Connecticut E. coli: Bagged Spinach
E. coli Outbreak Alert: December 6, 2006 - Connecticut health officials are investigating illnesses that may be connected to the E. coli outbreak linked to Taco Bell restaurants. Please go to the Pritzker | Ruohonen website for information on the Taco Bell E. coli outbreak.
E. coli O157:H7 has sickened 2 people in Connecticut. These cases may be part of a larger, multi-state E. coli O157:H7 outbreak that has been linked to bagged salad. According to an Associated Press story:
Bill Gerrish, a spokesman for the state [Connecticut] Department of Public Health, said the two cases match the strain of E. coli being found in other parts of the country but wasn't sure whether it's associated with the outbreak.E. coli O157:H7 is transmitted by the fecal-oral route, meaning contaminated feces is consumed. With spinach, the fecal contamination can happen anywhere from field to table. If the contamination happens on the field, the E. coli bacteria can grow within the plant, making it impossible to eliminate the E. coli by washing the spinach. E. coli contamination is preventable with good sanitation practices."We're investigating the Connecticut cases and working closely with the federal health officials as well," Gerrish said. . . .
"It's a particular strain of E. coli that can cause serious illness individual," Gerrish said. "This particular strain can make people have gastrointestinal problems, kidney failure and even cause death."
Although Connecticut and federal health officials have not determined specific brands of bagged spinach that are linked to the Connecticut outbreak, Dole has been sued on behalf of an Oregon woman. Dole was also implicated in a 2005 E. coli outbreak that involved bagged, pre-washed salad. Pritzker | Ruohonen was the first law firm to file a suit for a victim of that outbreak.
Pritzker | Ruohonen & Associates, P.A., is one of the few in the United States that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation, including E. coli lawsuits. The firm has collected millions of dollars on behalf of victims of E. coli O157:H7 and other foodborne outbreaks. The firm has a national food poisoning lawsuit practice and represents clients throughout the United States. To contact Fred Pritzker, call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900, e-mail fhp@pritzkerlaw.com, or fill out our online consultation form.
Source: 2nd Case Of E. coli Reported In Connecticut, Associated Press, September 15, 2006.
