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

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in several states and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections linked to Evergreen Produce brand alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts.  Investigators are using DNA analysis of Salmonella bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing to identify cases of illness that may be part of this outbreak.

If you are part of this outbreak, you may have a claim against Evergreen Produce and others. Contact our attorneys for a free consultation.

As of June 27, 2011, a total of 21 persons with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis have been reported from 5 states: Idaho (3), Montana (7), North Dakota (1), New Jersey (1) and Washington (9). Among persons for whom information is available, illnesses began between April 12 and June 7, 2011. Ill persons range in age from 12 years to 77 years old, with a median age of 35 years old. Seventy-one percent are female. Among the 10 ill persons with available information, 3 (30%) persons have been hospitalized.

The CDC, FDA and state health officials are continuing surveillance to identify new cases and trace potentially contaminated products.

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A Maryland bean sprout processor has been shut down under court order while the owner addresses insanitary conditions found by public health inspectors. The company is Vegi-Pak Farm LLC of Mount Airy. The situation came to a head last week when the U.S. Department of Justice filed a complaint in U.S. District Court seeking a permanent injunction against the facility until it could be brought into compliance with food safety laws.

Vegi-Pak General Manager Brian Lee told the Baltimore Sun newspaper that the company is complying with a consent decree that details a list of required actions, including cleaning the facility, storing seeds safely and treating them to reduce pathogens. There has not been a known outbreak of Salmonella or E. coli linked to the plant, but sprouts are susceptible to contamination even in plants that are in general compliance with food safety laws. That's because they are cultivated with heat and moisture, conditions that also favor clustering of E. coli, Salmonella and other harmful human pathogens.

 Since 1996, there have been 32 reported outbreaks of foodborne illness associated with different types of raw and lightly cooked sprouts. Most of these outbreaks were caused by Salmonella and E. coli infections.

The most recent multi-state outbreak started last November and sickened 140 individuals with Salmonella through February 9, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In that outbreak, the investigation indicated a link to eating Tiny Greens Alfalfa Sprouts or Spicy Sprouts at Jimmy John’s restaurant outlets. Half of the illnesses were in Illinois, where Jimmy John's and Tiny Greens are based.

Before the shut-down, Vegi-Pak had been processing and packaging tofu and soybean and mung bean sprouts distributed to Korean markets in Maryland, Virginia and Washington. According to the DOJ complaint, Food and Drug Administration inspectors found equipment coated in food waste and a fly infestation inside the facility in September. In addition, workers were not adequately washing and cleaning the soybeans, and reported they were instructed by the company president to fabricate disinfection records, according to the complaint. A state inspection also found problems.

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The Jimmy John's Salmonella outbreak in Illinois and 25 other states has sickened 140 individuals since November 1, 2010, according to the final update on the outbreak by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Results of the federal investigation indicated a link to eating Tiny Greens Alfalfa Sprouts or Spicy Sprouts at Jimmy John's restaurant outlets.

Exactly half of the 140 illnesses were in Illinois, the state where Jimmy John's and Tiny Greens are based. Twenty-three cases were from Missouri, 13 from Indiana and four were from Wisconsin. The other states and the District of Columbia had one or two each.

The outbreak strain of Salmonella serotype  I 4,[5],12:i:-  was not found in any sprouts, but it was found in a sample of water run-off at Tiny Greens' growing facility.  Case-patients range in age from 1 to 85 years-old, with a median age of 28 years-old. Eighty-seven patients, or 63 percent, are female. Among persons with available information, 24 percent reported being hospitalized. No deaths were reported. 

If you or a loved one is a confirmed case patient of this outbreak, your questions about a possible sprouts Salmonella lawsuit can be answered by an attorney at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a leading practitioner of foodborne illness litigation. PritzkerOlsen is representing victims from this outbreak, including an Illinois women who ate at Jimmy John's and became hospitalized from her illness.

