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

A Taco Bell restaurant chain spokesperson has confirmed in an interview with Food Poisoning Bulletin that Taco Bell is "Restaurant Chain A,'' the business associated by CDC with an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis that sickened 68 people in 10 states. The outbreak happened in October and November, hitting hardest in Oklahoma and Texas.

The CDC refused to say what Mexican-style restaurant chain was tied to the outbreak, partly because the illnesses stopped occurring by the time a link was made. The CDC rationalized that releasing the restaurant's name would not help anyone to avoid getting sick. The Oklahoma Department of Health broke the silence this week under public pressure and Taco Bell confirmed the news.

Investigators believe the outbreak possibly was caused by a line of produce distributed by suppliers, but traceback efforts were not successful in determing what item of produce was to blame.

Further investigation is being conducted by national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A.., where claims from victims can be addressed by attorneys who practice extensively in the complex area of foodborne illness litigation. Contact a Salmonella lawyer at PritzkerOlsen or call the firm and an attorney will answer your questions. Consultations are free and you pay nothing to the firm until a claim is paid by the company or its insurance company .

More than 31 percent of patients in the Taco Bell outbreak were hospitalized. Here is the company's statement:

“The CDC has stated the public health is not at any risk and this incident is completely over. They have not identified the food source of the foodborne illness that occurred in October and November of 2011. The CDC indicated that some of the people who were ill ate at Taco Bell, while others did not. They believe that the problem likely occurred at the supplier level before it was delivered to any restaurant or food outlet. We take food quality and safety very seriously.” 

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued its last public update on the Hannaford Supermarket ground beef Salmonella outbreak without being able to say who supplied contaminated meat to the grocery chain for the purpose of making hamburger.

The so-called Final Investigation Update didn't even mention the agency's earlier-stated frustration over incomplete record-keeping at Hannaford in in terms of being able to tell which meatpackers supplied the beef that went into the retail chain's grinder. Without accurate grinding logs, there would be no traceback -- a process that could have potentially prevented other contaminated beef from reaching the food chain.

A total of 20 people were infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium in seven states. The outbreak started in October and is now considered over, although there is still a warning to consumers that they check their freezers for Hannaford ground beef that was recalled. The number of victims were as follows: Hawaii (1), Kentucky (1), Massachusetts (1), Maine (4), New Hampshire (6), New York (6), and Vermont (1).

The outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium was resistant to several commonly prescribed antibiotics, which may have caused an increase in the risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in infected patients. Nearly half of those who suffered infection in this outbreak were hospitalized, but there were no deaths.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is continuing to accept cases for a possible Hannaford Salmonella lawsuit. Our firm is one of the very few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we are involved in practically all major outbreaks of food poisoning representing people who were harmed. Hiring a good foodborne illness attorney is important because the laws are complex and the size of claims rests on the level of experienced representation behind you and your family.

Contact a Salmonella lawyer at PritzkerOlsen or call the firm directly at 1-888-377-8900.

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Ever since the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an after-the-fact report about a Salmonella outbreak that sickened 68 people in 10 states and withheld the name of the Mexican-style fast food restaurant chain responsible, the food safety community has been buzzing.

Neither the CDC, nor any health official from any of the 10 states with victims has named the comany, referred to in the CDC’s first and only report on the outbreak, issued January 19, 2012, as Mexican Restaurant Chain A.

The CDC has a case-by-case policy in these matters and generally tries to protect companies from bad publicity by naming them only when the public can use that information to protect their health. Ih this case, neither the CDC nor any of the 10 state health departments involved said anything about the outbreak until it was over. So, in this case, the CDC’s inaction proves its own point. No, the teenager craving a taco in January can’t protect himself from becoming part of an foodborne illness outbreak that happened three months ago, but the teenager in October could have. Unfortunately, none of our public health officials gave him that opportunity.

And what about Restaurant Chain A?  Surely Mexican Restaurant Chains B-G must be wondering why Restaurant A has lacked the courage to step up and say, yes, it’s us. Given the rumors of a possible leak later this week by one of the state departments of health, it may be time for Restaurant Chain A to let the public know that their restaurants were linked the Salmonella outbreak and to provide information on any efforts the company is making to prevent future outbreaks.

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Solving the Salmonella outbreak linked to Mexican-style, fast food "Restaurant Chain A" in Texas, Oklahoma and eight other states took a classic, collaborative approach by a combination of federal, state and local public health agencies. Authorities have refused to identify the name of this fast-food chain to citizens.

This outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis sickened at least 68 people and now appears to be over, but any Restaurant A Salmonella lawsuit will depend on the epidemiology that convinced the FDA and CDC to conclude that some item of produce from a common source was the likely cause. National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is accepting cases from this outbreak and has represented victims of past restaurant outbreaks, collecting millions of dollars to compensate them for the harms they suffered.  Free consultations for this Mexican-style fast food outbreak are available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or individuals can leave contact information here and a Salmonella lawyer from the firm will call you.

Mexican fast food Salmonella investigation

Among 52 ill persons for whom information was available, 60 percent reported eating at Restaurant Chain A in the week before illness onset. Ill persons reported eating at 18 different locations of the chain in the week before becoming ill. Three locations were identified where more than one ill person reported eating in the week before becoming ill. This finding indicates that contamination likely occurred before the contaminated food product reached chain locations.

Further epidemiologic study based on interviews with 48 ill people and 103 who were not sick indicated that 62 percent were more likely to report eating at Restaurant Chain A in the week before illness. Only 17 percent of well respondents said they ate at the chain in the previous week. No specific food item or ingredient was found to be associated with illness due to common ingredients being used together in many menu items such as tacos, burritos, and taco salads, but 90 percent of ill respondents reported eating lettuce, 77 percent reported eating cheese and 35 percent reported eating tomatoes. Ninety four precent reported eating ground beef, but investigators discounted ground beef as a possible source of illness because of the restaurant chain's protocols for safe cooking.

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A Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 68 people in 10 states is the latest in a recent string of foodborne illness outbreaks linked to Mexican-style food.

On January 19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released its first and final report on a multi-state Mexican fast food outbreak but did not name the restaurant chain.

Those with confirmed cases of the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis in each state is as follows: Texas (43), Oklahoma (16), Kansas (2), Iowa (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (1), Nebraska (1), New Mexico (1), Ohio (1), and Tennessee (1). Investigators were unable to identify the specific food source of the outbreak, but say that the contamination likely occurred before the product reached the restaurant locations.

According to the CDC, restaurants are the most commonly identified setting for foodborne outbreaks. Recent outbreaks associated with Mexican-style restaurants include:

• A December 2011 Salmonella outbreak linked to Don Julio Mexican Restaurant in Corinth, MIss. that that sickened 59 patrons and staff.
• A September 2011 Salmonella outbreak linked to a Mexican restaurant in Grandville, Mich. that sickened at least one patron.
• Two August 2010 Salmonella outbreaks linked to a Mexican-style fast food chain that sickened at least 155 people in 18 states.

Salmonella is a bacteria that, if ingested, can cause an infection called salmonellosis. About 40,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported annually n the United States, but because many milder cases are not diagnosed or reported, the actual number of infections may be thirty times that number, according to the CDC.

Salmonellosis symptoms usually develop 12 to 72 hours after infection and include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps lasting four to seven days. In some cases, hospitalization is required. Those most at risk are young children, the elderly and the immunocompromised.

If you have legal questions about an illness you believe is associated with this outbreak, contact a Salmonella lawyer at PritzkerOlsen P.A. for a free consultation.
 

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Texas and Oklahoma were hardest hit by a Salmonella outbreak that public health investigators traced to a Mexican-style fast food restaurant chain that operates in at least 11 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did not name the restaurant chain in its only report on the outbreak, but it noted that 86 percent of the case patients were from Texas or Oklahoma.

A total of 68 people were infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis, including 43 in Texas and 16 in Oklahoma. The other states with confirmed illnesses were Minnesota, Kansas, Iowa , Michigan, Missouri, Nebraska,  New Mexico, Ohio, and Tennessee. About a third of the individuals were hospitalized.

Food safety law firm PrtizkerOlsen, P.A., is prepared to help any family or individual sickened in this outbreak. Questions about possible foodborne illness litigation can be directed to any attorney at the firm, 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or leave your contact information and a lawyer will respond. Free case consultations are central to our practice and clients don't owe us anything until a claim is obtained for them.

Salmonella is the most common bacterial cause of foodborne outbreaks in the United States and approximately half of all Salmonella outbreaks occur in restaurant settings. Harms from an infection be long-lasting, at times causing a painful and disabling condition known as reactive arthritis or Reiter's Syndrome.

Investigators believe the outbreak may have been caused by a contaminated produce item that arrived by truck delivery, but efforts to pinpoint the food responsible for the outbreak did not succeed. The outbreak is now over, but it spanned most of October and November and spiked in late October.

It's not clear why the CDC did not name the restaurant chain, but the company's identity will become known as PritzkerOlsen investigates on behalf of outbreak victims. Anyone who contracts food poisoning at a restaurant is entitled to damages from the restaurant. This is the case even when the specific food source is not determined by health investigators or when the restaurant unknowingly accepts food already contaminated with a pathogen and serves it. Restaurants are an important filter in the U.S. food safety system. We rely on them to hand-pick suppliers that provide wholesome and unadulterated ingredients.

When restaurant owners are held accountable for making people sick, our food safety system is strengthened for the good of everyone.

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 A multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to a Mexican-style fast food restaurant chain has sickened 68 people in 10 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Almost one third of those sickened with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis required hospitalization. The number of confirmed cases in each state is as follows: Texas (43), Oklahoma (16), Kansas (2), Iowa (1), Michigan (1), Missouri (1), Nebraska (1), New Mexico (1), Ohio (1), and Tennessee (1).

Among those for whom information was available, 60 percent reported eating at the fast food chain in the week before the onset of illness. Illnesses began on or after October 13, 2011. Patients ranged in age from <1 to 79 years, the median age was 25. Fifty-four percent of patients were female. No deaths were reported.

A collaborative investigation by federal, state and local investigators was unable to identify a specific food associated with illness, but data indicate that contamination likely occurred before the product reached the restaurant locations.

Among the ill who reported eating at the restaurants, 90 percent reported eating lettuce, 94 percent reported eating ground beef, 77 percent reported eating cheese, and 35 percent reported eating tomatoes. This outbreak’s epidemic curve is consistent with produce-related outbreaks, according to the CDC. The restaurant’s meat handling and cooking practices make it unlikely that ground beef was the source.

Salmonella is a bacteria that can cause serious illness if ingested. Symptoms including diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps usually develop 12 to 72 hours after infection. In some cases, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized or the infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. Young children, the elderly and those with impaired immune systems are most at risk.

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

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Commercially available Salmonella latched onto the lab coats, pens, keys, cell phones, mp3 players and whatnot of microbiology students and workers in an outbreak of Salmonella Typhimurium that sickened more than 100 people in 38 states, killing one.

In a final report on the year-long outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) this week reported a correlation between illness and a lack of biosafety training and awareness. Minnesota and Pennsylvania led the country with nine illnesses each while Georgia had six cases and the state of Washington had five. Several states had four case patients.

The illnesses began showing up in late August 2010 and the outbreak lasted through June 2011. Among those sickened by the organism were children at the homes of lab students and workers -- proof that the pathogen traveled on objects needlessly taken into a laboratory or on lab clothing that should only have left the facility for laundering.

The link between illness and lack of biosafety awareness and training was found in professional surveys among varying groups of lab workers and students.

"Staff working at laboratories that were associated with illness were less likely to have knowledge of biosafety training materials,'' the CDC report said. "In comparison, staff working in laboratories that were not associated with illness were more likely to train students and staff on the signs and symptoms of infection with Salmonella when conducting safety training.''

The CDC report included advice to students, lab workers and lab managers. One piece of advice for managers is to use either non-pathogenic or attenuated bacterial strains when possible, especially when teaching.

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Hannaford Supermarkets, which has been linked to the ground beef Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 19 people in seven states, ignored longstanding federal recommendations on minimizing food safety hazards in raw ground meat.

First published in 1998 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) , Guidance for Beef Grinders and Suppliers of Boneless Beef and Trim Products  states that grinders should “prevent any mixing of product from different suppliers” and should maintain records detailed enough “to identify, trace, and retrieve from commerce any ground beef products that may pose a threat to public health.”

After opening an investigation to pinpoint the original source of the outbreak linked to meat produced at Hannaford Supermarkets, the USDA found that the company’s inadequate records and practice of packaging ground meat from multiple suppliers mired traceback efforts.

This situation is precisely what the agency has hoped to avoid by publishing and republishing beef grinding guidelines over the last 15 years. Although following USDA guidelines is not required under the Federal Meat Inspection Act, doing so can minimize the impact of food safety hazards associated with raw ground meat. For example, the three basic principles of the grinding guidelines are:

“First, grinders and their suppliers should address hazards from pathogens such as E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella in their raw materials, as they are responsible under HACCP to identify and address all hazards reasonably likely to occur. 

• Second, grinders and their suppliers should realize that they are in an excellent position to implement process and distribution controls that address public health hazards associated with ground beef, such as E. coli O157:H7 and Salmonella. 

• Third, there must be an emphasis throughout the production and distribution chain on maintaining the records that are necessary to identify, trace, and retrieve from commerce any ground beef products that may pose a threat to public health. “

One section explains why keeping products from different suppliers separate is important:

“Grinders receiving product from more than one supplier should prevent any mixing of product from different suppliers. Keeping product from different suppliers separate will prevent any potentially E. coli O157:H7-contaminated source material from adulterating source materials from other suppliers. By separating raw materials from different suppliers, grinders will be able to identify the potential source of any E. coli O157:H7-contaminated product should the pathogen be detected. If ground beef produced from raw materials coming from a supplier is confirmed positive for E. coli O157:H7, FSIS intends to notify the supplier that they may have supplied E .coli O157:H7-positive product to a grinding establishment or retail facility.” 

Another guidance,  Sanitation Guidance For Beef Grinders, issued last week, gives examples of   how to keep good records:,

Good records include:

1. Producing store name

2. Address

3. City/state/zip

4. Date of each lot of store ground product produced, where a lot is defined as all 

identically labeled product produced from full equipment clean-up to clean-up

5. Exact name/type of store ground product

6. Amount of each lot of store ground product

7. Sell by/use by date and/or production code of each lot of store ground product

8. Other information used to identify store ground product

9. Full name(s) and product code(s) of all source products used to formulate each lot 

of store ground product

10. All Federal or State Establishment numbers of each source product contained in 

each lot of store ground product

11. Each source product sell by, use by, or production date/code    

12. The source firm name, establishment number and use by/sell by/production 

date/code for all Shop trim/rework used in each lot of store ground product

13. Date and Time the grinder was sanitized between source materials

14. Bills of Sale (e.g. sales receipts) reflecting Item numbers for each ground beef 

product sold to consumers

15. Invoice(s) and Bill(s) of lading for source product(s) 

Grinding Record

Time of grind

Lot/Batch Number (lot=same source material)

Exact Name/Type of Product Produced

Package Size of Product Produced

Amount (in pounds) produced

Production Code of Product of Product Produced

Manufacturer, Name of Source Material Used

Supplier, Product Code and/or Pack Date of Source Material Used

Establishment Information from label of Source Product Used (Est. #, ph #, contact info)

Grinder Cleaned and Sanitized Between Source Materials? 

If Y, Date and Comments

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Click here for full details of the Hannaford ground beef recall. Packages have sell-by dates of December 17, 2011, or earlier. Epidemiologists in Maine and New York have confirmed by testing product found in the homes of two ill people that hamburger in recalled packages is contaminated with Salmonella Typhimurium. This strain is resistant to multiple antibiotics, which may be associated with an increase in the risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in infected individuals. Nearly half of case patients have been hospitalized.

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After sickening 190 people in six states, the Salmonella outbreak linked to kosher broiled chicken livers from Schreiber Processing Corp. is over, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The outbreak, which peaked during the summer, stemmed from labeling confusion. The packaging described the product as "kosher broiled chicken livers," but the product was not ready-to-eat and required further cooking before eating.

Epidemiologic and laboratory investigations conducted by officials in local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies linked this outbreak to eating "kosher broiled chicken livers" from Schreiber Processing Corporation (doing business as Alle Processing Corporation/MealMart Company), and chopped chicken liver prepared from this product. 

Among 39 ill persons for whom information is available, 28 (72%) reported consuming chicken liver products in the week before their illness began. Laboratory testing conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Laboratory Division identified the outbreak strain of SalmonellaHeidelberg in samples of “kosher broiled chicken livers” and chopped liver products obtained from retail stores.  

On November 8, 2011, Schreiber Processing Corporation, of Maspeth, N.Y., York, announced a recall of an undetermined amount of “kosher broiled chicken liver” products. The products were sold at retail stores and may have been used as ingredients in other prepared foods. 

The outbreak hit New York the hardest with 109 people falling ill after eating the tainted livers. Illnesses in other states were as follows: New Jersey (62), Pennsylvania (10), Maryland (6), Ohio (2), and Minnesota (1).

Among persons for whom information is available in in these states, those sickened ranged in age from <1 to 97 years with a median age of 14 years. Forty-nine percent were female. Among the 154 ill persons with available information, 30 (19%) were hospitalized. No deaths were reported.

Salmonella poisoning, or salmonellosis, can have long-term effects including reactive arthritis which can cause heart complications or problems in the eyes, bones, or joints.

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

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 At least two more people have been infected with Salmonella Typhimurium in the outbreak associated with recalled Hannaford ground beef sold in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont and Massachusetts.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is investigating the outbreak and will provide free case consultations to individuals or families who have been hospitalized or suffered gastrointestinal illness caused by the outbreak strain of Salmonella. Our law firm is one of the very few in the United States practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning.

Eighteen people in at least seven states have been stricken by the pathogen linked to Hannaford hamburger and health officials continue to urge consumers to check their freezers for packages covered by the recall. The various ground beef packages bear sell-by dates of December. 17, 2011, or earlier. Hannaford store brand meat, Nature's Place ground beef and Taste of Inspirations Angus ground beef are all part of the recall. See complete details of the Hannaford hamburger recall. 

Some of those sickened in the outbreak ate food made with Salmonella-contaminated beef at a Hannaford store. If the store had adequately cooked the beef, no one would have become ill.  In cases like this, we have pursued claims of negligence, but ground beef litigation against Hannaford will also cover people sickened by packaged ground beef used at home.

One of the issues in this outbreak is the USDA's inability so far to identify the supplier of contaminated beef, which may have been sold to other retailers. Many retail chains grind their own hamburger from cuts and trim they obtain from various suppliers and Hannaford's grinding records are limited, impeding the traceback investigation, the USDA has said.

Sources include: The Portland Press Herald

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Maine, New Hampshire and New York are the leading states in the Hannaford ground beef Salmonella outbreak when it comes to the number of people who have been infected and confirmed as case patients. In its first detailed report on the outbreak of multidrug-resistant Salmonella Typhimurium, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said each of the three Northeast states is home to four confirmed cases, or three-fourths of the total number of 16 illnesses.

The CDC said four other states each have one case: Hawaii, Massachusetts, Kentucky and Vermont. More than half of those stricken from the contaminated ground beef have been hospitalized, starting in October.

"CDC and state and local public health partners are continuing laboratory surveillance through PulseNet to identify additional ill persons and to interview ill persons about foods eaten before becoming ill,'' the CDC said in its report.

It was patient interviews that first led the USDA and other investigators to associate the outbreak with fresh ground beef sold by the Hannaford supermarket chain. Due to insufficient grinding logs kept by Hannaford, however, the investigation has failed to  identify the meatpacker that is responsible for supplying containinated raw cuts and trim that the retailer mixed into hamburger.

The Hannaford ground beef recall involves packages that have sell-by dates of December 17 or earlier. Click here for details on the Salmonella ground beef recall.

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The Mississippi State Department of Health has approved a food safety improvement plan from the Don Julio Mexican Restaurant in Corinth following a Salmonella outbreak that sickened 59 patrons and staff.

Liz Sharlot from the Health Department told djournal.com that Don Julio's has reopened after being shut down since December 8. The agency noted in a press release that its investigation showed the cause of the outbreak appeared to be isolated at the restaurant rather than being linked to an outside food producer or supplier.

If you or a loved one has been sickened in this outbreak, you have every right to consult with an experienced foodborne illness attorney about pursuing a claim. Salmonella lawyers at PritzkerOlsen Attorneys are investigating and accepting cases. Free case consultations are available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or leave your contact information and a lawyer will call you.  Our firm is one of the very few U.S. legal groups practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected millions of dollars for Salmonella victims across the country -- handling their cases from start to finish.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), restaurants are the
most commonly identified setting for foodborne outbreaks.  Previous studies have shown that as many as 45 percent of confirmed food poisoning outbreaks reported to the CDC occurred in restaurants. Given that 80 percent of Americans eat out at least once per week, we need a better understanding of how and why food poisoning is transmitted in restaurants in order to develop better prevention measures.

In addition to serving victims of these outbreaks, Pritzker Olsen is actively involved in various causes and projects to prevent foodborne illness. Currently, one in six Americans each year gets sick from contaminated food.

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Cargill ground turkey production has resumed in Sprindale, Arkansas, for the first time since a multi-state Salmonella outbreak prompted the shut down of the operation for food safety purposes. The Minnesota-based company made the announcement in a press release this week.

"One of four ground turkey production lines has been reactivated at Springdale and the other three will be reactivated over the coming weeks as part of a multiphase ramp-up of production,'' the company said.

The 2011 Cargill turkey Salmonella outbreak involved a multi-drug resistant strain of Salmonella Heidelberg that sickened at least 136 persons in 34 states. Illinois and Michigan had the most cases and the CDC outbreak investigation spanned from late February through mid-September. National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen Attorneys is continuing to accept cases for litigation at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by leaving us your contact information. Our firm is one of the very few legal groups in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we represent victims in practically every major outbreak.

Cargill said it took the following actions to make the Arkansas plant safe:

• Complete reassessment and overhaul of the facility’s food safety plan.
• Implementation of several new food safety measures, including more and better bacterial reduction steps throughout the process.
• Creation of a three-phase ground turkey sampling and monitoring program which is the most rigorous in the industry.
• Use of high pressure processing to reduce Salmonella.
• Development of an enhanced process control monitoring system to ensure all aspects of the company’s Salmonella control program are continuously generating the best possible results.

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The Northeast Salmonella outbreak associated with Hannaford supermarket ground beef has raised an old issue with federal meat investigators. The USDA Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) notes in its five-state Hannaford recall notice that the probe of where the problem started has been impeded by "limited'' meat grinding records at Hannaford.

Retailers are not currently required to maintain detailed grinding logs that would show what beef cuts and trim go into each batch of store-made hamburger. The Hannaford Salmonella recall notice makes a reference to the issue and notes that FSIS is "pursuing rulemaking to address the concern.''  Detailed logs stating the identities of raw beef suppliers are needed for tracebacks to the original source of contamination to stop recurring outbreaks and expand recalls to protect as many consumers as possible.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys supports the additional regulation and is currently investigating the Hannaford outbreak in Vermont, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire and New York. At least seven people have been hospitalized and seven more have confirmed illnesses all caused by infections of Salmonella Typhimurium, a bacteria that is resistant to some types of antibiotics. If you or a loved one has been injured in this outbreak, call an experienced foodborne illness lawyer who understands the complexities of infectious disease and who is liable for them when the agent of illness is ground beef sold by a multi-state supermarket chain.

Contact  a Pritzker Salmonella lawyer for a free case consultation at  1-888-377-8900. You owe us nothing until we win your case. 

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Hannaford Supermarket customers in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York are urged to check for Salmonella-tainted ground beef that may be in their home refrigerators or freezers. This recall of Hannaford ground beef relates to an outbreak of Salmonellosis that has hospitalized seven people and injured seven more.

Outbreak confirmation came from the CDC and USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, leading to the recall this week of an undetermined amount of ground beef that was sold fresh from Hannaford meat cases. If you or a loved one has been sickened in this outbreak, contact Pritzker Olsen Attorneys for a free Salmonella lawsuit consultation.  Call 1-888-377-8900. You pay nothing until your case is won.

FSIS said 10 of the 14 case-patients reported purchasing ground beef at Hannaford stores in Maine, New York, New Hampshire and Vermont between October 12 and November 20. The various ground beef packages bear sell-by dates of Dec. 17, 2011 or earlier. Click here for more details of the Hannaford ground beef recall. The investigation by public health officials is ongoing and it's possible more illnesses could result. So far, no Salmonella deaths have been reported.

Salmonella lawyers for Pritzker Olsen are accepting cases from this outbreak. They represent food poisoning victims in practically every major outbreak of Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria and Campylobacter and the firm continues to be one of the very few practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation, including Salmonella litigation.

The current outbreak tied to Hannaford ground beef in the Northeast involves an antibiotic-resistant strain of bacteria known as Salmonella Typhimurium, a complicating factor that could lead to longer illnesses and hospital stays in some cases.

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A Salmonella outbreak linked to ground beef sold at Hannaford grocery stores has sickened 14 people in New York, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

On December 15, Hannaford, based in Scarborough, Maine issued a recall on an undetermined amount of fresh ground beef after information gathered from epidemiologic and traceback investigations conducted by the FSIS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health officials linked the illnesses to ground beef sold by the grocery chain.

Eleven of the 14 patients reported eating ground beef before becoming ill, 10 of them reported purchasing ground beef at Hannaford stores in Maine, New York, New Hampshire and Vermont between Oct. 12 and Nov. 20, according to FSIS.

The outbreak strain is an antibiotic-resistant strain of Salmonella Typhimurium, seven patients have required hospitalization and no deaths have been reported, according to the CDC. 

FSIS has not yet determined responsible suppliers and no other product description is available at this time.

The recalled ground beef packages bear sell-by dates of Dec. 17, 2011 or earlier and were sold at Hannaford stores throughout Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers' freezers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on FSIS' website at: www.fsis.usda.gov/

The products subject to recall are any size package of the following:

"73% Hannaford Regular Ground Beef"

"75% Hannaford Regular Ground Beef"

"80% Hannaford Regular Ground Beef"

"85% Hannaford Regular Ground Beef"

"90% Hannaford Regular Ground Beef"

"80% Taste of Inspirations Angus Ground Beef"

"85% Taste of Inspirations Angus Ground Beef"

"90% Taste of Inspirations Angus Ground Beef"

"85% Nature's Place Ground Beef"

"90% Nature's Place Ground Beef"7

Eating food tainted with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, an infection that can be serious and sometimes life-threatening especially for the elderly, young children and those with weakened immune systems. 

Symptoms usually develop within 12 to 72 hours after ingestion and include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. In some cases, severe complications including meningitis, colitis and reactive arthritis can develop.

Anyone with with legal questions about an illness or a hospitalization associated with this outbreak should contact the Salmonella attorneys at PritzkerOlsen for a free consultation.

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An outbreak of  Salmonella Typhimurium  that has sickened 14 people has prompted Hannaford grocery stores to issue a recall on an undetermined amount of fresh ground beef, according to the  U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

Through ongoing epidemiologic and traceback investigations and in-store reviews, FSIS, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state health officials have established a link between the outbreak and the ground beef sold by the Scarborough, Maine-based grocery chain.

The Salmonella Typhimurium strain associated with this outbreak is reported rarely in the U.S, according to the CDC which reports that, so far, 14 people have become ill, 11 of whom reported consuming ground beef. Half of the patients have required hospitalization and no deaths have been reported. The outbreak strain is  resistant to multiple commonly prescribed antibiotics, including cephalosporins, beta-lactams and aminoglycosides.

Of the 14 case-patients, 10  reported purchasing ground beef at Hannaford stores in New York, New Hampshire, Vermont and Maine between Oct. 12 and Nov. 20.  FSIS has not yet determined responsible suppliers and no other product description is available at this time.

