of “Ham Quarter Pounder” that have “Sell Thru” dates 10/11/11-11/30/117.38 ounce packages of “Ham Quarter Pounder” that have “Sell Thru” dates 10/11/11-11/30/11
9.05 ounce packages of “Ham Quarter Pounder with Tomatoes” that have “Sell Thru” dates 10/11/11-11/30/11
10.17 ounce packages of “American Sub” that have “Sell Thru” dates 10/11/11-11/30/11
7.38 ounce packages of “Turkey Quarter Pounder” that have “Sell Thru” dates 10/11/11-11/30/11
9.05 ounce packages of “Turkey Quarter Pounder with Tomatoes” that have “Sell Thru” dates 10/11/11-11/30/11
 

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Golden Glen Butter Recall - December 3

Golden Glen Creamery of Bow, WA recalled butter produced on November 2, 2011 due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. To date, no illnesses have been reported.

21 - 4 oz. packages of Herbes de Provence Butter were available at the Whole Foods Market in Redmond, WA.  68 - 4 oz. packages of NW Mushroom Trio Butter were available at the Whole Foods Market in Redmond, WA, and at various Metropolitan Market locations in Washington.  The butter was distributed between 11/7/11 and 11/28/11 and are in circulation to date.

The butter is sold in 4 oz. plastic round containers with tamper-evident seals.  The labels read in part: “Herbes de Provence Butter”, or “Northwest Mushroom Trio Butter”, along with “GOLDEN GLEN CREAMERY”and“Natural handcrafted cheese produced by the Jensen ladies.” The top label on the products has a three-digit code “767.”  

The butters were recalled by Golden Glen Creamery, as a result of a surveillance sample collected and analyzed by the Washington State Department of Agriculture that was found to be positive for Listeria monocytogenes.  The company has ceased the production and distribution of the product as FDA, the Washington State Department of Agriculture and the company continues their investigation as to what caused the problem.

Grape Tomato Recall - November 30

Front Row Produce of St. Louis MO recalled 10oz pint and 10lb bulk grape tomatoes supplied by Rio Queen Citrus, Mission TX, due to possible contamination with Salmonella. No illnesses have been reported to date.

The recalled 10oz pint and 10lb bulk grape tomatoes were distributed throughout Missouri and Illinois to food service distributors and retail stores. The grape tomatoes were packaged for retail sale in a 10-ounce, clear plastic package marked with a Front Row Produce “Grape Tomatoes” label on the top of the package.  Currently, the lot number does not appear on the clear plastic package but it does appear on the case label.  The lot numbers on the cases containing the 10-oz. packages are 2310802, 2310405, or 2510401.   The 10lb bulk grape tomatoes are packaged for wholesale in a plain brown cardboard box labeled only with lot # 2310801.

As of 12/1/2011, all shipments of Front Row Produce Grape Tomatoes packaged in clear 10-oz. plastic packages sold in retail stores will now have a green lot number sticker placed on the bottom side of each package.  The lot number will consist of a 7-digit number used to aid in identifying specific shipments of product.  Any packages that do not contain this green sticker should be considered suspect and under recall.

The contamination was noted after random testing by Rio Queen Citrus, Mission TX, revealed the presence of Salmonella in some 20lb bulk containers.

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The California cantaloupe industry wants growers and handlers around to contribute money for research that will improve food safety and restore consumer confidence after the deadly multistate cantaloupe listeria outbreak, according to a story in The Packer.

The California Cantaloupe Advisory Board (CCAB) and California Melon Research Board (CMRB) have each pledged $100,000 toward the research.The goal is to raise $1 million to fund a research project at the Center for Produce Safety at the University of California, Davis, CCAB chairman Steve Patricio said. A meeting for industry stakeholders is scheduled are scheduled for January 11, 2012.

California cantaloupe growers, who pride themselves on their zero-outbreak track record, have been industry leaders in establishing best practice guidelines for growing. One key element shown by California research is that the growing conditions in dry regions make it a good practice to field pack cantaloupe, rather than sending it to packing sheds for water washes.

About 90 percent of California cantaloupe is field-packed and sent immediately to coolers, Steve Smith, co-owner of Trulock Fruit Co. Inc. and CMRB president estimates in the story.“Research has shown that in our growing conditions there are very few, if any, pathogens present,” Smith said. “When you introduce water to the packing process you introduce a growth medium. There is also a much greater chance for cross-contamination.”

The packing shed was a contamination point at Jensen Farms in Holly, Colo, the origin of the Listeria outbreak that sickened 139 people in 28 states, killing 29 and causing one miscarriage.

“In terms of the recent [Listeria] outbreak, we really needed to know what the FDA found when they inspected the Colorado facility,” said Bonnie Fernandez-Fenaroli, executive director for the Center for Produce Safety, in the story. “The report they published on the conditions there is crucial to examining the overall situation.”

Contact the foodborne illness experts at the law firm of PritzkerOlsen P.A. for a free consultation if you have legal questions about an illness or hospitalization associated with this outbreak.

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Cantaloupe growers from Colorado’s Rocky Ford area are seeking help from federal and state agencies to develop a plan that will restore consumer confidence in the safety of melons grown in the region before the 2012 season.

Until the Jensen Farms cantaloupe Listeria outbreak this year, Rocky Ford, the birthplace of the U.S. cantaloupe industry, was known for producing cantaloupes with an especially sweet taste. Although Jensen Farms of Holly, Colo., is located about 84 miles east of Rocky Ford, the stickers on the tainted melon it sold read “Sweet Rocky Fords.”

Farmers have been growing cantaloupes and the Rocky Ford brand for 120 years, said grower Chuck Hanagan, a spokesman for growers from the Rocky Ford region. "And in all those years, we have never had a problem with our cantaloupe. But now we have been harmed by the listeria outbreak in cantaloupe far from here."

Colorado Agriculture Commissioner John Salazar met with about 20 growers on November 14 to discuss how to recover from the fallout of the cantaloupe Listeria outbreak, one of the deadliest in U.S. history.

“They (state officials) set forth a buffet of ideas and said they would help in any way they can and be a resource for us,” grower Chuck Hanagan, a spokesman for growers from the Rocky Ford region, told The Packer. “We are in the process of securing our name and defining our region.”

One of the ideas discussed was whether to establish a marketing order for the cantaloupe growers, according to the Packer story. Such an order could define the growing region, establish handling and food safety practices for growers and shippers and include a marketing fee.

But Hanagan said what the growers really need is public relations help form state and local agencies. He wants them to make it clear to consumers that the problem was with Jensen Farms, not in the Rocky Ford area.

"We have a history, we could throw our world-famous name in the dumpster and rename or we could vindicate our product," Hanagan told the Chieftan. "We want vindication."
 

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Landshire of St. Louis, is recalling of 1,751 cases of the Nike All-American sandwich because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The sandwiches were distributed to grocery stores nationwide. They are individually wrapped in white packages sandwich weighing 7.25 ounces. They bear the UPC code: 0 9748801741 5 and lot number: 11 237 6, which is printed in black ink on the side or back of the package. No other Landshire products or code dates are affected by this recall. No illnesses have been reported to date.

The potential problem was discovered during routine sampling taken by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services for retail food establishments.

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. It can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Healthy individuals who contract listeriosis generally suffer  short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.

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Yamaya USA Inc. of Torrance Calif. is recalling 2-pound plastic containers of Masago (Capelin Roe) because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes.

The packages have a white label with both Japanese and English writing and bear the mark: “Item No. 09867.” They were distributed to retail stores in Los Angeles, Baltimore, Atlanta and Mexico.

Masago, which is orange-red in color, is a common sushi ingredient often used as a garnish. No illnesses have been reported in association with this recall.

Listeria can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. It can also can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. Healthy individuals who contract listeriosis may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea.
 

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Alberstons grocery company was one of the retailers that stocked Rocky Ford cantaloupes from Jensen Farms which have been associated with the multi-state Listeria outbreak that has stricken more than 120 people in 26 states.