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The Salmonella sprouts outbreak associated with clover sprouts from Sprouters Northwest prompted an FDA inspection that noted eight areas of observational concern about the cleanliness and condition of equipment and facilities.

According to a copy of Form 483 completed by the team of five FDA inspectors, problems they observed ranged from leaky roof, rodent harborage, food buildup on equipment, potential cross-contamination of sprout bins and the presence of Listeria monocytogenes on a production table.

Sprouters Northwest Inc. of Kent, Washington, recalled all clover and clover mix products because they had the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The sprouts were associated with at least 7 illnesses in Washington and Oregon. In addition, Wal-Mart of British Columbia, Canada, also has recalled Sprouters Northwest brand Deli Sprouts in conjunction with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The company's recall included clover sprouts, Brocco sandwich sprouts, Deli sprouts, clover onion sprouts and Spicy sprouts.

The observations of concern as listed in the report were backed up by specific examples, but here are the 8 overall observations: 

• Failure to take necessary precautions to protect against contamination of food and food contact surfaces with microorganisms and foreign substances.
• Failure to clean food-contact surfaces as frequently as necessary to protect against contamination of food.
• Failure to clean non-food-contact surfaces of equipment as frequently as necessary to protect against contamination.
• Effective measures are not being taken to protect against the contamination of food on the premises by pests.
• Failure to store equipment, remove litter and cut weeds that may be an attractant to pests. 
• Failure to maintain buildings, fixtures and other facilities in sanitary condition.
• Failure to hold raw material in bulk in suitable containers.
• Failure to maintain buildings and physical facilities in repair sufficient to prevent food from becoming adulterated.

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The Tiny Greens Salmonella outbreak linked to sprouts and associated with Jimmy John's has hit hardest in Illinois, Missouri and Indiana. That's where 99 of the 125 confirmed illnesses have occurred according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The outbreak strain of Salmonella has infected 65 in Illinois, 22 in Missouri and 12 in Indiana. Overall, the outbreak has been detected in 22 states and the District of Columbia, but no other state has reported more than 3 cases.

Public health and regulatory agencies have linked this outbreak to consumption of Tiny Greens Alfalfa Sprouts or Spicy Sprouts. The sprouts were distributed to various customers, including farmers’ markets, restaurants, and groceries in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri and may also have been distributed to other Midwestern states.

In Illinois, many of the ill individuals ate sandwiches containing sprouts at various Jimmy John’s outlets in at least nine counties. FDA and the Illinois Department of Public Health conducted an inspection of Tiny Greens Organic Farm in Urbana, Illinois. Thus far, one water run-off sample yielded the Salmonella outbreak strain.

A public claims center for this Tiny Greens and Jimmy John's Salmonella sprouts outbreak has been established by national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A. for a sprouts lawsuit on behalf of those who have been sickened.  A full analysis of your case and further investigation is necessary to determine the parties that you have a right to sue and how much your case is worth. Call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or contact us online. 

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The sprout Salmonella outbreak linked to consumption of Tiny Greens Alfalfa Sprouts or Spicy Sprouts peaked in late November and early December but new cases have continued to be confirmed by medical professionals and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

From November 1, 2010, through January 11, 2011, 125 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella serotype I 4,[5],12:i:-,  have been reported from 22 states and the District of Columbia -- that's up from 18 states in the previous CDC report. CDC said results of the investigation indicate a link to eating Tiny Greens Alfalfa Sprouts or Spicy Sprouts at Jimmy John’s restaurant outlets.

At Tiny Greens in Urbana, Illinois, FDA testing of a water run-off sample found the Salmonella outbreak strain of bacteria. Based on all information, CDC continues to warn that consumers should not eat recalled Tiny Greens Alfalfa Sprouts or Spicy Sprouts, and restaurant and food service operators should not serve them. 

Individuals sickened in this outbreak in Illinois and elsewhere may be interested in becoming part of a sprouts Salmonella lawsuit or Jimmy John's lawsuit. Outbreak attorneys at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., currently represent victims and are continuing to accept new cases. Get a free consultation at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by completing our contact form for Salmonella claims. Our law firm has collected millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning and is one of the few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation.

