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

Posted on January 14, 2012 by PritzkerLaw

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

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

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

Posted on January 13, 2012 by PritzkerLaw

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

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

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

The type of E. coli that caused the illnesses -- type O157:H7 -- is capable of causing life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a disease that shuts down a person's kidneys and can lead to strokes, severe anemia, neurological disorders and heart attacks. Medical consequences of HUS can last a life time.
 
Restaurant liability in E. coli outbreaks is an issue in litigation when outbreaks such as these occur. E. coli attorneys at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., are investigating the case separately from public health officials. If you are a confirmed case patient of this outbreak or know a loved one who became sick after eating at The Ambassador around the Christmas holiday, call our firm for a free case consultation at 1-888-377-8900 or leave contact information and an attorney will call you.
 
Our law firm is one of the very few legal groups in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and our trial lawyers have recovered tens of millions of dollars for E. coli victims throughout the country. Securing fair claims for victims of food poisoning takes experience in a complicated and detailed area of the law. 
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In Michigan, Three Outbreaks, Three Months, One Strain: E. coli 0157: NM

Posted on November 4, 2011 by PritzkerLaw

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Two Children in Michigan Hospitalized with E. coli-HUS

Posted on October 27, 2011 by PritzkerLaw

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

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

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

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

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

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Michigan Ground Beef E. coli Outbreak

Posted on August 22, 2011 by PritzkerLaw

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

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

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

Posted on August 19, 2011 by PritzkerLaw

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

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

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

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Michigan McNees E. coli Probe Continues

Posted on August 15, 2011 by PritzkerLaw

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

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

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

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

Click here for McNees E. coli recall information 

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

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Michigan E. coli Ground Beef Recall Update from McNees

Posted on August 12, 2011 by PritzkerLaw

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

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

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

E. coli O157:NM Ground Beef Outbreak Investigation

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

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

 

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

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

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

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Michigan E. coli Outbreak Linked to Eating McNees Ground Beef

Posted on August 11, 2011 by PritzkerLaw

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

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

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

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

Posted on August 10, 2011 by PritzkerLaw

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

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

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

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

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

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

The products subject to recall include:

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

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

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

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E. coli Outbreak Develops in Huron County MI

Posted on September 4, 2010 by PritzkerLaw

Huron County, Michigan, E. coli outbreak has developed recently with three confirmed illnesses and a fourth individual who is awaiting laboratory tests. A fifth person suspected of E. coli 0157:H7 infection tested negative for the pathogen.

According to the Huron County Health Department, three of the case patients are hospitalized, raising the possibility that one or more has developed life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). On average, five to 15 percent of people infected with E. coli 0157:H7 develops HUS or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).

The Huron Daily Tribune quoted the county's health services director, Cindy Rochefort, as saying the cause of the outbreak has not been determined. As the public health investigation continues, area physicians and medical institutions have been alerted to look for HUS E. coli symptoms.

Law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., currently represents HUS victims and is investigating the Huron E. coli outbreak. If you or a loved one lives in the area of the outbreak or has eaten recently at a restaurant in the county and believe you may have developed an E. coli infection, seek medical care immediately. For answers to legal questions about HUS litigation and compensation, call our firm at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

PritzkerOlsen is a leading food poisoning law firm involved in virtually every foodborne illness outbreak in the United States. The firm has collected millions of dollars on behalf of people injured or killed as a result of adulterated food, including hemolytic uremic syndrome victims who have suffered kidney failure, heart problems, brain damage, anemia, central nervous system damage and other complications.We understand the long-term nature of medical issues surrounding HUS and the implications of current and future pain and suffering for victims and their families.

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Lettuce Food Poisoning Outbreak Linked to Freshway Foods CDC Update

Posted on May 13, 2010 by PritzkerLaw

An 18-year-old woman with E. coli HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome) has retained Attorney Fred Pritzker to represent her as she seeks compensation from Freshway Foods of Sidney, Oklahoma. Our client, a student at Daemen College in Amherst, New York, is one of 23 people who have confirmed cases of E. coli O145 linked to Freshway Foods romaine lettuce.

Two students in Wappinger Falls, New York (a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old) have also contracted E. coli HUS in the Freshway Foods lettuce food poisoning outbreak.  The students ate romaine lettuce that had been supplied to the school district by Freshway Foods.