The  ground beef packages bear sell-by dates of Dec. 17, 2011 or earlier and were sold at Hannaford stores throughout Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont. FSIS and the company are concerned that some product may be frozen and in consumers' freezers. When available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on FSIS' website at: www.fsis.usda.gov/

The products subject to recall are any size package of the following:

"73% Hannaford Regular Ground Beef"

"75% Hannaford Regular Ground Beef"

"80% Hannaford Regular Ground Beef"

"85% Hannaford Regular Ground Beef"

"90% Hannaford Regular Ground Beef"

"80% Taste of Inspirations Angus Ground Beef"

"85% Taste of Inspirations Angus Ground Beef"

"90% Taste of Inspirations Angus Ground Beef"

"85% Nature's Place Ground Beef"

"90% Nature's Place Ground Beef"

Eating food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, an infection which can be serious and sometimes life-threatening especially for children, the elderly and those with weak immune systems. Symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever usually develop within 12 to 72 hours. In severe cases, conditions including meningitis, colitis and reactive arthritis can develop.

Those with legal questions about an illness or a hospitalization associated with this outbreak should contact the foodbrone illness attorneys at PritzkerOlsen for a free consultation.

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A Salmonella outbreak that has sickened dozens of people in Corinth, Miss. has been linked to Don Julio  Mexican Restaurant and is no longer and ongoing public health threat, the Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) said yesterday.

 "Our investigation has shown that the incident does not appear to be a food producer or supplier issue," Northeast Mississippi District Health Officer Dr. Jessie R. Taylor, said in a statement. "It appears to be an isolated problem with this particular restaurant, and the restaurant is working closely with us to correct the problem."

The restaurant, which has been closed since December 8, will remain closed until an improvement plan is approved by the MSDH.

 As of December 13, a total of 59 patrons and employees of Don Julio Mexican Restaurant in Corinth, had positive cultures confirming the presence of Salmonella. MSDH has notified area healthcare providers.

Salmonella is a bacteria that, if ingested, causes salmonellosis an infection that can be serious and sometimes fatal. Children are the most likely to get salmonellosis, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The rate of diagnosed infections in children less than five years old is higher than the rate for all other age groups.

Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment,according to the CDC. In some cases, however, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient requires hospitalization. In these cases, the infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

Anyone with legal questions about an illness related to this outbreak can contact the foodborne illness lawyers at PritzkerOlsen P.A. for a free consultation.
 

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Health officials are investigating twenty-two cases of Salmonella poisoning in Corinth, Mississippi. Investigators are looking at restaurants where those sickened reported eating. According to the Sun Herald, Don Julio's was closed on Thursday: 

Health officials had found no evidence of any food contamination at the restaurant, and it was not ordered to close, a sign on the door said.

However, concern about contamination of vegetables from a supplier and the safety of customers prompted the move. 

Salmonella is generally transmitted by food contaminated with the bacterium. Symptoms of Salmonella poisoning generally include severe diarrhea and abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, fever, chills, headache and muscle pain. In some cases there is blood in the stool. 

Salmonella can be fatal if the infection enters the bloodstream.

Read more: http://www.sunherald.com/2011/12/09/3624275/corinth-eateries-safe-despite.html#ixzz1gBL8kH8r

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The Magnolia Regional Health Center in Corinth, Miss. has received 11 positive Salmonella cultures since Nov. 28, according to the Associated Press.

Hospital CEO Nick Napper says some cases have been admitted to the hospital and are in stable condition, that the state health department has been notified and that a source has not yet been identified, according to a story in the Daily Corinthian.

State health officials have interviewed the patients, and taken food samples from local restaurant, according to the Sun Herald. No restaurants have been closed by the state.

Salmonella is bacteria that can cause salmonellosis, an infection resulting in fever, cramps and diarrhea that lasts for several days and can require hospitalization. For some people, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In these patients, the salmonellosis may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites. Salmonellosis can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

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

Salmonellosis Complications

Salmonella infections can be life-threatening especially for infants and young children, pregnant women and their unborn babies, and older adults, who are at a higher risk for foodborne illness, as are people with weakened immune systems. We have handled cases for Salmonella victims who developed Reiter's syndrome, a reactive arthritis.

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Allegations of discriminatory hiring practices at Cargill’s Springdale, Arkansas meat-packing plant have prompted federal officials to say they want to cancel existing contracts with and prevent future ones with the Minnepaolis-based food conglomerate.

Cargill Meat Solutions systematically discriminated against more than 4,000 female, white, black, Hispanic and Native American qualified applicants seeking entry-level production jobs at the Springdale facility, according to an administrative complaint filed with the department's Office of Administrative Law Judges.

The complaint was filed after he U.S. Department of Labor's Office of Federal Contract Compliance Program (OFCCP) was unable to secure a fair resolution from Cargill Meat Solutions to pay back wages and interest to the rejected job applicants and extend job offers to at least 167 of the affected workers.

"This is an unfortunate case in which thousands of qualified workers were denied the opportunity to compete fairly for jobs in a tough economy," OFCCP Director Patricia A. Shiu, said in a statement. "Cargill has discriminated against vulnerable workers. OFCCP is prepared to use every tool at our disposal, including canceling a company's federal contracts when necessary, to achieve the goal of equal opportunity for workers."

The allegations add to the woes of the Springdale plant which was linked earlier this year to a Salmonella outbreak. Ground turkey processed at the plant sickened 136 people in 34 states between February and September, forced the temporary closure of the plant and prompted the largest meat recall in U.S. history

Source: http://www.dol.gov/opa/media/press/ofccp/OFCCP20111648.htm 

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From April 1 to November 16, 2011, a total of 179 illnesses due to Salmonella Heidelberg with the same  PFGE pattern were reported in states where Schreiber Processing Company “kosher broiled chicken livers” were distributed:  New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Minnesota, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Florida. With the chicken liver products, Schreiber Processing Corporation was doing business as Alle Processing Corporation/ MealMart Company. Some of the meat was distributed to retailers under the MealMart brand.

People contracted Salmonella Heidelberg after eating the chicken livers or chopped liver made from the chicken livers. Some people were sickened after eating the product at home, and others, at grocery stores or other locations. In all cases, victims have a claim against Schreiber Processing for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering compensation, and other damages.

The number of people who contracted Salmonella Heidelberg from chicken livers as follows: New York (99), New Jersey (61), Pennsylvania (10), Maryland (6), Ohio (2), and Minnesota (1). Among persons for whom information is available in in these states, ill persons range in age from <1 to 97 years with a median age of 13 years. Forty-nine percent are female. Among the 126 ill persons with available information, 25 (20%) have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Salmonella Heidelberg Outbreak Investigation

Epidemiologic and laboratory investigations conducted by officials in local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies linked this outbreak to eating “kosher broiled chicken livers” from Schreiber Processing Corporation (doing business as Alle Processing Corporation/MealMart Company), and chopped chicken liver prepared from this product. These “kosher broiled chicken livers” are sold at retail stores and may be used as an ingredient in other prepared foods. These products appear to be ready-to-eat, but are in fact partially cooked, and therefore need to be fully cooked before eating.  Consumers may have incorrectly thought the use of the word “broiled” in the label meant the chicken liver was ready-to-eat; however, these chicken livers must be fully cooked before eating.

Among 37 ill persons for whom information is available, 25 (68%) reported consuming chicken liver products in the week before their illness began. Laboratory testing conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Laboratory Division identified the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg in samples of “kosher broiled chicken livers” and chopped liver products obtained from retail stores.  In addition, New York City health officials found  the outbreak strain was found in “kosher broiled chicken liver” products.

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The national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen has filed a lawsuit on behalf of a victim of the multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to Turkish pine nuts sold at grocery stores operated by Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., of Rochester, N.Y., and distributed by Sunrise Commodities, of Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. The lawsuit against Wegmans and Sunrise Commodities was filed in the New York State Supreme Court in Monroe County by PritzkerOlsen with local counsel.

In September 2011, the plaintiff purchased pine nuts at Wegmans and made basil pesto with them. After eating the pesto, she began to suffer weakness, abdominal pain, diarrhea and fever. Her condition worsened, and she was later admitted to the hospital.

The plaintiff was one of at least 42 people in five states who contracted a Salmonella infection after eating the pine nuts, according to the CDC. Most of the victims, 27 of them, are from New York. There are also eight victims from Pennsylvania, four from Virginia, two from New Jersey and one from Maryland.

“This outbreak was caused by a breakdown in the food safety systems designed to protect consumers” said food safety attorney Fred Pritzker. “After-the-fact testing conclusively proved that the Turkish pine nuts were adulterated with Salmonella Enteritidis. Had these companies properly tested the product in the first place, this outbreak would not have occurred.”

Public health investigators used DNA “fingerprints” of the Salmonella strain to identify cases of illness that were part of this outbreak. After laboratory testing linked the illnesses to pine nuts sold in bulk bins at Wegmans grocery stores, the company issued a recall of 5,000 pounds of Turkish pine nuts sold at 78 stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Maryland between July 1 and October 18, 2011.

Further tests by the FDA confirmed that Salmonella matching the outbreak strain was present on samples of Turkish pine nuts taken from a warehouse used by Sunrise Commodities. The recall was then expanded to include pine nuts that had been distributed to food vendors in Florida, New Jersey, New York and Canada.

Attorneys Fred Pritzker and Ryan Osterholm represent the plaintiff in this case. They can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or at http://www.salmonellaclaimcenter.com or www.pritzkerlaw.com. PritzkerOlsen, P.A. has offices in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

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Salmonella lawyers at Pritzker Olsen law firm, are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg linked to eating “kosher broiled chicken livers” from Schreiber Processing Corporation (doing business as Alle Processing Corporation/MealMart Company), and chopped chicken liver prepared from this product. They are calling on Schreiber Processing to pay victims’ medical bills.

“We are calling on Schreiber Processing to pay the medical bills of the Salmonella  victims immediately,” said food poisoning attorney Fred Pritzker. “These victims and their families deserve this much while they are waiting for further compensation from the companies for lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress and other damages.”

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

Among 30 ill persons for whom information is available, 22 (73%) reported consuming chicken liver products in the week before their illness began. Laboratory testing conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Laboratory Division identified the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg in samples of “kosher broiled chicken livers” and chopped liver products obtained from retail stores.

This microbiological evidence is the “smoking gun” implicating Schreiber Processing/ MealMart chicken livers as the source of the outbreak that has sickened people in New Jersey, New York and possibly in other states.

In response to this Salmonella outbreak linked to chicken livers, Schreiber Processing Corporation, a Maspeth, N.Y. establishment, recalled an undetermined amount of broiled chicken liver products that had been distributed to retail stores and institutional users in Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. Visit Pritzker Olsen law firm’s Salmonella Claim Center for a list of retailers.

Attorney Fred Pritzker can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE) or by submitting our free consultation form. Mr. Pritzker represents Salmonella victims nationwide. He has won millions for food poisoning victims and has appeared on national and local news programs to discuss foodborne illness lawsuits and food safety. He is listed in the current edition of The Best Lawyers in America.

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The CDC has released updated information on the Salmonella outbreak linked to ground turkey processed by Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation in Springdale, Arkansas. A total of 136 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg were reported from 34 states with illness onset dates between February 27 and September 13, 2011. The number of ill persons identified in each state was as follows: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), Arizona (3), California (7), Colorado (4), Connecticut (1), Georgia (2), Illinois (16), Indiana (2), Iowa (2), Kansas (3), Kentucky (2), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (4), Maryland (1), Michigan (12), Minnesota (2), Mississippi (2), Missouri (7), Nebraska (2), Nevada (1), New Jersey (1), New York (3), North Carolina (4), Ohio (12), Oklahoma (2), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (8), South Dakota (3), Tennessee (2), Texas (18), Utah (1), Vermont (1), and Wisconsin (4).

Among persons for whom information was available, illnesses began on or after February 27, 2011. Ill persons ranged in age from less than 1 year to 90 years old, with a median age of 23 years old. Fifty-five percent were male. Among the 94 ill persons with available information, 37 (39%) were hospitalized. One death was reported.

Evidence Implicating Cargill Ground Turkey

Collaborative investigative efforts of state, local, and federal public health and regulatory agencies indicated that ground turkey was the likely source of this outbreak.

Among the 94 ill persons with available information, 51 (54%) reported consuming ground turkey. This proportion was significantly higher than results from a survey of healthy persons in which 11% of persons interviewed reported consuming ground turkey in the 7 days before they were interviewed. Product information (such as date and location of purchase of ground turkey) was collected from ill persons and was used by local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies to further the investigation.

Cultures of five ground turkey samples purchased from five retail locations between March 7 and June 27, 2011, yielded Salmonella Heidelberg with the outbreak strain. PFGE patterns from these Salmonella bacteria were added to the PulseNet database between April 11 and July 12, approximately a month after each sample was collected. Preliminary information indicated that all of these products originated from a common food-production establishment (Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation in Springdale, Arkansas). These products were obtained as part of routine sampling in the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS)  and were not linked to illnesses. In addition, a sample of leftover, unlabeled frozen ground turkey was collected by public health officials from the home of an ill person infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg in Ohio. Culture of the ground turkey sample yielded the outbreak strain on July 29, 2011.

In addition to the outbreak strain, with the “initial” PGFE pattern, a Salmonella Heidelberg with a second closely related PFGE pattern was identified in the contaminated leftover product. Since February 27, 2011, a total of 27 ill persons have been reported to PulseNet with this closely related PGFE pattern. Among the 13 such patients who have been interviewed, 12 (92%) reported consumption of ground turkey in the week before their illness began. The closely related PGFE pattern was also found in a retail sample of ground turkey taken as part of NARMS surveillance. This retail sample originated from Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation establishment in Springdale, Arkansas. Based on these findings, the 27 ill persons with this second closely related PFGE pattern of Salmonella Heidelberg were included in the total count of outbreak cases.

Drug Resistant Strain of Salmonella Heidelberg

This was a multi-drug resistant strain of Salmonella Heidelberg. As of September 12, 2011, investigators collected antibiotic resistance information on isolates from 12 samples of ground turkey collected at retail and from 23 ill persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg. The isolates from the ground turkey samples were resistant to antibiotics including ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, and gentamicin. The sensitivity testing results indicated that isolates from humans were also resistant to ampicillin and tetracycline, and some were resistant to streptomycin and gentamicin. All human isolates were sensitive to several common antibiotics used in clinical practice such as ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Antimicrobial resistance may increase the risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in infected individuals.

Cargill Ground Turkey Recall

On August 3, 2011, Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, a Springdale, Arkansas, establishment, recalled approximately 36 million pounds of ground turkey products that may have been contaminated with a multi-drug resistant strain of Salmonella Heidelberg. The products subject to recall were all comprised of ground turkey meat and had the establishment number "P-963" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

On September 11, 2011, Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation recalled another 185,000 pounds of ground turkey products after product samples at the plant tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg based on sample results from an intensive in-plant investigation performed by FSIS. On September 27, 2011 FSIS reported that one positive sample was confirmed to have the outbreak strain and the isolate was multidrug resistant.

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From April 1 to November 4, 2011, a total of 157 Salmonella Heidelberg illnesses linked to kosher "broiled" chicken livers processed by Schreiber Processing Corporation of New York were reported in New York (93 cases - 56 of the cases in NYC) and New Jersey (64 cases). Among persons for whom information is available in New York and New Jersey, illnesses began on or after March 13, 2011. Ill persons range in age from <1 to 97 years with a median age of 10 years. Fifty-two percent are female. Among the 125 ill persons with available information, 21 (17%) have been hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.

Cases in Maryland and Pennsylvania have also been reported, but the CDC still has to analyze data on these cases before they are included in the CDC count. We expect Salmonella Heidelberg cases from additional states will also be part of this outbreak.

Evidence Implicating Chicken Livers as the Outbreak Source

Epidemiologic and microbiological evidence has linked this Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak to eating “kosher broiled chicken livers” from Schreiber Processing Corporation (doing business as Alle Processing Corporation/MealMart Company), and chopped chicken liver prepared from this product:

Epidemiological Evidence: Among 30 ill persons for whom information is available, 22 (73%) reported consuming chicken liver products in the week before their illness began.

Microbiological Evidence: Laboratory testing conducted by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Laboratory Division identified the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg in samples of “kosher broiled chicken livers” and chopped liver products obtained from retail stores.

Recall Information

On November 8, 2011, Schreiber Processing Corporation, of Maspeth, New York, announced a recall of an undetermined amount of “kosher broiled chicken liver” products. These “kosher broiled chicken livers” are sold at retail stores and may be used as an ingredient in other prepared foods. These products appear to be ready-to-eat, but are in fact partially cooked, and therefore need to be fully cooked before eating.  Consumers may have incorrectly thought the use of the word “broiled” in the label meant the chicken liver was ready-to-eat; however, these chicken livers must be fully cooked before eating.

The products subject to recall include:

• 10 lb. boxes with two, 5 lb. bags of “Meal Mart Broiled Chicken Liver; Made for Further Thermal Processing”
• 10 lb. boxes of loose packed “Chicken Liver Broiled”

Each bag or box bears the establishment number “P-787″ inside the USDA mark of inspection. The product was distributed to retail stores and institutional users in Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

Contact our Salmonella lawyers for a free consultation regarding a lawsuit seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

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A Salmonella outbreak linked to kosher broiled chicken livers from Schreiber Processing Corporation has sickened at least 64 people in New Jersey, according to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

The majority of the cases have occurred in Ocean County. About 11 percent of the patients have required hospitalization, 48 percent are female, Donna Leusner, the department's spokeswoman, told CIDRAP News.

Chicken livers and chicken liver products, sold under the MealMart brand, are labeled “broiled” and appear cooked but are not. DHSS, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have identified these cases of illness associated with the Salmonella Heidelberg bacteria strain, a common bacteria associated with food poisoning in humans.

The cases of Salmonella Heidelberg, identified during the period of February through November, all had a common DNA fingerprint.  Public health investigations recognized a pattern of people reporting that they ate kosher broiled chicken livers or chopped liver before their illness began. The same Salmonella strain has been found in samples of broiled chicken livers and in samples of chopped liver made from the kosher broiled chicken livers.

In stores, broiled chicken livers are often re-packaged and sold in smaller quantities. Retail stores and other establishments in the following communities either re-packaged this product or used it to prepare chopped liver that was sold to customers:

• New Jersey:     Moonachie, Englewood, Lakewood, Freehold, Teaneck, Elizabeth, Howell,Highland Park, Passaic, Paterson
• New York:       Bronx, Brooklyn, Cedarhurst, Far Rockaway, Ferndale, Flushing, Kew Gardens Lawrence, Loch Sheldrake, Monsey, New York (Manhattan), Ocean Side, Parksville, Roslyn Heights, Schenectady, South Fallsberg, Suffern, Wesley Hills, Woodridge.
• Maryland:         Baltimore
• Pennsylvania:    Mckeesrocks, Philadelphia
• Minnesota:        New Hope

Consuming food contaminated with Salmonella can cause an infection called salmonellosis which can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems, infants and the elderly. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Anyone who ate meat included in this recall and develops symptoms should seek medical attention.

Anyone with legal questions about an illness associated with this outbreak should contact the Salmonella lawyers at PritzkerOlsen P.A., a national leader in foodborne illness, for a free consultation by clicking here or calling toll free 1 (888) 377-8900.

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A Salmonella outbreak associated with tainted chicken livers has sickened 89 New Yorkers, according to a press release from the New York Department of Health.

Schreiber Processing Corporation of Maspeth, NY, announced a recall of an undetermined amount of broiled chicken liver and chopped liver products on November 8. The chicken products, sold under the MealMart brand, were labeled "broiled" and appeared pre-cooked but were only partially cooked and needed to be fully cooked before consumption.

In New York City, 56 cases have been reported, an additional 33 cases in nine upstate counties have also been linked to the outbreak.

Officials from New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets have isolated the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg from samples of broiled chicken livers from the establishment, and chopped chicken livers produced at retail locations. 

The products subject to recall include:

• 10 lb. boxes with two, 5 lb. bags of "Meal Mart Broiled Chicken Liver; Made for Further Thermal Processing"
• 10 lb. boxes of loose packed "Chicken Liver Broiled"

Each bag or box bears the establishment number "P-787" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The product was distributed to retail stores and institutional users in Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Ohio and Rhode Island.

Consuming food contaminated with Salmonella can cause an infection called salmonellosis which can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems, infants and the elderly. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever. Anyone who ate meat included in this recall and develops symptoms should seek medical attention.

Anyone with legal questions about an illness associated with this outbreak should contact the Salmonella lawyers at PritzkerOlsen P.A., a national leader in foodborne illness, for a free consultation by clicking here or by calling toll free at 1 (888) 377-8900.
 

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The New York City Health Department has identified 56 cases of Salmonella Heidelberg food poisoning in New York City that are linked to eating MealMart brand kosher broiled chicken livers from the Schreiber Processing Corporation that were not cooked. Even though the chicken livers are labeled as “broiled” and may appear cooked, chicken livers from this manufacturer are not thoroughly cooked and should not be eaten unless they are cooked to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Salmonella illness (salmonellosis) has also been linked to chopped liver made from this uncooked product. Chopped liver made by the consumer after purchasing this product should also be fully cooked before consuming or discarded.

Cases of illness have also been identified in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Minnesota.

MealMart has issued a recall of this product. The products subject to recall include:

• 10 lb. boxes with two, 5 lb. bags of "Meal Mart Broiled Chicken Liver; Made for Further Thermal Processing"
• 10 lb. boxes of loose packed "Chicken Liver Broiled"

Each bag or box bears the establishment number "P-787" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The product was distributed to retail stores and institutional users in Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

The New York City Salmonella Outbreak Investigation

The Health Department recognized a pattern of people reporting that they ate kosher broiled chicken livers or chopped liver before their illness began and this past week confirmed that the cases of Salmonella Heidelberg identified during the period of February through November 2011 had a common DNA “fingerprint.” Of the 56 people who were diagnosed with infection from this Salmonella strain, 12 were hospitalized. This Salmonella strain has been found in samples of kosher broiled chicken livers and in samples of chopped liver made from the same broiled chicken liver produced by MealMart Company in Maspeth, N.Y. Though consumers reported that they believed the product to be fully cooked, it is not safe to eat without additional cooking.

In stores, “broiled chicken livers” are often re-packaged and sold in smaller quantities or are used to prepare chopped liver sold at deli-style establishments. Retail stores and other establishments in the following communities may have either re-packaged this product or used it to prepare chopped liver that was sold to customers:

Retailers include the following:

FOREMOST CATERERS, ANDERSON AVENUE MOONACHIE NJ 07074
MEAT MENAGERIE, EAST PALISADES AVENUE ENGLEWOOD NJ 07631
MEAL MART, 4621 13TH AVENUE BROOKLYN NY 11219
MEAL MART, 4521 FT HAMILTON PKWY BROOKLYN NY 11219
DELICIOUS MART, 5421 NEW UTRECHT AVENUE BROOKLYN NY 11219
MEAL MART CORP., 14 LEE AVE BROOKLYN NY 11211
MEAL MART "WESLEY," 455 RT 306 WESLEY HILLS NY 10952
SHAULY'S MEAL MART, 1973 60TH STREET BROOKLYN NY 11204
MEAL MART SOUTH FALLSBERG 845-434-3689 5115 MAIN ST SOUTH FALLSBERG NY 12779
WEISS MEATS, 5520 13TH AVENUE BROOKLYN NY 11219
MEAL MART, 7210 MAIN STREET FLUSHING NY 11367
WESLEY KOSHER SUPERMARKET, 455 RT 306 MONSEY NY
ATERES CHAYA, 1420 53RD STREET BROOKLYN NY 11219
STOCK CONG. ATERES MICHOEL, 5 DITMAS AVENUE BROOKLYN NY 11218
KITCHN/TOBI SCHIMMER, 118 MIDDLETON STREET BROOKLYN NY 11206
AVENUE M FOODS, 1920 AVENUE M BROOKLYN NY 11230
GLATT KOSHER FOOD, 128 2ND STREET LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
A & L FOODS INC, 4200 AMOS AVENUE BALTIMORE MD 21215
KING DAVID DELI LLC, 550 CENTRAL AVENUE CEDARHURST NY 11516
ARONS KISSENA FARMS, 72-15 KISSENA BLVD FLUSHING NY 11367
CATERING BY M SCHICK INC, 9024 FOSTER AVE. BROOKLYN NY 11236
ATERET AVOTH OF MIDWOOD, 1410 EAST 10TH STREET BROOKLYN NY 11230
AVE S SUPER MARKET, 802 AVE S BROOKLYN NY 11223
BETH MEDRASH GOVOHA, 617 6TH STREET LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
BRACHS "FIVE TOWNS" LLC, 11 LAWRENCE LANE LAWRENCE NY 11559
BROOKSIDE, 93 MANALAPAN AVENUE FREEHOLD NJ 07728
BUY RITE SUPERMARKET, 13 GREENFIELD ROAD WOODRIDGE NY 12789
CAMP ADAS YEREIM, 410 REVONAH HILL RD PARKSVILLE NY
CAMP MUNK, 163 QUEEN MOUNTAIN RD. FERNDALE NY 12734
CAMP BAIS YAAKOV COUNCIL, 482 STANTON CORNERS RD FERNDALE NY 12734
CHAP A NOSH/GOURMET GLATT, 137 SPRUCE ST CEDARHURST NY 11516
DOUGIES BBQ "TEANECK," 184 W ENGLEWOOD AVENUE TEANECK NJ 07666
ELIZABETH ONE STOP KOSHER, 155 ELMORA AVENUE ELIZABETH NJ 07202
FLAM CATERING, 6543 RT 9 N HOWELL NJ 07731
CATERING BY M SCHICK INC, 9024 FOSTER AVE. BROOKLYN NY 11236
GOURMET GLATT EMPORIUM, 137 SPRUCE ST CEDARHURST NY 11516
GLATT 27 EXPRESS, 1109 RARITAN AVENUE HIGHLAND PARK NJ 08904
ROTTERDAM FREEZER, 14 ROTTERDAM INDSTRL PARK SCHENECTADY NY 12306
GOURMET ON J INC, 1412 AVENUE J BROOKLYN NY 11230
ILLES KOSHER POULTRY, 5502 16TH AVE BROOKLYN NY 11204
RABBI JACOB JACOBOWITZ, 628 BEDFORD AVENUE BROOKLYN NY 11211
MR G - MEISNER JER., P/U BY MR G
KABBALAH CENTRE, 155 EAST 48 STREET NEW YORK NY 10017
KEHILAH BUTCHER STORE, 1183 49TH STREET BROOKLYN NY 11219
KHAL CHASSIDIM / R' KLIEN, 4820 15TH AVE BROOKLYN NY 11219
SHOPRITE-LAKEWOOD, 1700 MADISON AVE &KENNEDY LAKEWOOD NJ 08071
KOSHER CASTLE, 43 RT 59 MONSEY NY 10952
KOSHER VILLAGE, 911 E. COUNTY LINE ROAD LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
KOSHER WEST INC, 136 HILLSIDE BLVD LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
LEO'S DELI - KOSHER MART, PICK UP
YESHIVA BAIS HATORAH, 1815 SWARTHMORE AVENUE LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
MAIN EVENT CATERERS, 38 W FOREST AVENUE ENGLEWOOD NJ 07631
MAIN INGREDIENT INC, 215 MAIN AVENUE PASSAIC NJ 07055
MICKY MANTEL N/MORE ENT, 413 SPOOKROCK INDUS PARK SUFFERN NY 10901
MAUZONE MARKET PLACE, 341 CENTRAL AVENUE LAWRENCE NY 11559
GREENWALD CATERER, 40 E 8 STREET LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
MEISNER "KINGS HIGHWAY," 815 KINGS HIGHWAY BROOKLYN NY 11233
MESIVTA NACHLAS YAAKOV, 143 LABAUGH ROAD LOCH SHELDRAKE NY 12747
MR BROADWAY/CHEZ LANU, 1372 BROADWAY NEW YORK NY 10018
NUSSYS CUISINE/MEAL MART, 41 MAIN STREET MONSEY NY 10952
OORAH CATSKILL RETREAT, 1805 SWARTHMORE AVENUE LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
OPPENHEIMER, 1113 CLIFTON AVENUE LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
PALM GARDEN NURSING HOME, 615 AVENUE C BROOKLYN NY 11218
RALEIGH HOTEL, 243 HEIDEN ROAD SOUTH FALLSBERG NY 12779
RENAISSANCE, 5902 14TH AVENUE BROOKLYN NY 11219
RICHTER CATERERS, 2517 AVENUE I BROOKLYN NY 11210
RIVERDALE GLATT SHOP, 3540 JOHNSON AVENUE BRONX NY 10463
SAMPO DISTRIBUTORS INC., 400 BELL AVENUE MCKEESROCKS PA 15136
SUNHARBOR MANOR, 255 WARNER AVENUE ROSLYN HEIGHTS NY 11577
SEASONS "CENTRAL AVE.," 330 CENTRAL AVENUE LAWRENCE NY 11559
ATRIA KEW GARDENS, 117-01 84TH AVENUE KEW GARDENS NY 11418
SHARMEL CATERERS, 3436 LAWSON BLVD OCEAN SIDE NY 11572
SIMCHA CATERER, 200 PARK AVENUE LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
SUPREME KOSHER FOODS, 211 BEACH 17 STREET FAR ROCKAWAY NY 11691
SUPER STOP SUPERMARKET, 1161 RIVER AVENUE LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
TWIN CITY POULTRY, 4630 QUEBEC AVENUE NORTH NEW HOPE MN 55428
WASSERMAN, 72-68 MAIN STREET FLUSHING NY 11367
YESHIVA GEDOLA PATERSON, 555 15TH AVENUE PATERSON NJ 07504
YESHIVA OF PHILADELPHIA, 6063 DREXEL ROAD PHILADELPHIA PA 19131
YESHIVA YESODEI HATORAH, 2 YESODEI COURT LAKEWOOD NJ 08701

Contact our law firm for a free consultation regarding a lawsuit against Schreiber Processing Corporation, a retailer and possibly others. Our Salmonella lawyers represent outbreak victims nationwide and have won millions for our clients.