More than 20 percent of the victims in this Jimmy John's Salmonella outbreak linked to Tiny Greens Alfalfa Sprouts and Spicy Sprouts have been hospitalized for treatment after suffering painful diarrhea. Some Salmonella infections develop into life-threatening illness, but no one has died in this outbreak. A potential risk for victims is developing arterial infections, reactive arthritis, which also is known as Reiter's Syndrome. 

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Salmonella outbreak investigations are active involving alfalfa sprouts in 18 states and clover sprouts in the Northwest.

Sprouters Northwest, Inc. of Kent, Washington, has recalled all clover and clover mix products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The sprouts have been associated with at least six illnesses in Washington and Oregon and Wal-Mart of British Columbia, Canada, also has recalled Sprouters Northwest brand Deli Sprouts in conjunction with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The company's recall includes clover sprouts, Brocco sandwich sprouts, Deli sprouts, clover onion sprouts and Spicy sprouts.

Sprouters Northwest suspended production while FDA, other agencies and the company itself investigate the source of the problem. No deaths have been reported, though Salmonella is potentially lethal, especially in young children, the elderly and others who have compromised immune systems.

In the Midwest, Tiny Greens Organic Farm of Urbana, Illinois, announced a recall late last year in connection with an 18-state Salmonella outbreak also impacting Washington, D.C. At least 112 people have been sickened, including more than 20 percent hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has said that results of the Salmonella outbreak investigation in Illinois, Missouri, Indiana and beyond indicate a link to eating Tiny Greens Alfalfa Sprouts at Jimmy John’s restaurant outlets. Meanwhile, Jimmy John's is quoted in a food industry trade magazine saying its corporate stores are switching from serving alfalfa sprouts to clover sprouts and is urging franchisees to do the same. Are they not aware of the clover sprouts Salmonella outbreak in the Northwest?

Both of these Salmonella outbreaks, sprouts related, are under investigation by PritzkerOlsen, P.A., and the firm is representing an Illinois woman who was hospitalized with Salmonella infection for nearly a week after eating sprouts from Jimmy John's. If you have been sickened in either one of these outbreaks, contact a Salmonella attorney at the firm to inquire about a sprouts Salmonella lawsuit. Call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our Salmonella outbreak contact form. Our firm has collected millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning and we are one of the few law groups in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation.

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As in Illinois, Jimmy John's restaurants have voluntarily suspended serving sprouts at their Indiana franchise locations, according to the Indiana State Department of Health. Indiana enteric epidemiologist Amie May said in the same press release that people should not eat Tiny Greens brand Alfalfa Sprouts or Spicy Sprouts, which have been recalled.

Indiana is the third leading state in the number of confirmed Salmonella outbreak cases in an 18-state spread of illness that started November 1 and has been associated with Tiny Greens sprouts served on sandwiches at Jimmy John's. Illinois and Missouri have the most cases. Indiana is among the states working with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and FDA to further investigate and track the outbreak.

Salmonella law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., represents victims from this outbreak and is providing free case consultations to individuals and families who became sick after eating alfalfa sprouts on a Jimmy John's sandwich. Our firm is a leading practitioner of foodborne illness litigation and has recovered millions for victims of food poisoning. A Salmonella lawyer can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or you can contact the firm online. 

From the CDC, here is the latest case count map. The number of ill persons identified in each state and the District of Columbia with the outbreak strain is as follows: California (1), Colorado (1), Connecticut (1), District of Columbia (1), Georgia (1), Hawaii (1), Iowa (1), Illinois (59), Indiana (10), Kentucky (1), Massachusetts (2), Missouri (22), New York (1), Pennsylvania (3), South Dakota (1), Tennessee (1), Texas (1), Virginia (1), and Wisconsin (3). Among 111 persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from November 1 to December 24, 2010. Among persons with available information, 24% reported being hospitalized. No deaths have been reported. 

