Toxic Tort Attorneys

An increasing number of salmonella outbreaks and resulting product recalls in the US have raised concerns from the FDA and CDC. Every year there are approximately 1.35 million cases of salmonella poisoning from pre-packaged or grocery store foods, causing severe illness, hospitalizations, and deaths. In the last month alone over 100,000 pounds of food products have been thrown out or recalled due to possible salmonella contamination.

The team at McEldrew Purtell specializes in a wide range of product liability and toxic exposure cases and is equipped with the resources to relentlessly pursue these complex matters. Contact our Toxic Tort Team to discuss your case, co-counsel collaboration, or referrals.

Increased Numbers of Salmonella Cases Raise Concerns

The most recent string of salmonella contaminations began in late December with a deadly outbreak linked to cantaloupes. Sofia Produce, LLC, doing business as TruFresh issued a recall for Malachita and Rudy brand cantaloupes of all sizes. A number of other distributors of the contaminated cantaloupes have issued a recall sold under the brand Crown Jewels Produce and Pacific Trellis Fruit. The recall affects fresh cut produce found in a variety packaging from ALDI, Vinyard Fruit and Vegetable Company, CF Dallas, LLC, Freshness Guaranteed, Bix Produce, Kwik Trip, Inc., GHGA, LLC, and TGD Cuts, LLC. These fresh cut products were distributed nationwide to several different stores, including Walmart, Sam’s Club, Sprouts, Trader Joe’s, and others.

In early January the Quaker Oats Company issued a recall on over two dozen products, most of which are marketed to children, after a number of complaints of adverse health events linked to a possible salmonella contamination. The recall includes a variety of Quaker Chewy Granola Bars and Cereals, Cap’n Crunch Bars and select cereals, Gamesa Marias Cereal, Gatorade Peanut Butter Chocolate Protein Bars, Munchies Munch Mix and snack boxes that contain any those products.

On January 18th, the CDC issued a warning on all Busseto Charcuterie Samplers sold at Sam’s Club and Fratelli Beretta brand Antipasto Gran Beretta sold Costco after a number of hospitalizations that have doubled in the last two weeks due to salmonella contamination. Fratelli Beretta issued a recall on over 11,000 pounds of charcuterie meat products but only in one specific lot code. The CDC is still investigating to determine if there are any additional products.  

Salmonella Poisoning and Symptoms 

Salmonella is a common, hearty bacteria that can survive several weeks in a dry environment and several months in a wet environment, transferring easily between surfaces.Salmonella can cause major gastrointestinal illness, fever, and in some cases, death. It is the most common form of food poisoning found in both animals and humans. 

Symptoms usually manifest 8 to 72 hours after exposure, the onset of symptoms are similar in nature to the stomach flu, but can persist much longer. While some forms of the salmonella bacteria can result in typhoid fever, common symptoms include: 

• Diarrhea 
• Abdominal cramps
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Headache 

The Spread of Salmonella

Salmonella bacteria causes infection by fecal-oral transmission. This happens when food, water, or objects carrying bacteria from feces, either human or animal, make contact with your mouth. Salmonella bacteria most often spreads through contaminated foods, often raw meat can carry the bacteria that was present on the animal before slaughter. The most common food sources of salmonella bacteria include, but are not limited to: 

• Raw and undercooked meat
• Raw fruits or vegetables
• Unpasteurized milk or dairy products like soft cheeses and yogurt
• Raw or undercooked eggs
• Processed foods 
• Surfaces around someone infected with salmonella

As salmonella is easily spread across surfaces, often the contamination can spread within your own home by touching something with the bacteria and then touching another surface or food source. 

Complications from Salmonella 

While some people may never experience salmonella symptoms babies, young children, elderly and those with compromised immune symptoms can experience severe, or life-threatening complications. The most common salmonella complications are: 

• Severe dehydration
• Sepsis
• Inflammatory bowel disease 
• Invasive salmonella (leaves the gastrointestinal tract and travels into other parts of the body)
• Typhoid fever
• Reactive arthritis

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When to Contact a Food Contamination Lawyer

If you or one of your clients have experienced sickness, hospitalization, or death due to salmonella contamination in cantaloupes or other post-consumer goods you may be entitled to compensation. McEldrew Purtell’s response team will use our years of experience to secure the outcome that you deserve. Contact us today through the link to discuss co-counsel or referrals.