Albertsons, which operates 450 stores in nine states throughout the Northwest and West Coast, is a division of Minneapolis-based SUPERVALU. In response to the Jensen Farms recall on September 14, Albertsons pulled all cantaloupe grown in Colorado from its store shelves. Since that time, the cantaloupe at its stores is from other growing regions that are not subject to this recall. However, the incubation period for listeriosis can take up to 70 days, so it’s possible that customers may have purchased and eaten tainted melons before the recall was announced but will not show signs of illness until mid-November.

State and federal health officials urge anyone who believes they have become ill from eating a contaminated melon to seek medical advice. Those with legal questions regarding this outbreak should contact the Listeria experts at PritzkerOlsen P.A., a nationally recognized food safety law firm practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation.

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Standing water on the floor of the Jensen Farms cantaloupe packing facility and used equipment that was hard to clean were likely breeding grounds for Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria responsible for the deadliest outbreak of foodborne illness in almost three decades, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) said Wednesday.

The cantaloupe Listeria outbreak, which has swept through 26 states, has killed 25 people, caused one miscarriage and stricken more than 100 others. In a six-page report released October 19, the FDA outlines the factors that most likely contributed to the introduction, spread, and growth of Listeria on cantaloupes.

Introduction of the bacteria occurred in two possible ways, according to the report, either low levels of the bacteria existed in the fields where the melons were grown, or it was carried in on a truck.

From there, it spread and grew easily in the unsanitary conditions found on the farm including:

• A packing facility design that allowed water to pool on the floor near equipment and employee walkways;
• A packing facility floor that was constructed in a manner that made it difficult to clean
• Used packing equipment that was not easily cleaned and sanitized;
• Lack of pre-cooling step to remove field heat from the cantaloupes before cold storage. As the cantaloupes cooled, there may have been condensation that promoted the growth of Listeria.

Listeria can grow and thrive in refrigerated conditions and is killed only by cooking or pasteurization. Consumption of foods contaminated with Listeria can caused serious, sometimes, fatal illness. It is especially danegrous to children, the elderly and pregnant women. If you have legal questions about a case related to this outbreak, contact the Listeria experts at the law firm of PritzkerOlsen P.A., for a free consultation.
 

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Five more Listeria deaths have been recorded in the Jensen Farms cantaloupe Listeria outbreak that has now killed 18 people and sickened 100 in 20 states. National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is continuing to accept new cases for a Listeria cantaloupe lawsuit. 

Colorado's Listeria death toll grew from two to five since September 27, the last time an official count was announced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, the CDC said 30 Coloradans have been sickened, 15 more than were reported ill in the last report. Colorado is the epicenter of this outbreak because Jensen Farms is located in Granada, Colorado, and state health officials were the first to scientifically link the outbreak to Jensen cantaloupes. The whole melons were distributed to at least 24 states before all were recalled on September 14.

Attorneys at Pritzker Olsen are offering free case consultations to all victims of this outbreak. Call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or leave your contact information and a Listeria lawyer will call you. Our firm currently represents the families of two people in different states who died from their infections. As one of the few U.S. law firms practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation, we have collected millions for victims. That includes some of the largest ever settlements in Listeria cases. 

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Idaho received a donated shipment of Jensen Farms cantaloupes in late August that went to senior centers, food banks and an elementary center. Now public health officials are investigating at least one Idaho Listeria illness -- a Jerome County woman in her 60s who contracted listeriosis in early September, possibly from cantaloupe. She was hospitalized, but has recovered.

Idaho would become the 19th state included in the Jensen Farms Frontera cantaloupe outbreak that has killed at least 16 people, sickened 72 and triggered a national warning from federal health officials for people not to eat Rocky Ford cantaloupes from Jensen of Holly, Colorado. If you're in doubt about the cantaloupe's origin,  throw it out.

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare said  the melons were shipped from Jensen Farms to Select Express in Aberdeen. They were too ripe to be commercially sold, so Select Express donated the fruit weeks before it was recalled. Most of the donated melons have probably been eaten or disposed of by now. Still, health officials are warning people who think they might have some of the contaminated melons to throw them away. Those who ate the cantaloupe should continue to watch for Listeria symptoms and seek medical attention if they occur within 70 days.

A cantaloupe lawsuit will begin to address harms caused by this outbreak. National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., currently represents survivors of two people who recently died from listeriosis and is accepting additional cases. Free consultations are available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by providing contact information online. A Listeria lawyer will call you. 

PritzkerOlsen founder and president Fred Pritzker has been a national leader in Listeria litigation, winning what are considered the country's largest multi-million dollar settlements in Listeria food poisoning lawsuits. He has been a resource to the media during this outbreak and has written his own commentary on why this crisis was preventable.

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 The cantaloupe Listeria outbreak is the deadliest outbreak of foodborne illness in the U.S. in more than a decade, according to federal officials who say more people are likely to be stricken by the Listeria infection that has already killed 13 people and sickened 59 others in 18 states.

 According to the most recent update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), onest of illness for the first of the 72 confirmed cases linked to the outbreak began on or after July 31, 2011.

The state totals for illness are as follows: California (1), Colorado (15), Florida (1), Illinois (1), Indiana (2), Kansas (5), Maryland (1), Missouri (1), Montana (1), Nebraska (6), New Mexico (10), North Dakota (1), Oklahoma (8), Texas (14), Virginia (1), West Virginia (1), Wisconsin (2), and Wyoming (1).

Deaths reported by state are as follows: Colorado (2), Kansas (1), Maryland (1), Missouri (1), Nebraska (1), New Mexico (4), Oklahoma (1), and Texas (2).

The outbreak has been linked to Rocky Ford cantaloupe melons grown on Jensen Farms, Holly, Colo., which began a voluntary recall of its melons on September 14, 2011.

The CDC recommends that people at high risk for listeriosis, including older adults, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women, do not eat Rocky Ford cantaloupes from Jensen Farms. Other consumers who want to reduce their risk of Listeria infection should not eat Rocky Ford cantaloupes from Jensen Farms, the CDC says.

Listeriosis is a serious, sometimes fatal infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The disease primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns.Antibiotics given promptly can cure the illness and prevent infection of a fetus. However, even with prompt treatment, some Listeria infections result in death.

Symptoms of listeriosis can take as long as 70 day to appear after contaminated food is ingested. They include fever and muscle aches, often preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. In more severe cases, there can also be headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, according to the CDC.

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A 70-year-old Florida woman became ill after eating cantaloupes linked to an outbreak of Listeria, according to a Miami Herald story. Our attorneys are representing victims of this outbreak and their families in personal injury and wrongful death cases. Contact our Listeria lawyers for a free consultation regarding a cantaloupe lawsuit.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed that the Listeria strain is genetically linked to the outbreak associated with Rocky Ford cantaloupes grown on Jensen Farms in Holly, Colo., according to the story. The woman, who moved to Florida two weeks ago, ate the tainted cantaloupes while living in Alabama.

Since mid-August, the cantaloupe listeria outbreak has sickened 55 people in 14 states, eight of whom have died, according to a September 21 update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Listeriosis is a serious, sometimes fatal infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The disease primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns. Antibiotics given promptly can cure the illness and prevent infection of a fetus. However, even with prompt treatment, some Listeria infections result in death.

Symptoms of listeriosis can take as long as 70 day to appear after contaminated food is ingested. They include fever and muscle aches, often preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. In more severe cases, there can also be headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, according to the CDC.

News Source: http://www.miamiherald.com/2011/09/26/2426187/florida-reports-illness-linked.html#ixzz1Z9GgJ9TU 

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Carol’s Cuts, a Kansas food processor, is recalling 594 pounds of fresh cut cantaloupe because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, according to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The recall is part of a broader recall of Rocky Ford cantaloupes produced by Jensen Farms in Holly, Colo. After Listeria was found in samples taken from melons and its packing facility, Jensen Farms issued a recall for Rocky Ford cantaloupes that were shipped to at least 17 states between July 29 and September 10.