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 Illinois and Missouri account for 81 of 112 confirmed Salmonella illnesses in an outbreak where results of the investigation indicate a link to eating Tiny Greens Alfalfa Sprouts at Jimmy John’s restaurant outlets.

The sprouts Salmonella outbreak spreads across 18 states and the District of Columbia, according to the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). No deaths have been reported, but more than 20 percent of victims have been treated at a hospital. Seventy-five patients, or 68 percent, are female and the ages of case patients range from 1 to 75 years old. 

In Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services was notified of the outbreak in late December by the FDA. Just before Christmas, there were 16 Missouri cases occurring in Franklin, St. Charles, Jefferson, Lewis, and St. Louis Counties, and in Kansas City. The CDC update said the number of Missouri residents sickened with the same strain of Salmonella has since jumped to 22.

Tiny Greens and Jimmy John's are both based in Illinois, where the Illinois Department of Public Health initially announced the outbreak on December 17. The first known onset of illness in the outbreak was on November 1. The CDC currently counts 59 illnesses in Illinois. 

For information about a Jimmy John's Salmonella lawsuit contact law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our contact form for a free case consultation. Firm president and founder Fred Pritzker is representing a woman from Illinois who was hospitalized for several days with a Salmonella infection contracted after eating alfalfa sprouts on a Jimmy John's sandwich. Our attorneys represent food poisoning victims in practically every major outbreak of foodborne illness. We are a recognized leader in Salmonella litigation and have collected millions of dollars for those sickened by contaminated food.

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For the second time in six days, an alfalfa sprouts supplier has issued a recall because the sprouts have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.

Late last week it was Tiny Greens Organic Farm Food Co. of Illinois recalling all alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts from November 1 - December 21. Public health officials say the sprouts are associated with a 16-state outbreak of Salmonella that has sickened more than 90 people, more than half of whom are from Illinois. Many of the outbreak victims in Illinois reported eating sprouts at Jimmy John's.

Now Sprouters Northwest, Inc. of Kent, Washington, is recalling all of its clover and clover mix products because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, older adults and others with weakened immune systems. Sprouters Northwest said it is cooperating with state and federal investigators to find the source of the contamination. Meanwhile, production has been suspended.

A press release from the Washington State Department of Health said the recalled sprouts are connected to an outbreak of Salmonella Newport that has sickened four people in Washington and two in Oregon. The Washington cases of Salmonella Newport occurred in mid-December among residents of Benton, King, Kitsap, and Grays Harbor counties. The recalled clover products were distributed in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska in retail chains and through wholesale distribution.

Healthy persons infected with Salmonella often experience fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare circumstances, Salmonella infection can result in the organism getting into the bloodstream and producing more severe illnesses such as arterial infections, endocarditis and reactive arthritis, also known as Reiter's Syndrome.

If you or someone you love has been sickened by Salmonella after consuming contaminated alfalfa sprouts, your questions about a potential sprouts Salmonella lawsuit  will be answered by an attorney at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a national food safety law firm that has collected millions for victims of food poisoning. Our firm already represents an Illinois woman who was hospitalized with Salmonellosis after eating alfalfa sprouts on a Jimmy John's sandwich

For information about Salmonella compensation claims and a free case consultation call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our Salmonella claim contact form. A lawyer will contact you.

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CDC said preliminary results of the investigation indicate a link to eating Tiny Greens brand Alfalfa Sprouts and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a press release advising consumers not to eat Alfalfa Sprouts and Spicy Sprouts (which contain alfalfa sprouts mixed with radish and clover sprouts) from Tiny Greens Organic Farm of Urbana, Illinois. The recalled sprouts were distributed to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, and Missouri, and may also have been distributed to other Midwestern states.