HUS is a life-threatening complication of an E. coli O145 infection that can cause kidney failure, stroke, heart attack, seizures, coma, pancreatitis and other serious health problems.  For a free consultation with attorney Fred Pritzker, please call 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or submit our free consultation form.

The latest information from the CDC is as follows:

The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is: MI (10 confirmed and 3 probable), NY (4 confirmed and 3 probable), OH (8 confirmed and 1 probable), and TN (1 confirmed).

Among the confirmed and probable cases with reported dates available, illnesses began between April 10, 2010 and April 26, 2010. Infected individuals range in age from 13 years old to 31 years old and the median age is 19 years. Sixty-six percent of patients are male.

Among the 30 patients with available information, 12 (40%) were hospitalized. Three patients have developed a type of kidney failure known as hemolytic-uremic syndrome, or HUS. No deaths have been reported.

Multiple lines of evidence have implicated shredded romaine lettuce from one processing facility as a source of infection in this outbreak. This evidence includes the identification of the outbreak strain of E. coli O145 from an unopened package of shredded romaine lettuce obtained at an institution that received product from the processing facility linked to the outbreak. A case-control study in Michigan found a significant association between illness and consumption of romaine lettuce processed at the same facility that processed lettuce consumed by ill persons in New York, Ohio and Tennessee.

The lettuce processing company (Freshway Foods) has issued a recall of lettuce produced at their facility as a result of the evidence obtained to date.  An additional recall was issued by a separate company that received lettuce from the same farm as the processing company linked to the outbreak.


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Freshway Lettuce Linked as E. coli Source

Posted on May 10, 2010 by PritzkerLaw

An unopened bag of shredded romaine lettuce distributed by Freshway Foods has tested positive for the same strain of E. coli O145 that has sickened at least 19 people in Ohio, Michigan and New York.

That announcement from the Food and Drug Administration was paired with news that lettuce recalled by Ohio-based Freshway came from the same farm in Yuma, Arizona, that supplied Vaughn Foods of Moore, Oklahoma.

Now Vaughn is recalling romaine lettuce with “use‐by” dates of May 9 and May 10. As was the case at Freshway, the recalled romaine lettuce distributed by Vaughan Foods was sold to restaurants and food service facilities and was not available for purchase as a grocery item. 

To date, there have been 19 confirmed and additional unconfirmed cases of E. coli O145 infections in Michigan, Ohio, and New York. These illnesses include 12 individuals who have been hospitalized, and three with a potentially life threatening complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

HUS is a serious condition in which the body’s blood-clotting mechanisms are altered, causing blocked circulation or bleeding in the brain or kidneys.

The Freshway lettuce recall was announced last week in connection with the outbreak  in Columbus, Ohio; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Amherst, New York and Wappingers Falls, New York (where K-12 students were the victims). 
Federal and state investigators are attempting to determine the point in the supply chain where the contamination occurred and are investigating a farm in the Yuma, Arizona area from which the romaine lettuce was harvested. Lettuce harvested from other geographic areas does not appear to be associated with this outbreak, the FDA news release said.
The FDA and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourage anyone who has experienced E. coli symptoms following ingestion of romaine lettuce products described here to contact his or her health care provider immediately.
 
For answers to legal questions about the E. coli O145 outbreak, call Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page. Our firm is a leading representative of food poisoning victims nationwide. We are involved in practically every major outbreak of foodborne illness and have collected millions for our clients.
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Columbus Ohio E. coli Outbreak Part of Three-State Study to Find Cause

Posted on May 4, 2010 by PritzkerLaw

State, local and federal health authorities are getting close to producing a questionnaire in an attempt to pinpoint the food causing a three-state outbreak of E. coli O145 in central Ohio; Ann Arbor, Michigan; and Erie County, New York.

An updated message from Columbus Public Health says the epidemiological questionnaire will compare people who were sickened with others who ate at the same places and did not get sick.

"This type of study can make for strong evidence as to what made people sick, even if laboratory tests of food samples do not reveal anything. The investigation is expected to take several weeks,'' the agency said.