The cantaloupe listeria outbreak has sickened at least 55 people in 14 states, eight of whom died according to the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on September 21.

Carol’s Cuts is the processing division of Kansas City-based, Liberty Fruit Company Inc.
According to the FDA press release, the products involved in the cut cantaloupe recall include:

• Carol’s Cuts Fruit Medley, packaged in 8-ounce individual serving clamshell containers (6 packages per case) shipped to customers on August 26 and September 12, 2011 and can be identified by oval label stickers stating Fruit Medley and having Best if Used By dates of September 3, 2011 and September 19, 2011 respectively.
• Five-pound bulk trays of cantaloupe chunks, distributed to institutional food customers, including restaurants, in Overland Park, Kansas, Kansas City and Maryland Heights, Missouri and Omaha, Nebraska. Institutional customers may have used the cantaloupe on salad bars and as fruit menu items. Some institutional customers may have placed the 8-ounce servings in retail venues. 
• The five-pound bulk trays of cantaloupe chunks were shipped to customers on August 26 and August 29, 2011 and are identified with tray stickers showing a Lot # 72361 and a Best if Used By date of September 3, 2011; and shipped September 12, 2011 and are identified with tray stickers showing a Lot # 72700 and a Best if Used By date of September 19, 2011.

Consumers who may have purchased the recalled Carol’s Cuts product, should not eat it and return it to the place of purchase, the FDA recommends.
 

Source: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm273141.htm 

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Parker Ag Services which sprays treated human waste on farm fields, including one near Jensen Farms, has been questioned by investigators of the multi-state cantaloupe listeria outbreak.

According to a story by 7NEWS The DenverChannel.com, investigators are trying to determine if treated human waste, known as biosolids, may have played a role in contaminating the Rocky Ford cantaloupes linked to the outbreak.

Parker Ag Services vice president Mike Shearp told state investigators that his company applied biosolids to a field “directly across from a Jensen Farms field" several years ago, according to the story. Jensen Farms told 7NEWS that it does not use biosolids.

"I have no concern at all because I know that there has never been an issue involving that, so I'm 100 percent confident that we’re not involved in this issue," Shearp told 7NEWS.

The use of biosolids as fertilizer is common and has a safe track record in the U.S., Colorado State University animal science professor Lawrence Goodridge said in the story. "In other countries, there have been outbreaks of food-borne pathogenic disease from biosolids."

The cantaloupe listeria outbreak is the first of its kind. As of September 20, a total of 55 people in 14 states have been infected with listeriosis. Eight of them have died. Symptoms of listeriosis can take as long as 70 day to appear after contaminated food is ingested. They include fever and muscle aches, often preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. In more severe cases, there can also be headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, according to the CDC.

If you have legal questions about and illness, hospitalization or death associated with this outbreak, contact a listeria attorney at PritzkerOlsen P.A. for a free consultation.

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The cantaloupe Listeria outbreak that has sickened at least 55 people, eight of whom have died, in 14 states is being investigated by state and federal officials and by the law firm PritzkerOlsen P.A. Attorney Ryan Osterholm answers questions about what's involved with a foodborne illness investigation.

How do law firms investigate outbreaks of foodborne illness?
We consistently monitor the information coming out of the CDC, state health departments and other agencies and the information doctors give to our clients. We have established working relationships with nearly every health department in the country and we frequently hire the best experts in the world to analyze information that determines whether a specific case case is part of an outbreak.

The ongoing cantaloupe Listeria outbreak is the first of its kind. Does that present unique challenges in this investigation?

It does and it doesn’t. The first course of action is to find out how this happened so that it can be prevented from happening again. We’ve seen lots of Listeria outbreaks involving other foods and lots of cantaloupe outbreaks caused by other pathogens. Even though this combination is a first, in terms of proving a case, it’s not that much different.

Unlike other bacteria that can cause foodborne illness, Listeria can be found everywhere in the environment, does that make it harder to trace the source of the contamination?

In terms of proving that Listeria was on the Jensen Farms product, what’s most important is the epidemiological evidence, the correlation between eating the cantaloupe and developing listeriosis. Discovering the nature of how the contamination occurred is not as important as the good old fashioned epidemiology. However, once we have a positive test from the product, that just backs up the epidemiology. It is sort of a smoking gun.

Why are PritzkerOlsen attorneys considered Listeria experts?

PritzkerOlsen attorneys have represented individuals sickened by Listeria in almost every major outbreak in the country, including one case where Fred Pritzker settled a case for $2.7 million after an 81-year-old man died after he contracted listeriosis from contaminated food.

What can consumers do to protect themselves from foodborne illness?
Consumers should follow the safe food handling guidelines as outlined by the CDC.

They are:

• Rinse raw produce, such as fruits and vegetables, thoroughly under running tap water before eating. Dry the produce with a clean cloth or paper towel before cutting them up.
• Thoroughly cook raw meat and poultry.
• Heat hot dogs, deli meats, and cold cuts until they are steaming hot just before serving.
• Do not drink raw (unpasteurized) milk, and do not eat fresh soft cheeses that have unpasteurized milk in them, especially Mexican style cheeses like queso fresco.
• Be sure that your refrigerator is at or below 40 degrees F and your freezer is at or below 0 degrees F by using a refrigerator thermometer.

For melons not part of this recall, follow this general advice for melon safety:

• Consumers should wash their hands before and after handling any whole melon, such as cantaloupe, watermelon, or honeydew.
• Wash the melons and dry them with a clean cloth or paper towel before cutting.
• Cut melon should be promptly consumed or refrigerated at or less than 40 degrees F (32-34 degrees F is best) for no more than 7 days.
• Cut melons left at room temperature for more than 4 hours should be discarded.

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Laboratory tests, including DNA fingerprinting (PFGE), have confirmed eight deaths in the Listeria outbreak linked to Rocky Ford cantaloupe grown by Jensen Farms of Holly Colorado: 2 in Colorado, 1 in Maryland, 4 in New Mexico, and 1 in Oklahoma, according to today's CDC update on the outbreak.

In addition to the eight deaths listed above, Listeria deaths in other states are being investigated to determine if they were caused by Jensen Farms cantaloupe. Our law firm is representing the family of a 76-year-old Illinois man who died from complications of a Listeria infection (listeriosis) on September 9, 2011. He had eaten cantaloupe on a daily basis before becoming ill. Contact our law firm for a free consultation regarding a Listeria wrongful death investigation and lawsuit.

Investigation of Cantaloupe Listeria Outbreak

Laboratory testing has identified Listeria monocytogenes bacteria matching the outbreak strains:

• on cantaloupes from Jensen Farms collected from grocery stores
• on Jensen Farms cantaloupe collected from an ill person’s home
• in samples from equipment and cantaloupe at the Jensen Farms’ packing facility in Granada, Colorado.

Among the 36 ill persons with available information on what they ate, 34 (94%) reported consuming cantaloupes in the month before illness onset. Several ill persons remembered the type of cantaloupe they had eaten and said they were Rocky Ford cantaloupes, which are grown in the Rocky Ford region of southeastern Colorado. Source tracing of the cantaloupes that ill persons ate indicated that they came from Jensen Farms, and were marketed as being from the Rocky Ford region. These cantaloupes were shipped from July 29 through Sept 10 to at least 17 states with possible further distribution.

Cantaloupe Recall Too Late to Save Lives

In response to this outbreak, Jensen Farms recalled its Rocky Ford cantaloupe on September 14, 20ll, 41 days after outbreak victims started to get sick:

• The cantaloupe may be labeled: Colorado Grown, Distributed by Frontera Produce, USA, Pesticide Free, Jensenfarms.com, Sweet Rocky Fords.
• The cantaloupes are packed in cartons that are labeled: Frontera Produce, www.fronteraproduce.com or with Frontera Produce, Rocky Ford Cantaloupes. Both cartons also include: Grown and packed by Jensen Farms Granada, CO and Shipped by Frontera Produce LTD, Edinburg, Texas.
• Not all of the recalled cantaloupes are labeled with a sticker. Consumers should consult the retailer if they have questions about the origin of a cantaloupe.