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An outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg illnesses in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Maryland has been linked to broiled chicken liver products processed by Schreiber Processing Corporation of Maspeth, New York.  The cases of Salmonella poisoning are linked to the consumption of broiled chicken livers, which appear to be ready-to-eat, but are in fact partially cooked and need to be fully cooked before consumption. Illnesses are also linked to chopped liver made from this product at retail stores.

The outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg was isolated by the New York State Department of Agriculture and Market from samples of broiled chicken livers from the establishment, and chopped chicken livers produced at retail from these livers. This is solid microbiological evidence (the "smoking gun") that can be used in a lawsuit against Schreiber Processing Corporation, a retailer and others.

Chicken Liver Recall

Prompted by this outbreak, Schreiber Processing Corporation recalled an undetermined amount of broiled chicken liver products. The products subject to recall include:

• 10 lb. boxes with two, 5 lb. bags of "Meal Mart Broiled Chicken Liver; Made for Further Thermal Processing"
• 10 lb. boxes of loose packed "Chicken Liver Broiled"

Each bag or box bears the establishment number "P-787" inside the USDA mark of inspection. The product was distributed to retail stores and institutional users in Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island. The following stores may have received some recalled chicken livers:

FOREMOST CATERERS, ANDERSON AVENUE MOONACHIE NJ 07074
MEAT MENAGERIE, EAST PALISADES AVENUE ENGLEWOOD NJ 07631
MEAL MART, 4621 13TH AVENUE BROOKLYN NY 11219
MEAL MART, 4521 FT HAMILTON PKWY BROOKLYN NY 11219
DELICIOUS MART, 5421 NEW UTRECHT AVENUE BROOKLYN NY 11219
MEAL MART CORP., 14 LEE AVE BROOKLYN NY 11211
MEAL MART "WESLEY," 455 RT 306 WESLEY HILLS NY 10952
SHAULY'S MEAL MART, 1973 60TH STREET BROOKLYN NY 11204
MEAL MART SOUTH FALLSBERG 845-434-3689 5115 MAIN ST SOUTH FALLSBERG NY 12779
WEISS MEATS, 5520 13TH AVENUE BROOKLYN NY 11219
MEAL MART, 7210 MAIN STREET FLUSHING NY 11367
WESLEY KOSHER SUPERMARKET, 455 RT 306 MONSEY NY
ATERES CHAYA, 1420 53RD STREET BROOKLYN NY 11219
STOCK CONG. ATERES MICHOEL, 5 DITMAS AVENUE BROOKLYN NY 11218
KITCHN/TOBI SCHIMMER, 118 MIDDLETON STREET BROOKLYN NY 11206
AVENUE M FOODS, 1920 AVENUE M BROOKLYN NY 11230
GLATT KOSHER FOOD, 128 2ND STREET LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
A & L FOODS INC, 4200 AMOS AVENUE BALTIMORE MD 21215
KING DAVID DELI LLC, 550 CENTRAL AVENUE CEDARHURST NY 11516
ARONS KISSENA FARMS, 72-15 KISSENA BLVD FLUSHING NY 11367
CATERING BY M SCHICK INC, 9024 FOSTER AVE. BROOKLYN NY 11236
ATERET AVOTH OF MIDWOOD, 1410 EAST 10TH STREET BROOKLYN NY 11230
AVE S SUPER MARKET, 802 AVE S BROOKLYN NY 11223
BETH MEDRASH GOVOHA, 617 6TH STREET LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
BRACHS "FIVE TOWNS" LLC, 11 LAWRENCE LANE LAWRENCE NY 11559
BROOKSIDE, 93 MANALAPAN AVENUE FREEHOLD NJ 07728
BUY RITE SUPERMARKET, 13 GREENFIELD ROAD WOODRIDGE NY 12789
CAMP ADAS YEREIM, 410 REVONAH HILL RD PARKSVILLE NY
CAMP MUNK, 163 QUEEN MOUNTAIN RD. FERNDALE NY 12734
CAMP BAIS YAAKOV COUNCIL, 482 STANTON CORNERS RD FERNDALE NY 12734
CHAP A NOSH/GOURMET GLATT, 137 SPRUCE ST CEDARHURST NY 11516
DOUGIES BBQ "TEANECK," 184 W ENGLEWOOD AVENUE TEANECK NJ 07666
ELIZABETH ONE STOP KOSHER, 155 ELMORA AVENUE ELIZABETH NJ 07202
FLAM CATERING, 6543 RT 9 N HOWELL NJ 07731
CATERING BY M SCHICK INC, 9024 FOSTER AVE. BROOKLYN NY 11236
GOURMET GLATT EMPORIUM, 137 SPRUCE ST CEDARHURST NY 11516
GLATT 27 EXPRESS, 1109 RARITAN AVENUE HIGHLAND PARK NJ 08904
ROTTERDAM FREEZER, 14 ROTTERDAM INDSTRL PARK SCHENECTADY NY 12306
GOURMET ON J INC, 1412 AVENUE J BROOKLYN NY 11230
ILLES KOSHER POULTRY, 5502 16TH AVE BROOKLYN NY 11204
RABBI JACOB JACOBOWITZ, 628 BEDFORD AVENUE BROOKLYN NY 11211
MR G - MEISNER JER., P/U BY MR G
KABBALAH CENTRE, 155 EAST 48 STREET NEW YORK NY 10017
KEHILAH BUTCHER STORE, 1183 49TH STREET BROOKLYN NY 11219
KHAL CHASSIDIM / R' KLIEN, 4820 15TH AVE BROOKLYN NY 11219
SHOPRITE-LAKEWOOD, 1700 MADISON AVE &KENNEDY LAKEWOOD NJ 08071
KOSHER CASTLE, 43 RT 59 MONSEY NY 10952
KOSHER VILLAGE, 911 E. COUNTY LINE ROAD LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
KOSHER WEST INC, 136 HILLSIDE BLVD LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
LEO'S DELI - KOSHER MART, PICK UP
YESHIVA BAIS HATORAH, 1815 SWARTHMORE AVENUE LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
MAIN EVENT CATERERS, 38 W FOREST AVENUE ENGLEWOOD NJ 07631
MAIN INGREDIENT INC, 215 MAIN AVENUE PASSAIC NJ 07055
MICKY MANTEL N/MORE ENT, 413 SPOOKROCK INDUS PARK SUFFERN NY 10901
MAUZONE MARKET PLACE, 341 CENTRAL AVENUE LAWRENCE NY 11559
GREENWALD CATERER, 40 E 8 STREET LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
MEISNER "KINGS HIGHWAY," 815 KINGS HIGHWAY BROOKLYN NY 11233
MESIVTA NACHLAS YAAKOV, 143 LABAUGH ROAD LOCH SHELDRAKE NY 12747
MR BROADWAY/CHEZ LANU, 1372 BROADWAY NEW YORK NY 10018
NUSSYS CUISINE/MEAL MART, 41 MAIN STREET MONSEY NY 10952
OORAH CATSKILL RETREAT, 1805 SWARTHMORE AVENUE LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
OPPENHEIMER, 1113 CLIFTON AVENUE LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
PALM GARDEN NURSING HOME, 615 AVENUE C BROOKLYN NY 11218
RALEIGH HOTEL, 243 HEIDEN ROAD SOUTH FALLSBERG NY 12779
RENAISSANCE, 5902 14TH AVENUE BROOKLYN NY 11219
RICHTER CATERERS, 2517 AVENUE I BROOKLYN NY 11210
RIVERDALE GLATT SHOP, 3540 JOHNSON AVENUE BRONX NY 10463
SAMPO DISTRIBUTORS INC., 400 BELL AVENUE MCKEESROCKS PA 15136
SUNHARBOR MANOR, 255 WARNER AVENUE ROSLYN HEIGHTS NY 11577
SEASONS "CENTRAL AVE.," 330 CENTRAL AVENUE LAWRENCE NY 11559
ATRIA KEW GARDENS, 117-01 84TH AVENUE KEW GARDENS NY 11418
SHARMEL CATERERS, 3436 LAWSON BLVD OCEAN SIDE NY 11572
SIMCHA CATERER, 200 PARK AVENUE LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
SUPREME KOSHER FOODS, 211 BEACH 17 STREET FAR ROCKAWAY NY 11691
SUPER STOP SUPERMARKET, 1161 RIVER AVENUE LAKEWOOD NJ 08701
TWIN CITY POULTRY, 4630 QUEBEC AVENUE NORTH NEW HOPE MN 55428
WASSERMAN, 72-68 MAIN STREET FLUSHING NY 11367
YESHIVA GEDOLA PATERSON, 555 15TH AVENUE PATERSON NJ 07504
YESHIVA OF PHILADELPHIA, 6063 DREXEL ROAD PHILADELPHIA PA 19131
YESHIVA YESODEI HATORAH, 2 YESODEI COURT LAKEWOOD NJ 08701

Contact our Salmonella lawyers for a free consultation.

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A recall of tainted pine nuts that are the source of a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 42 people has been expanded from 5,000 pounds to 21,000 pounds, the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced Friday.

On October 26, Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., of Rochester, N.Y., announced a recall of approximately 5,000 lbs. of Turkish pine nuts sold at its stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Maryland between July 1 and October 18, 2011, due to possible Salmonella contamination.

On Friday, November 4, Wegmans pine nut supplier, Sunrise Commodities, based in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, announced that it is recalling 21,000 pounds of Turkish pine nuts after FDA tests confirmed the presence of Salmonella on the product. Additional testing is underway to determine if the Salmonella detected matches the outbreak strain.

Sunrise Commodities has voluntarily recalled four lots of Turkish pine nuts that were distributed in bulk to various food vendors in Florida, New Jersey, New York and Canada. Each lot was packed in 22-pound boxes and included the markings:

    Warehouse Lot 27963 with the identifying code “PO#: 50165”
    Warehouse Lot 29628 with the identifying code “PO#: 50558”
    Warehouse Lot 27713 with the identifying code “PO#: 49595”
    Warehouse Lot 27427 with the identifying code “PO#: 50032”



Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days and most people recover without treatment. However, in some cases, the symptoms may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. If it spreads to the intestines or bloodstream a Salmonella infection can be serious and sometimes, fatal. Older adults, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are most susceptible to likely Salmonella infection. Anyone who has these symptoms should seek medical attention. 

The law firm of PritzkerOlsen P.A.  is representing a person from New York who was hospitalized after she consumed pine nuts sold at Wegmans. Attorney Ryan Osterholm is our managing attorney for these cases. He can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or by submitting our free consultation form. 

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Our law firm is representing a person from New York who was hospitalized after she consumed pine nuts sold at Wegmans. Attorney Ryan Osterholm is our managing attorney for these cases. He can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or by submitting our free consultation form.

Almost two thirds of the people sickened by the pine nut Salmonella outbreak are from New York.  Of the 42 people who contracted salmonellosis from Turkish pine nuts sold in bulk bins at Wegmans grocery stores, 27 are from New York, according the latest update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The outbreak includes victims from four other states. Eight people have been sickened in Pennsylvania, four in Virginia, two in New Jersey and one in Maryland. The victims range in age from less than 1 to 94 years old, putting the median age at 43. Sixty percent of victims are female. So far, two people have required hospitalization. No deaths have been reported. Due to the lag in reporting time, illnesses that occurred after October 6, 2011, might not be reported yet, so the total number of case may increase, the CDC cautions.

Public health investigators are using DNA “fingerprints” of the Salmonella bacteria to identify cases of illness that may be part of this outbreak which began on or after August 20, 2011. Virginia health investigators isolated the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis from Turkish pine nuts that were purchased from bulk bins at Wegmans stores and collected from an ill person’s home.

New York health investigators isolated the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis from two separate samples of homemade pesto containing Turkish pine nuts from two unrelated ill persons' homes, and from Turkish pine nuts from bulk bins at a Wegmans store and collected from another ill person’s home. 

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., Rochester, N.Y.,  has recalled approximately 5,000 lbs of Turkish pine nuts sold in the bulk foods departments of most of its stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Maryland between July 1 and October 18, 2011.

Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days and most people recover without treatment. However, in some cases, the symptoms may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. If it spreads to the intestines or bloodstream a Salmonella infection can be serious and sometimes, fatal. Older adults, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are most susceptible to likely Salmonella infection. Anyone who has these symptoms should seek medical attention. 

Contact our attorneys for a free consultation regarding a lawsuit to recover medical expenses, lost wages, compensation for pain and suffering, and other damages.

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Pine nuts potentially tainted with Salmonella were sold in bulk bins at all 78 Wegmans grocery stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Maryland between July 1 and October 18, 2011.

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc., of Rochester, N.Y., is recalling approximately 5,000 lbs. of Turkish Pine Nuts sold at those stores. The company’s newest store, in Massachusetts, is not included in the recall.

The pine nut Salmonella recall is the result of a multi-state outbreak investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Wegmans is working with the CDC, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and state and local public health and agriculture officials on this matter. The company has placed automated phone calls to customers who purchased the Turkish Pine Nuts using their Shoppers Club card alerting them about the recall.

Salmonella Enteritidis, an organism that can cause serious, sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Illness onset is typically 12 to 72 hours after consumption.Symptoms of a Salmonella infection, salmonellosis, include fever, diarrhea (which may be bloody), nausea, vomiting and abdominal pain. In rare instances, complications from salmonellosis can lead to arterial infections, endocarditis and arthritis.  
 
Health officials urge anyone who has developed these symptoms after eating pine nuts to see a health care provider. Those who have legal questions about an illness, complication or hospitalization related to this recall can contact our food safety attorneys for a free consultation regarding a Wegmans lawsuit. A toll free number is also available 1(888) 377-8900.
 

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Our law firm is representing a New York resident hospitalized in a multistate outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis infections has been linked to Turkish pine nuts purchased from bulk bins at Wegmans grocery stores. A total of 42 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis have been reported from 6 states. The number of ill persons identified in each state with the outbreak strain is as follows: Arizona (1), Maryland (1), New Jersey (2), New York (26), Pennsylvania (8), and Virginia (4).

Among 42 persons for whom information is available, illnesses began on or after August 20, 2011. Ill persons range in age from <1 to 94 years, and the median age is 43 years old. Fifty-seven percent of patients are female. Two patients were hospitalized.

Contact our attorneys for a free consultation regarding a Wegmans lawsuit for Salmonella poisoning from pine nuts.

Investigation of the Salmonella Outbreak

Epidemiologic and laboratory investigations conducted by officials in local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies linked this outbreak to eating Turkish pine nuts sold in bulk bins at Wegmans grocery stores. Some Turkish pine nuts were consumed as an ingredient in prepared foods, such as Caprese salad or asparagus with pine nuts, sold at Wegmans stores.

Among 30 ill persons for whom information is available, 19 (63%) reported consuming Turkish pine nuts or products containing these pine nuts in the week before their illness began.

Early in the investigation, shopper card information was collected and used to identify which specific products to suspect as sources of illness. Ill persons gave permission for public health officials to retrieve shopper card purchase information. A review of shopper card records identified that ill persons had purchased the same type of Turkish pine nuts from bulk bins at different locations of Wegmans grocery stores before becoming ill.

Laboratory testing conducted by the Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services isolated the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis from Turkish pine nuts that were purchased from bulk bins at Wegmans stores and collected from an ill person’s home. The Virginia Division of Consolidated Laboratory Services also isolated the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis from retail samples of Turkish pine nuts collected from a Wegmans store where ill persons reported shopping. Laboratory testing conducted by the New York State Department of Health, Wadsworth Center Laboratory, isolated Salmonella Enteritidis from two separate samples of homemade pesto containing Turkish pine nuts from two unrelated ill persons' homes, and from Turkish pine nuts which were purchased from bulk bins at a Wegmans store and collected from another ill person’s home. Both samples of homemade pesto have been tested and it is determined the Salmonella in these pine nuts is also the outbreak strain. Further tests on the whole bulk pine nuts are pending.

Wegmans Pine Nuts Recall

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is recalling approximately 5,000 lbs. of Turkish Pine Nuts sold in the Bulk Foods department of most Wegmans stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, and Maryland between July 1 and October 18, 2011 due to possible Salmonella contamination.

The recalled Turkish pine nuts were imported from Turkey by Sunrise Commodities of Englewood Cliffs, N.J. The recalled pine nuts were not sold at the company’s Northborough, Massachusetts store, which opened on Sunday, October 16.

Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. is a 79-store supermarket chain with stores in New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

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Minnesota is investigating a seventh case of Salmonella Enteritidis that may be linked to organic eggs from free range chickens at Larry Schultz Organic Farm in Owatonna, Minnesota.

The Minnesota departments of health and agriculture jointly announced late last week that three people were hospitalized and three others were sick enough to see a doctor and test positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella. An investigation linked the illnesses to the same producer and a recall ensued for Larry Schultz Organic Farm, Lunds & Byerly’s, and Kowalski’s organic eggs. The recalled eggs (click for details) were distributed to restaurants, grocery stores, food wholesalers and foodservice companies in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.

Phyllis Entis, aka the Food Bug Lady, reports that now a seventh case is under investigation. She quotes Trisha Robinson, Senior Epidemiologist with the Minnesota Department of Health. The FDA told Phyllis that  Larry Schultz Organic Farm is a small producer, with fewer than 3,000 laying hens, and therefore is is not subject to the FDA’s Egg Safety Rule and, therefore, was not on the FDA’s inspection schedule.

Just because a farm is labeled "organic'' or the laying hens are "free range,'' doesn't mean they are living in an environment free of  Salmonella or other human pathogens. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that for every confirmed case of Salmonella during an outbreak, many other people are usually sickened by the same bug but haven't seen a doctor who ordered a stool sample that would allow them to be detected as an outbreak victim. If you or a loved one believe you have developed a Salmonella infection after eating organic eggs from the Larry Schultz farm, see your health care provider immediately. 

For answers to legal questions about submitting a claim for compensation, contact an attorney at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a Minnesota-based law firm that is recognized around the country as a leading practitioner of foodborne illness litigation. Free case consultations are available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by leaving your contact information. 

Our firm has collected millions of dollars for victims of Salmonella poisoning and is actively involved in multiple efforts to prevent outbreaks of foodborne illness. Numerous clients have testified before Congress about the importance of keeping our food supply free of potentially deadly organisms, including Salmonella. Fred Pritzker, founder and president, is often quoted in media reports on outbreaks and was recently featured in a story by the Christian Science Monitor.

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Larry Schultz Organic Farm of Owatonna, Minnesota, is cooperating with a Minnesota Department of Health investigation into an outbreak of Salmonella Enteritidis that investigators have associated with organic eggs. Some of those eggs -- now recalled -- were sold as Lunds & Byerly’s Organic, Kowalski’s Organic and Larry Schultz Organic Farm eggs.

Three people were hospitalized and three others sickened to the point where they went to a doctor and tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella -- a human pathogen that is capable of causing death or long-term, disabling illness known as reactive arthritis or Reiter's syndrome.  The illnesses occurred in both children and adults, and all are residents of the seven-county metropolitan area around St. Paul and Minneapolis. 

Minnesota food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A. is one of the very few legal groups in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne Illness litigation. The firm is currently representing Salmonella outbreak victims and has published the complete details of this current organic egg Salmonella recall. Salmonella infection is a serious health concern and should not be taken lightly.

Anyone who believes they may have become ill with Salmonella should contact their health care provider. For answers to legal questions about claims recoveries, call a Salmonella lawyer at PritzkerOlsen, 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or leave your contact information and a lawyer will call you.

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The Minnesota Salmonella outbreak marks the second time in five years that shell eggs have been the source of a Salmonella outbreak, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Nearly 2,000 cases of salmonellosis were confirmed during the previous outbreak, which occurred during the summer of 2010. That outbreak was linked to unsanitary conditions on two Iowa farms: Wright County Egg, in Galt, Iowa, and Hillandale Farms of Iowa, Inc..

Salmonellosis, the infection caused by the bacteria Salmonella, causes an estimated 1.4 million cases of foodborne illness and more than 400 deaths annually in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Salmonella can be present on all raw foods including, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, fruits, vegetables, nut and legumes. To reduce risk of illness from eggs, the CDC recommends the following measures:

• Keep eggs refrigerated at or below 40° F (≤4° C) at all times.
• Discard cracked or dirty eggs.
• Wash hands and all food contact surface areas (counter tops, utensils, and cutting boards) with soap and water after contact with raw eggs. Then, disinfect the food contact surfaces using a sanitizing agent, such as bleach, following label instructions.
• Cook eggs until both the white and the yolk are firm, eat them promptly after cooking.
• Do not keep eggs warm or at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
• Refrigerate unused or leftover egg-containing foods promptly.
• Don’t eat raw or undercooked eggs.

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Lunds, Byerly’s, Whole Foods and The Wedge Coop stores have pulled eggs produced by Larry Schultz Organic Farm of Owatonna from their shelves at all locations following the announcement of a recall due to possible Salmonella contamination.

At least six people In Minnesota have been diagnosed with salmonellosis, an infection caused by eating food contaminated with Salmonella. Five of them reported eating eggs produced at the Owatonna farm prior to becoming ill. 

Roughly 40,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported in the United States every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But, because many of the milder cases are not reported, the CDC estimates that the actual number of Americans who get sick from Salmonella is probably closer to 1.2 million every year.

Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. But for those most at risk, including very young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems, Salmonella poisoning can be a serious health risk.

Minnesotans who believe they contracted salmonellosis after eating eggs associated with this recall should contact their health care provider. Those with legal questions about an illness associated with this outbreak or recall should contact the nation’s leading foodborne illness lawyers at PritzkerOlsen, P.A. for a free consultation.

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A Minnesota Salmonella outbreak has been linked to organic shell eggs produced by Larry Schultz Organic Farm of Owatonna, a small community located in the southeastern part of the state. The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) and the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) are investigating illnesses of at least six people in connection with a recall of organic shell eggs due to contamination with Salmonella Enteritidis.

Five of the six cases reported eating eggs from the Larry Schultz Organic Farm purchased at grocery stores or co-ops. The illnesses occurred between August 12 and September 24. The victims included children and adults all of whom lived in Twin Cities seven-county metropolitan area. Three of the victims required hospitalization, but have since recovered.

The problem was discovered during routine testing by state health officials. Larry Schultz Organic Farm is cooperating with the MDA investigation and has issued a voluntary recall of the products. The recalled eggs were distributed to restaurants, grocery stores, food wholesalers and foodservice companies in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Cartons bearing Plant Number 0630 or a “Sell by” date are not included in this recall.

Grocery stores and co-ops that may have received the recalled eggs include the following:

Minnesota Retailers
Kowalski’s Markets
Lunds
Byerly's
Grass Roots Coop, Anoka
Valley Natural Foods, Burnsville
Lakewoods Natural Foods Chanhassen
Whole Foods Co-op Duluth
Cook County Coop, Grand Marais
Harvest Moon Coop, Long Lake
Bryn Mawr Market, Minneapolis
Eastside Food Co-op, Mpls
Grass Roots, Mpls
Linden Hills Food Co-op, Mpls
Seward Food Co-op, Mpls
The Wedge, Mpls
Whole Foods Minneapolis
Lakewinds Natural Foods, Minnetonka
Whole Foods Minnetonka
Sydney’s Health Market, Moorhead
Bread N’ Honey Pantry, Mora
Just Foods, Northfield
Fresh and Natural, Plymouth
Mazopiya Natural Foods, Prior Lake
Good Food Store Co-op, Rochester
Fresh & Natural Shoreview
Hampden Park Foods, St. Paul
Mississippi Market, Selby Ave., St. Paul
Mississippi Market, Randolph Ave., St. Paul
Whole Foods St. Paul
St. Peter Food Coop, St. Peter
River Market, Stillwater
Bluff County Co-op, Winona

Wisconsin Retailers
Fresh and Natural Hudson
Back to the Best Country Store, Rubicon
Natural Alternative Food Coop, Luck

Michigan Retailer
Marquette Food Coop, Marquette

Salmonella can cause serious, sometimes fatal infections in very young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Healthy people infected with Salmonella may experience diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain. Those who may have become ill with Salmonella should contact their health care provider. Those with legal questions about an illness associated with this outbreak or recall should contact the nation’s leading foodborne illness lawyers at PritzkerOlsen, P.A. for a free consultation.

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A Minnesota egg Salmonella outbreak has sickened at least six people and led to an investigation linking the illnesses to Larry Schultz Organic Farm, which supplies Byerly's, Lund's and Kowalski's grocery chains in the Twin Cities with natural organic shell eggs.

A joint press release from state agriculture and health officials said the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis was traced back to Larry Schultz Organic Farm of Owatonna, where environmental testing confirmed the presence of Salmonella Enteritidis. Larry Schultz Organic Farm has issued a voluntary recall of products, (see below.) 

The Minnesota egg outbreak victims became ill between August 12 and September 24. The illnesses occurred in both children and adults, and all are residents of the seven-county metropolitan area. Three of the case patients were hospitalized but have since recovered. Five of the six cases have reported eating eggs from the Larry Schultz Organic Farm purchased at grocery stores or co-ops. 

Eggs affected by this recall were distributed to restaurants, grocery stores, food wholesalers and foodservice companies in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. If you or a loved one is part of this outbreak, contact national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A. Free case consultations are available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or leave your contact information online and a lawyer will respond to you.

MN Organic Egg Recall for Lund's, Byerly's, Kowalski's and Larry Schultz Organic Farm. 

• 1)  Larry Schultz Organic Farm Label    Extra large Cartoned     On or Before Jullian date "286 EXP NOV 12" or "286     NOV12"  The " " is as it appears on the carton.
• (if the carton has a plant number or any addtional numbers or letters it is not part of the recall)  If the carton has a "Sell by" date it is NOT recalled 
• 2)   Larry Schultz Organic Farm Label        Large Cartoned        On or Before Jullian date "286 EXP NOV 12" or "286     NOV12"  The " " is as it appears on the carton.
• 3)   Larry Schultz Organic Farm Label     Jumbo Cartoned   On or Before Jullian date "286 EXP NOV 12" or "286     NOV12"  The " " is as it appears on the carton. 
• 4)  Larry Schultz Organic Farm Label        Medium Cartoned On or Before Jullian date "286 EXP NOV 12" or "286     NOV12"  The " " is as it appears on the case.
• (if the case has a plant number on the label they are not part of the recall)  If the case has a "Sell by" date it is NOT recalled. 
• 5)  Larry Schultz Organic Farm Label        Jumbo Bulk        On or Before Jullian date "286 EXP NOV 12" or "286     NOV12"  The " " is as it appears on the case.
• (if the case has a plant number on the label they are not part of the recall)  If the case has a "Sell by" date it is NOT recalled.
• 6)  Lunds & Byerly's  Label   Large Cartoned    On or Before Jullian date "286 EXP NOV 12" or "286     NOV12"     Lunds & Byerly's  Label   Extra Large Cartoned    On or Before Jullian date "286 EXP NOV 12" or "286     NOV12" 
• 8)  Lunds & Byerly's  Label   Large Cartoned 6-packs   On or Before Jullian date "286 EXP NOV 12" or "286     NOV12" 
•  9) Kowalski’s Organic Egg Label On or Before Jullian date "286 EXP NOV 12" or "286     NOV12"

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We are investigating a confirmed case of Salmonella Newport linked to eating at a Mexican restaurant in Grandville, Michigan (near Grand Rapids, MI). The Michigan Health Department has indicated that several others have been sickened after eating at the same restaurant chain, and that the outbreak is multistate. We are not able to name the restaurant at this time.