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In connection with the Illinois Salmonella sprouts outbreak, the following press release was issued today by Business Wire:

Food safety lawyer Fred Pritzker is calling on Jimmy John’s and alfalfa sprouts supplier Tiny Greens Organic Farm to immediately pay medical expenses and other costs incurred by victims of a Salmonella outbreak that has been associated with consumption of alfalfa sprouts at certain Jimmy John’s restaurants.

Pritzker, founder of Pritzker Olsen attorneys, has been retained by an Illinois woman who is an apparent victim of the outbreak and he is continuing to accept additional new cases. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), more than 20 percent of the people infected by the outbreak strain of Salmonella have been hospitalized for treatment. To date, no deaths have been reported but Salmonella is capable of killing people with weakened immune systems, including the elderly and very young.

The CDC and FDA, working with state partners, have announced a preliminary link between Tiny Greens alfalfa sprouts and the outbreak. Approximately half of the illnesses occurred in Illinois, where many of the ill individuals ate sandwiches containing sprouts at various Jimmy John’s, the CDC has said. Tiny Greens and Jimmy John’s are both based in Illinois. Other states involved in the outbreak include California, Connecticut, Georgia, Hawaii, Iowa, Indiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and Wisconsin, according to the CDC.

While Jimmy John’s sprouts Salmonella litigation is pending, the companies should quickly alleviate the acute financial burden on victims who have lost wages and incurred substantial medical bills.

"It is only fair that Jimmy John’s and Tiny Greens pay for hospitalization and other direct costs while related legal issues, including pain and suffering, are pending,’’ Pritzker said. “The families deserve that peace of mind.’’

Attorney Fred Pritzker can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or by our contact form for a free case consultation. Mr. Pritzker is the founding partner of PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a Minneapolis, MN law firm that represents Salmonella and E. coli victims nationwide. Mr. Pritzker has won millions for food poisoning victims and has appeared on national and local news programs to discuss foodborne illness lawsuits and food safety.

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Illinois has been hit hard with Salmonella in sprouts served at Jimmy John's according to a statistical association drawn by FDA, state partners and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Sprouts supplier Tiny Greens Organic Farm Foods Co. says  there have been 51 confirmed cases of the outbreak strain in Illinois and around that same number in 15 other states. 

Missouri and Indiana are the other two leading states in this outbreak, which started November 1. Tiny Greens has recalled all Alfalfa Sprouts and Spicy Sprouts from November 1 through December 21 because they have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella.  Product was distributed thru various distributors in Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri and could have ended up in restaurants and supermarkets near those areas.

Attorney Fred Pritzker is representing an Illinois woman who became seriously ill with a Salmonella infection after eating at a Jimmy John's in Illinois. She spent several days in the hospital and has not fully recovered.  For Jimmy John's Salmonella lawsuit information, contact our law firm at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our online form for a free consultation. Our attorneys represent Salmonella victims nationwide.

Here is the specific recall information from Illinois-based Tiny Greens:

 "We have decided to voluntarily recall our 4 oz. Spicy Sprouts and our 4 oz., 1 lb., 2 lb., & 5 lb. Alfalfa Sprouts (all package sizes) with lot codes 348, 350, or 354, or having a “sell by” date of 12/29/10, 12/31/10 or 1/04/11. As well, we would like to recall any product containing alfalfa sprouts with our lot number 305 thru 348 or ”sell by” dates from 12/16/10 thru 12/29/10." 

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Nearly 100 people in Illinois, Missouri and 14 other states have been sickened with Salmonella linked to Tiny Greens Organic Farm’s Alfalfa Sprouts and Spicy Sprouts. Approximately half of the illnesses occurred in Illinois, where many of the ill individuals ate sandwiches containing alfalfa sprouts at various Jimmy John’s. 