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Update on this post: The CDC has reported that the 6 Kansas listeriosis cases are part of the listerosis outbreak linked to Rocky Ford cantaloupe grown in Colorado by Jensen Farms. Our attorneys are available for a free consultation regarding a lawsuit against Jensen Farms and others.

Six cases of listeriosis in Kansas are being investigated for their possible link to the cantaloupe Listeria outbreak that began in Colorado in August and has now reached 53 confirmed or possible cases and as many as seven deaths in a dozen states. The source of this outbreak is Rocky Ford cantaloupe grown by Jensen Farms of Colorado and distributed in Kansas and other states.

Laboratory tests are pending in a collaborative investigation by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The test results will confirm whether the six cases of listeriosis reported in Kansas since August 26 are part of the multistate listeriosis outbreak associated with consumption of Rocky Ford cantaloupes from Jensen Farms.

The Rocky Ford cantaloupe outbreak of listeriosis began on or after August 15, 2011. The victims range in age from 38 to 96, but most have been women over the age of 60. All of them required hospitalization.

PritzkerOlsen. P.A., a nationally recognized leader in food safety law has launched an investigation of this outbreak, monitoring listeriosis cases in every state as the outbreaks spreads. Due to the scope and severity of this outbreak they are offering free consultations to those who have legal questions about illnesses that may be related to this outbreak. 

Kansas typically reports fewer than six cases of listeriosis per year, but there have been seven cases in 2011, including the six cases currently under investigation.

Jensen Farms of Holly, Colo., issued a voluntary recall of Rocky Ford Cantaloupe on September 14, for melons shipped from July 29 through September 10, 2011. The cantaloupes were distributed in Kansas and several other states. The FDA is warning consumers not to eat Rocky Ford cantaloupe shipped by Jensen Farms because it potentially may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis.

Listeriosis is a serious, sometimes fatal infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The disease primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns.

Symptoms include fever and muscle aches, often preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. In more severe cases, there can also be headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, according to the CDC. Pregnant women typically experience only mild, flu-like symptoms. However, infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
 

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Attorney Fred Pritzker won $2,700,000 for a family in a Listeria wrongful death lawsuit. Now he and his team of Listeria attorneys are investigating a New Mexico Listeria outbreak linked to Rocky Ford cantaloupe grown by Jensen Farms of Colorado. The outbreak has caused four deaths and six laboratory-confirmed illnesses since August 20. New Mexico ranks with Colorado as the two states hardest hit by Jensen Farms cantaloupe contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

Contact attorney Fred Pritzker for a free consultation regarding a lawsuit against responsible parties, which may include any of the following: Jensen Farms, Basila Produce in Albuquerque (distributor), Wal-Mart Distribution in Los Lunasand (distributor), and a retailer or restaurant. Retailers that sold Jensen Farms cantaloupe include Wal-mart, Whole Foods and other stores.

The most current information from the New Mexico Department of Health:

To date, the New Mexico Department of Health (DOH) has identified ten patients hospitalized with Listeria infection in the last 3 weeks, including 3 fatalities. New Mexico’s fatal cases include: a 93-year-old man from Bernalillo County, a 61-year-old female from Curry County, and a 63-year-old man from Bernalillo County. All other New Mexico cases have been or are currently hospitalized and come from Bernalillo, Chaves, Otero, De Baca, Valencia and Lea counties. The ill people range in age from the 43 to 96 and include 4 men and 6 women. Illness onset ranges from August 20th to early September.

Attorney Pritzker is warning consumers to stay alert for symptoms of Listeria monocytogenes infection because the onset of illness can happen several days after consumption of tainted food. If an individual experiences symptoms, they should immediately contact a physician and then contact our law firm.

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The Nebraska Canataloupe Listeria Outbreak may be to blame for two individuals in Douglas County coming down with symptoms of Listeriosis, adding to one confirmed outbreak case in the state previously reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Listeria attorney Fred Pritzker has won numerous settlements, including more than $6 million for clients in a Listeria food poisoning case that involved the wrongful deaths of an elderly man and unborn babies. He has a national practice and is available for a free consultation regarding a cantaloupe lawsuit. 

Nebraska is one of seven states identified by the CDC as part of the outbreak that began August 15. It neighbors Colorado, home of Jensen Farms near the Rocky Ford cantaloupe region in the southern portion of the state. The CDC has linked the multi-state Listeria outbreak to "sweet Rocky Fords'' from Jensen and state health officials have conflirmed the link with laboratory testing.

Nebraska.TV reported that Safeway stores across the state have pulled Jensen Farms cantaloupes as part of a recall announced by the FDA. Even after the recall, health officials are warning consumers to be aware that listeriosis symptoms can develop more than a week after a person eats contaminated cantaloupe. Symptoms include flu-like fever and muscle aches, uppset stomach or diarrhea, stiff neck, headache, loss of balance, confusion or convulsions. Pregnant women are at high risk and may only experience mild flu-like symptoms.

 Consumers who experience these Listeria symptoms should immediately see a doctor. For legal help, call Pritzker and his Listeria law team at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or submit contact information online.

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Attorneys Fred Pritzker and Brendan Flaherty won over $6,000,000 for their clients in a Listeria food poisoning case that involved the wrongful deaths of an elderly man and unborn babies. They have a national practice and are available for a free consultation regarding a cantaloupe lawsuit.

Our attorneys are now investigating Listeria cases in several states that are part of a multistate outbreak linked to Rocky Ford cantaloupe grown by Jensen Farms in Colorado and distributed by Frontera Produce of Texas.  In response to this outbreak, Jensen Farms has recalled cantaloupe that was sent to several states, including Missouri. Retailers like Walmart, Supervalue and Whole Foods Market pulled the recalled cantaloupes off of their shelves.

Recalled Colorado cantaloupes are being investigated for their potential link to two cases of listeriosis in Missouri, one of which resulted in a fatality, according to the Springfield-Greene County Health Department. “Do not consume Rocky Ford cantaloupes at this time. As this investigation continues, more information will be made available in order to protect the health and safety of the community,” the release states.

"The Springfield-Greene County Health Department is investigating two cases of listeria that could be linked to this cantaloupe recall. The individuals did eat cantaloupe prior to their own set of illness, but we do not know the specific brand of cantaloupe at this time,"  Kendra Williams, community health and epidemiology administrator for the health department, told KSPR News.

The FDA is warning consumers not to eat Rocky Ford cantaloupe shipped by Jensen Farms. Jensen Farms is voluntarily recalling the Rocky Ford cantaloupe it shipped from July 29 through September 10, 2011, because it potentially may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis.

The Rocky Ford cantaloupe outbreak of listeriosis began on or after August 15, 2011. The victims range in age from 38 to 96, but most have been women over the age of 60. All of them required hospitalization.

Listeriosis is a serious, sometimes fatal infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. The disease primarily affects older adults, people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns.

Symptoms include fever and muscle aches, often preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. In more severe cases, there can also be headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions, according to the CDC. Pregnant women typically experience only mild, flu-like symptoms. However, infections during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.

News sources: http://www.springfieldmo.gov/health/getStory.jsp?relid=6941;
http://www.kspr.com/news/local/kspr-confirmed-one-dead-in-greene-county-mo-from-listeria-possibly-linked-to-cantaloupe-recall-20110916,0,2597542.story

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To protect themselves from Listeria infections, serious illness and possible death, consumers need a detailed list of the retailers that received Rocky Ford cantaloupe from Jensen Farms and its distributor Frontera Produce of Edinburg, Texas. The cantaloupe may be contaminated with Liseria monocytogenes, a deadly pathogen.

“The FDA, Jensen Farms and Frontera have put consumers at risk by not immediately publishing a list of retailers that received potentially contaminated Rocky Ford cantaloupe,” said food safety attorney Fred Pritzker. “We are getting contacts from people around the country who are worried about cantaloupe they purchased and/or ate.”