Our Salmonella attorneys are signing up cases and are available for a free consultation. We represent Salmonella victims nationwide.

Salmonella Newport is Often Multidrug-Resistant

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Salmonella enterica serotype Newport strains in the United States have increased substantially. They are resistant to at least chloramphenicol, streptomycin, sulfamethoxazole/sulfisoxazole, tetracycline, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ampicillin, cefoxitin, ceftiofur, and cephalothin. Some phenotypes exhibits decreased susceptibility to ceftriaxone, a critically important antimicrobial agent for treating invasive salmonellosis in children¹.

Past Salmonella Newport Outbreaks

Below are some of the Salmonella Newport outbreaks that have occurred in the United States since 2008:

• Sprouters Northwest/Jimmy John's Restaurants Clover Sprouts, December 2010: Vegetable, Sprouts, Clover Sprouts
• Assi Market Pickles, July 2010: Vegetable, cucumber pickles
• La Reyna Supermarket & Taqueria Mexican Foods, July 2010: Guacamole, Salsa, Tamales
• Redmond Farms/Real Foods Market Raw Milk, April 2010: Dairy, Milk, Unpasteurized, Raw Milk
• Caldwell Fresh Foods Alfalfa Sprouts, March 2010: Vegetable, Alfalfa Sprouts
• Beef Packers, Inc., Cargill, November 2009: Ground Beef
• Barto's Idle Hour Restaurant Vegetable, August 2009: Vegetable, Leafy Greens, Unknown Vegetable, Onions Cross contamination
• Massachusetts Restaurant Unknown, July 2009: Unknown Source
• Michigan Unknown Location, July 2009: Unknown Source
• Beef Packers, Inc., Cargill, June 2009: Ground Beef
• Washington State Restaurant, June 2009: Burritos
• Illinois Restaurant, October 2008: Unknown Source
• North Carolina Unknown Location, June 2008: Unknown Source
• 2008 Multistate Outbreak: Tomatoes and Peppers, Some Used in Salsa and Guacamole

Footnote:

1. Karon AE, Archer JR, Sotir MJ, Monson TA, Kazmierczak JJ. Human multidrug-resistant Salmonella Newport infections, Wisconsin, 2003–2005. Emerg Infect Dis. 2007 Nov. Available from http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/13/11/06-1138.htm.

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The Oregon Government Ethics Commission has dismissed a complaint filed in August by Del Monte Fresh Produce against the state’s senior epidemiologist William Keene.

The seven-member citizen commission charged with enforcing government ethics laws said the issues outlined in Del Monte’s complaint fall outside its mandate to ensure that public office is not used for personal gain, according to a story in The Oregonian.

Del Monte did not allege in the complaint that Keene used his office for personal gain, but rather that he conducted a “cursory investigation” and committed a “clear error of judgment,” in concluding that tainted cantaloupe was source of a Salmonella outbreak, according to the story.

Keene and was one of several state and federal scientists who concluded that the tainted cantaloupe came from Del Monte’s facility in Asuncion Mita, Guatemala. The company maintains its cantaloupes were not the source of the outbreak and that none ever tested positive for Salmonella Panama, the strain involved in the outbreak.

In addition to the ethics complaint, Del Monte filed a tort claim in August announcing its intentions to sue the Oregon Health Authority over the outbreak.

 News source: http://www.oregonlive.com/health/index.ssf/2011/09/oregon_dismisses_ethics_compla.html

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The Cargill ground turkey Salmonella outbreak has continued to spread, entering New Jersey for the first time and adding victims in Colorado, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. The toll now stands at 119 sickened in 32 states, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

A ground turkey recall was issued September 11, by Cargill Inc., after Salmonella Heidelberg was discovered again at its Springdale, Arkansas plant. Discovery of the same strain in August prompted the plant’s two-week closure and the recall of 36 million pounds of ground turkey, one of the largest recalls in U.S. history.

Contaminated ground turkey is again being recalled from grocery stores but health officials are concerned that some tainted meat may still be in consumers' home freezers.The latest recall of 185,000 pounds of ground turkey products including ground meat trays, patties and chubs. The products were distributed nationwide under the Honeysuckle White, Kroger and Fresh HEB brands. 

• 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Honeysuckle White® 85/15 Fresh Ground Turkey
Use or Freeze by Dates of 09/19/2011, 09/20/2011 and 09/21/2011
UPC:  642205550463
• 19.2 oz. (1.2 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White® 85/15 Ground Turkey
Use or Freeze by Dates of 09/10/2011 and 09/12/2011
UPC:  642205503285
• 48.0 oz. (3 lbs.) trays of Honeysuckle White® 85/15 Ground Turkey Family Pack
Use or Freeze by Dates of 09/11/2011, 09/12/2011, 09/13/2011, 09/15/2011,
09/17/2011 and 09/18/2011
UPC:  642205535255
• 16 oz. (1 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White® 85/15 Ground Turkey
Use or Freeze by Dates of 09/11/2011
UPC:  642205503285
• 16.0 oz. (1 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White® Ground Turkey Patties
Use or Freeze by Dates of 09/18/2011 UPC:  642205509201 

The outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg is resistant to several commonly prescribed antibiotics; this antibiotic resistance may be associated with an increased risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in infected individuals, according to the CDC.

PritzkerOlsen attorneys are nationally recognized experts in foodborne illness. If you have become ill and need legal advice, contact them for a free consultation.
 

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Cargill Inc. is recalling more ground turkey because Salmonella has been discovered again at its Springdale, Arkansas plant, the source of a Salmonella outbreak last month that killed one person and sickened 110 others in 31 states.

The discovery of Salmonella at the plant in August prompted its two-week closure and the  recall of 36 million pounds of ground turkey, one of the largest recalls in U.S. history.

Less than a month after reopening, the Springdale plant yielded another positive sample of the same Salmonella Heidelberg strain associated with the August outbreak, according to a statement released by the company.

No illnesses have been associated with the latest recall of 185,000 pounds of ground turkey products including ground meat trays, patties and chubs. The products were distributed nationwide under the Honeysuckle White, Kroger and Fresh HEB brands. 

• 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Honeysuckle White® 85/15 Fresh Ground Turkey
Use or Freeze by Dates of 09/19/2011, 09/20/2011 and 09/21/2011
UPC:  642205550463
• 19.2 oz. (1.2 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White® 85/15 Ground Turkey
Use or Freeze by Dates of 09/10/2011 and 09/12/2011
UPC:  642205503285
• 48.0 oz. (3 lbs.) trays of Honeysuckle White® 85/15 Ground Turkey Family Pack
Use or Freeze by Dates of 09/11/2011, 09/12/2011, 09/13/2011, 09/15/2011,
09/17/2011 and 09/18/2011
UPC:  642205535255
• 16 oz. (1 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White® 85/15 Ground Turkey
Use or Freeze by Dates of 09/11/2011
UPC:  642205503285
• 16.0 oz. (1 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White® Ground Turkey Patties
Use or Freeze by Dates of 09/18/2011 UPC:  642205509201 

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The Cargill turkey Salmonella outbreak that sickened 111 people in 31 states over a five- month period is one of an increasing number of Salmonella outbreaks that happen every year in the United States.
Although total foodborne infections have decreased by nearly one-fourth over the last 15 years, Salmonella cases have increased by 10 percent in recent years, according to statistics gathered by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Every year, Salmonella sickens more than 1 million Americans, accounting for about half of the hospitalizations and deaths among the nine foodborne illnesses the CDC tracks through FoodNet," said CDC Director Thomas R. Frieden, M.D., in a recent press release. Salmonella poisoning generates $365 million in direct medical costs every year.

“Continued investments are essential to detect, investigate, and stop outbreaks promptly in order to protect our food supply," Frieden stated.

The Cargill Salmonella outbreak was linked to the company’s Springdale, Arkansas processing plant. In one of the largest recalls in history, the company recalled 36 million pounds of ground turkey, which had been distributed nationwide. Potentially contaminated products include Ground Turkey Chubs or 85% Ground Turkey with Use or Freeze by Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11 under the brand names Honeysuckle White, Shady Brook Farms, Riverside, Aldi's Fit and Active, Giant Eagle, HEB, Kroger and Safeway. Of particular concern are products that consumers may have stored in home freezers, health officials said.

If you have legal questions about an illness related to this outbreak. Contact one of the attorneys who specializes in Salmonella at Pritzker Olsen, P.A., the nationally recognized foodborne illness experts.

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Pork barbecue with vinegar and pepper-based sauce accounted for 23 percent of all samples of ready-to-eat meats that tested positive for Salmonella between 2005 and 2010, according to a recent study by USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.

No known illnesses have been associated with these products, but the high rate of incidence has the agency concerned. In a notice issued September 6, it ordered inspectors to meet with mangers of all plants that produce such products to make them aware of the study’s findings. Inspectors have also been instructed to review the safety of ingredients that are added to these products after the meat has been cooked.

Although the source of Salmonella in these products is not clear, one possibility is contaminated ingredients, such as the pepper or other spices in the sauce, that are added to the cooked and processes meat, the agency stated in a notice it released about the study.

“During processing of these products, the pork was cooked first, and the barbecue sauce was added after the cooking step. The lack of a lethality treatment for the sauce or its ingredients (e.g. pepper or other spices) could result in contamination of the final product,” the notice stated.

Until the notice expires Oct 1. 2012, members of the agency’s Risk, Innovations, and Management Division will work with the Data Analysis and Integration Group to review actions taken by establishments that test positive for Salmonella, to ensure that hazards have been addressed.

Source: http://www.fsis.usda.gov/OPPDE/rdad/FSISNotices/48-11.pdf

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The papaya Salmonella outbreak in Texas and 24 other states appears to be over -- linked to whole papayas imported from Mexico by Agromod Produce Inc. of McAllen, Texas. While new cases have nearly dried up, some families and individuals may still be looking for legal representation in litigation against the purveyors.

A public claims center for Salmonella papaya litigation remains open to all victims at national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). Free case consultations also are available by submitting contact information to the firm. Pritzker Olsen Attorneys is one of the very few legal groups in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected millions for Salmonella victims throughout the United States.

The papaya Salmonella recall includes all Blondie, Yaya, Mañanita, and Tastylicious Brand papayas sold prior to July 23, 2011. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , a total of 106 individuals were infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Agona beginning January 1, 2011. It tooks months of traceback work and laboratory testing to determine the connection to Mexican-grown papayas and Agromod Produce, but the CDC and other health agencies -- in conjunction with Mexican counterparts -- continue to search for the cause of the contamination.

Going forward, the FDA has issued an Import Alert under which papayas from each source in Mexico may be denied admission into the United States unless the importer shows they are not contaminated with Salmonella.

The number of ill persons identified in each state with the outbreak strain was as follows: Arkansas (1), Arizona (4), California (8), Colorado (1), Georgia (8), Illinois (18), Indiana (1), Kentucky (1), Louisiana (2), Massachusetts (1), Minnesota (3), Missouri (3), Nebraska (2), Nevada (1), New Jersey (1), New Mexico (3), New York (9), Ohio (1), Oklahoma (1), Pennsylvania (2), Tennessee (1), Texas (25), Virginia (2), Washington (5), and Wisconsin (2).

Ten patients were hospitalized. No deaths were reported.  

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One year after a Salmonella outbreak that sickened 1,900 people and prompted the recall of a half-billion eggs, government inspectors are sill finding that many Iowa egg farms are unsanitary and lack adequate measures to prevent Salmonella from causing illness in egg consumers, according to an investigative report by the Des Moines Register.¹

In fact, many of the state’s major producers aren’t even meeting minimum federal standards designed to protect consumers from illness, the newspaper discovered after filing a request under the Freedom of Information Act.

Furthermore, the egg salmonella outbreak and egg recall apparently have had no affect on reporting regulations or spurred more rigorous enforcement that would include fines and penalties. According to the report, Iowa egg producers are still not required to tell state officials if they find Salmonella on their farms and none of the violations has resulted in fines or penalties from state or federal agencies. 

“The federal Food and Drug Administration says it has never fined or closed down any egg-production facilities in the United States,” the story states.

Key information was blacked out on some of the documents the paper reviewed including: the size of rodent infestations, the brand names under which the eggs are being sold, and the names of diseases documented on farms. 

Among the problems outlined in the story:

• Inspections are announced days in advance, sometimes on dates chosen by the producers.
• Inspections are still based, in part, on the honor system.
• Insepctors do little on-site testing for Salmonella and instead rely on self-reported, in-house test results, even though laboratories performing those tests are not required to be licensed or accredited.
• Penalties for health and safety violations that could lead to Salmonella poisoning are nonexistent at both the state and federal levels.

For the past 10 years, Iowa has been the nation’s biggest egg producer, with 57 million hens producing 14 billion eggs each year, twice the output Ohio, the country’s second-largest producer, the report states. But the state does not lead the country in oversight of egg production. On a state-level, it does almost none, leaving that job to the federal government which is grappling with implementation of the new food-safety guidlelines that took effect last July.

1. http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20110828/NEWS/308280055/Register-investigation-Egg-farms-rack-up-violations?Frontpage 

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Health officials have linked two outbreaks of Salmonella infections (salmonellosis) to chicks and ducklings from a single mail-order hatchery in Ohio. Nearly 100 people in 20 states have become ill.

The outbreaks involved two strains of Salmonella, Altona and Johannesburg . In both outbreaks, officials found multiple tracebacks from the homes of those who were sickened to Mount Healthy Hatcheries of Mount Healthy, Ohio.

Salmonella Altona

65 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Altona have been reported from 20 states: Alabama (1), Georgia (1), Indiana (1), Kentucky (5), Maryland (5), Michigan (1), Minnesota (1), Mississippi (1), New Hampshire (1), New York (4), North Carolina (8), Ohio (12), Pennsylvania (6), South Carolina (1), Tennessee (3), Texas (1), Virginia (7), Vermont (1), Wisconsin (1), and West Virginia (4).

Salmonella Johannesburg

27 people infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Johannesburg have been reported from 15 states: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), Georgia (2), Indiana (1), Kansas (1), Kentucky (2), Maine (1), New York (4), North Carolina (4), Ohio (3), Pennsylvania (1), South Carolina (1), Tennessee (2), Vermont (2), and West Virginia (1).

Salmonellosis Prevention

Raising chickens in residential settings has become increasingly popular, but it doesn't eliminate the risk of foodborne illness. Over the last several years, the CDC has identified several outbreaks of Salmonella tied to backyard chickens.

To prevent illness, the CDC recommends that chickens be kept away from people with weaker immune systems, the elderly and children under five, that family members never snuggle or kiss the birds, that they never touch their mouths, eat or drink around live poultry and that they always wash their hands with soap and water after handling.

Pritzker Olsen Salmonella lawyers represent Salmonella victims nationwide. They can be reached for a free consultation at 1;-888-377-8900 (toll free) or by submitting our online form.

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Facing one turkey Salmonella lawsuit after another, Cargill announced this week that it has assembled a panel of food safety experts to review upgrades at its large turkey processing plant in Springdale, Arkansas. Salmonella-laden ground turkey from the plant has been linked to a death in California and to at least 110 illnesses in 31 states across the U.S.

Cargill is still recalling ground turkey products -- 36 million pounds in all -- to help bring the outbreak to an end. Meanwhile, state and federal health officials are still sounding consumer alerts to keep people from eating recalled ground turkey that could be stored in their home freezers. Click here for complete Cargill turkey recall information

A claim center for members of the public who have been sickened in this outbreak has been established by national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) and the firm continues to accept new cases. Another way to receive a free Cargill lawsuit case consultation, is to send your contact information to the firm, online. Pritzker Olsen Attorneys is one of the very few legal groups in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and our work has resulted in tens of millions of dollars in recoveries for victims of food poisoning.

Cargill is a multinational food and commodities corporation based in Minnesota, not far from the Minneapolis home offices of our firm. Cargill said in a press release this week that a panel of independent experts will assess new food safety measures that were put in place since the recall was announced Aug. 3. "We have asked the panel to look at the entire process from live animal operations through ground turkey production,'' the company said.

Fred Pritzker, founder and president of Pritzker Olsen, has called on Cargill to immediately pay the medical bills and other expenses incurred by families and individuals sickened in this outbreak, including the many who were hospitalized. For those victims, any improvements to procedures and plant cleanliness at Cargill's facility in Arkansas will come too late. Payments for those direct losses could be made while more comprehensive turkey Salmonella litigation continues, Prtizker has said

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Papayas from Mexico have been linked to approximately 100 cases of Salmonella Agona in 23 U.S. states:

Arkansas (1), Arizona (3), California (7), Colorado (1), Georgia (8), Illinois (17), Louisiana (2), Massachusetts (1), Minnesota (3), Missouri (3), Nebraska (2), Nevada (1), New Jersey (1), New Mexico (3), New York (7), Ohio (1), Oklahoma (1), Pennsylvania (2), Tennessee (1), Texas (25), Virginia (2), Washington (5), and Wisconsin (2).

FDA has been collecting and analyzing samples of raw, fresh whole papaya imported from Mexico. From May 12, 2011, to August 18, 2011, FDA analysis found Salmonella in 33 samples out of a total of 211, or a 15.6% positive rate. The positive samples were from 28 different firms and include nearly all the major papaya producing regions in Mexico.

Given this evidence, FDA has determined that papaya imported from Mexico appears to be adulterated within the meaning of section 402(a)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act because the papayas appear to contain Salmonella, an added poisonous or deleterious substance that may render food injurious to health.

Now, under an FDA Import Alert issued today, papayas from each source in Mexico may be denied admission into the United States unless the importer shows they are not contaminated with Salmonella, such as by using private laboratories to test the papayas.

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The Cargill turkey salmonella outbreak has reached Utah, health officials said. A Salt Lake County resident is the first reported case of Salmonella related to the outbreak that began nearly five months ago.

The Salt Lake County resident was sickened by a secondary strain associated with the outbreak but did not require hospitalization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has yet to release the number of illnesses from that secondary strain. But they have confirmed that the original Salmonella Heidelberg strain has killed one woman in California and sickened at least 110 others in 31 states.

The outbreak has been linked to Cargill’s Springdale Arkansas turkey grinding plant and the company has recalled 36 million pounds of ground turkey. Turkey products were distributed in Utah, although they have since been pulled from store shelves. Potentially contaminated products include the Honeysuckle White, Shady Brook Farms, Riverside, Aldi's Fit and Active, Giant Eagle, HEB, Kroger and Safeway brands. Of particular concern are products that may be stored in home freezers, officials said.

If you or a loved became ill after consuming a turkey product that is part of this Cargill turkey recall, seek medical attention. If you have questions about a Cargill turkey lawsuit contact a Salmonella lawyer at PritzkerOlsen, P.A. at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by submitting your contact information online. 

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University of Minnesota researchers have discovered and patented a naturally occurring lantibiotic that could be added to food to kill harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli and Listeria.

Lantibiotics are peptides produced by harmless bacteria. The U of M lantibiotic is the first natural preservative found to kill the harmful kind of bacteria that can cause a range of foodborne illnesses and complications like hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or thrombotic thromboctyopenic purpura (TPP) conditions that routinely result in kidney failure but can also cause stroke, seizure, paralysis, heart problems and serious anemia. Children under five are most at risk.

As a food additive, the lantibiotic could be used to prevent harmful bacteria in meats, processed cheeses, egg and dairy products, canned foods, seafood, salad dressing, fermented beverages and many other foods, researchers said. In addition to food safety benefits, lantibiotics are easy to digest, nontoxic, do not induce allergies and are difficult for dangerous bacteria to develop resistance against.

Every year, one of every six Americans -about 48 million people- becomes sick from a foodborne illness. Of those, 28,000 are hospitalized and about 3000 die, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

In recent years, Salmonella outbreaks have increased more dramatically than any other foodborne illness, according to Shaun Kennedy, director of the National Center for Food Protection and Defense. Salmonella contributes to an estimated 28 percent of the 3,000 deaths related to foodborne illness each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Salmonella contamination spawned one of the largest meat recalls in U.S. history earlier this month when Cargill recalled 36 million pounds of ground turkey. The potentially contaminated meat from Cargill's turkey plant in Springdale, Arkansas, has been linked by the USDA to an outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg that killed a woman in California and sickened at least 110 others in 31 states. This strain has been discovered to be resistant to multiple drugs, which may increase the risk of hospitalization or complicate treatment of infected individuals.

Most people infected with Salmonella bacteria develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. In some cases, the diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. Older adults, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness from Salmonella infection, including Reiter's syndrome.

While state, local and federal authorities investigate the Cargill Salmonella outbreak, the The U of M’s Office for Technology Commercialization is searching for a licensee for the lantibiotic technology that could prevent such outbreaks in the future.

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The Cargill ground turkey Salmonella recall -- at 36 million pounds -- has been called one of the largest meat recalls in U.S. history. The contaminated meat from Cargill's turkey plant in Springdale, Arkansas, has been linked by the USDA to an outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg that killed a woman in California and sickened at least 110 others in 31 states.

Since the recall was announced August 3, the USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS) has compiled a very long list of retail outlets across the country where the ground turkey products were sold. National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., has been accepting cases from this outbreak for a Cargill turkey lawsuit. Texas, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, California, and Pennsylvania are the states hardest hit.

As part of its Cargill turkey Salmonella litigation work, Pritzker Olsen Attorneys has analyzed the retail data and is recommending that consumers consult the complete recall and retail lists to ensure they don't have recalled ground turkey made by Cargill in their home freezers. If you or a family member has experienced Salmonella type symptoms after eating ground turkey, contact your physician immediately. For turkey Salmonella lawsuit questions, call Pritzker Olsen at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or submit contact information online.

Cargill turkey recalled from 1,373 stores

In all, the recalled ground turkey products were distributed to 1,373 individual stores in the U.S. The mainline brand involved in the recall is Honeysuckle White, but the Salmonella Heidelberg recall also covers the following brands of ground turkey products: Kroger, HEB, Safeway, Fit & Active, Giant Eagle, Shady Brook Farm and Spartan.

Thirteen national grocery chain stores are affected by the recall. They are: Alco, Aldi, County Market, Food Center, Foodland, IGA, Kroger, Market Place, Piggly Wiggly, Price Chopper, Super Valu, Thriftway and Walmart.

Another 135 statewide or area-wide stores are affected the by recall. Examples include Duckwall's in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, North Dakota, Nebraska, New Mexico and Texas and Foodtown in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Tennessee, Texas and Utah.

The FSIS retail distribution list has a breakdown by states of individual stores known to have received ground turkey products covered by the Salmonella Cargill recall. The states with the most individual stores affected by the recall are Missouri (130 stores), Ohio (102 stores) and Illinois (83 stores.)

The complete turkey recall retail distribution list is searchable by city using the search function on your laptop or home computer. Click here for a complete listing of Cargill turkey recall brand names, package sizes and other information to identify  the ground turkey in your freezer as safe or not.

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Salmonella-tainted ground turkey from Cargill has been recalled from grocery stores but may still be in home freezers of unsuspecting consumers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said. The CDC's warning and update on the Cargill turkey Salmonella outbreak came 15 days after Cargill's plant in Springdale, Arkansas, recalled 36 million pounds of ground turkey products -- one of the largest meat recalls in U.S. history.

A total of 111 persons infected with the turkey-borne outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported. The outbreak strain is resistant to several commonly prescribed antibiotics; this antibiotic resistance may be associated with an increased risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in infected individuals. Honeysuckle White ground turkey is the biggest brand name in this outbreak, but there are others to look out for in your freezer. Click here for the complete Cargill Turkey Recall listing.

Eventual Cargill turkey lawsuits will cover victims in Texas, Michigan, Illinois, Ohio, California, Pennsylvania and 24 other states. A public claims center for turkey litigation is available at national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by submitting your contact information online. Case consultations are free with Salmonella lawyers who have many years of food poisoning litigation experience, including direct experience against Cargill, a multinational corporation with its headquarters within a few miles of the Pritzker Olsen home office in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

America's food industry is increasingly consolidated into the hands of large corporations and holding those companies accountable for producing safe, wholesome food -- free of microscopic bugs that send people to the hospital -- is a vital part of our food safety defense. Plant conditions can be shockingly negligent even in large, modern facilities owned by rich corporations, as experience has shown.

Cargill Springdale, Arkansas, Investigation Results Dated Aug. 18, 2011: 

The latest Cargill Salmonella outbreak update by CDC says that the first illnesses began in late February and have infected people ranging in age from less than 1 year to 89 years old. The median age of victims is 21. More than half are male and 37 percent have been hospitalized. In California, a Salmonella death in an elderly woman has created the worst tragedy of this outbreak.

Cultures of five ground turkey samples purchased from five retail locations between March 7 and June 27, 2011, yielded Salmonella Heidelberg with the outbreak strain. Genetic fingerprint patterns from these Salmonella bacteria were added to the CDC national PulseNet database between April 11 and July 12, approximately a month after each sample was collected. Preliminary information indicates that all of these products originated from the same large food-production establishment: Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation in Springdale, Arkansas.

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State, local and federal health officials are collaborating on an investigation of the Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak linked to ground turkey that has sickened 111 people in 31 states.
The outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg is resistant to several commonly prescribed antibiotics, which may increase the risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in infected individuals.

Investigators are using DNA “fingerprints” of Salmonella bacteria to identify ill people who may be part of this outbreak. Between February 27 and August 9, 2011, 111 cases of Salmonella Heidelberg from the outbreak strain have been reported and one person has died.

Most people infected with Salmonella bacteria develop diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after infection. The illness usually lasts four to seven days, and most people recover without treatment. In some cases, diarrhea may be so severe that the patient needs to be hospitalized. In this outbreak, a large percentage of people have been hospitalized, 37% (27 people). This may be because the Salmonella Heidelberg strain involved in this outbreak is resistant to antibiotics. Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the bloodstream and then to other body sites and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

In response to this outbreak, Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation in Springdale, Arkansas, has recalled 36 million pounds of ground turkey products thought to be contaminated with Salmonella Heidelberg. Investigators are concerned that some consumers may have the tainted product in their home freezers. The products subject to ground turkey recall all bear the establishment number "P-963" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

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After a Salmonella outbreak linked to Cargill ground turkey sickened over 100 people in 31 states, the company added new safety measures to its plant in Springdale, Arkansas and received approval from the USDA to resume operations on August 17.

The plant has been closed since August 3, when Cargill announced the recall of 36 million pounds of  ground turkey that had been distributed nationwide. Before reopening, all of the equipment at the plant was disassembled and steam cleaned, a new monitoring and testing program was installed and two antibacterial measures were added to those already in place. The company is also requiring its Springdale suppliers to use comparable antibacterial technology.

Salmonella lawyers at Pritzker Olsen have been investigating conditions at the plant,  the likely source of one of the largest meat recalls in U.S. history. The Salmonella Heidelberg strain associated with the massive turkey recall has proven resistant to common antibiotics, complicating medical treatment for many of  those who have been sickened. If you need legal advice about an illness or hospitalization, contact the foodborne illness experts at Pritzker Olsen at 1 (888) 377-8900 (Toll Free) or by submitting our free consultation form.

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Cargill turkey lawsuits are swirling as the company reopens its turkey grinding operation at the plant in Springdale, Arkansas. When federal health officials linked the factory to a nationwide outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg, Cargill shut it down on August 3 and recalled 36 million pounds of ground turkey.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), at least 107 people in 31 states have been sickened in the outbreak, which began in February. One person, a woman from California, has died. The states hardest hit by the outbreak include Texas, California, Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Pennsylvania

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., has established a public claims center for at least one Cargill turkey lawsuit and has been in contact with victims. The outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg has proven resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics, complicating the medical community's response. The added expense and prolonged pain and suffering will go into calculations for damages that must be paid by Cargill to victims of this outbreak. Salmonella lawyers at Pritzker Olsen are accepting cases at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or will respond to your contact information submitted via the web.