In Ohio, no new E. coli O145 cases have been found since April 20 so they believe people may have eaten the tainted food sometime between April 1 and April 20. Investigators do not believe all of the cases are related to one particular restaurant or place, but a group of places that may have all received food from the same distributor.

One of the common denominators in the Ohio, Michigan, New York E. coli outbreak is that university students have been among the victims at Ohio State University, University of Michigan and Daemen College in Amherst, New York.

Columbus Public Health said in its latest message on the outbreak that investigators are actively seeking to talk to anyone in the areas of the outbreak who became sick after April 1 with E. coli symptoms of diarrhea and severe stomach cramping.

And while officials previously have only described the bacteria as non-O157 E. coli, they now have confirmed it is E. coli O145 -- one of six non-O157 types that emit Shiga toxin.

Together in the three states, around 60 cases of illness are considered to be part of the outbreak.

As the public investigation continues, law firm Pritzker Olsen is building its own files on the outbreak and is interested in talking to victims. We are in touch with some of the investigating agencies and also believe a common foodservice distributor or foodservice item is behind the outbreak.

To receive a free case consultation, call an E. coli lawyer at our firm at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page. 

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Ann Arbor E. coli Outbreak Prompts Food Safety Lawyer to Call for Change

Posted on May 1, 2010 by PritzkerLaw

Business Wire has released the following press release in connection with the  E. coli O145 outbreak affecting university students and faculty in Ann Arbor, Michigan; Columbus, Ohio and Amherst, New York.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen has learned that ground beef is not high on the list of foods suspected of causing an outbreak of E. coli O145 in Michigan, Ohio and New York, where approximately 50 university students and other people are believed to be infected.

Health investigators are looking for a cause that likely comes from a shared foodservice supplier or foodservice item at Ohio State University, University of Michigan and Daemen College, said Fred Pritzker, founder and president of the firm.

But regardless of what food ultimately is confirmed as the cause, Pritzker Olsen is calling on USDA to immediately take steps to broaden E. coli protections where beef is slaughtered and processed. Contaminated ground beef is currently the most common source of E. coli infection.

E. coli O157:H7 is the single most prevalent type of E. coli in U.S. food poisoning cases. As such, it was declared an adulterant in ground beef in 1994, making tainted ground beef illegal to sell and requiring industry to test for the pathogen.

But in 16 years since then, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has failed to put adulterant labels on six additional strains of shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC); E. coli O145, 045, 0121, 0103, 026 and O111.  In addition, the agency has not acted on a public petition to deem all beef products adulterated if contaminated with E. coli organisms -- not just ground beef and cuts intended for ground beef as regulations now state.

Pritzker said the university outbreak of E. coli O145 is a powerful reminder that it's time for the USDA to take a major step forward in keeping potentially deadly E. coli forms out of the U.S. beef supply.

"Non-O157 STECs are every bit as hazardous as E. coli O157:H7 and they all need to be regulated,'' said Pritzker, whose many current food poisoning clients include a survivor of E. coli O111.  "Another public health disaster shouldn't be required in order for change to take place.''

The CDC estimates that non-0157 STECs cause 36,700 illnesses, 1,100 hospitalizations and 30 deaths in America each year. These strains can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), kidney failure, and E. coli death, just like the O157 strain.

Pritzker Olsen law firm, headquartered in Minneapolis, MN, represents individuals and families nationwide in cases involving foodborne illness. The firm is involved in virtually every major foodborne illness outbreak and has obtained some of the largest verdicts and settlements in foodborne illness cases. Attorney Fred Pritzker can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE).

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University E. coli Outbreak In 3 States

Posted on April 30, 2010 by PritzkerLaw

The common demoninator in the multi-state outbreak of E. coli O145 in Ohio, Michigan and New York is university students.

Nearly 50 people have confirmed or suspected illnesses that began to occur in early- to mid-April around the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and Ohio State University in Columbus. New York has one confirmed E. coli O145 illness matching the outbreak strain and 11 other suspected cases.

Food safety microbiologist Phyllis Entis is reporting that the New York outbreak has a connection to Daemen College, a private nonsectarian liberal arts school in Amherst, New York, near Buffalo.

A university E. coli outbreak obviously points to a shared foodservice supplier or shared foodservice item, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not announced a cause for the outbreak. Various food samples are being tested, but it is not known if meat, leafy green vegetables or some processed food item is contaminated with the bacteria.