Retailers, including Safeway (Colorado, Nebraska, New Mexico (Aztec and Farmington), South Dakota and Wyoming), Whole Foods, King Soopers (Colorado and Wyoming), Albertson’s, Walmart (one lawsuit lists Colorado Springs store) and others, have pulled Rocky Ford cantaloupes off shelves, according to store press releases and news reports. But consumers should not have to get this information piecemeal.

The cantaloupe recall was prompted by an outbreak of Listeria infections (listeriosis) that has sickened people in at least 7 states: Colorado (12), Indiana (1), Nebraska (1), New Mexico (4), Oklahoma (1), Texas (2), and West Virginia (1). Our law firm has also been contacted from people in other states whose loved ones may be part of this outbreak.

There are 22 confirmed cases of listeriosis linked to this outbreak and two deaths, one in Colorado and one in New Mexico. Three other deaths in New Mexico and several illnesses may also be connected to this outbreak.

Evidence Linking Rocky Ford Cantaloupe to Illnesses and Deaths

Among the 19 ill persons with available information on what they ate, all 19 (100%) reported consuming cantaloupes. Ill persons were interviewed about exposures during the month before they became ill; investigators compared their responses to persons with listeriosis reported through the CDC Listeria Initiative, whose illnesses were not part of this outbreak. Several ill persons remembered the type of cantaloupe they had eaten and said they were Rocky Ford cantaloupes, which are grown in the Rocky Ford region of southeastern Colorado. Source tracing of the cantaloupes that ill persons ate indicated that they were produced by Jensen Farms, of Granada, Colorado, and were marketed as being from the Rocky Ford region. These cantaloupes were harvested in August and September.

Laboratory testing by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment identified Listeria monocytogenes bacteria on cantaloupes collected from grocery stores and from an ill person’s home. Product traceback information from Colorado state officials indicated these cantaloupes also came from Jensen Farms.

Attorney Fred Pritzker represents Listeria victims nationwide. He can be reached for at 1-888-377-8900 or by submitting our free consultation form.

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Rocky Ford cantaloupe is being pulled form the shelves of grocery stores throughout New Mexico. A New Mexico listeriosis outbreak has killed four people and sickened six others since mid-August, according to the New Mexico Department of Health.

Some of the New Mexico listeriosis cases have been linked to a multi-state outbreak that has stricken more than two dozen people around the country. DNA fingerprinting has linked these cases to cantaloupe grown by Jensen Farms in the Rocky Ford region of Colorado.

Jensen Farms is voluntarily recalling the Rocky Ford cantaloupe it shipped from July 29 through September 10, 2011, because of potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, the foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis.

The FDA is warning consumers not to eat Rocky Ford cantaloupe shipped by Jensen Farms, and grocery stores in New Mexico are pulling the melons form their shelves.

Whole Foods Markets and Albertsons have removed Rocky Ford cantaloupes from their stores, according to the Albuquerque Journal. Wal-Mart in Clovis and Portales also removed the cantaloupe from their shelves, according to PNT Online.

Those who became ill live in the following counties: Bernalillo, Chaves, Curry, De Baca, Lea, and Otero. Most of the victims suffered from serious chronic health conditions before contracting listeriosis, according to the Albuquerque Journal.

The national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is investigating this outbreak. If you have an illness associated with this outbreak, contact them for a free case consultation at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by submitting your contact information online.

News Source: http://www.pntonline.com/news/bargman-26715-new-listeria.html

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Rocky Ford Colorado cantaloupe grown by Jensen Farms are being recalled due to a Listeria health risk in the midst of a cantaloupe Listeria outbreak that has killed two people and seriously sickened at least 20 others in seven states.

The latest cantaloupe Listeria update shows the outbreak has spread to West Virginia. Colorado and New Mexico are hardest hit. One person from each of those states has died from an infection of Listeria monocytogenes, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said. "Listeriosis illnesses in several other states are currently being investigated by state and local health departments to determine if they are part of this outbreak.''  All illnesses started on or after August 15.

CDC has said there is strong evidence the outbreak originated in the Rocky Ford cantaloupe growing region of Southeast Colorado and a headline on the CDC's latest update says the following:

"Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis Linked to Rocky Ford Cantaloupes from Jensen Farms''

Source tracing of the cantaloupes that ill persons ate indicated that they were produced by Jensen Farms and were marketed as being from the Rocky Ford region. These cantaloupes were harvested in August and September, were distributed widely in the United States, and may still be available in grocery stores, the CDC said. Images of Jensen Farms whole cantaloupes were published in the recall notice by the Food and Drug Administration. Jensen Farms is a 3rd generation family farm of the Holly, Colorado. 

The severity and urgency of this outbreak has prompted national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., to establish a claims center for individuals and families who are harmed. Outbreaks of listeriosis are preventable and cantaloupe growers are aware of industry practices designed to ensure wholesome product. Cantaloupe lawsuit case consultations are available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by reaching the firm online with basic contact information. There is no charge for this discussion of your legal options.

Pritzker Olsen Attorneys is headed by Fred Pritzker, a nationally recognized leader in foodborne illness litigation who has recorded numerous Listeria lawsuit rulings and settlements, including a $6 million settlement in a very difficult case involving a major brand of sliced turkey. 

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Jensen Farms, of Holly, CO is voluntarily recalling their shipments of Rocky Ford whole cantaloupe because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria. The company is working with the State of Colorado and the FDA to inform consumers of this cantaloupe recall.

The Jensen Farms cantaloupes in question were shipped between July 29th, 2011 and September 10th 2011, and distributed to the following states: IL, WY, TN, UT, TX, CO, MN, KS, NM, NC, MO, NE, OK, AZ, NJ, NY, PA. The whole cantaloupes have a green and white sticker that reads: Product of USA- Frontera Produce-Colorado Fresh-Rocky Ford- Cantaloupe or a gray, yellow, and green sticker that reads: Jensen Farms-Sweet Rocky Fords.

If you purchased a whole cantaloupe that is unlabeled, please contact your retail store for sourcing information.

Jensen Farms is requesting any consumer that may have one of these cantaloupes to please destroy the products. The recall involves only whole cantaloupe shipped by Jensen Farms, and no other commodities are involved. Jensen Farms feels it is prudent to participate in the recall as the State of Colorado has stated (in their September 12th, 2011 press release) that people at a high risk for infection should not eat whole cantaloupe from the Rocky Ford growing region. “

Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can contaminate foods and cause a mild non-invasive illness (called listerial gastroenteritis) or a severe, sometimes life-threatening, illness (called invasive listeriosis). Persons who have the greatest risk of experiencing listeriosis after consuming foods contaminated with Listeria are fetuses and neonates who are infected after the mother is exposed to Listeria during pregnancy, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems.

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Our attorneys are investigating a Listeria outbreak in several states linked to Rocky Ford cantaloupe grown in Colorado. Contact our law firm for a free consultation.

A national cantaloupe recall has not been ordered by government officials or undertaken by producers, but grocery stores in Colorado are voluntarily pulling Rocky Ford melons from their shelves in response to a listeriosis outbreak associated with the fruit, according to a story in the Denver Post.

King Soopers, Safeway and Whole Foods are removing the melons from their stores. King Soopers and City Market stores are removing Rocky Ford melons from 142 stores, and Safeway is removing the melons from its 138 stores in Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, South Dakota and New Mexico, according to the story. Wholes Foods is removing the cantaloupes from its shelves.

The cantaloupe recall informally undertaken by the grocery stores is in response to a listeriosis outbreak associated with eating cantaloupes from the Rocky Ford growing region in Colorado.

Albuquerque, where three people died, has issued its own recall: (Updated September 14, 2011.)

Based on a Department of Health advisory, the City of Albuquerque, Environmental Health Department, Consumer Health Protection Division is issuing a voluntary recall notice to local produce retailers, requesting that cantaloupe grownin the Rocky Ford growing area of southern Colorado be temporarily pulled from store shelves.  This action is being taken as a precaution pending findings of an FDA investigation into several cases of illness and at least 3 deaths.  Preliminary indications suggest that several cases of food-borne Listeriosishave been linked to consumption of cantaloupe.