News reporter Mike Hughlett of the Star Tribune reported today that Minnesota-based Cargill restarted limited production of a ground turkey product that had been subject to recall. Production resumed after the addition of new safety measures approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a Cargill spokesman told the newspaper. They included intensifying anti-bacterial washing of birds during processing.

Pritzker Olsen attorneys have been investigating conditions at the plant and whether Cargill was adhering to proper food safety controls. 

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Montana residents are being warned to be vigilant and check their freezers for turkey products linked to the Cargill Salmonella outbreak that has killed one person and sickened more than 105 others in 31 states.

The Montana Department of Health and Human Services announced the state's first confirmed illness in the national turkey Salmonella outbreak discovered in July. Federal health officials say ground turkey products from Cargill's plant in Arkansas are causing the outbreak. Cargill, the multinational food and commodities corporation, last month recalled 36 million pounds of the product, mainly packaged under the Honeysuckle White brand.  While much of the meat has been consumed or returned, unknown quantities of it are still lurking in home freezers.

A public information center for a Cargill turkey lawsuit has been established at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., one of the nation's leading foodborne illness law firms. Free case consultations for victims and their families are available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by sending your contact information. Our attorneys have gone up against Cargill in past outbreaks, winning settlements for food poisoning victims who would be disadvantaged in negotiations if not represented by legal counsel.

Some people with Salmonellosis develop serious illness that can lead to hospitalization and even death. The person who died in the current Cargill Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak was a woman from California. The outbreak strain of Salmonella has been proven to be resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics -- causing prolonged and more expensive illnesses in some cases.

"Since the recall, (Montana Public Health) has worked with local health departments to ensure these products are no longer being sold in Montana," Director Anna Whiting Sorrell said. "However, Montanans should be vigilant and check their freezers for this product.''

Complete details of the Cargill turkey recall are available on the Pritzker Olsen Attorneys website. All products subject to recall  bear the establishment number "P-963" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

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Most people don't pause before taking a bite of a turkey burger to consider whether it will send them to the hospital. No one should have to consider eating ground turkey a game of Russian roulette. But an outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg infections has been linked to ground turkey products produced by a Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation plant in Springdale, Arkansas.

A total of 107 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg have been reported from 31 states between February 27 and August 9, 2011. We are still getting contacts from people who think they may be part of the outbreak, so the outbreak numbers may grow.

The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Arkansas (1), Arizona (3), California (6), Colorado (2), Georgia (2), Illinois (13), Indiana (1), Iowa (2), Kansas (1), Kentucky (2), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (3), Maryland (1), Michigan (12), Minnesota (2), Mississippi (1), Missouri (4), Nebraska (2), Nevada (1), New York (2), North Carolina (3), Ohio (10), Oklahoma (1), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (5), South Dakota (3), Tennessee (2), Texas (14), Utah (1), and Wisconsin (4).

Among persons for whom information is available, illnesses began on or after February 27, 2011. According to news reports, Cargill may have known about Salmonella Heidelberg contamination of ground turkey from the Arkansas plant months before this date.

Of the 107 identified cases, 25 (39%) have been hospitalized. One death, a woman from Sacramento County, California, has been reported.

Investigation of the Outbreak

Outbreak investigations involve gathering epidemiological and microbiological evidence to determine the source of the outbreak.

The epidemiological evidence is as follows:

Among the 71 ill persons with available information, 40 (56%) reported consuming ground turkey. This proportion is significantly higher than results from a survey of healthy persons in which 11% of persons interviewed reported consuming ground turkey in the 7 days before they were interviewed.

The microbiological evidence is as follows:

Cultures of five ground turkey samples purchased from five retail locations between March 7 and June 27, 2011, yielded Salmonella Heidelberg with the outbreak strain. PFGE patterns from these Salmonella bacteria were added to the PulseNet database between April 11 and July 12, approximately a month after each sample was collected. Preliminary information indicates that all of these products originated from a common food-production establishment (Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation in Springdale, Arkansas). These products were obtained as part of routine sampling in the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS)External Web Site Icon, and are not linked to illnesses.

This is a multi-drug resistant strain of Salmonella Heidelberg. As of August 5, 2011, investigators have collected antibiotic resistance information on isolates from four samples of ground turkey collected at retail and from nine ill persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg. The isolatesfrom the ground turkey samples are resistant to antibiotics including ampicillin, streptomycin, tetracycline, and gentamicin. The sensitivity testing results, to date, indicate that isolates from humans are also resistant to ampicillin, streptomycin, and tetracycline, and some are resistant to gentamicin; however, the testing is not complete for all isolates. All human isolates are sensitive to several common antibiotics that are used in clinical practice such as ciprofloxacin, ceftriaxone, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Antimicrobial resistance may increase the risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in infected individuals.

A sample of leftover unlabeled frozen ground turkey was collected by public health officials from the home of an ill person in Ohio infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg. Culture of the ground turkey sample yielded the outbreak strain on July 29, 2011. In addition to the outbreak strain with the “initial” PGFE pattern, a second closely related PFGE pattern of Salmonella Heidelberg was identified in the contaminated leftover product. Since February 27, 2011, a total of 23 ill persons have been reported to PulseNet with this closely related PGFE pattern. Among the 8 such patients that have been interviewed to date, 6 (75%) report consumption of ground turkey in the week before their illness began. The closely related PGFE pattern was also found in a retail sample of ground turkey taken as part of NARMS surveillance. This retail sample originated from Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation establishment in Springdale, Arkansas. Based on these findings, the 23 ill persons with this second closely related PFGE pattern of Salmonella Heidelberg have been included in the total count of outbreak cases.

Cargill Ground Turkey Recall

In response to this outbreak, on August 3, 2011, Cargill Meat Solutions Corporation, a Springdale, Arkansas, establishment, recalled approximately 36 million pounds of ground turkey products that may be contaminated with a multi-drug resistant strain of Salmonella Heidelberg. The products subject to recall bear the establishment number "P-963" inside the USDA mark of inspection. Read more about the Cargill ground turkey recall and a Cargill lawsuit.

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On March 9, 2011, the first Salmonella Heidelberg illness was reported in an outbreak that has sickened at least 78 people and killed one.  The same strain of Salmonella Heidelberg was found in a ground turkey sample purchased from a retail location in March. The contaminated ground turkey had been processed at a Cargill turkey processing plant in Arkansas. By April 11, at the latest, federal and state health officials had the evidence needed to connect Salmonella Heidelberg illnesses with Cargill ground turkey because PFGE patterns matching the outbreak strain were added to the PulseNet database beginning on April 11.

Why did it take until August 3 for Cargill to recall the ground turkey? Why did the USDA-FSIS warn consumers about ground turkey on July 29, but not mention Cargill? They knew at that time exactly where the contaminated ground turkey was coming from, yet this is what USDA-FSIS said on July 29:

CDC is partnering with state health departments to monitor the outbreak while FSIS focuses its investigation on potential identification of a contamination source(s).

People were scared of eating all ground turkey products, and all companies that processed, distributed and sold ground turkey products suffered. All USDA-FSIS had to do to prevent hysteria was let consumers know that it was Cargill ground turkey processed at the Arkansas plant that had sickened the victims of the outbreak.

Bill Tomson of The Wall Street Journal reported that the USDA-FSIS knew about the Salmonella Heidelberg contamination at the Arkansas turkey processing plant last year:

A routine USDA inspection last year of the Cargill plant in Arkansas turned up three samples contaminated with salmonella Heidelberg, the agency said. A USDA spokesman said the agency brought the findings "to the attention of the facility."

Elisabeth Hagen, the USDA's top food-safety official, told The Wall Street Journal that nothing could be done about the contamination at the time because Salmonella is not an adulterant under federal law unless the meat is linked to Salmonella illnesses.

It should not have taken almost 80 cases of Salmonella Heidelberg infection for Cargill to recall the ground turkey. Let’s hope in the future Cargill recalls products as soon as the company knows there is a potential for illness and death.

People from the following states have been sickened in the Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak linked to Cargill ground turkey products:

• Alabama
• Arizona
• California (one Californian died)
• Georgia
• Illinois
• Indiana
• Iowa
• Kentucky
• Louisiana
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• Minnesota
• Mississippi
• Missouri
• Nebraska
• Nevada
• New York
• North Carolina
• Ohio
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• Pennsylvania
• South Dakota
• Tennessee
• Texas
• Utah
• Wisconsin

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The nationwide Salmonella outbreak linked to Cargill ground turkey has sickened at least one person in Utah, a resident of Salt Lake County. The Salt Lake Valley Health Department announced the confirmed case today.

Last Wednesday, Cargill recalled about 36 million pounds of ground turkey products. According to the USDA-FSIS, the retailers below may have received some of the recalled products:

Statewide

Aldi
City Market Stores
Dan's Supermarket
Dick's
Foodtown
Fresh Market
Harmons
Macey's Stores
Ridley's Food
Walmart
WinCo

Specific Stores

1 Clark's Market Blanding 820 South Main Blanding UT-Utah
2 Winegar 3371 S Orchard Dr Bountiful UT-Utah
3 Kents Market Place 260 North Main Brigham City UT-Utah
4 Stewarts Thriftway 621 E Main Castledale UT-Utah
5 Lins 150 North Main Cedar City UT-Utah
6 Winegars 1080 West 300 North Clearfield UT-Utah
7 Quality Thriftway 180 East Main Street Delta UT-Utah
8 Valley Market Eden 2555 North Wolfcreek Drive Eden UT-Utah
9 Carter's Market 167 E Main Street Enterprise UT-Utah
10 Griffin Mercantile 30 West Main Street Escalante UT-Utah
11 Ute Indian Tribe 7750 E Hwy 40 Ft Duchesne UT-Utah
12 Lakeview Market 485 North Bear Lake Blvd Garden City UT-Utah
13 Soelbergs Thriftway Po Box 1337 Grantsville UT-Utah
14 Gunnison Thriftway 520 South Main Gunnison UT-Utah
15 Days Market 890 South Main Heber City UT-Utah
16 Kohlers 5353 West 11000 North Highland UT-Utah
17 Hometown Market 215 North Main Huntington UT-Utah
18 Lins 1120 West State Street Hurricane UT-Utah
19 Glaziers 264 South 100 East Kanab UT-Utah
20 Honey's Marketplace 260 East 300 South Kanab UT-Utah
21 Bowman's 326 North Main Kaysville UT-Utah
22 Farmers Market 495 N State Laverkin UT-Utah
23 Kohlers 300 East Main Lehi UT-Utah
24 Lee's Marketplace 555 E 1400 N Logan UT-Utah
25 Manti Market 35 East Union Manti UT-Utah
26 The Store At Midway 42 West Main Midway UT-Utah
27 Sunshine Market 530 North Main Milford UT-Utah
28 Village Market Moab 702 South Main Moab UT-Utah
29 Blue Mountain Foods P O Box 430 Monticello UT-Utah
30 Terrel's Thriftway 1050 South State Mt Pleasant UT-Utah
31 Mt Nebo Thriftway 900 North Main Nephi UT-Utah
32 Lee's Marketplace 2645 No Washington Blvd No Ogden UT-Utah
33 Neighbors Market 15 South Highway 89 North Salt Lake UT-Utah
34 Wangsgards 120 Washington Blvd. Ogden UT-Utah
35 Food Ranch Bestway 355 East State Route 29 Orangeville UT-Utah
36 Joe's Main Street Market 10 South Main Panguitch UT-Utah
37 The Market At Park City 1500 Snow Creek Drive Park City UT-Utah
38 Payson Food Corp 586 North Main Payson UT-Utah
39 Allen's Super Save 655 East 300 South Provo UT-Utah
40 Days Market 3121 N Canyon Rd Provo UT-Utah
41 Stewarts Roosevelt B.W.W. 245 W Hwy 40 Roosevelt UT-Utah
42 KentCo 3536 West 5600 South Roy UT-Utah
43 Winegars 3440 West 4800 South Roy UT-Utah
44 Reams 10650 S 7th East Sandy UT-Utah
45 Reams 8725 S Highland Dr. Sandy UT-Utah
46 Lee's Marketplace Smithfield 850 S. Main Smithfield UT-Utah
47 Sol Foods Supermarket 995 Zion Park Blvd Springdale UT-Utah
48 Allen's 340 South Main Springville UT-Utah
49 Reams 759 East 400 South Springville UT-Utah
50 Lins 1930 West Sunset Blvd St George UT-Utah
51 Kent's Foods Roy 300 East Main Tremonton UT-Utah

Potentially contaminated products include the Honeysuckle White, Shady Brook Farms, Riverside, Aldi's Fit and Active, Giant Eagle, HEB, Kroger and Safeway brands.

The products subject to recall bear the establishment number "P-963" inside the USDA mark of inspection, and include the products below.

Ground Turkey Chubs - Use or Freeze by Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11

• 10 lb. chubs of Honeysuckle White Fresh Natural Lean Ground Turkey with Natural Flavoring
• 10 lb. chubs of Unbranded Ground Turkey w/ Natural Flavoring 2 Pack
• 80 oz. (5 lbs.) chubs of Riverside Ground Turkey with Natural Flavoring
• 10 lb. chubs of Natural Lean Ground Turkey with Natural Flavorings
• 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Fresh Lean HEB Ground Turkey 93/7
• 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Fresh HEB Ground Turkey 85/15
• 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Honeysuckle White 93/7 Fresh Ground Turkey with Natural Flavoring
• 4-1 Pound Packages of Honeysuckle White Ground Turkey with Natural Flavoring Value Pack
• 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Fresh Ground Turkey
• 48 oz. (3 lb.) chubs of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Fresh Ground Turkey

85% Ground Turkey - Use or Freeze by Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11

• 19.2 oz. (1.2 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Ground Turkey
• 19.2 oz. (1.2 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White Taco Seasoned Ground Turkey Colored with Paprika
• 19.2 oz. (1 lb. 3.2 oz.) trays of Kroger Ground Turkey Fresh 85/15
• 48.0 oz. (3 lb.) trays of Kroger Ground Turkey Fresh 85/15
• 20 oz. (1.25 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Ground Turkey
• 48.0 oz. (3 lbs.) trays of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Ground Turkey Family Pack
• 16 oz. (1 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Ground Turkey
• 19.2 oz. (1.2 lbs.) trays of Honeysuckle White Seasoned Italian Style Ground Turkey with Natural Flavorings
• 20 oz. (1 lb. 4 oz.) trays of Safeway Fresh Ground Turkey with Natural Flavorings * 15% Fat
  (NOTE: Sold in Texas only at Randall's and Tom Thumb, Use or Freeze by 03/12/11 through 04/30/11)

93% Ground Turkey - Use or Freeze by Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11

• 19.2 oz. (1.20 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White 93/7 Lean Ground Turkey
• 48 oz. (3.0 lbs.) trays of Honeysuckle White 93/7 Lean Ground Turkey Family Pack
• 19.2 oz. (1.2 lb.) trays of Fit & Active Lean Ground Turkey 93/07
• 19.2 oz. (1.2 lbs.) trays of Giant Eagle Ground Turkey Fresh & Premium Lean
• 19.2 oz. (1 lb 3.2 oz.) trays of Kroger Ground Turkey Fresh Lean 93/7
• 20 oz. (1.25 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White 93/7 Lean Ground Turkey

Ground Patties

• 16.0 oz. (1 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White Ground Turkey Patties with "Use by" or "Freeze by" dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11
• 16 oz. (1 lb.) trays of Kroger Ground Seasoned Turkey Patties Fresh 85/15, with "Use by" or "Freeze by" dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11
• 16.0 oz. (1 lb.) trays of Shady Brook Farms Ground Turkey Burgers with Natural Flavoring with the following "Use by" or "Freeze by" dates: 07/09/11, 07/10/11, 07/11/11, 07/15/11, 07/16/11, 07/21/11, 07/22/11, 07/24/11, 08/01/11, or 08/04/11

Frozen Ground Turkey - Production Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/2/11

• 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Honeysuckle White Ground Turkey with Natural Flavoring
• 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Spartan Ground Turkey
• 48 oz. (3 lb.) chubs of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Ground Turkey
• 40 lb. Bulk Packed Ground Turkey with Natural Flavoring for Food Service Use Only

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Our Salmonella attorneys are investigating a Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak that has sickened 78 people, including 10 from Ohio:

• A 7-year-old boy from Warren County who was sickened in April
• An 11-year-old girl from Montgomery County who was sickened in June
• Three people in Cuyahoga County
• One person each in Franklin, Lake, Lorain, Lucas and Summit Counties.

The outbreak has been linked to Cargill ground turkey. “Cargill and others need to be held accountable for the contamination that caused this outbreak,” said food poisoning attorney Fred Pritzker. “No family should have to bear the financial burden of Salmonella poisoning caused by eating ground turkey processed by Cargill.”

Investigators found ground turkey products contaminated with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg. In response to the evidence found in the investigation, Cargill Value Added Meats Retail, a business of Wichita-based Cargill Meat Solutions Corp., recalled about 36 million pounds of fresh and frozen ground turkey products produced at the company’s Springdale, Arkansas, processing plant between Feb. 20 and Aug. 2.

The Cargill recall includes ground turkey sold under the following brands:

• Honeysuckle
• Kroger
• Riverside
• Safeway
• Fit and Active
• Shady Brook Farms
• Spartan

Ohio Salmonella Victim Compensation

Our experience is that even with “mild” cases, Salmonella victims suffer severe abdominal pain, are unable to work for days or weeks and continue to have digestive and bowel issues for weeks, months or permanently. In some cases, the severity of the Salmonella gastroenteritis causes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and/or Rieter’s syndrome, a form of arthritis that causes inflammation of joints that may be accompanied by conjunctivitis (an inflammation of the membranes under the eyelids that can lead to blindness), urethritis (urinary tract infection), and a rash.

Salmonella victim compensation should include amounts for medical expenses, lost wages and other income, pain and suffering and other damages. Because it may take months or years for some Salmonella victims to recover, compensation should include amounts for expected future medical expenses, losses, and pain and suffering. Contact our law firm for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a Salmonella Heidelberg infection.

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Five people from Pennsylvania contracted Salmonella Heidelberg infections in an outbreak that has been linked to Cargill ground turkey. The victims include 4 from Allegheny County and one from Philadelphia.

Our Salmonella attorneys are investigating this outbreak, which includes 78 people in 26 states. “The victims of this outbreak have suffered physical and financial pain, and they deserve compensation,” said food poisoning attorney Fred Pritzker. “What makes this outbreak worse than many Salmonella outbreaks is that the Salmonella Heidelberg strain is resistant to several antibiotics.”

The victims in Pennsylvania range from 2 to 43 years old and were infected between early April and mid-June.

Cargill Value Added Meats Retail, a business of Wichita-based Cargill Meat Solutions Corp., announced Wednesday that the company would voluntarily recall  about 36 million pounds of fresh and frozen ground turkey products produced at the company’s Springdale, Arkansas, processing plant between Feb. 20 and Aug. 2.

The Cargill turkey recall includes products sold at the following Pennsylvania retailers:

• Aldi
• Giant Eagle
• Kroger

Ground turkey products that are subject to this recall were sold under the following brands:

• Honeysuckle
• Kroger
• Riverside
• Safeway
• Fit and Active
• Shady Brook Farms
• Spartan

Salmonella Pain and Suffering

Our experience is that even with “mild” cases, Salmonella victims suffer severe abdominal pain, are unable to work for days or weeks and continue to have digestive and bowel issues for weeks, months or permanently. In some cases, the severity of the Salmonella gastroenteritis causes irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and/or Rieter’s syndrome, a form of arthritis that causes inflammation of joints that may be accompanied by conjunctivitis (an inflammation of the membranes under the eyelids that can lead to blindness), urethritis (urinary tract infection), and a rash.

Pain and suffering compensation in a Cargill lawsuit or class action should include amounts for expected future pain and suffering. Contact our law firm for a free consultation if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Salmonella Heidelberg.

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A California Salmonella death topped the list of tragedies in the Cargill turkey Salmonella outbreak that sickend at least 78 people in 26 states. Nearly 40 percent of those were hospitalized.

Initial reports identified the deceased victim as a man, but Sacramento County officials announced late this week that the person who died was a 65-year-old woman who lived in the county. The date of the woman's death was not released, nor was her name. She was one of six California case patients in the outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg that USDA and CDC officials traced to Cargill's Springdale, Arkansas, ground turkey plant.

The company has recalled 36 million pounds of ground turkey products produced there since February and the plant has been shutdown while public health investigators continue to investigate the source of the contamination. California, Texas, Ohio, Michigan, Illinois and Pennsylvania were the states hardest hit by the outbreak.

Cargill distributed the tainted turkey meat nationwide through Kroger, Walmart , Aldi, Giant Eagle, HEB, Ingles, Meijer, Stater Brothers and WinCo. It is the second largest meat recall by sheer tonnage, but most of the ground turkey products surely had been consumed by the time Cargill realized its failure to sell wholesome food.

A claims center for a Cargill Salmonella lawsuit has been established by PritzkerOlsen, P.A., at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or contact via the Internet. Salmonella infection, or Salmonellosis, can create long-lasting health problems. Indivduals who are confirmed as case patients in this outbreak have recourse through food poisoning litigation to recover money for medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, travel, day care and related future costs. PritzkerOlsen has collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning and we have gone up against Cargill in previous outbreaks. Our offices in Minneapolis are located close to Cargill's worldwide headquarters in a western suburb of Minneapolis. 

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Food safety lawyer Fred Pritzker is questioning the prolonged length of time between the commencement of the ground turkey Salmonella outbreak in early March and Cargill's 36-million pound recall on August 3.

"The whole idea is you are supposed to detect the problem before people get sick,'' Pritzker told the Star Tribune newspaper of Minneapolis.

Tough questions are being raised around the country by Pritzker and others about why consumers were not warned earlier of the outbreak, which led to a Salmonella death of a woman in Sacramento County, California, and sickened at least 77 others in 26 states.  Nearly 40 percent of case patients were hospitalized and doctors have reported that the outbreak strain has been resistant to some commonly prescribed antibiotics.

USA Today reporter Elizabeth Weisse, a veteran of covering foodborne illness outbreaks, noted in a story today that the recall happened a full 13 days after government officials "connected most of the dots linking the Salmonella outbreak to a turkey grinding plant in Springdale, Arkansas.'' USDA first contacted Cargil July 29 with findings that associated the Arkansas plant with the outbreak. At that time, a ground turkey Salmonella warning was issued, but Cargill was not named and the recall was delayed until August 3.

Pritzker, a leading advocate for victims of food poisoning, has launched an investigation to determine plant conditions that led to contamination of so many finished turkey products over such a long time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) started to collect evidence of the outbreak in March.  The recall of adulterated turkey dates back to February.

Salmonella lawyers at Pritzker's law firm have established a claims center for victims -- a clearinghouse for Cargill lawsuit information -- available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by submitting your contact information. One of the leading practitioners of foodborne illness litigation in the United States, PritzkerOlsen is based near the worldwide headquarters of Cargill and has gone up against the multinational conglomerate in previous outbreaks. Over the years we have collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of Salmonella poisoning.

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National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is urging consumers to check their freezers for ground turkey products that may be contaminated and unsafe as part of  the Cargill Salmonella outbreak. One person has died and at least  77 others have been sickened. Nearly 40 percent of those infected by the outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg have been hospitalized. Treatment options have been limited because the pathogen in this outbreak is resistant to some commonly prescribed antibiotics.

Salmonella lawyers at PritzkerOlsen have established a claims center for victims -- a clearinghouse for Cargill lawsuit information -- available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by submitting your contact information. One of the leading practitioners of foodborne illness litigation in the United States, PritzkerOlsen is based near the worldwide headquarters of Cargill and has gone up against the multinational conglomerate in previous outbreaks.

Cargill this week acknowledged the link between its ground turkey products and the outbreak, recalling 36 million pounds of product made in Arkansas since February. Much of that has been eaten or returned to Cargill by retailers, but some still lurks in home freezers of consumers who are now at risk for becoming seriously ill.

The tainted ground turkey was sold under the Honeysuckle White brand and several other brands. Cargill's Springdale, Arkansas, plant sold the potentially tainted meat through the following retailers and corresponding locations:

1. Aldi, Nationwide

2. Giant Eagle, locations in PA, MD, WV and OH 

3. HEB, locations in TX 

4. Ingles, locations in SC, NC, AL, GA, TN and VA 

5. Kroger, Nationwide 

6. Meijer, locations in MI, IL, KY, IN and OH 

7. Stater Brothers, locations in CA 

8. Walmart, Nationwide 

9. WinCo, locations in WA, ID, NE, CA and OR 

 The products subject to recall bear the establishment number "P-963" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

PritzkerOlsen is continuing to investigate the outbreak, as are federal officials at USDA and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Plant conditions are under investigation at Cargill, where ground turkey is linked to a Salmonella death and a 26-state outbreak of illnesses. The multinational food giant, based in Minnesota, shut down its Springdale, Arkansas, plant after USDA and CDC linked it to the outbreak. Cases are widespread but these states were hit hardest: Ohio, Michigan, Texas, Illinois, California and Pennsylvania.

USDA said 79 people are considered case patients in the outbreak and that number could grow because contaminated product may still be in consumers' freezers. Kroger and Safeway are among the retail chains that sold the meat, but a comprehensive list of where the products were sold has not yet been released.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., which is based near Cargill's worldwide headquarters, is in contact with victims of this outbreak as it prepares for a possible turkey Salmonella lawsuit. Families and individuals sickened by this release of contamination into the food supply can discuss their legal options with a Salmonella lawyer at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by submitting basic  contact information.  Our firm has taken on Cargill in the past and won and we have collected tens of millions of dollars over the years for food poisoning victims from all over the country.

Salmonellosis is not to be taken lightly. Infection by this pathogen can lead to chronic health conditions that are serious in nature for years following initial illness. Food poisoning in the U.S. is preventable and holding mega-producers accountable for selling food that makes people sick is necessary to keep the system in check.

Honeysuckle White and other brands of ground turkey from the plant were sold nationwide for months. Cargill admits in a news release that these products may have been contaminated with Salmonella Heidelberg, a strain that is resistant to some commonly prescribed antibiotics. Certainly, much of the meat already has been consumed, but USDA announced that Cargill is now recalling 36 million pounds of ground turkey products made at the Arkansas plant since February 20.

Salmonella, like other pathogens, harbors in the intestines of turkeys, chickens and other live animals and is spread via fecal matter or when stomach contents are spread onto meat during slaughtering. Cargill operates three other turkey plants that won't be shut down during the Arkansas inspection and investigation. USDA said it is continuing to investigate. Click here for a complete listing of the Cargill turkey recall.

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Federal food safety agencies are striving to assemble a retail distribution list to accompany Cargill's recall of 36 million pounds of ground turkey products after the meat was linked to a 26-state outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg.

Texas, Ohio, Michigan and Illinois are the hardest hit states in terms of turkey Salmonella victims -- accounting for nearly half of the 79 illnesses. The outbreak has, so far, resulted in one death -- a man who lived in California.

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced the massive recall, saying that the link between Cargill ground turkey products and the Salmonella outbreak was based on epidemiology, traceback investigations and "in-plant findings'' at Cargill Meat Solutions Corp. of Springdale, Arkansas.

The notice from FSIS said it is continuing to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), affected state public health partners and the company on the investigation. No other details of the probe were released. 

The detailed recall includes a variety of bulk ground turkey sold in chubs and trays as well as patties. The recalled turkey burger contains various levels of fat content. Some packages were unbranded while some carried  brand names like Honeysuckle White, Spartan, Shady Brook Farms, Kroger and Safeway.

The one thing all the products have in common is that they bear the establishment number "P-963" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

If you or a loved one was hospitalized or otherwise sickened in this outbreak, contact a Salmonella lawyer at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or submit contact information for a free case consultation. Our law firm is one of the very few in the country that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness and we have direct experience in handling claims against Cargill, a multi-national food and commodities corporation based near our headquarters.

Eventually, USDA hopes to publish a list of retail stores where the tainted turkey products were sold. Distribution was nationwide, USDA has said.