National food safety law firm Pritker Olsen is actively investigating this outbreak. It is not too early to contact anE. coli lawyer at our law firm for a free consultation regarding your legal rights: 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or complete the online consultation form on the side of this Web page. We are not paid unless you win.

Our firm has been in contact with investigating agencies and we have years of experience protecting the legal rights of victims of food poisoning. E. coli O147 is a cousin to the better known pathogen E. coli O157:H7 and its is equally dangerous in terms of emitting a toxin that can wreak havoc once consumed by humans.

If you or a loved one has had recent symptoms of bloody diarrhea, painful stomach cramps and fever, contact a physician immediately. In five to 15 percent of cases, infections develop into life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)  with effects ranging from kidney failure to brain damage and paralysis. 

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E. coli O145 Outbreak in Michigan, Ohio and New York Continues to Expand

Posted on April 29, 2010 by PritzkerLaw

E. coli O145 has sickened dozens of people in Michigan, Ohio and now New York.

 

Health officials have not released much information, but this is what is being reported by health departments and news sources:

  • E. coli O145 cases in Michigan, Ohio and New York have been genetically linked, meaning the same food source probably made these people sick;
  • The Ohio Department of Agriculture is testing four food samples and food items also are being tested in Michigan;
  • Ground beef is not highly suspected in Michigan;
  • Students at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan are among those sickened in the outbreak;
  • The food that was contaminated with E. coli O145 was most likely served at restaurants, cafeterias and other eating establishments.

Pritzker Olsen law firm is actively investigating this outbreak. Even though the food source of this outbreak has not been determined, it is not too early to contact an E. coli lawyer at our law firm for a free consultation regarding your legal rights: 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or submit our online consultation form.  We are not paid unless you win.

We have recently settled an E. coli case in Michigan and are litigating E. coli cases in Ohio.  Read about a Michigan E. coli lawsuit and an Ohio E. coli lawsuit.


Keywords: E. coli O145 outbreak, Ann Arbor, Michigan, lawyer, Columbus, Ohio, attorney, Ohio State University, University of Michigan, Buffalo, New York, food poisoning, lawsuit, Ecoli 0145.

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E. coli Outbreak in Michigan Ohio NY

Posted on April 29, 2010 by PritzkerLaw

The E. coli O145 outbreak in Ohio and Michigan has spread to New York, where at lest 13 illnesses are suspected of being linked to the outbreak.

All together, the outbreak may have sickened around 50 people and is not contained.

Public health officials in the three states are being assisted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in trying to determine the cause of the outbreak, which has included students at Ohio State University in Columbus and the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

New York State Health Department spokesman Jeffrey Hammond said in an e-mail to the Columbus Dispatch that the agency will soon issue a statewide health-care provider alert.

One New York illness has been definitely linked to the Michigan-Ohio E. coli O145 outbreak and a dozen others are suspected of being linked, the newspaper reported.

The linked New York case is from Erie County, home to Buffalo, and the individual has recovered.
 
Meanwhile, all five Ohio E. coli infections previously confirmed by the public health authority in Columbus have now been genetically linked to the outbreak in Michigan, the Columbus Dispatch reported. Eight other probable cases are under evaluation in Ohio
 
The investigation into what is causing this non-O157 E. coli outbreak is at the stage of testing various food samples, but authorities are not saying what foods are suspect. Ground beef is the most common vehicle for E. coli outbreaks, but a source told national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen that beef products were not high on the list of suspect foods.
 
In Ohio, Columbus Public Health officials want to hear from individuals who think they might have been infected. The number to call is 614-719-8888.
 
If you have a confirmed illness or one that is being investigated by health authorities, Pritzker Olsen will answer your legal questions and provide a free case consultation at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free).
 
Our law firm, which also can be reached through the contact form on the side of this Web page, is one of the few in the nation practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. We have collected millions for victims of food poisoning over the years.
 
E. coli O145 infections are less common that those caused by E. coli O157:H7, but both types of the organism emit shiga toxins that can wreak havoc in a person's body by shutting down kidney function, damaging the brain and central nervous system and leading to strokes, coma, paralysis and E. coli death. 
 
