Minnesota E. coli Outbreak and Longville Potluck
Pritzker | Ruohonen, a Minneapolis, Minnesota, law firm, is monitoring a Minnesota E. coli outbreak that may possibly be linked to a potluck held on July 19 at Salem Lutheran Church in Longville, Minnesota. Fifteen (15) people have reported suffering from symptoms of E. coli O157:H7, a dangerous strain of E. coli. Of these fifteen people, four (4) have tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. Two of the four are seriously ill.
Gathering together at potluck dinners is a cherished Minnesota tradition. To keep potlucks safe from foodborne pathogens like E. coli O157:H7, churches and other organizations sponsoring them should provide food safety guidelines to food preparers and servers. Cooking for Groups: A Volunteer's Guide to Food Safety, a brochure published by the United States Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS), can be found on the FSIS website at www.fsis.usda.gov/Fact_Sheets/Cooking_for_Groups_index/index.asp. Free brochures can also be ordered on the site.
In addition to the safety tips, the USDA-FSIS brochure covers cases of inspected foodborne illness. If volunteers suspect foodborne illness linked to a potluck, they should follow these guidelines:
- Preserve the evidence. If a portion of the suspect food is available, wrap it securely, mark "DANGER," and freeze it. Save all the packaging materials, such as cans or cartons. Write down the food type, the date, other identifying marks on the package, the time consumed, and when the onset of symptoms occurred. Save any identical unopened products.
- Seek treatment as necessary. If the victim is in an "at risk" group, seek medical care immediately. Likewise, if symptoms persist or are severe (such as bloody diarrhea, excessive nausea and vomiting, or high temperature), call your doctor.
- Call the local health department if the suspect food was served at a large gathering, from a restaurant or other foodservice facility, or if it is a commercial product.
- Call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline if the suspect food is a USDA- inspected product and you have all the packaging.
Pritzker | Ruohonen & Associates, P.A. is one of the few law firms in the United States that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. The firm has collected millions of dollars on behalf of victims of E. coli O157:H7 poisoning and other foodborne illnesses. To contact a lawyer at Pritzker | Ruohonen, call toll-free at 1-888-377-8900 or e-mail fhp@pritzkerlaw.com.