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Cargill has been linked to the turkey Salmonella outbreak that has killed a California man and sickened at least 78 others in 26 states, including Michigan, Ohio, Illinois and Texas. The announcement by USDA coincided with a Cargill turkey recall of 36 million pounds of ground turkey products. See details below.

Cargill is based in Minnesota, not far from the law offices of PritzkerOlsen, P.A., one of the leading food poisoning litigation practices in the country. PritzkerOlsen has been accepting cases from the Cargill turkey Salmonella outbreak and will continue to prepare for a turkey Salmonella lawsuit on behalf of the families and individuals who have been infected by the contaminated meat. There are free case consultations by calling 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). Or, a Salmonella lawyer will call you if you submit your contact information. 

USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) said the link between Cargill ground turkey products and the Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak was established by traceback investigations, as well as in-plant findings at Cargill Meat Solutions Corp. of Springdale, Arkansas. The outbreak strain of Salmonella is resistant to some commonly prescribed antibiotics, a factor that has complicated treatment for victims of this outbreak.

Federal, state and local health investigators had been scrambling to determine what brand of ground turkey was causing the outbreak, which began in early March. Food history surveys and interviews with victims of the outbreak had determined that consumption of contaminated ground turkey was causing the spread of infection, but no one knew where the tainted food was coming from.

The Cargill ground turkey products subject to recall were distributed nationwide and bear the establishment number "P-963" inside the USDA mark of inspection. They include the following:

Ground Turkey Chubs - Use or Freeze by Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11

• 10 lb. chubs of Honeysuckle White Fresh Natural Lean Ground Turkey with Natural Flavorings
• 10 lb. chubs of Unbranded Ground Turkey w/ Natural Flavoring 2 Pack
• 80 oz. (5 lbs.) chubs of Riverside Ground Turkey with Natural Flavoring
• 10 lb. chubs of Natural Lean Ground Turkey with Natural Flavorings
• 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Fresh Lean HEB Ground Turkey 93/7
• 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Fresh HEB Ground Turkey 85/15
• 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Honeysuckle White 93/7 Fresh Ground Turkey with Natural Flavoring
• 4-1 Pound Packages of Honeysuckle White Ground Turkey with Natural Flavoring Value Pack
• 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Fresh Ground Turkey
• 48 oz. (3 lb.) chubs of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Fresh Ground Turkey

85% Ground Turkey - Use or Freeze by Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11

• 19.2 oz. (1.2 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Ground Turkey
• 19.2 oz. (1.2 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White Taco Seasoned Ground Turkey Colored with Paprika
• 19.2 oz. (1 lb. 3.2 oz.) trays of Kroger Ground Turkey Fresh 85/15
• 48.0 oz. (3 lb.) trays of Kroger Ground Turkey Fresh 85/15
• 20 oz. (1.25 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Ground Turkey
• 48.0 oz. (3 lbs.) trays of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Ground Turkey Family Pack
• 16 oz. (1 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Ground Turkey
• 19.2 oz. (1.2 lbs.) trays of Honeysuckle White Seasoned Italian Style Ground Turkey with Natural Flavorings
• 20 oz. (1 lb. 4 oz.) trays of Safeway Fresh Ground Turkey with Natural Flavorings * 15% Fat 
• (NOTE: Sold in Texas only at Randall's and Tom Thumb, Use or Freeze by 03/12/11 through 05/05/11)

93% Ground Turkey - Use or Freeze by Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11

• 19.2 oz. (1.20 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White 93/7 Lean Ground Turkey
• 48 oz. (3.0 lbs.) trays of Honeysuckle White 93/7 Lean Ground Turkey Family Pack
• 19.2 oz. (1.2 lb.) trays of Fit & Active Lean Ground Turkey 93/07
• 19.2 oz. (1.2 lbs.) trays of Giant Eagle Ground Turkey Fresh & Premium Lean
• 19.2 oz. (1 lb 3.2 oz.) trays of Kroger Ground Turkey Fresh Lean 93/7
• 20 oz. (1.25 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White 93/7 Lean Ground Turkey

Ground Patties

• 16.0 oz. (1 lb.) trays of Honeysuckle White Ground Turkey Patties with "Use by" or "Freeze by" dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11
• 16 oz. (1 lb.) trays of Kroger Ground Seasoned Turkey Patties Fresh 85/15, with "Use by" or "Freeze by" dates of 2/20/11 through 8/23/11
• 16.0 oz. (1 lb.) trays of Shady Brook Farms Ground Turkey Burgers with Natural Flavoring with the following "Use by" or "Freeze by" dates: 07/09/11, 07/10/11, 07/11/11, 07/15/11, 07/16/11, 07/21/11, 07/22/11, 07/24/11, 08/01/11, or 08/04/11

Frozen Ground Turkey - Production Dates of 2/20/11 through 8/2/11

• 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Honeysuckle White Ground Turkey with Natural Flavoring
• 16 oz. (1 lb.) chubs of Spartan Ground Turkey
• 48 oz. (3 lb.) chubs of Honeysuckle White 85/15 Ground Turkey
• 40 lb. Bulk Packed Ground Turkey with Natural Flavoring for Food Service Use Only

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The recent Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak linked to ground turkey has been characterized by an alarming discovery. The strain of Salmonella that has sickened 77 people in 26 states and killed one is, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) "resistant to many commonly prescribed antibiotics; this antibiotic resistance can increase the risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in infected individuals."

The topic of drug-resistant Salmonella is not limited to this outbreak. Recently, CBS News reported on another strain called Salmonella Kentucky. A recent European study published in the Journal of Infectious Disease shows that it is resistant to common antibiotics. According to the report, the pathogen made nearly 500 people sick between 2000 and 2008 in France, England, Wales and Denmark. It was usually associated with chicken. According to study author Dr. Simon Le Hello, of the Pasteur Institute in France:

"We hope that this publication might stir awareness among national and international health, food, and agricultural authorities so that they take the necessary measures to control and stop the dissemination of this strain before it spreads globally, as did another multidrug-resistant strain of Salmonella, Typhimurium DT104, starting in the 1990s."

The study recommends that International public health surveillance systems are needed to limit the spread of such multidrug-resistant organisms.

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The ongoing  turkey Salmonella outbreak in Ohio, Michigan, Texas, Illinois and 22 other states carries with it the threat that some victims will develop serious complications and chronic illness -- the most prominent of which is Reiter's Syndrome.

Salmonella is a bacterial pathogen that causes diarrhea and fever but can also result in Salmonella-induced chronic conditions such as aseptic reactive arthritis and Reiter‘s Syndrome, which is a combination of urethritis, conjunctivitis, and arthritis. The first symptoms may follow 3-4 weeks after onset Salmonella's acute symptoms of fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea.. 

• Achilles tendon pain
• Heel pain
• Joint pain in the large joints (hip pain, knee pain, and ankle pain are common)
• Low back pain

• Eye discharge
• Eye pain - burning
• Eye redness
• Skin lesions on the palms and soles that may resemble psoriasis
• Small, painless ulcers in the mouth, tongue, and glans penis

• Genital lesions (male)
• Incontinence
• Penis pain
• Skin redness or inflammation
• Urethral discharge
• Urinary hesitancy
• Urinary urgency
• Urination - burning or stinging

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Michigan's top food poisoning investigator says there may be more than 10 Michigan residents infected by the turkey Salmonella outbreak that federal health officials say has caused one Salmonella death in California and sickened at least 77 others in 26 states. 

• Genesee County (1)
• Bay County (1)
• Berrien County (1)
• Eaton County (1)

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A California man is the first person to die in the 26-state Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak associated with ground turkey products. The man lived in Sacramento, according to California health officials. Five other people in California were also sickened in the outbreak.

California counties with Salmonella victims include:

• Sacramento (2)
• Los Angeles (1)
• San Francisco (1)
• Riverside (1)
• San Diego (1).

State and federal health officials have only warned consumers about this outbreak and the possible link to ground turkey. There has not been a recall of potentially contaminated products, nor have health officials let the public know the products involved in the outbreak to prevent illness. This is particularly troubling because the Salmonella Heidelberg strain involved in this outbreak is resistant to many commonly prescribed antibiotics. This antibiotic resistance can increase the risk of hospitalization, treatment failure (wrongful death) and future medical issues.

This is the second time this year that ground turkey has been linked to a Salmonella outbreak. From December 2010 to March of 2011, 12 people, including one from California, were sickened by Jennie-O frozen turkey burgers contaminated with drug-resistant Salmonella Hadar.  In response to the outbreak, on April 1, 2011, Jennie-O Turkey Store®, in Willmar, Minnesota, recalled approximately 54,960 pounds of frozen, raw turkey burger products.

Salmonella lawyers at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., are investigating this outbreak for a possible turkey Salmonella lawsuit. Our firm is accepting cases from California and other states. To pursue a claim, individuals and families who have been affected by the outbreak may call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or provide us with your contact information. PritzkerOlsen is one of the few law firms in the U.S. that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness and our attorneys are sought after for appearances at food safety conferences and by national health reporters covering outbreaks of foodborne illness.

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A Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak associated with ground turkey has sickened 77 people in 26 states. The strain of Salmonella Heidelberg involved in this outbreak is resistant to many commonly prescribed antibiotics. This antibiotic resistance increased the severity of infections, resulting in 22 people hospitalized, a high number for a Salmonella outbreak of this size. The antibiotic resistance also led to treatment failure and the death of one Salmonella Heidelberg victim.  

When a strain of Salmonella is resistant to several antibiotics, it is called a multidrug-resistant (MDR) strain of Salmonella. The rates of multidrug-resistance in Salmonella have increased considerably in recent years.  Salmonella Heidelberg is one of the Salmonella serotypes more prone to develop resistance.

Increased Risk of Infection and Death for Salmonella Heidelberg Victims

Antibiotic-resistant Salmonella Heidelberg can result in any of the following:

• Increased frequency of treatment failure
• Increased severity of infection
• Increased frequency of bloodstream infections
• Increased hospitalization
• Increased mortality.

People with infections caused by antibiotic-resistant Salmonella have been found to be more likely to have bloodstream infection or die within 90 days.¹ One study found that the death rate for persons with multidrug-resistant infections was estimated to be 10 times higher in the two years following specimen collection than for the general population.²

What this means is that the Salmonella Heidelberg victims in this outbreak should seek compensation for this increased risk in addition to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering and other damages. Contact our attorneys for a free consultation.

The following states are involved in this Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak: Alabama (1), Arizona (2), California (6), Georgia (1), Iowa (1), Illinois (7), Indiana (1), Kentucky (2), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (10), Minnesota (1), Missouri (2), Mississippi (1), North Carolina (1), Nebraska (2), Nevada (1), Ohio (10), Oklahoma (1), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (5), South Dakota(3), Tennessee (2), Texas (9), and Wisconsin (3).

1. Varma, J, et al. Antimicrobial-Resistant Nontyphoidal Salmonella Is Associated with Excess Bloodstream Infections and Hospitalizations. Journal of Infectious Diseases (2005), Volume 191, Issue 4, pp. 554-561.

2. Helms, Morten, et al. Excess Mortality Associated with Antimicrobial Drug-Resistant Salmonella Typhimurium. Emerging Infectious Disease (2002), volume 8(5), pp. 490-495.

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Seven people from Illinois are case patients in the turkey Salmonella outbreak that has sickened 77 people in 26 states. Ground turkey has been implicated as the cause of this outbreak in Illinois, Ohio and other states. But as of yet the investigation has not identified the brand name or the manufacturing plant where the meat came from.

The Illinois Department of Public Health, along with local health departments in Illinois, are collaborating with the CDC and USDA to investigate. The outbreak strain of Salmonella Heidelberg is resistant to some antibiotics. Any potential information on the contamination source will come from the USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service, the primary regulator for meat.

Nationally, the turkey outbreak has caused one Salmonella death and the illnesses have occurred since the first day of March. The outbreak is ongoing. Of the seven cases in Illinois with the same type of Salmonella as the outbreak, at least one person has been hospitalized. Reports of illness in Illinois started on March 21, 2011, with the most recent case patient becoming ill on June 29. Case patients range in age from 3 to 60 years and were reported in Cass County, Cook County, DuPage County, Madison County, Peoria County, Will County and Williamson County. This area encompasses Chicago and other Illinois cities.

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Ohio is part of the turkey Salmonella outbreak under investigation by the Centers for Disease Control, state health departments and local offices. The Ohio Department of Health reports 10 cases occurred between April 22 and June 26, including three cases in Cuyahoga County.

Ohio turkey Salmonella cases also have been reported in Franklin, Lake, Lorian, Lucas, Montgomery, Summit and Warren counties, the Columbus Dispatch reported. They are all part of the multi-state outbreak that the CDC reports has sickened 77 people in 26 states.  So far there has been one Salmonella death in the outbreak, but not in Ohio.

Public health officials in Ohio and beyond are working to identify the precise source, but ground turkey has been implicated. The brand of ground turkey or the plant where it was packaged is not known at this time. Therefore, this outbreak of Salmonella Heidelberg has not yet prompted any turkey recall.

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Our attorneys are investigating a Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak that has sickened 77 people in 26 states. One of the Salmonella victims died.

The epidemiological and microbiological evidence points to ground turkey as the source of the outbreak. According to the CDC, among the 51 ill persons with available information, 25 (49%) reported consuming ground turkey. Cultures of four ground turkey samples purchased from four retail locations between March 7 and June 27, 2011 yielded Salmonella Heidelberg with the outbreak strain. Each Salmonella outbreak involves a unique strain of Salmonella.

"What I have found is that families want to hold companies responsible for selling contaminated food," said Salmonella attorney Fred Pritzker. "The family of the Salmonella victim who died in this outbreak has a legal right to pursue compensation for their loss and get some measure of justice."

Salmonella Heidelberg strains show higher rates of resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents. Ground turkey processors know this and should take every measure to make sure that the meat is not contaminated with the pathogen.  "A bite of a turkey burger should not kill someone," said Pritzker.

Attorney Fred Pritzker has successfully represented families in Salmonella wrongful death cases and is available for a free consultation. He has a national practice and represents Salmonella victims throughout the United States.

States involved in this outbreak include the following: Alabama (1), Arizona (2), California (6), Georgia (1), Iowa (1), Illinois (7), Indiana (1), Kentucky (2), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (10), Minnesota (1), Missouri (2), Mississippi (1), North Carolina (1), Nebraska (2), Nevada (1), Ohio (10), Oklahoma (1), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (5), South Dakota(3), Tennessee (2), Texas (9), and Wisconsin (3). Of those sickened, at least 22 have been hospitalized.

This is the second Salmonella outbreak in 2011 associated with ground turkey. A Salmonella Hadar outbreak in late 2010 and early 2011 was associated with consuming turkey burgers from Jennie-O Turkey Store, a Minnesota company. As of April 1, 2011, 12 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Hadar were reported from 10 states: Arizona (1 case), California (1 case), Colorado (1 case), Georgia (1 case), Illinois (1 case), Missouri (1 case), Mississippi (1 case), Ohio (1 case), Washington (1 case), and Wisconsin (3 cases).

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The CDC has released its first update on the Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak linked to ground turkey that has sickened 77 people in 26 states between March 1 and August 1, 2011. One person has died.

"This outbreak could have been prevented with better sanitation and pathogen testing," said Fred Pritzker, lead attorney for our Salmonella lawsuits. "A bite of a turkey burger should not send someone to the hospital. These victims and their families deserve compensation, and the processor of the ground turkey needs to be held accountable."

The number of ill persons identified in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Arizona (2), California (6), Georgia (1), Iowa (1), Illinois (7), Indiana (1), Kentucky (2), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (10), Minnesota (1), Missouri (2), Mississippi (1), North Carolina (1), Nebraska (2), Nevada (1), Ohio (10), Oklahoma (1), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (5), South Dakota(3), Tennessee (2), Texas (9), and Wisconsin (3).

People sickened range in age from less than 1 year to 88 years old, with a median age of 23 years old. Among the 58 ill persons with available information, 22 (38%) have been hospitalized. This is an extremely high number of hospitalizations for a Salmonella outbreak.

One death has been reported. The family of this victim can pursue a Salmonella wrongful death lawsuit against the companies legally responsible for the death.

The outbreak investigation is ongoing. Cultures of four ground turkey samples purchased from four retail locations between March 7 and June 27, 2011 yielded Salmonella Heidelberg with the outbreak strain. Preliminary information indicates that three of these products originated from a common production establishment; the fourth is still under investigation. These were obtained as part of routine sampling in the National Antimicrobial Resistance Monitoring System (NARMS), and have not been linked to illnesses. Product information (such as date and location of purchase of ground turkey) is also being collected from ill persons and is being used by local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies to conduct traceback investigations.

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Our attorneys are investigating a Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak that has been associated with ground turkey. At least 77 people in 26 states have laboratory-confirmed cases of Salmonella Heidelberg linked through an epidemiologic investigation and PFGE (DNA) analyses. Others may also be part of this outbreak. At least 22 people have been hospitalized, and one person has died.

Salmonella Heidelberg strains are often associated with food poisoning and show higher rates of resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents. One study found¹:

One hundred eighty S. enterica serovar Heidelberg isolates,collected from turkey-associated production and processing sources,were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility, and compared bypulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and plasmid profileanalysis. The potential for the transfer of resistance betweenstrains was studied by conjugation experiments. XbaI-digestedPFGE analysis identified eight clusters (based on an 90% similarity),with the largest containing 71% of the isolates. Forty-two percentof the isolates were resistant to at least one of the 15 antimicrobialagents tested and 4% of the isolates were resistant to eightor more antimicrobial agents. Resistance was most commonly detectedto streptomycin (32%), tetracycline (30%) and kanamycin (24%).Interestingly, the XbaI PFGE profiles of selective multidrugresistant strains (n=22) of S. enterica serovar Heidelberg fromturkey-associated sources were indistinguishable from the predominantprofile (JF6X01.0022), detected in isolates associated withhuman infections. These isolates were further differentiatedinto seven distinct profiles following digestion with BlnI enzyme,with the largest cluster compromising of 15 isolates from veterinarydiagnostic and turkey processing environments. Conjugation experimentsindicated that resistance to multiple antimicrobial agents wastransferable among strains with diverse PFGE profiles. 

Salmonella Heidelberg food poisoning causes an infection called salmonellosis. This can cause gastroenteritis and serious illness. In some cases, salmonellosis can develop into bacteremia, an infection of the blood. When this happens, the Salmonella bacteria can be carried to other parts of the body by the blood cells and cause serious injury or death.

Salmonella bacteremia can result in one or more of the following focal infections:

• Osteomyelitis (infection of the bones or bone marrow)
• Meningitis (infection of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord)
• Pyelonepritis (a urinary tract infection that infects the kidneys that may be referred to as urosepsis when severe and may be called pyelitis)
• Endocarditis (infection of the endocardium, the inner layer of the heart that may include infection of the heart valves)
• Myocarditis (infection of the heart muscle)
• Vascular infections (infection of the blood vessels)
• Pancreatitis (infection of the pancreas)
• Pneumonia (infection of the lungs)

The above infections are all life-threatening, and some have extremely high mortality rates. Read about a Salmonella death lawsuit.

Salmonella bacteremia can also cause either septic arthritis or reactive arthritis (Reiter's syndrome).

The Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak associated with ground turkey has sickened people in the following states: Alabama (1), Arizona (2), California (6), Georgia (1), Iowa (1), Illinois (7), Indiana (1), Kentucky (2), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (10), Minnesota (1), Missouri (2), Mississippi (1), North Carolina (1), Nebraska (2), Nevada (1), Ohio (10), Oklahoma (1), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (5), South Dakota(3), Tennessee (2), Texas (9), and Wisconsin (3).

1. Pravin Kaldhone,et al. (2008). Characterization of Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg from Turkey-Associated Sources. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. doi:10.1128/AEM.00409-08.

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A Salmonella Heidelberg outbreak has been associated with the use and consumption of ground turkey. At least 77 people in 26 states have been sickened. Of those, 22 were hospitalized and one person died. The illnesses were linked and ground turkey was implicated through an epidemiologic investigation and PFGE analyses by state health departments and The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

"These people need immediate relief from financial burdens caused by the contaminated ground turkey products," said Fred Pritzker, lead attorney for our Salmonella cases. "They also deserve compensation for the severe pain they endured."

The number of people sickened in each state is as follows: Alabama (1), Arizona (2), California (6), Georgia (1), Iowa (1), Illinois (7), Indiana (1), Kentucky (2), Louisiana (1), Massachusetts (1), Michigan (10), Minnesota (1), Missouri (2), Mississippi (1), North Carolina (1), Nebraska (2), Nevada (1), Ohio (10), Oklahoma (1), Oregon (1), Pennsylvania (5), South Dakota(3), Tennessee (2), Texas (9), and Wisconsin (3).

Consumption of food contaminated with Salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses. Salmonella infections can be life-threatening, especially to those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy. The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever within eight to 72 hours. Additional symptoms may be chills, headache, nausea and vomiting that can last up to seven days.

To contact our Salmonella attorneys for a free consultation regarding a Salmonella lawsuit, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free consultation form.

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In the recent Salmonella Agona outbreak linked to papayas, at least 99 people in 23 states were sickened, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Ten people have been hospitalized.

Of those hospitalizations, 8 were in the Chicago, Illinois area.  “For some people, Salmonella food poisoning might mean severe flu-like symptoms that eventually pass. But for others, it can mean serious illness or even death,” said Salmonella attorney Brendan Flaherty. “Our firm has represented people seriously sickened and killed by Salmonella poisoning. It’s important for those injured to receive the justice they deserve, and also to let companies know they can’t get away with selling contaminated products.”

There are 17 people sick in Illinois, with most of the illnesses concentrated in Chicago and surrounding suburbs. Counties affected include DuPage, Kane, Lake, Will and Winnebago. The number of illnesses, according to the Illinois Department of Public Health, are broken down as follows: Chicago-5, Cook County-4, DuPage County-4, Kane-1, Lake County-1, Will County-1 and Winnebago County-1.

The Salmonella Agona cases have been linked to papayas imported and distributed by Agromod Produce, Inc.., a McAllen, Texas company. The company issued a recall of papayas after samples of their papayas tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella. The recall involves Blondie, Yaya, Mañanita, and Tastylicious Brand papayas sold prior to July 23, 2011.

People who think they may be sick with Salmonella should visit a doctor and have a stool sample tested to confirm whether Salmonella is the actual pathogen making them sick. People who have a culture-confirmed case of Salmonella and have recently eaten papaya may be part of this outbreak. Speaking with a health care provider and contacting your local health department can help you determine if your illness is part of this outbreak.  If you have questions about this, contact our law firm for a free consultation.

Salmonella papaya outbreak victims may be able to file a lawsuit against Agromod Produce and others. A Salmonella lawsuit requires a lawyer who has experience investigating the microbiological and epidemiological evidence involved in a foodborne illness case. Our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars on behalf of people sickened by Salmonella and other food poisoning pathogens. Contact them for a free consultation today.

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Pritzker Olsen is a national Salmonella law firm for victims of the Salmonella Agona outbreak who ate contaminated papayas and want to file a  lawsuit against Agromod Produce, Inc. of Texas, the distributor of recalled papayas. Compensation for victims who file a papaya lawsuit may include amounts for any of the following:

• Hospital bills and other medical expenses
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Disability
• Loss of quality of life
• Other damages.

A Salmonella lawsuit should seek full and fair compensation. This includes amounts for expected future medical expenses, losses and pain. The value of each case depends on the facts. Our advantage as experienced Salmonella lawyers is that we know what cases are worth, and we have successfully negotiated with many of the insurance companies that insure food manufacturers, distributors and restaurants. Money to pay the Salmonella claims usually comes from the insurance company.

Papaya Salmonella Outbreak Associated with Agromod Produce

A multistate outbreak of Salmonella Agona infections has been linked to whole, fresh imported papayas. Public health investigators are using DNA “fingerprints” of Salmonella bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing with pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, or PFGE, to identify cases of illness that may be part of this outbreak. 

A total of 99 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Agona have been reported from 23 states between January 1 and July 22, 2011. The number of ill persons identified in each state with the outbreak strain is as follows: Arkansas (1), Arizona (3), California (7), Colorado (1), Georgia (8), Illinois (17), Louisiana (2), Massachusetts (1), Minnesota (3), Missouri (3), Nebraska (2), Nevada (1), New Jersey (1), New Mexico (3), New York (7), Ohio (1), Oklahoma (1), Pennsylvania (2), Tennessee (1), Texas (25), Virginia (2), Washington (5), and Wisconsin (2).

Among persons for whom information is available, illnesses began on or after January 17, 2011. Ill persons range in age from less than 1 year old to 91 years old, and the median age is 19 years old.  Forty-one percent of patients are younger than 5 years old. Sixty percent are female. Eleven persons reported travel to Mexico in the week before they became ill. Ten patients were hospitalized. 

Eight of the ten people hospitalized in this outbreak were from Illinois. Nine additional people in Illinois were sickened but where not hospitalized (these people may still have claims against Agromod and others). The count in Illinois is as follows:

• Chicago – 5 cases
• Cook County – 4 cases
• DuPage County – 4 cases
• Kane County – 1 case
• Lake County – 1 case
• Will County – 1 case
• Winnebago County – 1 case.

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Our lawyers have won money for Salmonella victims in Illinois.

Our Salmonella attorneys are investigating a Salmonella Agona outbreak that has sickened at least 17 people in Illinois:

• Chicago – 5 cases
• Cook County – 4 cases
• DuPage County – 4 cases
• Kane County – 1 case
• Lake County – 1 case
• Will County – 1 case
• Winnebago County – 1 case.

Eight of these people were hospitalized.

“The victims of this outbreak deserve compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, pain and emotional distress,” said attorney Fred Pritzker. “Our job as attorneys is to hold all responsible companies accountable.”

The Illinois cases are part of a Salmonella Agona outbreak that has sickened at least 99 people in 23 states. The source of this outbreak is most likely papayas imported from Mexico by Agromod Produce, Inc. of McAllen, Texas. Agromod distributes papayas to retailers and wholesalers nationwide.

“Agromod Produce, Inc. may not be the only company liable for the Illinois Salmonella Agona cases,” said Pritzker. “Retailers, restaurants and others may also be liable.”

Our attorneys are available for a free consultation regarding a Salmonella Agona lawsuit. Victims and their families may call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free consultation form.  

This outbreak has sickened people in Illinois in Chicago, Cook County, DuPage County, Kane County, Lake County, Will County, and Winnebago County. Our attorneys can provide information regarding a papaya Salmonella lawsuit against Agromod Produce.

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GHSW, LLC of Houston, Texas recalled fresh cut fruit products after the company was notified that papayas used in the fresh fruit products listed below were associated with the Agromod Produce, Inc. papaya recall dated July 23, 2011. The Agromod Produce recall was prompted by an outbreak of Salmonella Agona that has sickened at least 99 people in 23 states.

The recalled fruit products below contained papaya and were packaged in plastic containers.

Above listed product containing a Best if used by date of 7/30/11 or sooner should not be consumed. The products listed in this recall were distributed to retail establishments and distribution centers in Texas. No known illnesses have been associated with GHSW, LLC products, including the products listed above.

Papaya Outbreak Information

A total of 99 individuals infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Agona have been reported from 23 states between January 1 and July 22, 2011. The number of ill persons identified in each state with the outbreak strain is as follows: Arkansas (1), Arizona (3), California (7), Colorado (1), Georgia (8), Illinois (17), Louisiana (2), Massachusetts (1), Minnesota (3), Missouri (3), Nebraska (2), Nevada (1), New Jersey (1), New Mexico (3), New York (7), Ohio (1), Oklahoma (1), Pennsylvania (2), Tennessee (1), Texas (25), Virginia (2), Washington (5), and Wisconsin (2).

Epidemiologic, traceback, and laboratory investigations conducted by officials in many local, state, and federal public health, agriculture, and regulatory agencies have linked this outbreak to eating fresh, whole papayas imported from Mexico by Agromod Produce, Inc. of McAllen, Texas.  Among 52 ill persons for whom information is available, 57% have reported consuming papayas in the week before illness onset. 

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In the video below, Salmonella attorney Brendan Flaherty discusses the Salmonella Agona outbreak that has been associated with papayas imported by Agromod Produce, Inc. of Texas.