Citizens are advised to refrain from purchasing or handling cantaloupe grown in the Rocky Ford growing area.  If cantaloupe has already been purchased, citizens should not eat the product; thorough hand-washing and sanitation of food preparation areas is advised if the product has already been handled.

Listeriosis is a bacterial infection associated with certain food products.  Symptoms can range from mild gastro-intestinal  upset to severe symptoms including meningitis and death.  Onset is typically within 48 hours for gastro-intestinal symptoms; meningitis could take up 2-6 weeks to develop.

If you contracted listeriosis associated with this outbreak and need legal advice, contact the Listeria experts at PritzkerOlsen, P.A  toll free at 1(888)377-8900.

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A listeriosis outbreak in Colorado has sickened nine people since the beginning of August. One of them died.

Health officials believe the likely source of the listeriosis outbreak is cantaloupe. (This information was updated on September 9.)

The outbreak has spread to Texas (2 cases), Nebraska (1 case), and through nine Colorado counties including Adams, Arapahoe Boulder, Denver, Douglas, El Paso, Jefferson, Larimer and Weld.

Channel 7 News in Denver interviewed the daughter of one of the victims:

One of those infected with listeria is Shelly Occhipinti-Krout, a 48-year-old mother of three who was brought to Parker Adventist hospital on Saturday.

"It went from the hospital to her having cardiac arrest at the hospital to being in a coma, pretty much," said Occhipinti-Krout's daughter, Tiffany Weider. "I just definitely wouldn't want to see anybody else have to go through this."

Because Listeria can incubate for as long as 70 days, it can be difficult to pinpoint the source or sources of a listeriosis outbreak. Colorado health officials have looked at the epidemiological evidence and reviewed the DNA fingerprints (PFGE patterns) for the listeria cases. The evidence points to cantaloupe as being the source of the outbreak.

Listeriosis is a rare, potentially fatal infection that can occur after food contaminated with

bacteria is ingested. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, headache, stiff neck, confusion and convulsions.

National food safety experts at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., have been investigating this outbreak. If you have legal questions regarding an illness or hospitalization associated with this outbreak, contact our listeriosis attorneys online or call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free).

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Four-ounce packages with a SELL BY Date and Code of DEC 15 2011 01961B are being voluntarily recalled due to the potential for contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a human pathogen that can grow at refrigerator temperatures and can cause death and serious illness. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths. Most at risk for infection are young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. 

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Pilgrim’s Pride Corporation, a Mount Pleasant, Texas, company, recalled an additional 7,072 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products. The products may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause listeriosis, a life-threatening illness. The initial Pilgrim’s Pride chicken recall was issued on July 20, 2011.

The initial Pilgrim’s Pride chicken recall (July 20, 2011) was expanded to including the following chicken patties:

• 16-lb. boxes containing 8 2-lb. bags of "Pilgrim’s Pride Fully Cooked Chicken Breast Breaded Nugget Shaped Patties with Rib meat"

The Chicken Breast Nugget Shaped Patties have a date code of 11531010 inkjetted on the box, best-by date "JUN 02 2012" and bear the establishment number "P-7091A" inside the USDA mark of inspection. Each 2-lb. bag is marked with the date code and "P-7091A." The products were produced on June 2, 2011, and shipped to a retail chain in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia and West Virginia.

The problem was discovered as a result of on-site internal testing at each establishment. FSIS and the company have received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products; however, this does not mean that these recalled products did not make anyone sick. The incubation period for listeriosis can be as long as 70 days.

Contact our listeriosis attorneys for a free consultation if you or a family member has been diagnosed with listeriosis.

Initial Pilgrim's Pride Chicken Recall List - July 20, 2011

The following products are subject to recall: 

• 10 lb. boxes containing 2 5-lb bags of “Sweet Georgia Brand Fully Cooked Breaded White Chicken Nuggets Shaped Patties”
• 30 lb. boxes containing 6 5-lb bags of “Pilgrim’s Pride Fully Cooked Grilled Chicken Breast Fillet with Rib Meat”

The “Chicken Nugget Shaped Patties” has a date code of 11471010 inkjetted on the box, and bears the establishment number “P-7091A” inside the USDA mark of inspection. Each 5-lb bag is marked with the date code and “P-7091A.” These products were produced on May 27, 2011 and shipped to distribution centers in N.J. and Texas for further distribution to food service institutions.

The “Grilled Chicken Breast Fillet with Rib Meat” has a date code of 11801050 and a Use By Date of Dec. 26, 2011 inkjetted on the box, and bears the establishment number “P-20728” inside the USDA mark of inspection. The inner bags are marked with the code date and Use By Date. These products were produced on June 29, 2011 and shipped to a distribution center in Ohio, for further distribution to food service institutions.

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Listeria wrongful death cases in the United States most often are sporadic, meaning they are not part of an identified outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes. But in the first half of last year in Louisiana, two Listeria deaths were recorded in an outbreak traced to hog head cheese made by a small Louisiana firm.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., has handled many Listeria cases, including several that resulted in multi-million dollar claims. One of those was  for a couple that lost a pregnancy and the ability to get pregnant again. Another case was for an active, vibrant retiree who suffered severe illness for about a year before his Listeria death culminated the family's tragedy. In both cases, contaminated ready-to-eat meat was the cause of infection.

To contact an attorney, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our contact form and a lawyer will respond with information you seek

.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) published an in-depth look at the Louisiana outbreak, which sickened a total of eight people with the same, genetically matched strain of Listeria monocytogenes. Seven of the eight were hospitalized and two of those patients died. Symptoms included altered mental status, diarrhea, vomiting and weakness. 

The CDC said this was the first report of a listeriosis outbreak associated with the consumption of hog head cheese. But ready-to-eat meats are a recognized vehicle for Listeria infection and hog head cheese falls into that category. It is a meat jelly made of swine heads and feet). The USDA has a zero tolerance for Listeria monocytogenes bacteria in ready-to-eat meats because outbreaks can be so likely. That means any product contaminated with the pathogen is legally considered adulterated and the maker is liable even if food safety practices were in place. This lowers the burder of proof for poisoning victims who seek to recover compensation for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, lost earning capacity and other harms.

At the time of the outbreak, Veron Foods in Prairieville, Louisiana, recalled 500,000 pounds of hogs head cheese and sausage. The small, state-inspected firm makes 600 pounds of hog head cheese a week. Listeria matching the outbreak strain was found at the plant -- the second Listeria recall in three years at Veron.

 The sick people lived in Orleans, Jefferson, Tangipahoa, Terrebone, Ascension, St. John and Lafayette parishes, according to the state health department. 

Listeria is an organism that causes gastrointestinal disease in healthy people. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, or convulsions can occur.In immune-deficient individuals, Listeria can invade the central nervous system, causing meningitis and/or encephalitis (brain infection). Listeria-Infected pregnant women ordinarily experience only a mild, flu-like illness; however, infection during pregnancy can lead to miscarriage, infection of the newborn or even stillbirth.

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A finding of Listeria monocytogenes in a random sample of broccoli items produced by California-based Taylor Farms Pacific prompted a recall of products that are stamped with Best if Used by dates from 2/7/11 to 3/7/11.

Retailers should not sell and consumers should not consume certain Taylor Farms, Raley's or Signature Cafe items containing broccoli with use-by dates through 3/7/11. The list of items is seen below. So far, no illnesses have been reported in association with the recall.  

Listeria infection in pregnant women can cause fetal death, or babies of infected mothers can be born with severe illness. Symptoms of infection in adults may include fever, muscle aches, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea or diarrhea. Most healthy adults and children rarely become seriously ill, but Listeria monocytogenes can be deadly for people with weakened immune systems and it carries a high rate of hospitalization for a foodborne illness. The FDA-published recall urges consumers to check their refrigerators for the below mentioned products.

Cases of affected product were distributed to 6 states: California, Arizona, Nevada, Oregon, Utah and Washington. Distribution dates were from February 7 to February 24. The positive test result for Listeria monocytogenes was obtained by inspectors for the Washington Department of Agriculture.