According to the latest CDC update on this alfalfa sprouts Salmonella outbreak associated with Jimmy Johns, 94 people have been reported from 16 states and the District of Columbia with onsets of Samonella poisoning from November 1 through December 27. The outbreak strain is Salmonella serotype I 4,[5],12:i:-. The number of ill people identified in each state with the outbreak strain is as follows: California (1), Connecticut (1), District of Columbia (1), Georgia (1), Hawaii (1), Iowa (1), Illinois (51), Indiana (9), Massachusetts (1), Missouri (17), New York (1), Pennsylvania (2), South Dakota (1), Tennessee (1), Texas (1), Virginia (1), and Wisconsin (3). About 24 percent of outbreak victims has been hospitalized.

Jimmy John’s restaurants have voluntarily suspended serving alfalfa sprouts at their Illinois franchise locations and the Food and Drug Administration has warned consumers not to eat Tiny Greens Organic Farm’s Alfalfa Sprouts and Spicy Sprouts.

Law firm PrtizkerOlsen, P.A., is investigating this outbreak and has been in touch with victims. A claims center for members of the public can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by completing the contact form on the side of this Web page. 

If you contracted Salmonellosis after eating at Jimmy Johns, you may have a claim for money damages against Jimmy Johns, Tiny Greens Organic Farm of Urbana, Illinois, and others.. A full analysis of your case and further investigation is necessary to determine the parties that you have a right to sue and how much your case is worth.

Our law firm is considered a national leader in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have successfully represented victims of Salmonella and E. coli outbreaks linked to alfalfa sprouts. A 2009 outbreak of Salmonella linked to contaminated alfalfa sprouts was one of the major U.S. outbreaks that compelled Congress this year to pass landmark food safety modernization legislation that will soon be signed by President Obama. Our law firm actively supported the push for stronger laws and individual clients of ours who lost loved ones to the spread of pathogens in our food were important voices in calling for change.

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Alfalfa sprout distributors and suppliers to Jimmy Johns restaurants in Illinois are being investigated and their produce is being tested for Salmonella matching a specific strain that has sickened at least 46 people from nine Illinois counties.

A story in the Chicago Tribune says many of the people who have become ill have reported eating an alfalfa sprouts sandwich topping at Jimmy John's restaurants. Illness reports began November 1. The Illinois Department of Public Health is investigating, but has made no statements about the outbreak on its website.

Food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., also is investigating to determine the cause. Anyone sickened in this outbreak who has legal questions may call a Salmonella lawyer at our firm at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete the contact form on the side of this Web page. It is a free case consultation. PritzkerOlsen has represented Illinois restaurant chain food poisoning victims and has years of experience in Salmonella litigation.

Many adults recover from Salmonella without medical treatment, but infections involving this pathogen are not to be taken lightly and there can be long-term negative health impacts. Young children, older adults and people who have weakened immune systems are most at risk for severe illness. According to the latest foodborne illness estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Salmonella bacteria is the leading cause of hospitalization and death among victims of food poisoning across the United States. 

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The latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on a California alfalfa sprouts Salmonella outbreak indicates the number of ill people has grown by seven, including one case in Pennsylvania.

Nearly half of the 35 total illnesses were in California, caused by contaminated alfalfa sprouts made by J.H. Caldwell & Sons Inc. of Maywood. The CDC says Caldwell's facility is still under investigation. The company made a recall stemming from the public health investigation of illnesses that first started to appear March 1.

Including the latest case, which was reported May 16, the Salmonella sprouts outbreak has infected individuals in 11 states. Seven of the victims have been hospitalized.

A sizable portion of recalled sprouts were sold at Wal-Mart and Trader Joe's stores, the CDC said.

If you or a loved one has been sickened in this outbreak, your legal questions about Salmonella compensation can be answered at law firm Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). Our firm is a national leader in foodborne illness litigation and we have collected millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning in all corners of  the U.S. 