The latest figures from the CDC are that 99 cases of Salmonella Agona have been reported in 23 states as follows: Arkansas (1), Arizona (3), California (7), Colorado (1), Georgia (8), Illinois (17), Louisiana (2), Massachusetts (1), Minnesota (3), Missouri (3), Nebraska (2), Nevada (1), New Jersey (1), New Mexico (3), New York (7), Ohio (1), Oklahoma (1), Pennsylvania (2), Tennessee (1), Texas (25), Virginia (2), Washington (5), and Wisconsin (2).  Some of those sickened have told investigators that they do not recall eating papaya before they became sick.

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The CDC is reporting two more cases of Salmonella associated with Agromod Produce, Inc. papayas. Attorney Fred Pritzker and his team of Salmonella food poisoning lawyers are investigating the outbreak and the related papayas recall. Victims of the outbreak can contact our law firm for a free consultation regarding a Agromod Produce papaya lawsuit.

99 people have been sickened with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Agona: Arkansas (1), Arizona (3), California (7), Colorado (1), Georgia (8), Illinois (17), Louisiana (2), Massachusetts (1), Minnesota (3), Missouri (3), Nebraska (2), Nevada (1), New Jersey (1), New Mexico (3), New York (7), Ohio (1), Oklahoma (1), Pennsylvania (2), Tennessee (1), Texas (25), Virginia (2), Washington (5), and Wisconsin (2).

Investigators found an association between the outbreak of Salmonella Agona and papayas imported to the United States by Agromod Produce, Inc. of McAllen, Texas. In response to this outbreak, Agromond issued a papayas recall. Agromod Produce has recalled all of the following papaya brands sold prior to July 23, 2011:

• Blondie. Each Blondie Brand papaya can be identified by a blue and orange sticker label with green and white lettering on the fruit that states Blondie 4395 Mexico.
• Yaya, The Yaya Brand Papayas can be identified by a yellow, red, orange, and green label with white, green and red lettering that reads Yaya Premium Papayas Yaya PLU-4395 Mexico.
• Mañanita. Each Mañanita Brand Papaya can be identified by a green, yellow and red sticker label that states Mexico Mañanita 4395.
• Tastylicious.  The Tastylicious Brand Papayas can be identified by a white and blue sticker with red and white lettering that states 4395 Tastylicious MEXICO.

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The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting 17 cases of Salmonella Agona in Illinois, which are linked to a multistate Salmonella outbreak believed to be associated with papayas from Mexico that were distributed by Agromod Produce, Inc., a distributor in McAllen, Texas. Of the 17 cases in Illinois, eight hospitalizations have been reported. Cases have been reported in the following areas: Chicago-5, Cook-suburban-4, DuPage-4, Kane-1, Lake-1, Will-1 and Winnebago-1.

"We are seeing more and more cases where produce contaminated with Salmonella is making people sick," said Fred Pritzker, lead attorney for our Salmonella personal injury cases.  "We are here to make sure companies like Agromod Produce are held accountable."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are using DNA analysis of Salmonella bacteria to identify cases of illness that may be part of this outbreak, which has infected a total of 97 people in 23 states between January 1 and July 18, 2011.

Agromod Produce, Inc. of McAllen, Texas is voluntarily recalling all Blondie, Yaya, Mañanita, and Tastylicious brand papayas distributed nationwide and to Canada through retail stores and wholesalers prior to July 23, 2011. Recent sampling by the FDA found the outbreak strain in two papaya samples collected at Agromod Produce, Inc. in Texas and at the U.S. border destined for Agromod Produce, Inc. The shipments that tested positive with the outbreak strain were not distributed in the U.S.

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Pritzker Olsen Salmonella attorneys are investigating a Salmonella outbreak associated with papayas from Mexico imported through Agromod Produce, Inc. A total of 97 people infected with Salmonella Agona have been reported from 23 states between January 1 and July 18, 2011.

The number of ill persons identified in each state with the outbreak strain is as follows:

Arkansas (1), Arizona (3), California (7), Colorado (1), Georgia (8), Illinois (17), Louisiana (2), Massachusetts (1), Minnesota (3), Missouri (3), Nebraska (2), Nevada (1), New Jersey (1), New Mexico (3), New York (6), Ohio (1), Oklahoma (1), Pennsylvania (1), Tennessee (1), Texas (25), Virginia (2), Washington (5), and Wisconsin (2).

Investigators are using DNA analysis of Salmonella bacteria obtained through diagnostic testing to identify cases of illness that may be part of this outbreak.

The FDA is advising consumers not to eat papayas from Agromod Produce, Inc., and the company is voluntarily recalling papayas as follows:

Agromod is recalling all Blondie, Yaya, Mañanita, and Tastylicious Brand papayas sold prior to July 23, 2011. Each Blondie Brand papaya can be identified by a blue and orange sticker label with green and white lettering on the fruit that states Blondie 4395 Mexico. The Yaya Brand Papayas can be identified by a yellow, red, orange, and green label with white, green and red lettering that reads Yaya Premium Papayas Yaya PLU-4395 Mexico. Each Mañanita Brand Papaya can be identified by a green, yellow and red sticker label that states Mexico Mañanita 4395. The Tastylicious Brand Papayas can be identified by a white and blue sticker with red and white lettering that states 4395 Tastylicious MEXICO.

Agromod Produce, Inc. distributes the four brands of papayas whole and unprocessed: Yaya, Blondie, Mananita and Tastylicious. Receiving retailers or others may have further processed the papayas.

For a free Salmonella case review, contact our law firm at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free consultation form.

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Suzy Weems, Ph.D., a national food expert and chair of Baylor University's family and consumer sciences department, is warning people not to be fooled by Internet sites expounding the benefits of eating raw eggs. This is from a Baylor University news article:

A flurry of Internet sites are touting raw egg drinks or shakes as "primal and powerful," with others suggesting uncooked eggs be blended with vanilla or avocado for a tasty, healthy snack and still others insisting that the connection between raw eggs and salmonella is a myth.

Suzy Weems, Ph.D., a national food expert and chair of Baylor University's family and consumer sciences department, has this word for health-seekers: Leave no egg uncooked.

"Under no circumstances eat a raw egg," says Weems, a registered dietitian and a past chair of the American Dietetic Association's legislative and public policy committee.

Read the full article.

We could not agree more. Attorneys Fred Pritzker, Brendan Flaherty and Ryan Osterholm recently settled several cases involving Salmonella poisoning from eggs.

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Over 300 inmates and staff who ate tainted chicken at the U.S. Penitentiary-Canaan in Waymart, Pennsylvania were sickened by salmonella poisoning. "Tainted chicken" served in fajitas on June 25 has been confirmed as the cause of the outbreak at the prison 135 miles north of Philadelphia, according to Lamine N'diaye, a spokesman for the federal Bureau of Prisons northeast regional office.

The chicken was prepared in the prison kitchen, which was closed when inmates and staff fell ill soon after eating the chicken, according to the Associated Press.

Pritzker Olsen attorneys represent Salmonella victims nationwide. They recently settled a large case involving contaminated food served at fast food restaurants. To contact the law firm, call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free case review form.

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The same week our Salmonella attorneys won a large settlement for victims of a 2010 Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts, we learned of another Salmonella outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts, this time Evergreen Produce brand sprouts.

This new outbreak continues to grow:

From April 12 to July 5, a total of 25 persons infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Enteritidis have been reported from 5 states: Idaho (3), Montana (10), New Jersey (1), North Dakota (1) and Washington (10). Results of the investigation indicate a link to eating alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts manufactured by Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, LLC of Moyie Springs, Idaho.

The sprouts Salmonella outbreak prompted  Evergreen Fresh Sprouts to recall certain lots of alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts due to possible Salmonella contamination. The recalled sprouts were distributed in Washington and Idaho by direct delivery to four distributors and three retail stores and could have ended up in restaurants and supermarkets in those areas and neighboring states. Contaminated products may still be in grocery stores and in consumers’ homes.

The recalled products are coded with Expiration Dates from 06 22 through 07 14. The products being recalled are identified as:

• Alfalfa Sprouts, Evergreen Produce, 4 oz. bag, UPC 8 38796 00103 7.
• Alfalfa Sprouts, Evergreen Produce, 16 oz. bag, UPC 8 38796 00108 2.
• Alfalfa Sprouts, Evergreen Produce, 5 lb. bag, no UPC.
• Spicy Sprouts, Evergreen Produce, 4 oz. bag, UPC 8 38796 00102 0.
• Spicy Sprouts, Evergreen Produce, 16 oz. or 5 lb. bag, no UPC.

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Evergreen Fresh Sprouts, LLC announced a voluntary recall of Alfalfa Sprouts and Spicy Sprouts because the sprouts have the potential to be contaminated with Salmonella. The recalled sprouts have been linked to a multistate outbreak of Salmonella infections.

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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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The FDA is warning consumers not to eat certain Evergreen Produce brand alfalfa sprouts or spicy sprouts because they may contain Salmonella Enteritidis. The possibly contaminated alfalfa sprouts and spicy sprouts are sold in plastic bags labeled “Evergreen Produce” or “Evergreen Produce Inc.” They are packaged in 4-ounce and 16-ounce plastic bags with pre-printed labels and are also packaged in 1-pound and 5-pound plastic bags with stick-on labels. The spicy sprouts are packaged in 4-ounce plastic bags with pre-printed labels and 1-pound plastic bags with stick-on labels.

The FDA Evergreen Produce sprouts warning was prompted by a Salmonella outbreak that has sickened at least 20 people in Idaho, Montana, New Jersey, North Dakota and Washington State. Several people sickened in the outbreak ate Evergreen Produce alfalfa sprouts before getting sick.

Pritzker Olsen attorneys recently settled several cases involving a restaurant chain that served contaminated sprouts.  They represent Salmonella victims throughout the United States.

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Nineteen people in Northern Idaho, Eastern Washington and Western Montana are part  of a Salmonella outbreak associated with alfalfa sprouts traced to Evergreen Produce, located in Moyie Springs, Idaho.

Idaho public health officials are recommending that people avoid eating sprouts from Evergreen Produce and discard any Evergreen Produce sprouts in their possession while the investigation is ongoing.

Our lawyers have won money for Salmonella victims sickened by contaminated alfalfa sprouts in other outbreaks. Our lead attorney for these cases is Fred Pritzker.

In these cases, victims may have claims against growers, distributors, retailers and restaurants, depending on the facts. These claims are called personal injury claims, and include compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.  If the Salmonella victim dies, the family may have a wrongful death claim against responsible parties.

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Chicks, ducklings and Salmonella have combined to form an outbreak of infectious disease that, so far, has infected 39 individuals in 15 states -- including eight in Ohio, six in North Carolina and four in Kentucky. The animals were purchased as egg producers for backyard flocks or as pets.

Twenty-eight percent of the chick Salmonella outbreak victims have been hospitalized and no deaths have been reported. Traceback investigations have determined that many of the contaminated chicks and ducklings were purchased from the same nationwide agricultural feed store chain. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said a single mail-order hatchery was involved in the supply chain. Neither the store nor the hatchery were identified.

The number and home state of persons ill from the outbreak strain of Salmonella Altona are:  Georgia (1), Indiana (1), Kentucky (4), Michigan (1), Maryland (3), Minnesota (1), North Carolina (6), New York (2), Ohio (8), Pennsylvania (4), Tennessee (2), Virginia (3), Vermont (1), Wisconsin (1), and West Virginia (1).

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Salmonella food poisoning is defying U.S. prevention efforts even while progress is being made to stop a more feared pathogen: E. coli O157:H7. Those are the headlines from an annual report on foodborne illness produced by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The report found broad declines in several foodborne infections, including E. coli O157:H7. But Salmonella infections, which cause the largest numbers of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths of any pathogen under surveillance in the Foodborne Diseases Active Surveillance Network (FoodNet), have not declined during the past decade, the CDC said. FoodNet conducts surveillance among 15 percent of the U.S. population for laboratory-confirmed infections with nine pathogens transmitted commonly through food.  

By comparison, the rate of E. coli O157 cases reported by FoodNet sites was .9 cases per 100,000 people, down substantially from 1997 when FoodNet measured 2 cases per 100,000 people. The nearly 50 percent reduction in E. coli O157 incidence is considered significant when compared to the lack of change in Salmonella incidence. 

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Portillo's helped Salmonella outbreak investigators link 15 illnesses to salad served at the restaurant. The Illinois investigation into the Portillo's Salmonella outbreak in Kane County centered on the Portillo's restaurant in St. Charles. 

A press release from the Kane County Health Department said the investigation is not over. "An exact cause of the outbreak has not been identified; however the weight of evidence leans toward the ingestion of salad,'' the statement said. "It is not known how the salad became contaminated.''

 The number of confirmed cases stands at 15, with eight from Kane County, four from 4 DuPage County, one from Chicago, one from DeKalb County, and one from Minnesota. Officials said two employees of the St. Charles Portillo's were found to be infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium, but they are considered victims of the outbreak -- not the cause.

Ten of the victims are female and all illness started between April 5-30. Three of the infected individuals were hospitalized.

Members of the public who have been sickened in this outbreak can speak to a Salmonella lawyer at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., about a possible Portillo's lawsuit: 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free).. Our firm is one of the very few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. We have recovered millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning by holding producers and restaurant companies and their insurance carriers responsible for selling contaminated food. Click here to provide your contact information to our attorneys. Case consultations are free and a lawyer will call you.

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Portillo's Restaurant in St. Charles, Illinois, is the place where nine of 13 Salmonella outbreak victims reported eating at before getting sick, prompting a ongoing public health investigation at the restaurant.

The potential common link was reported by the Kane County Health Department, prompting a separate investigation by food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A.., which has been accepting calls from affected families and individuals for a possible Portillo's Salmonella lawsuit.  To speak to an attorney at the firm, fill out our contact form or call the office at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). Our law firm has won money for Salmonella victims in Illinois by holding the responsible parties accountable for dangerous contamination of food. 

Of the 13 outbreak victims, seven are from Kane County, four are from DuPage, one from Cook and one is from Minnesota, Kane County officials have said. Nine are female and four are male, with their ages ranging from 17 to 64. Three of the patients were hospitalized, but all have since been released.

Employee testing results are expected this week. None of the employees are allowed to return to work until they have had two tests showing they are not infected. Portillo’s has transferred employees from other locations and remains open.

Salmonella is the most common bacterial cause of foodborne outbreaks in the United States; approximately half of all Salmonella outbreaks occur in restaurant settings. 

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Illinois officials are testing food from Portillo's restaurant in St. Charles, Illinois, for Salmonella bacteria.. Nine of 13 people infected by an identical strain of Salmonella Typhimurium  reported eating at the St. Charles Portillo's restaurant during April.

That's the latest Illinois Salmonella update from Kane County Health Department. State and county officials are continuing to investigate the restaurant Salmonella outbreak to determine the cause. Another response to the outbreak is an investigation by food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., representing victims. For answers to legal questions on how the public can hold the responsible parties accountable, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our online Salmonella outbreak form for a free case consultation.

Of the 13 case patients in this outbreak, seven are from Kane County, four are from DuPage, one from Cook and one is from Minnesota, Kane County officials said.  Nine are female and four are male, with their ages ranging from 17 to 64. Three of the patients were hospitalized, but all have since been released, the statement said.

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Salmonella is the most common bacterial cause of foodborne outbreaks in the United States and about half of all Salmonella outbreaks occur in restaurant settings -- including the latest Illinois Salmonella outbreak in Kane County.

Portillo's restaurant in St. Charles, Illinois, has been testing employees for the outbreak strain of Salmonella Typhimurium ever since health investigators determined that seven of the 10 case patients in the outbreak ate there during the month of April. The seven were all sickened by the same genetically matched bacteria; although no link has been made to a specific food or beverage.

The possible Portillo's Salmonella outbreak is at least the fifth Salmonella outbreak to strike in Illinois since early 2010. The most memorable of those was an outbreak of Salmonellosis that involved people who ate alfalfa sprouts at Jimmy John's restaurants in at least 14 Illinois counties. 

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Officials describe Portillo's in St. Charles as a "common potential link,'' noting that the outbreak is still under investigation. No specific food item has been identified to be the source of the illnesses, but management of Portillo's -- a successful chain restaurant -- is "actively cooperating,'' the press release said. The restaurant was sanitized over night Monday, and is having all its food handlers tested for possible infection.

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The Rhode Island zeppole Salmonella outbreak that killed two elderly men and sickened more than 75 others has prompted some soul-searching inside the state over whether seven state food safety inspectors can adequately monitor the 8,000 food facilities, including bakeries and restaurants, that are located throughout the state.

To thoroughly inspect, just once a year, each of the 8,000 places that make or serve food, Rhode Island would need about 26 inspectors doing 300 inspections a year. Neighboring states have far more food safety inspectors per number of institutions that require inspection, according to the Providence Journal.

The zeppole Salmonella outbreak has been associated with baked goods from DeFusco's, where post-outbreak inspection found multiple food safety problems. The outbreak started in March with the traditional serving of cream-filled zeppole as part of the celebration of the Feast of  St. Joseph in the Italian-American community. The first major indication came at a nursing home in Warwick where more than 10 residents fell ill days after DeFusco's zeppoles were delivered as a treat.

Questions about a zeppole Salmonella lawsuit are being handled by national food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A.., at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or online via our contact form. Our legal group is one of the very few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning. We are involved in practically all major outbreaks on behalf of victims and we hold food corporations and insurance companies accountable for the short-term and long-term harms caused by contaminated food.

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As many people consider filing a DeFusco's lawsuit over Salmonella poisoning, the Rhode Island Department of Health continues to provide updates on the outbreak that started more than a month ago and has been linked to DeFusco's pastry.

As of May 2, 2011, the health department's updated number of total illnesses stood at 79. Of those case patients, 30 were hospitalized and two people tragically suffered Salmonella death.  Secondly, the health department told WPRI TV of Providence this week that tests for Salmonella in workers at DeFusco's came back negative, showing no signs of the bacteria. 

DeFusco's bakery facilities in Johnston and Cranston have been closed because of the outbreak. Health officials cited the operations for food safety violations that included improper storage temperature of cream filling and improper use of egg crates for holding pastry shells. Inspectors found Salmonella in the crates.

The outbreak remains under investigation and those victims who have questions about a DeFusco's lawsuit can call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) to speak to a Salmonella attorney at PritzkerOlsen, P.A.. Our firm has years of experience representing those killed or sickened in foodborne illness outbreaks and we have collected tens of millions of dollars for those who have suffered food poisoning. Free case consultations are available by phone or online via our DeFusco's Salmonella contact form.

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A Maryland Salmonella outbreak in Thurmont last month has been associated with sausage and meat pudding served at a church pancake breakfast. The Frederick News-Post followed up on the outbreak by interviewing County Health Officer Barbara Brookmyer.

She told the newspaper that nine of 18 case patients were confirmed to be sickened from the same strain of Salmonella, via stool sample. The breakfast at Trinity United Church of Christ was held March 5. The sausage and meat pudding were produced by a group of 4-H members in Frederick, Maryland.

It's not clear if any of the victims were hospitalized, but even if they weren't, Salmonella infection, or Salmonellosis, is not to be taken lightly. Even after initial symptoms of diarrhea and stomach pain subside, there is a risk of longer-term or chronic illnesses, including arterial infections, reactive arthritis or Reiter's syndrome.

Any legal questions about  this outbreak can be directed to 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free), the food safety offices of PritzkerOlsen, P.A .One of our lawyers with expertise in Salmonella litigation will provide a free case consultation. Click here to make an online contact  with an attorney at the firm. 

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 A commercially available Salmonella Typhimurium strain used in laboratory settings has been linked to a Salmonella outbreak that has killed one person and sickened 72 others in 35 states. The lab Salmonella outbreak, announced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), includes six cases in Pennsylvania, five each in Georgia and Washington, four in Minnesota and three in Wisconsin.

CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states to investigate the outbreak associated with exposure to clinical and teaching microbiology laboratories. The lab Salmonella outbreaks includes small numbers of cases in a large amount of states:: AK (1), AL (3),  AZ (2), CA (1), GA (5), IA (1), ID (2), IL (3),  IN (1), KS (1), KY (3), MA (2),  MD (2),  MI (2), MN (4),  MO (2), NC (1),  ND (1),  NE (2),  NJ (2),  NM (3),  NV (1), NY (1),  OH (1),  OK (1),  OR (1),  PA (6),  SC (2),  SD (1), TN (2),  TX (1),  UT (3),  WA (5),  WI (3),  WY (1).  The CDC says 14 percent of patients have been hospitalized.

The outbreak was active from February through March, but new cases have diminished. Illnesses have been identified among students in microbiology teaching laboratories and employees in clinical microbiology laboratories. The New Mexico Department of Health found that the outbreak strain was indistinguishable from a commercially available Salmonella Typhimurium strain used in laboratory settings. This commercially available strain was known to be present in several teaching or clinical laboratories associated with ill students or employees infected with the outbreak strain.

Victims of this outbreak who have legal questions should contact 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) for a free case consultation with food safety lawyers at PritzkerOlsen, P.A.. Go here to contact the firm online, 

 If you work with Salmonella bacteria in a microbiology laboratory, the CDC advises that you watch for symptoms of Salmonella infection, such as diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps. Call your health care provider if you or a family member has any of these symptoms. The agency also has the following tips to avoid spreading dangerous bacteria used in labs:

• Wash hands frequently while working in and immediately after leaving the lab -- especially  before preparing food or baby bottles, before eating and before contact with young children.
• Do not bring food, drinks or personal items like car keys, cell phones and mp3 players into the laby. These items may become contaminated if you touch them while working or if you place them on work surfaces.
• Do not bring pens, notebooks, and other items used inside of the microbiology laboratory into your home.
• Wear a lab coat or other protective uniform over personal clothing. Leave it in the laboratory when you are finished. Dispose of protective clothing appropriately or deposit it for laundering by the institution. 

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

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

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

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

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The recall by L&M Companies Inc., which was published by the Food and Drug Administration, covers bulk cartons shipped  between March 30 and April 7. The recalled cartons are marked Nature's Delight and contain the Lot # PL-RID-002990 on the side of the carton. The nationwide recall Friday came after FDA inspectors in mid-April found Salmonella on a randomly selected sample of cucumbers in a cooler at Four Seasons Produce of Central Florida.

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Rhode Island health officials have ordered the closing of DeFusco Bakery facilities in Johnston and Cranston while they continue to investigate a Salmonella outbreak that has killed two people and sickened 77 others. The state health department also ordered that all employees of DeFusco's submit to stool samples for Salmonella testing.

The compliance order also states that DeFusco’s must get written permission from HEALTH before selling or discarding any bakery equipment and must provide any information related to the investigation that HEALTH requests.

The outbreak started at a nursing home in Warwick, Rhode Island, in early March after cream-filled zeppole from DeFusco's were served as a treat. Inspectors found food safety violations at the Johnston facility, including egg cartons used to store pastry shells.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is continuing to accept cases from this outbreak. Free consultations about a DeFusco's lawsuit can be started with an online contact to our law firm or by calling an attorney at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free).  

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Several Rhode Island food establishments have been routinely using cardboard egg boxes to store food -- a violation of Rhode Island's Food Safety regulations. The state's Office of Food Protection has issued a warning to all companies to cease this practice -- which is believed to have contributed to a major Salmonella outbreak related to zeppole and other baked goods from DeFusco's Bakery.

"This practice is cross contaminating food and can potentially lead to illness or death,'' said Ernest P. Julian, chief of the Office of Food Protection. "Under no circumstances is this practice allowable.''  

In the investigation of the DeFusco's Bakery Salmonella outbreak in Johnston, R.I., inspectors discovered pastry shells stored in egg crates that tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella.  Those shells may have been used in zeppoles distributed at DeFusco's and across Rhode Island.

 As of April 15, there were 78 outbreak cases, including 48 lab-confirmed  Salmonella infections. Twenty-nine people were hospitalized and two people have died.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is continuing to accept cases from this outbreak. Free consultations about a DeFusco's lawsuit can be started with an online contact to our law firm or by calling an attorney at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). 

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The turkey burger Salmonella outbreak is providing the public health community with yet another example of an antimicrobial resistant pathogen spread in food.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Jennie-O outbreak strain of Salmonella Hadar is resistant to many commonly prescribed antibiotics, which can increase the risk of hospitalization or possible treatment failure in infected individuals.

By April 1 a dozen people in 10 states were infected by Salmonella associated with Jennie-O turkey burgers sold at Sam's Club stores nationwide, including three people in Wisconsin. Salmonella lawyers at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., are continuing to investigate and accept cases at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or via the law firm's turkey Salmonella lawsuit contact page. 

Foodborne illnesses due to antibiotic-resistant bacteria have been occurring since the 1970s. A recent study by the Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) shows a steady increase of such outbreaks in every decade since the 1970s, though that may also be due to increased testing and reporting. In its study of 35 documented outbreaks, raw milk, raw milk cheeses and ground beef appeared to carry the resistant pathogens most frequently.

A widely held view is that overuse of antibiotics on farm animals has squandered their effectiveness and leave consumers vulnerable to hard-to-treat foodborne infections.

In the CSPI analysis, multi-drug resistance was found in 10 out of 14 outbreaks of antibiotic-resistant foodborne illness reported between 2000 and 2009. Like CSPI, PritzkerOlsen founder and president Fred Pritzker says the problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria needs much greater scrutiny by federal government if antibiotics are to remain effective in treating human and veterinary illnesses. Pritzker, one of the nation's leading practitioners of foodborne illness litigation, is actively involved in efforts to prevent outbreaks and has collected millions of dollars for victims of Salmonella,  including numerous Salmonella death tragedies

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 The DeFusco's outbreak in Rhode Island has led to a second Salmonella death. Lawyer Fred Pritzker is investigating the tragic outbreak and is accepting cases for a DeFusco's Bakery lawsuit. He has already called on DeFusco's to immediately pay the out-of-pocket expenses of the more than 65 victims and their families until the totality of claims can be settled or worked out in litigation.

Salmonella infection, or salmonellosis,  should not be taken lightly and people who suspect they have it should immediately see a doctor. In some cases there are chronic consequences. Arthritic symptoms may follow 3-4 weeks after onset of acute symptoms. One of the most severe and painful complications is reactive arthritis, or Reiter's Syndrome. For the sake of victims, long-term consequences of these poisonings must be considered when holding the bakery accountable.

Most recent information from the Rhode Island Department of Health is that 66 people have been sickened, including 28 who were hospitalized. The first person to die with Salmonella during the outbreak was a man in his 80s from Providence County. The second Salmonella death happened to a man in his 90s, also from Providence County. While many people sickened in the outbreak are residents of nursing homes, these two men weren't, according to the Providence Journal newspaper.

DeFusco's Bakery in Johnston closed down, and its products were recalled, on March 25 after a Health Department inspection found many food-safety violations. Investigators have linked the outbreak to cream-filled zeppoles. The violations included storing empty, baked pastry shells in cardboard boxes that formerly held trays of raw eggs. Tests later found evidence of Salmonella in the boxes.

To contact Fred for a free case consultation, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our Salmonella lawyer contact form. National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is one of the very few legal groups in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning over the years. Our attorneys also are actively involved in multiple efforts to prevent outbreaks of foodborne disease and to stop the spread of pathogens in our food supply.

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• As of early April 11, there have been 70 total cases of illness, including one from Massachusetts.
• 29 of those case patients have been hospitalized -- a high rate attributed in part to servings sold at nursing homes in Warwick and different parts of the state.
• Of those hospitalized, 25 have been discharged and four remained hospitalized April 11.
• The outbreak includes 42 lab-confirmed Salmonella infections of the same DNA-matched serotype.
• There have been two Salmonella-associated deaths
• HEALTH's investigation continues.

If you or a loved one has developed symptoms of Salmonella, immediately see your physician. Many healthy adults withstand illness without seeking medical care, but some infections become severe and can cause long-term arthritic illness or, in rare cases, Salmonella death.  A man from Providence County who was in his 80s died during this outbreak with Salmonella in his system.