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Listeria monocytogenes findings and insanitary plant conditions have led to a consent decree that prohibits a Portland, Maine, seafood processor from selling seafood until the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved in writing the company's food safety plans. The FDA said the decree was signed by three executives at Portland Shellfish Co. Inc. and entered by Judge John A. Woodcock in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maine.

Part of the FDA's requirement is for Portland Shellfish to install a Listeria testing program and a sanitation program in addition to the company's Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) plan. The company normally sells ready-to-eat lobster, shrimp and crab products to retailers in Massachusetts, California, Georgia, Illinois, Nevada, Washington, New Jersey and Louisiana.

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New Braunfels Smokehouse, a New Braunfels, Texas, establishment, recalled approximately 2,609 pounds of fully cooked, ready-to-eat smoked turkey breast products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, a bacteria that can cause listeriosis, an infection that can spread to the brain and cause Listeria meningitis. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths.

The New Braunfels turkey recall includes the following products:

• 1-pound packages of “New Braunfels Smokehouse Sliced Smoked Turkey” with package code “2210” on the label;
• 4 to 6 lb. packages of “New Braunfels Honey-Glazed Spiral Sliced Smokehouse Hickory Smoked Boneless Breast of Turkey” with package code “2180” on the label;

• 4 to 6 lb. whole breast packages of “Stegall Boneless Hickory Smoked Turkey Breast” with package code “2210” on the label;
• 4 to 6 lb. whole breast packages of “Stegall Spiral Sliced Hickory Smoked Turkey Breast” with package codes “2180” or “2210” on the label.

Each package bears the USDA mark of inspection and the number “P-975” inside the mark of inspection. The fully cooked, ready-to-eat smoked turkey breast products were produced on August 4, 2010, and distributed nationwide, including catalog and internet sales.

The problem was discovered through microbiological sampling by an the U.S. Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS), an arm of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

If you or a family member has consumed the recalled smoked turkey and been diagnosed with listeriosis, contact our law firm regarding an independent investigation to determine the source of the illness.

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Texas health officials force a celery recall after a listeriosis outbreak in Bexar, Travis and Hidalgo counties kills 5 people and seriously sickens 5 others.  Attorneys at Pritzker Olsen have successfully represented listeriosis victims and their families.  For a free consultation, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our online form for a free consultation.

On October 20, 2010, the Texas Department of State Health Services ordered Sangar Fresh Cut Produce in San Antonio, TX to discontinue processing food and recall all products shipped from the plant since January, 2010. The Sangar recall was forced after laboratory tests of chopped celery from the plant indicated the presence of Listeria monocytogenes, the bacteria that causes listeriosis.

The recalled products – primarily cut fresh produce in sealed packages – were distributed to restaurants and institutional entities, such as hospitals and schools.

The testing of the Sangar celery was done as part of a DSHS investigation into 10 listeriosis cases, including five deaths, reported to the department over an eight-month period. Six of the 10 cases have been linked to chopped celery from the Sangar plant. The illnesses occurred in Bexar, Travis and Hidalgo counties.

DSHS inspectors also found unsanitary conditions at the plant that could have spread the Listeria in the celery to other products. Texas health officials found:

• a condensation leak above a food product area
• soil on a preparation table
• hand washing issues

As in this outbreak, listeriosis is frequently fatal. Potentially-fatal complications of listeriosis in adults include:

• septicemia (infection of the blood)
• meningitis (infection of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, and the related fluids)

The overall mortality rate for listeriosis meningitis may be as high at 70%; for septicemia, 50%.

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Portland Shellfish Company, Inc. has recalled the following brands of cooked, ready to eat fresh or frozen lobster meat: Portland Shellfish Co. Inc brand, Claw Island, Craig’s All Natural, Inland Ocean cooked, fresh or frozen lobster claw and knuckle meat, and Meat Without Feet private label food service (2 Lb bags), pack of ready to eat frozen lobster claw and knuckle meat. Recent tests show the product has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The recalled products were distributed nationwide in wholesale and retail stores. 

Recalled products and Lot numbers:

LOBSTER CLAW & KNUCKLE MEAT, CS 6 x 2 LB, packed under the Claw Island, Craig’s All Natural or Inland Ocean brand, production lot numbers 13210, 13310, and 13410, shipped between 05/14/2010 and 05/26/2010.

LOBSTER KNUCKLE MEAT, CS 6 x 2 LB, packed under the Inland Ocean brand, production lot numbers 13210, shipped on 05/13/2010.

LOBSTER CLAW & KNUCKLE MEAT, CS 18 x 15 oz, packed under the Claw Island brand, production lot numbers 13210 and 13410, shipped between 05/25/2010 and 06/08/2010.

LOBSTER CLAW & KNUCKLE MEAT, CS 20 x 8 oz, packed under the Craig’s All Natural brand, production lot numbers 13210, shipped on 05/14/2010.

LOBSTER KNUCKLE MEAT, 1 LB bag, fresh, packed under Portland shellfish brand, production lot number 13310, shipped on 05/12/2010.

LOBSTER CLAW & KNUCKLE MEAT, 4 oz bag, fresh, packed under Portland shellfish brand, production lot number 13310, shipped on 05/13/2010.

LOBSTER CLAW & KNUCKLE MEAT, 1 LB bag, fresh, packed under Portland shellfish brand, production lot number 13210 and 13310, shipped on 05/12/2010 and 05/13/2010.

LOBSTER CLAW & KNUCKLE MEAT, 2 LB bag, fresh, packed under Portland shellfish brand, production lot number 13210 and 13310, shipped on 05/12/2010 05/13/2010, 05/14/2010.

LOBSTER CLAW & KNUCKLE MEAT, 5 LB bag, fresh, packed under Portland shellfish brand, production lot number 13210, shipped on 05/12/2010.

75 CASES LOBSTER CLAW & KNUCKLE MEAT, Packed 6 x 2 LB bags, FROZEN, packed under Meat Without Feet LABEL, production lot number 13310, shipped on  05/13/2010.

No related Listeria infections (listeriosis) have been reported to date, but the incubation period for Listeria can be as long as 70 days.

To contact a Listeria lawyer, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our online form for a free consultation.

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Deli meat Listeria fears have prompted the USDA to delist Canada's Siena Foods Ltd. Toronto facility as an eligible exporter of meat to the United States.

The move, confirmed in a story by the Montreal Gazette, is in response to recalls in Canada last week of four different deli meats for possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination.

The recalled Siena products  were distributed to primary suppliers in Ontario, Quebec and Alberta and may have been made available to consumers across the country through secondary distributors.

In conjunction with the delisting, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert regarding recalled Siena deli meats that may already have crossed the border. FSIS said it may proceed with a recall as more information becomes available.

 

"This public health alert was initiated after positive test results and an investigation by (Canada) in response to a listeriosis illness outbreak. At this time, no confirmed linkage has been made between the products subject to recall and the reported illnesses.''  

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Minnesota-based Parkers Farm Inc. of Coon Rapids is continuing to investigate with the Food and Drug Administration what caused Listeria monocytogenes to contaminate peanut butter, bagel spreads, cold pack cheese and salsa that it sells under various brands.

TheParkers Farm Listeria recall was prompted after the bacteria was found through sampling of finished products by health department officials in Minnesota and Wisconsin. At this time, no illnesses have been reported.The recalled products were distributed nationwide in the following retail stores: Hy-Vee, CUB, Rainbow, Byerlys Lunds, Target, Whole Foods, Jewel, Dominicks, Marsh, Price Chopper, Shop rite, Nash Finch, Sam’s Club, Costco, Safeway. 

Unlike most foodborne bacteria, Listeria can multiply while products are stored in refrigerators. The organism is especially harmful to pregnant women, who are more likely to contract it than others. Infection can pass to the fetus and cause stillbirth and miscarriage. 

Listeriosis in pregnant women can be difficult to diagnose. That is why it is important for pregnant women who come down with a fever, especially if it corresponds with flu-like symptoms, to immediately see a doctor and get a blood culture. There is no immunization for Listeriosis.