When complications of this sort develop, a person normally has been diagnosed with hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Our firm has represented families in many of these cases against meatpackers, restaurants, food distributors and food processing companies.
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Michigan Ohio E. coli Outbreak Proves the Need to Regulate Non-O157 STECs

Posted on April 27, 2010 by PritzkerLaw

E. coli O157:H7 was declared an adulterant in ground beef in 1994, but USDA has failed to put six additional strains of shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC) in the same category. 

Members of the food safety community, including law firm Pritzker Olsen, have been calling for the expanded ruling so that producers of meat are required to test for the potentially deadly pathogens to help protect our food supply.
 
A non-O157:H7 E. coli strain is currently loose in Michigan and Ohio and public health officials are scrambling to determine the food source. If you or a loved one has been affected by the outbreak, call Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) for a free case consultation. Or, you can contact us with the online form on the side of this Web page.
 
In the Michigan-Ohio E. coli outbreak, at least 12 people have tested positive for non-O157 E. coli and 20 more people are considered probable victims pending test results. Officials are urging anyone with symptoms of E. coli, which include bloody diarrhea and painful abdominal cramps, to contact a physician. Make sure to ask to be tested for E. coli -- your physician is required to report the illness to the health department.
 
The six non-O157 E. coli strains identified as STEC pathogens by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are O26, O111, O103, O121, O45 and O145. These strains can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), kidney failure, and E. coli death, just like the O157 strain. 
The CDC estimates that non-0157 STECs cause 36,700 illnesses, 1,100 hospitalizations and 30 deaths in America each year. As Pritzker Olsen founder and president Fred Pritzker has often said: They are just as hazardous as E. coli O157:H7 and need to be regulated. 
The current E. coli outbreak, which has sickened university students in Columbus, Ohio, and Ann Arbor, Michigan, could help call attention to the problem. Leaders on this issue have included S.T.O.P. -- Safe Tables Our Priority and select members of Congress including Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand of New York.
 
Senator Gillibrand already has put out a press release on this issue in response to the outbreak.: 
"The laws that are meant to keep us safe from hazardous foods are in critical need of updating. We need immediate action to keep our families safe,'' Sen. Gillibrand says.
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Michigan E. coli Outbreak in Washtenaw County Under Investigation

Posted on April 19, 2010 by PritzkerLaw

Public health officials in Washtenaw County, Michigan, around Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor, are actively investigating an outbreak of food poisoning thought to be caused by E. coli.

The Michigan E. coli outbreak currently includes 10 cases, but other probable cases also are under investigation. The announcement comes from Dr. Diana Torres-Burgo, medical director for Washtenaw County Public Health.

Dr. Torres-Burgo said investigators are doing everything they can to find the source of the Washtenaw County outbreak. Victims have experience abdominal cramping followed by diarrhea that progressively worsens and often turns bloody. Ill persons have not experience fever, she said.

Anyone with similar symptoms should seek medical attention immediately and ask to be tested for E. coli poisoning. For answers to legal questions about the Michigan outbreak, call national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page.

A lawyer with years of experience representing E. coli O157:H7 victims will provide you with a free case consultation and encourage you to report your illness to the county if you haven't done so already. Public reporting is important to help prevent more people from getting sick.

E. coli O157:H7 infection is especially dangerous for young children, older adults and people who have weakened immune systems. In five to 15 percent of cases, patients develop hemolytic uremic syndrome or an associated illness known as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). These conditions are life-threatening and often leave victims with long-term medical conditions that can be disabling.

Michigan authorities in Washtenaw County are still searching for the source of this outbreak. While contaminated ground beef is the leading cause of E. coli outbreaks, many other foods or water also are capable of carrying the pathogen.

Pritzker Olsen is starting to collect information for its own investigation of the outbreak around Ypsilanti and Ann Arbor. If you have information about the possible cause of these illnesses, please contact us.

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Fight Continues for a Complete List of Restaurant Steak E coli Recipients

Posted on December 29, 2009 by PritzkerLaw

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys is continuing to fight for the release of a detailed and complete accounting of which restaurants in the United States received beef products from National Steak and Poultry that were potentially contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The Oklahoma meat processor recently recalled 248,000 pounds of steak, beef tips, medallions, boneless trim and other beef products after health officials determined there was an “association” between blade tenderized steaks and an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses in six states. Days later the company announced that the recalled meat was sold primarily to three companies with restaurants in Michigan, Iowa, Colorado, South Dakota, Kansas and Washington -- the same six states that are home to the steak E. coli outbreak.