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The strain of Salmonella that has sickened 12 people in 10 states is resistant to many commonly prescribed antibiotics, which can increase the risk of hospitalization or treatment failure, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has announced. States have reported antibiotic resistance of the outbreak strain of Salmonella Hadar to several clinically useful drugs including ampicillin, amoxicillin/clavulanate, cephalothin, and tetracycline

The CDC is helping states and USDA investigate the Jennie-O Salmonella outbreak, which has been associated with certain Jennie-O turkey patties sold at Sam's Club stores nationwide. The frozen boxes of 12 patties with a use-by date of DEC. 23, 2011, have been recalled by Jennie-O, a Minnesota-based subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corporation. Click here for Jennie-O recall information.

At least three of the case-patients in Colorado, Ohio, and Wisconsin specifically reported eating Jennie-O Turkey burgers the week before their illness began. Samples of Jennie-O ground turkey burgers were collected by public health agencies from the homes of case-patients in Colorado and Wisconsin. Both turkey burger samples were positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella.

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The following press release went out from our office today in response to the multi-state Salmonella outbreak associated with certain Jennie-O turkey patties:

Nationally recognized food safety attorney Fred Pritzker is calling on Jennie-O Turkey Store, Inc. to immediately pay medical expenses and out-of-pocket losses for all victims of the current Salmonella Hadar outbreak that has sickened consumers in at least 10 states.

The recalled Jennie-O Turkey Store burgers, distributed exclusively at Sam’s Club stores nationwide, have been linked by federal health officials to at least 12 illnesses dating back to December and as recently as mid-March. Because the recalled Jennie-O turkey burgers have a use-by date of December 23, 2011, it is conceivable that many others will be exposed to the risk from products in their home freezers. Jennie-O Turkey Store, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hormel Foods Corporation.

“Jennie-O has the resources to pay all medical bills, lost wages and other immediate expenses for the victims of this outbreak,’’ Pritzker said. “Relieving these families of unforeseen financial burdens is the right thing to do as they focus on recovering from illness and hospitalization.’’ 

Pritzker said a Jennie-O lawsuit likely will be necessary to address the totality of claims -- including compensation for pain and suffering, arthritic conditions such as Reiter’s Syndrome and other chronic ills that can be caused by Salmonella infection (salmonellosis). To date, victims reside in Wisconsin, Colorado, Ohio, California, Arizona, Missouri, Mississippi, Washington, Georgia and Illinois. 

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Sam's Club stores nationwide sold Jennie-O turkey patties associated with a Salmonella outbreak in Wisconsin, Colorado, Ohio, California and six other states. One dozen people have been infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella Hadar since December. The most recent onset of illness reported by authorities came in mid-March. 

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today what Jennie-O previously reported: That 55,000 pounds of recalled Jennie-O turkey patties recalled because of possible Salmonella contamination were sold nationwide, exclusively at Sam's Club stores. The 4-pound boxes of Jennie-O Turkey Store "All Natural Turkey Burgers with seasonings Lean White Meat" contain a dozen individually wrapped patties of uncooked ground turkey. The boxes have a sell-by date of December 23, 2011.

FSIS is continuing to work with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), affected state public health partners, and the company on the investigation. FSIS says it will provide information about any related recall activity. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician. Those people who fall ill may want information about a Jennie-O lawsuit. National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is providing free case consultations at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or online via our Jennie-O contact form.

Salmonella attorneys at PrizkerOlsen represent victims nationwide and have collected tens of millions of dollars for people who suffer illness in outbreaks of food poisoning. We are one of the very few law firms nationwide that practice extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we are involved in practically every outbreak holding wrongdoers accountable.

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Jenny-O Salmonella Victims Deserve Compensation

Twelve people and their families have spent money on medical care and lost wages and other income due to Salmonella Hadar infections associated with eating Jenny-O turkey burgers. The 12 Salmonella victims also suffered severe pain. People were sickened in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio, Washington, and Wisconsin. Jenny-O has recalled the turkey burgers, but more needs to be done.

Lawsuits arising from this Jenny-O Salmonella outbreak will seek compensation for the victims, but as Salmonella attorneys we know that it may take some time before the cases are settled or resolved in a trial.

The responsible thing for Jenny-O to do is immediately compensate the victims for all medical expenses related to the Jenny-O Salmonella infections and complications from those infections. The victims and their families should not have to carry this financial burden.

Salmonella food poisoning results in violent illness, often leading to a visit to the emergency room. In most outbreaks, some victims require hospitalization. Our experience is that in larger Salmonella outbreaks, at least one person develops Reiter's syndrome and at least one person dies. The financial burden for a family can be staggering.

Our team of Salmonella lawyers is investigating this outbreak, and anyone with questions about a lawsuit against Jenny-O Turkey Store, a Minnesota company, can contact us for a free consultation at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free consultation form. An attorney will get back to you as soon as possible, usually within a few hours.

The Salmonella lawyers at Pritzker Olsen law firm have won millions for food poisoning victims nationwide and have appeared on national and local news programs to discuss food poisoning lawsuits and food safety. We have won food poisoning cases in Wisconsin, California, Colorado, Georgia, Missouri and Ohio.

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Jennie-O Turkey has recalled 55,000 pounds of turkey burgers sold at Sam's Club stores after health investigators detected an outbreak of Salmonella Hadar in 12 people.  The frozen white meat turkey burgers come 12 to a box, 1/3 pound each and individually wrapped. The recalled Jennie-O turkey burgers at risk for Salmonella contamination have the following marks:

Anyone with Salmonella symptoms who ate Jennie-O turkey burgers should see a physician. The onset of illness from Salmonella bacteria usually happens 1 to 3 days after consumption. For legal questions about a potential Jennie-O lawsuit, contact law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our online Jennie-O Salmonella contact form.

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 The DeFusco's Zeppole and mini-Zeppole Salmonella outbreak in Rhode Island has sickened at least 56 people, including 26 who were hospitalized for intervention. Those are the latest numbers from the State of Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH).

A man in his 80s from Providence County died during this outbreak while infected with Salmonella. The investigation is continuing in search of product sample test results and other factors. Cream-filled Zeppole and mini-Zeppole made by DeFusco's Bakery have been associated with the outbreak that started in a Warwick nursing home that served DeFusco's  Zeppole as a treat. Eleven of the residents fell ill and seven were hospitalized.

Victims and their families may contact food safety lawyer Fred Pritzker and his associate David Szerlag, who is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association. The firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is investigating the outbreak and accepting cases from patients and their loved ones. Contact Fred or David at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by completing a Zeppole Salmonella contact form. Our firm is one of the few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation and we have collected tens of millions for victims of food poisoning. We also are actively involved in several efforts to prevent foodborne illness outbreaks.

Samonellosis caused by contaminated baked goods can lead to chronic health problems, including arthritic conditions, reactive arthritis and Reiter's Syndrome -- all of which should be the responsibility of the wrongdoer. Salmonella symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal, diarrhea, fever, and headache. These acute symptoms may last for 1 or 2 days or may be prolonged depending on virulence factors. Salmonella is especially dangerous for infants, the elderly, and people with HIV or in treatment for cancer. Salmonellosis should not be taken lightly and people who suspect they have it should immediately see a doctor

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 A Jennie-O turkey burger Salmonella outbreak is under investigation by the USDA and health officials in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Mississippi, Missouri, Ohio and Washington. One dozen case patients have been diagnosed with infections of Salmonella Hadar.

Jennie-O said the products were distributed exclusively at Sam's Club stores nationwide.

National food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., has launched its own independent investigation of this outbreak and is accepting cases from families and individuals affected by the outbreak. If you or a loved one has fallen sick after eating a frozen turkey burger from Jennie-O, see your doctor immediately. For questions about a turkey burger lawsuit to hold the company accountable for the harms associated with this outbreak, call Pritzker at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our online contact form and an attorney will call you for a free consultation.  

Wisconsin officials reported the first case of Salmonella Hadar and the investigation expanded to the other states with illnesses occurring between December 2010 and March 2011. USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) determined that three of the patients in Colorado, Ohio and Wisconsin specifically reported eating this product prior to illness onset and hospitalization. The most recent report came March 14.

"As a result of the epidemiologic investigation, FSIS determined that there is a link between the Jennie-O ground turkey products and this illness outbreak,'' FSIS said in a news release announcing the turkey burger Salmonella outbreak.

Jennie-O Recall Information

Consumers are urged to check their freezers for the following turkey burger packages:

4-pound boxes of Jennie-O Turkey Store® "All Natural Turkey Burgers with seasonings Lean White Meat". Each box contains 12 1/3-pound individually wrapped burgers. The product has a use by date of "DEC 23 2011" and an identifying lot code of "32710" through "32780" are inkjetted on the side panel of each box, just above the opening tear strip. Establishment number "P-7760" is located within the USDA mark of inspection on the front of each box. The products were packaged on Nov. 23, 2010 and were distributed to Sam's Club, exclusively, nationwide.

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In Thurmont, Maryland, Salmonella associated with a pancake and sausage breakfast is being investigated by the Frederick County Health Department, ABC station affiliate Channel 2 reported.

The Salmonella outbreak in March was connected by health investigators to a benefit breakfast that featured sausage made at a Frederick County 4-H Country Butchering event in late January. The State Health Department Lab tested some of the meat bought by guests and found Salmonella bacteria. Channel 2 did not say how many people were sickened in the outbreak and there was no press release available from the county health department's website.

Salmonella symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal, diarrhea, fever, and headache. These acute symptoms may last for 1 or 2 days or may be prolonged depending on virulence factors. Salmonella is especially dangerous for infants, the elderly, and people with HIV or in treatment for cancer. Salmonellosis should not be taken lightly and people who suspect they have it should immediately see a doctor. In some cases there are chronic consequences. Arthritic symptoms may follow 3-4 weeks after onset of acute symptoms. One of the most severe and painful complications is reactive arthritis, or Reiter's Syndrome.

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Rhode Island Samonella Outbreak investigators are probing 43 illnesses, 22 hospitalizations and one death as part of their work to untangle one of the worst foodborne illness events known in the state. The person who died was a man in his 80s from Providence County and health officials are determining if he ate any cream-filled pastries or other baked goods from DeFusco's Bakery.

The Rhode Island Department of Health has tied the outbreak (one case patient is from Massachusetts) to cream-filled zeppole and possibly other baked goods made by DeFusco's in Johnston, where inspectors found food safety violations. The production facility was voluntarily closed by the owner pending the investigation. Health officials were first notified of trouble when 11 residents of a nursing home in Warwick fell ill Friday, including seven who went to the hospital. DeFusco's zeppole had been brought into the nursing home as a treat.

The high hospitalization rate -- nearly half of those who fall ill are admitted -- is related to a sizable number of catering events at nursing homes and care facilities in Warwick, West Warwick, Coventry and Riverside, RI. Young children and the elderly are the two groups who are most susceptible to severe illness from Salmonellosis, including Reiter's Syndrome,  because their immune systems can be weakened or underdeveloped.

Nationally recognized food safety lawyer Fred Pritzker has called on DeFusco's to immediately pay medical expenses, lost wages, travel costs, related daycare bills and other expense incurred by families to deal with these bacterial infections -- many of which could have long-term health implications.  Taking accountability for the contamination would at least bring some peace of mind to the families until a Rhode Island Salmonella zeppole lawsuit can be filed.

To contact Mr. Pritzker and fellow attorney David Szerlag, who is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our firm's contact form. PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is actively involved in efforts to prevent outbreaks of food poisoning in the United States, while also holding wrongdoers accountable.

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The latest Salmonella cantaloupe outbreak update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates the addition of just one more case patient, with March 4 marking the most recent onset of Salmonellosis.

The outbreak strain of  Salmonella Panama has been confirmed in 13 people --  five from Oregon, four from Washington, two from California, one  from Colorado and one from Maryland. In Idaho, there was a report that more than 40 guests became ill after consuming the cantaloupe at a wedding reception.  The Idaho cases have not yet been formally linked to the outbreak, but law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is investigating  on behalf of victims and an attorney at the firm can be reached online or at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free).

Twelve of the13 confirmed victims of this outbreak reported eating cantaloupe in the week before illness. Eleven of these 12 ill persons ate cantaloupes purchased at eight different locations of a national warehouse club. Using traceback information, investigators found that the cantaloupes were source for Del Monte at a single farm in Guatemala.

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The first Salmonella death has been recorded in the DeFusco's zeppole outbreak in Rhode Island, a state health department spokeswoman said. The wrongful death victim was in his 80s and died March 23. He tested positive for the outbreak strain of Salmonella, HEALTH spokeswoman Annemarie Beardsworth told CranstonPatch.

In all, at least 39 people have been sickened and 24 hospitalized, including nursing home residents in Warwick and other cities where DeFusco's zeppoles were catered. Eleven of the outbreak victims fell ill Friday at West Shore Health Center in Warwick and seven of those residents were hospitalized. 

Based on findings reported from the Rhode Island food safety inspections of DeFusco's Bakery production facility in Johnston, this outbreak may have been caused by negligence  -- especially considering that cream filling was found stored at ridiculously high temperatures and because pastry shells were stored in egg crates that easily could have been contaminated with Salmonella.

Officials have not released the name of the person whose Salmonella death makes this outbreak the most tragic foodborne illness event of 2011. It is a truly horrible set of circumstances when you consider that this loss of human life and corresponding emotional distress in the man's family could have been prevented.

The same was true in 2009 during the peanut butter Salmonella outbreak that killed nine people. Law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., was the first to file a Salmonella wrongful death lawsuit in that outbreak and handled more death cases from that outbreak than any other law firm. As one of the very few attorney groups anywhere that represents food poisoning victims all over the country, our firm is once again accepting cases from individuals and families whose loved one have been sickened or killed. Free consultations are available at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or  by completing our online contact form.

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The elderly are so vulnerable to Salmonella poisoning. For those sickened at West Shore Health Center by DeFusco’s zeppoles contaminated with Salmonella, the cases of Salmonella poisoning were even worse because these victims had health problems that further weakened their immune systems. Sadly, one of the few real pleasures these people still have, eating special sweet treats, almost killed some of them.

The elderly residents of West Shore Health Center in Warwick, Rhode Island, should be compensated for their medical bills, pain and suffering, emotional distress and other damages. In addition, the compensation needs to take into account how the Salmonella poisoning from the zeppoles has permanently altered their health, impeded their rehabilitation and generally lessened their quality of life.

So many of us at our law firm can relate to the families of these dearly loved elderly people. Having a sick family member is hard enough, and it is tragic that this hardship was made exponentially more difficult by the apparent negligence of DeFusco’s Bakery. It is hard to imagine that anyone in the food industry would store pastries in cardboard boxes that had held raw eggs. Most of our children know better than that, especially after the huge Salmonella outbreak that sickened about 2000 people nationwide (that is the CDC number, but the actual number is far higher).

Our law firm is one of a handful that represent Salmonella outbreak victims nationwide, and perhaps the only major Salmonella litigation law firm with an attorney, David Szerlag, who is licensed to practice in Rhode Island.

Attorney David Szerlag is part of our Salmonella litigation team at Pritzker Olsen law firm. He recently was one of the lead attorneys in multidistrict litigation (MDL) that resulted in a multimillion dollar settlement for people injured by a defective product. MDL is like a class action lawsuit. David was one of three attorneys who oversaw the pretrial procedures for dozens of attorneys throughout the United States. Contact our Salmonella lawyers for a free consultation about a DeFusco's Bakery lawsuit.

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The DeFusco Salmonella outbreak in Rhode Island first caught the attention of public health officials when 11 residents of the West Shore Health Center, a Warwick nursing home, fell ill, according to a report in the Providence Journal newspaper. Seven of the West Shore residents were so infected with Salmonella they needed hospitalization. 

In all, 33 people are being counted by the Rhode Island Department of Health as confirmed or suspected victims of the outbreak. Seventeen of those were hospitalized, a HEALTH spokeswoman told the Journal. The high rate of hospitalization in this outbreak is being attributed to the inclusion of large numbers of older adults whose weakened immune systems make them more susceptible to complications.

"The custard filling is supposed to be cooled to 70 degrees within two hours and to 40 degrees within four hours of preparation, to prevent the growth of bacteria. But on Friday, six hours after the filling was made, five-gallon buckets left to cool on the floor were measured at 125 degrees and 119 degrees.  Additionally, inspectors found that pastry shells for both the zeppole and the éclairs had been stored in crates that previously held raw eggs. If an infected egg had cracked in the box, residue containing salmonella could have come in contact with the shells.'' 

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 A large number of elderly case patients has pushed up the hospitalization rate in the Rhode Island DeFusco's Salmonella outbreak, a spokeswoman for the Rhode Island Department of Health said. Of 33 people sickend in the zeppole Salmonella outbreak, 17 have been hospitalized, spokeswoman Annmarie Beardsworth told the Providence Journal.

 West Warwick Manor Senior Center, Crescent Park Manor in Riverside and Sparrow Point Senior Center in West Warwick are three of the places where recalled DeFusco's Bakery zeppoles and other goods were sold prior to the outbreak.

Beardsworth told the newspaper that HEALTH investigators are testing the cream filling and zeppole pastry shells in search of the outbreak strain of Salmonella. DeFusco's voluntarily shut down its Johnston, Rhode Island, production facility after inspectors found improper refrigeration of cream filling and that pastry shells were stored in boxes that previously contained raw eggs. Salmonella can be associated with almost every type of food known, but is most often found in animals and animal products, including chickens and eggs.

Especially in young children and older adults, Salmonellosis  is not to be taken lightly.  In these patients and others who have weakened or underdeveloped immune systems, the infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites and can cause Salmonella death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics.

If you or a loved one has been sickened in the DeFusco's outbreak, you can learn about a possible DeFucsco's Salmonella Lawsuit by calling 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) for attorney David Szerlag, a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association who practices at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., a national leader in foodborne illness litigation. Free case consultations can be obtained and your legal questions will be answered -- including questions about attorneys fees. If you would like Mr. Szerlag to call you, complete our firm's contact page. Pritzker Olsen is involved on behalf of victims in practically every major outbreak of foodborne illness in the United States. Over the years we have collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning. 

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At least 25 people have been sickened after eating zeppoles from DeFusco’s Bakery in Rhode Island. So far, 13 of the 25 have tested positive for Salmonella, and 10 people have been hospitalized. According to the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH):

The most likely cause of illness is consumption of zeppole pastries that came in contact with raw eggs. Pastry shells from DeFusco's had been stored in used egg crates, which could have exposed the shells to infected raw eggs.

We are a national Salmonella litigation law firm, and David Szerlag, one of our attorneys, is licensed to practice in Rhode Island. Victims of this Salmonella food poisoning outbreak deserve compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress and other damages. Contact our Salmonella lawyers for a free consultation regarding a DeFuco’s Bakery zeppole Salmonella lawsuit. Salmonella can cause death and serious illness, including Reiter's Syndrome, a reactive arthritis.

This is particularly true given that the Rhode Island Department of Health found evidence that DeFusco’s Bakery negligently stored the zeppole shells in used egg crates. This is after a nationwide outbreak of Salmonella linked to eggs that sickened hundreds of people.

The bad news keeps getting worse:

HEALTH has now learned that American Bakery Supplies, a distributor in West Warwick, purchased zeppoles from DeFusco's. The company then distributed the pastries to Roch's Market in West Warwick; Meal Works in Coventry; and Touch of Class Catering in West Warwick. Meal Works (a catering company) served these zeppoles at events on March and 18 at West Warwick Manor Senior Center, St John and Paul Church in Coventry, Sparrow Point (senior facility) in West Warwick, and Crescent Park Manor in Riverside.

Zeppoles from DeFusco’s Johnston store were also sold at all DeFusco’s locations; Colvitto’s Bistro in Narragansett (note, yesterday's press release incorrectly listed the bakery's name as Calvitto's in Narragansett); Sal’s Bakery in Providence; and Focaccia World in Johnston. All five Crugnale Bakery locations in Providence, East Providence, North Providence, Cranston, and Cumberland also sold DeFusco’s zeppoles from March 16 through March 20.

During this investigation HEALTH also discovered unsafe food storage practices at Buono's Bakery in Providence. Their zeppole, cream puff, and éclair shells were also stored in used egg crates, which could lead to contamination from raw eggs. People are advised to immediately discard all baked goods from any DeFusco's ; zeppoles from any of the above locations; and zeppoles, cream puffs, and éclairs from Buono's Bakery in Providence.

Contact our attorneys for a free consultation.

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Rhode Island Salmonella outbreak investigators found DeFusco's Bakery storing pastry shells in used egg crates, which the RI Department of Health said could have exposed the shells to bacteria from contaminated raw eggs. As the investigation continues, HEALTH officials have now received reports of 25 people who are ill, inlcuding 10 who have been hospitalized. Many consumed cream-filled zeppoles from DeFusco's.

"The most likely cause of illness is consumption of zeppole pastries that came in contact with raw eggs,'' HEALTH said in a press release.

The department is looking into the source of the eggs and its investigators have worked through the weekend testing food samples in order to pinpoint the cause of the outbreak, which has affected many parts of the state. 

Attorney David Szerlag is available for a free consultation regarding a DeFusco Bakery Salmonella lawsuit in Rhode Island. He is part of the Salmonella litigation team at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., and is a member of the Rhode Island Bar Association. He can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or via the firm's Salmonella contact page.

State investigators have learned that American Bakery Supplies, a distributor in West Warwick, purchased zeppoles from DeFusco's. The company then distributed the pastries to Roch's Market in West Warwick; Meal Works in Coventry; and Touch of Class Catering in West Warwick. Meal Works (a catering company) served these zeppoles at events  at West Warwick Manor Senior Center, St John and Paul Church in Coventry, Sparrow Point (senior facility) in West Warwick, and Crescent Park Manor in Riverside. Any person of any age can suffer severe illness from Salmonella infection, but the elderly, young children and other people who have weakened or underdeveloped immune systems are most susceptible.

HEALTH published the following updated list of other locations that sold the cream pastries from DeFusco's production facility in Johnston. All DeFusco’s locations; Colvitto’s Bistro in Narragansett (note, yesterday's press release incorrectly listed the bakery's name as Calvitto's in Narragansett); Sal’s Bakery in Providence; and Focaccia World in Johnston. All five Crugnale Bakery locations in Providence, East Providence, North Providence, Cranston, and Cumberland also sold DeFusco’s zeppoles from March 16 through March 20.

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Food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is nationally recognized for its experience in Salmonella litigation and other foodborne illness lawsuits. We represent victims to help them recover financially from the multiple harms of food poisoning. To contact the firm's claims center, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete our contact form.

Given the historical association of cantaloupe with outbreaks of Salmonella and E. coli,  the Food and Drug Administration in the past has issued the following consumer guidelines to reduce the risk of food poisoning from cantaloupes. Pritzker Olsen Salmonella lawyers have reproduced the guidelines below:

• Purchase cantaloupes that are not bruised or damaged. If buying fresh-cut cantaloupe, be sure it is refrigerated or surrounded by ice.
• After purchase, refrigerate cantaloupes promptly.
• Wash hands with hot, soapy water before and after handling fresh cantaloupes.
• Scrub whole cantaloupes by using a clean produce brush and cool tap water immediately before eating. Don't use soap or detergents.
• Use clean cutting surfaces and utensils when cutting cantaloupes. Wash cutting boards, countertops, dishes, and utensils with hot water and soap between the preparation of raw meat, poultry, or seafood and the preparation of cantaloupe.
• If there happens to be a bruised or damaged area on a cantaloupe, cut away those parts before eating it.
• Leftover cut cantaloupe should be discarded if left at room temperature for more than two hours.
• Use a cooler with ice or use ice gel packs when transporting or storing cantaloupes outdoors.

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A cream pastry Salmonella outbreak in Rhode Island has focused attention on bakery conditions at DeFusco's Bakery -- maker of zeppoles that have been associated with 19 people who became sick. Thirteen of these pastry outbreak victims were hospitalized.

Rhode Island health investigators announced a recall of all baked goods sold at DeFusco’s Bakeries following an inspection of the Johnston, Rhode Island, kitchen where the pastries were made. Inspectors found pastry cream for use in zeppoles and éclairs was stored at unsafe temperatures. In addition, the DeFusco's store contained unsafe, unsanitary conditions for food. The owner of DeFusco’s  in Johnston has voluntarily closed the bakery until further notice.

Rhode Islanders who ate DeFusco's cream pastries and have Salmonella symptoms should quickly see a doctor. While not all Salmonella infections will require medical care, anyone who has been sickened should be aware of long-term effects for this type of food poisoning and the medical liabilities and other harms that go along with it.

A possible DeFusco's lawsuit is pending and law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is accepting cases from victims via our contact page or 1-888-377-8900 (TOLL FREE). Our nationally recognized foodborne illness lawyers also have launched an independent investigation of this zeppoles cream pastry Salmonella outbreak to determine more about the cause of contamination. The responsible party should be held accountable for all hospitalization expenses, lost wages, child care, travel, pain and suffering and other harms.

People who bring Salmonella lawsuits aren't "sue happy'' and contacting a lawyer to represent you in a claim can help bring peace of mind to families and individuals set back by the illness. 

The Rhode Island Department of Health has learned that zeppoles cream pastries from DeFusco’s Johnston store are sold at all DeFusco’s locations and also at Calvitto’s in Narragansett; Sal’s Bakery in Providence; Focaccia World in Johnston; and American Bakery Supplies, a distributor in West Warwick. All five Crugnale Bakery locations in Providence, East Providence, North Providence, Cranston, and Cumberland also sold DeFusco’s zeppoles from March 16 through March 20.

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Update (March 28, 2011): There are now 33 reports of illness associated with this DeFusco's zeppoles Salmonella outbreak. Seventeen people have been hospitalized, seven of them from West Shore Health Center in Warwick, Rhode Island.

A Rhode Island Salmonella outbreak is under investigation by state health officials who say the outbreak possibly may be related to cream pastries called zeppoles from DeFusco's Bakery. Nine of the 19 suspected outbreak victims have tested positive for Salmonella and 13 have been hospitalized. DeFusco's Bakery initiated a recall and its production facility in Johnston has been shut down after an inspection discovered food safety problems.

"Staff found pastry cream that is used in zeppoles and éclairs was stored at unsafe temperatures as well as unsanitary conditions in the store,'' the Rhode Island Department of Health said in a press release Saturday.

Nationally recognized food safety law firm PritzkerOlsen, P.A., is conducting its own investigation of this outbreak and is accepting cases from individuals and families who seek representation in a DeFusco's Salmonella lawsuit. An attorney can be reached at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or victims of the outbreak can contact us online.

Various Rhode Island agencies are continuing to investigate the source of the outbreak and are working to identify additional retail outlets where DeFusco’s sells cream pastries. So far, the Health Department has learned that zeppoles from DeFusco’s Johnston store are sold at all DeFusco’s locations; Calvitto’s in Narragansett; Sal’s Bakery in Providence; Focaccia World in Johnston; and American Bakery Supplies, a distributor in West Warwick. All five Crugnale Bakery locations in Providence, East Providence, North Providence, Cranston, and Cumberland also sold DeFusco’s zeppoles from March 16 through March 20.

Salmonella symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, cramps and fever and usually last four to seven days. People with symptoms should quickly seek a doctor. Many healthy adults survive Salmonellosis without medical care, but some illnesses can be severe and in rare case, death occurs. There are several long-term risks associated with Salmonella poisoning, including reactive arthritis or Reiter's Syndrome.

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Salmonella on cantaloupe traced to a single farm in Guatemala  may have caused an outbreak of Salmonella Panama that has sickened a dozen people in Oregon (5 cases), Washington (4 cases), California (2 cases), and Maryland (1 case). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is continuing to investigate in conjunction with FDA and various state health departments. Two of the victims of this food poisoning outbreak were hospitalized.

The cantaloupes were distributed through warehouse clubs in Alaska, California, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

In the outbreak investigation, 11 of 12 ill persons reported eating cantaloupe in the week before illness. Ten of these 11 ill persons ate cantaloupes purchased at seven different locations of a national warehouse club. Information gathered with patient permission from membership card records helped determine that ill persons purchased cantaloupes sourced from a single farm in Guatemala.

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Newlyweds Taylor and Kyle Walker are doing their own investigation into a possible Salmonella outbreak involving their wedding guests. According to an interview of the couple on KTVB, the Boise, Idaho wedding reception included cascading fruit displays that contained cantaloupe purchased at Costco. In the days following the wedding, Costco called the wedding caterer and warned her that she had purchased a large quantity of cantaloupe that may have been contaminated with Salmonella Panama.