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A multistate Salmonella serotype Newport outbreak is being investigated in connection with raw alfalfa sprouts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC is conducting the investigation in conjunction with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

The outbreak has so far sickened 28 people with matching strains of this type of Salmonella infection in 10 different states. Victims range in age from younger than one year old to 75 years old and 32 is the median age. Cases are distributed throughout the ten states as follows: AZ (2), CA (14), CO (1), ID (3), IL (1), MO (1), NM (1), NV (2), OR (1), and WI (2)

According to the CDC announcement:

"Interviews of case-patients found that most reported eating raw alfalfa sprouts before becoming ill. Some case-patients reported eating sprouts at restaurants; others purchased sprouts at grocery stores. The initial investigation traced the implicated raw alfalfa sprouts to a single sprout processor in California. Investigations are currently ongoing at the sprout processor."

Because of Salmonella contamination concerns, a raw alfalfa sprouts recall was announced by Caldwell Fresh Foods on May 21. The recalled sprouts were sold under several brand names and were sold at 400 Walmart stores in 15 states.They were also sold at Trader Joe's

Safe Consumption of Sprouts: Avoid Food Poisoning

Health officials advise that children, pregnant women, people with weak immune systems and the elderly NOT CONSUME raw sprouts, as they can be a particular risky source of bacteria due to the warm, moist environments in which they are grown. This includes other types of sprouts in addition to alfalfa sprouts, such as mung bean sprouts, clover sprouts and radish sprouts. Cooking the sprouts makes them safer to eat because it can kill potentially harmful bacteria such as Salmonella.

Consumers can also protect themselves by requesting that raw sprouts NOT be added to dishes in restaurants or delis.

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The multi-state Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has grown to more than 120 confirmed cases and national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is continuing to hear from victims of the outbreak.

The firm, which is involved in virtually every major outbreak of foodborne illness, is representing victims in claims against  CW Sprouts Inc. of Nebraska.

It was early March when the Nebraska Department of Public Health and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) first made the initial association between Salmonella Saintpaul infections and CW Sprouts' SunSprout products.

The company on March 3, 2009, recalled its alfalfa sprouts, onion sprouts and gourmet sprouts in an alfalfa sprouts recall announced in conjunction with the FDA. It was reported that the outbreak strain of Salmonella was found in patients in Nebraska, Iowa, South Dakota, Kansas and Colorado.

In mid-March, for instance, the South Dakota Department of Health announced 29 illnesses believed to be caused by the sprouts. The agency said 14 percent of the people had been to the hospital for treatment. Salmonella infection is potentially fatal for young children, the elderly and other people with weakened immune systems.

The sprouts were sold under the Sun Sprouts label in 4-ounce clear plastic clam shell containers.

National Salmonella law firm PritzkerOlsen is one of the few firms in the country practicing extensively in the area of food borne illness litigation. To contact a Salmonella lawyer at the firm, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or get a free on line case consultation. The firm has a national reputation for excellence and a proven track record for recovering compensation for victims of food poisoning across the country.

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The alfalfa sprouts Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak has widened to at least 100 cases as public health officials in Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, South Dakota and Kansas continue to study the source of the outbreak.

In Nebraska alone there were 47 laboratory-confirmed illnesses and another 27 probable cases as of Friday. At least 30 of the confirmed cases were in Douglas and Lincoln counties, in eastern Nebraska.

South Dakota is reporting 24 cases, including at least three people who have been hospitalized. And in Iowa, KGAN-TV in Cedar Rapids has reported that health officials in that state have seen 21 illnesses linked to the outbreak.

An epidemiological study by health investigators in Nebraska has pointed to alfalfa sprouts grown by SunSprout Enterprises Inc. of Omaha as the potential source of the outbreak, but the cause is still under investigation. Laboratory work is being conducted by the Minnesota Department of Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also is involved in the outbreak investigation.

Some victims of the Salmonella Saintpaul outbreak already have contacted PritzkerOlsen Attorneys for representation and we are accepting clients from all states involved in the outbreak. PritzkerOlsen is a national food safety law firm with considerable experience and a reputation for success in representing survivors of foodborne illnesses. We are accepting cases from all states affected by the outbreak. Call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or complete our form for a free online case consultation.

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