The three named recipients are Moe’s Southwest Grill, Carino’s Italian Grill and KRM restaurants, parent company of the 54th Street Grill & Bar chain.

As we have stated previously, announcing a recall without promptly identifying the public purveyors of the adulterated product is ludicrous and unsafe. It’s the equivalent of announcing a recall of flammable pajamas without identifying the brand and where they were sold. Consumers cannot protect themselves if they have no information about the source that threatens their safety. This is a failure of regulation and food ethics and it raises questions about whether our food safety agencies are more interested in protecting producers of unsafe products or safeguarding the public’s health.

But this may be only part of the story. National Steak and Poultry claims the implicated steaks were primarily sold to only three restaurant companies. Yet the company states on its web site that “As beef and poultry marination innovators since 1980, NSP has proved the popularity and profitability of our marinated, pre-portioned beef and poultry – both cooked and fresh frozen – at some of America’s best known chains.”

What about those chains? What about the tons of similar products the company sells to companies far bigger and more familiar than Moe’s, Carino’s and KRM restaurants? Did “some of America’s best known chains” also receive adulterated product from NSP? If so, why haven’t those companies been named?

Let’s hope the implicated product is limited to those three companies. Meanwhile, USDA has yet to publish the retail distribution list for this outbreak and recall -- a disclosure that is customary in major events. Why not this one? An official with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has been quoted by the Tulsa World newspaper as saying at least 19 people have been sickened.

If you have information about this outbreak or wish to speak to an E. coli lawyer about a victim's legal rights, call Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our contact and information form on the side of this web page. We were the first food safety organization to publicly announce that officials were investigating an E. coli outbreak linked to mechanically tenderized steaks and we have been in contact with at least one potential victim.

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Michigan E. coli: Evidence and Liability

Posted on October 6, 2008 by PritzkerLaw

Breaking News April 19, 2010: An E. coli outbreak in Washtenaw County, Michigan has sickened at least 10 people, 2 of whom have been hospitalized.  Most of those sickened live in Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Our law firm is currently representing E. coli victims and E. coli HUS victims.  Contact us.

The Michigan E. coli O157:H7 outbreak associated with iceberg lettuce distributed by Aunt Mid’s Produce Company has sickened at least 35 people in Michigan. At least 6 people in Illinois have also been sickened in this outbreak.

According to the Michigan Department of Community Health, some of the Michigan cases consumed shredded or chopped iceberg lettuce in restaurants or institutions purchased from Aunt Mid's Produce Company, a Detroit-based wholesale distributor. This is epidemiological evidence that associates Aunt Mid’s with the outbreak. 

The Michigan Depatment of Agriculture has been testing Aunt Mid's iceberg lettuce samples and Aunt Mid's processing facility. To date, the state tests have found no contamination of either Aunt Mid’s iceberg lettuce or Aunt Mid’s processing facility.

According to James McCurtis, a spokesperson for the Michigan Department of Community Health, Aunt Mid’s is still suspected because its lettuce is the only kind delivered to the Lenawee County Jail (5 inmates sickened) and the two restaurants in Illinois where the outbreak-strain of E. coli O157:H7 bacteria was also found.

Legally, an epidemiological association with an outbreak can be sufficient evidence to find liability. This is necessary in cases involving a perishable food product because by the time an outbreak is uncovered, perishable food items are often consumed. This is particularly true in the case of a perishable food product served at a restaurant or other food service facility.  In this case, the epidemiological evidence is supported by the finding of the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 (microbiological evidence) at the Lenawee County Jail and the two restaurants in Illinois.

If you or your child has been sickened in the Michigan E. coli outbreak, it is critical that you contact an E. coli lawyer if you want to be compensated for medical expenses, pain and suffering and other damages. Liable parties could include farms, processors, distributors, a food service company, a restaurant and others. If you retain our law firm, we will immediately investigate your case.