If you or a loved one has suffered Listeria food poisoning and have legal questions, contact a food safety lawyer at Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our contact and information form on the side of this Web page. We will provide a free case consultation based on years of experience in can lead to damage recovery.

Here is the list of products covered in the Parkers Farm Listeria recall:

• 16 ounce peanut butter in square plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are creamy, crunchy, honey creamy and honey crunchy with sell by dates between 11/14/2010 and 12/31/2010.
• 34 ounce peanut butter in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are creamy and crunchy with sell by dates between 8/11/2010 and 9/30/2010.
• 7 ounce bagel spreads in white plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are garden veggie, wild berry, strawberry, apple cinnamon and honey walnut) with sell by dates between 5/13/2010 and 6/30/2010.
• 14 ounce dips & spreads in square plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are jalapeño nacho, pimento and salsa con queso with sell by dates between 8/11/2010 and 9/30/2010.
• 8 ounce, 12 ounce and 16 ounce cold pack cheese in round or square plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, bacon, onion, smoked cheddar, swiss almond, horseradish, garlic, port wine, and swiss & cheddar with sell by dates between 11/14/2010 and 12/31/2010.
• 16 ounce salsa in square plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are hot, mild, garlic, black bean and fire roasted with sell by dates between 3/14/2010 and 4/30/2010.

Other labels affected by this recall:

• 16 ounce Happy Farms Cold Pack Cheese in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, port wine and swiss almond with sell by dates between 11/24/2010 and 12/10/2010.
• 8 ounce Kroger Cold Pack Cheese in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, port wine and swiss almond with sell by dates between 11/18/2010 thru 12/15/2010.
• 8 ounce Central Markets Cold Pack Cheese in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, port win and swiss almond, horseradish with sell by dates of 12/9/2010
• 14 oz. Central Markets Salsa Con Queso in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid) with sell by dates of 8/16/2010.
• 16 oz. Central Markets Salsa in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, port wine, swiss almond, horseradish with sell by dates of 3/17/2010 thru 3/24/2010.
• 8 oz. Dutch Farms Cold Pack Cheese in round plastic containers (tub with snap on lid), varieties are sharp cheddar, port wine, swiss almond, horseradish, and swiss & cheddar with sell by dates of 11/16/2010 thru 11/18/2010.

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Big Boy Restaurants International of Warren, Michigan, has permanently closed a subsidiary that made ready-to-eat meal kits. The closing comes three months after Big Boy Food Group recalled 39,514 pounds of kids' meals that may have been contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

A story in  Crain's Detroit Business quoted the company as saying it spent hundreds of thousands of dollars to find the source of contamination. It had been shut down since October 23 in search of a solution. The contamination source was in equipment and It was not economically feasible to correct the problem and resume operations, the story said. 

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the recall September 1. It covered 3.6-ounce ham & cheese and turkey & cheese DinoLunch and Lunch Buddies meal kits. No illnesses were reported in connection with the recall, which was prompted by FSIS product testing.

Consumption of food contaminated with Listeria  can cause listeriosis, an uncommon but potentially fatal disease. Healthy people rarely contract listeriosis. However, listeriosis can cause high fever, severe headache, neck stiffness and nausea. Listeriosis can also cause miscarriages and stillbirths, as well as serious and sometimes fatal infections in those with weakened immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

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 A family owned sandwich maker from Raleigh, North Carolina, has stopped production and may have shut down -- at least temporarily -- in the wake of a  Listeria monocytogenes finding by the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

Fisher Rex Sandwich Co. makes the pre-packaged sandwiches for the regional convenience store industry and for vending machines -- a family business since 1928.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration published the Fisher Rex recall announcement this week, saying that any sandwich with a 7-digit code, starting with numerals 01, was subject to recall. Sandwiches with five-digit codes were said to be OK. 

The press release said production had ceased while the company worked with health investigators to determine the source of the contamination.

Now Raleigh-Durham television station WRAL is reporting that Fisher Rex is closing, laying off 40 workers.  

Listeriosis, the disease that comes with infection by Listeria, is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly, young children and people who have weakened immune systems, including some cancer patients. In a Listeria outbreak in Canada last year linked to deli meat made in Toronto, 22 people died.

Pregnant women are more likely to contract Listeriosis and it can cause miscarriage or stillbirth.

Public health officials are warning people in the Raleigh Durham area to look for Listeria symptoms, which may include flu-like fever and muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea and vomiting. Other symptoms may include stiff neck, headache, loss of balance, confusion or convulsions.

Contact a physician if you or someone close to you is sick with these symptoms after eating a Fisher Rex sandwich. To protect your legal rights, contact a Listeria lawyer at national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys. We are one of the few firms in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and have collected millions for victims of food poisoning.

For a free case consultation, contact us at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free), or complete our online contact and information form . Foodborne illness is preventable and Pritzker Olsen has been a consistent voice for extensive reform of the U.S. food safety system, including more inspections of commercial food plants.

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A finding of Listeria monocytogenes in kids' ready-to-eat meal kits has prompted the recall of certain Dinolunch and Lunch Buddies brand food packages.

The recall affects 39,514 pounds of product made by Big Boy Food Group of Warren, Michigan. The positive test for Listeria was made by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service. As of now, the agency has not received any reports of illness in connection with the meal kits.

Listeria is an organism than can cause serious illness and death. It poses a special risk to women who are pregnant because Listeriosis can lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. A Listeria outbreak in Canada last year killed more than 20 people.

The FSIS press release on the Big Boy outbreak identified the following items as subject to the recall. They are all 3.6-ounce in size.

• Lunch Buddies Ham and Cheese. Each package bears the USDA establishment number EST 4205. Sell by/ Use by date of October 24, 2009.
• Lunch Buddies Turkey and Cheese. Each package bears the establishment number P - 4205. Sell by/ Use by date of October 24, 2009.
• Dinolunch Carnivore Ham & Cheese. Each package bears the establishment number EST 4205. Sell by/ Use by date of October 24, 2009.
• Dinolunch T-Rex Turkey and Cheese. Each package bears the establishment number   P - 4205. Sell by/ Use by date of October 24, 2009.

The Dinolunch items were made August 25 for distribution in Texas. The Lunch Buddies line was also produced August 25, but for distribution in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin.

If you have a sick child who consumed a recalled meal kit, see a doctor immediately. Listeria symptoms include flu-like fever and muscle aches, upset stomach and diarrhea; stiff neck, headache, loss of balance, confusion or convulsions; flu-like symptoms in pregnant women.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen attorneys has represented Listeria victims and is one of the country's leading practitioners of foodborne illness litigation. For more information about your legal rights when you have contracted Listeria from contaminated food, call our firm at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). To receive a free case consultation, complete one of our online contact forms.  

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A Texas company has recalled 207 pounds of smoked and fully cooked beef brisket that was distributed to Department of Defense commissaries in Oklahoma and New Mexico.

The product was made August 11 by Lone Star Brisket Co. of Thorndale, Texas. Routine testing by the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) detected Listeria monocytogenes, which prompted the recall. The FSIS said it has not received any complaints of illness related to the recalled products.

The product under recall is called Texas Star Meat Co. Smoked Beef Brisket fully cooked (and sliced). They come in two- to three-pound individually wrapped packages with Establishment Number 27340 stamped on the USDA mark of inspection.

Listeria monocytogenes occurs in food less often than other pathogens, but its consequences can be severe. Young children, the elderly and others who have compromised immune systems can suffer infections that lead to death. Listeriosis also can cause miscarriage and stillbirth in women who are pregnant.

If you or someone you know has become sick after eating brisket recalled by Lonestar, see a physician immediately. National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen attorneys has represented Listeria victims and has years of experience representing victims of all types of food poisoning. Our firm has collected tens of millions from companies that have sickened people with adulterated and contaminated food.

For more information or to talk to a Listeria attorney, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). To receive a free case consultation via the Internet, complete one of our forms online.  

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