Our law firm has a national reputation in this area, and we handle E. coli cases throughout the United States. We are currently handling a number of E. coli cases, including cases involving hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). To contact the firm, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online consultation form for a free consultation.

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CDC Updates E. Coli Outbreak to Include Utah and More Cases in Georgia

Posted on July 18, 2008 by PritzkerLaw

Updated CDC information on the multistate outbreak of E. coli now includes the state of Utah and more confirmed cases in Georgia.  The outbreak now has affected 7 states: Georgia (4 cases), Indiana (1), Kentucky (1), Michigan (20), New York (1), Ohio (21), and Utah (1).  The illnesses began between May 27 and July 1, 2008, resulting in 27 hospitalizations and one case of a type of kidney failure caused by E. coli known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

Investigators first traced the outbreak strain to contaminated ground beef purchased at Kroger retail stores located in Michigan and Ohio. Kroger has recalled all of its ground beef products that may have been contaminated.  Kroger’s supplier was then found to be Nebraska Beef, who originally recalled 531,707 pounds of ground beef on June 30, but then expanded the recall on July 3 to include approximately 5.3 million pounds of ground beef components produced between May 16 and June 26.

The cases in Georgia were traced back to the Barbecue Pit restaurant in Moultrie, Georgia, which also had used ground beef components from Nebraska Beef. 49 confirmed cases have been linked to the outbreak, with Nebraska Beef as the common denominator for supplying contaminated ground beef components.

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Michigan and Ohio E. coli Outbreak Linked to Kroger and Nebraska Beef, Ltd. Now Includes Cases in Indiana, Kentucky and New York

Posted on July 16, 2008 by PritzkerLaw

According to the CDC, the E. coli outbreak that has been linked to Kroger ground beef and Nebraska Beef, Ltd. ground beef components now involves 5 states: Indiana (1), Kentucky (1), Michigan (20 according to the CDC and 22 according to the Michigan Department of Community Health), New York (1), and Ohio (21). The illnesses began between May 30 and June 24, 2008. Patients range in age from 4 to 78 years with a median age of 20 years.

Twenty-one ill persons have been hospitalized, according to the CDC. One patient has developed hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), an illness that can develop from an E. coli O157:H7 infection. HUS can cause kidney failure (renal failure) and damage to other organs. 

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Health officials have linked Kroger ground beef to this outbreak.  According to the CDC:

State health and agriculture departments tested ground beef recovered from several patient residences that was purchased at Kroger® retail stores in Michigan and Ohio. Molecular fingerprinting testing conducted by the Ohio and Michigan Departments of Health and Agriculture Laboratories, in collaboration with PulseNet, the national molecular subtyping network for foodborne disease surveillance, on E. coli O157 isolates isolated from these ground beef samples have confirmed the isolates to be the outbreak strain of E. coli O157.

CDC's OutbreakNet Team conducted a multi-state case-control study in collaboration with health authorities in Ohio and Michigan to epidemiologically examine exposures that would be related to illness. The data indicate a significant association between illness and eating ground beef purchased at one of several Kroger® Company stores in Michigan and Ohio. CDC has provided these results to the USDA-FSIS and public health agencies in Michigan and Ohio.

On June 25, 2008, a recall was announced for ground beef sold at Kroger® Co. Stores in Michigan and Ohio. On July 3, the Kroger® Co. expanded the June 25th recall to include ground beef products from Kroger® establishments outside of Michigan and Ohio.

Kroger used Nebraska Beef, Ltd. ground beef components to make the Kroger ground beef involved in this outbreak. According to the USDA:

Nebraska Beef, Ltd., was identified as a common supplier to those stores in addition to two federally inspected establishments where FSIS obtained a positive ground beef sample that was matched to the outbreak strain.

On June 30, 2008, a recall of 531,707 pounds of ground beef components from Nebraska Beef Ltd. was announced. On July 3, 2008, the Nebraska Beef recall expanded to include all beef manufacturing trimmings and other products intended for use in raw ground beef produced between May 16 and June 26, 2008, totaling approximately 5.3 million pounds.

Our law firm has filed a lawsuit against Kroger Co. and Nebraska Beef, Ltd. on behalf of a victim of this E. coli outbreak.  To contact our law firm regarding this lawsuit, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free) or email attorney Fred Pritzker.

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