Food Poisoning Law Blog

Salami Recall Lawsuit

2010-02-01T13:20:00.003-06:00

Our law firm is investigating the Salmonella Montevideo outbreak linked to Daniele International Inc. salami (spelled salame on most products). The outbreak has sickened over 200 people in 42 states, according to the CDC. Contact Pritzker Olsen Attorneys about a Daniele salami lawsuit.

The outbreak prompted a January 23 recall of salami manufactured by Daniele International and distributed to retail stores throughout the United States (list of retailers is below). On January 31, 2010, Daniele International expanded the recall to include 1,240,000 pounds of Daniele salami made with black pepper.

The recalled salami was sold under the Daniele brand name and other brand names, including but not limited to, Boar's Head and Dietz & Watson. The retailers listed below may also have repackaged the salami for resale, an act which could make a retailer liable to anyone sickened by the repackaged salami:

Albertsons Stores in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, Washington and Wyoming
Beverages & More Stores in California
Bi-Lo Stores in South Carolina and Tennessee
BJ’s Stores Nationwide
Bloom Stores in Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia
Bottle King Stores in New Jersey
Brookshire Brothers Stores in Texas
Costco Stores Nationwide
D’Agostino Supermarkets in New York
Dave’s Market Stores in Rhode Island
Earth Fare Stores in North Carolina and Tennessee
Food Emporium Stores in New Jersey
Fred Meyer Stores in Arkansas, Idaho, Oregon and Washington
Fresh Fields Stores in Texas
Fry’s Food and Drug/Fry’s Marketplace Stores in Arizona
Giant Food Store in Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia
Haggen Stores in Oregon and Washington
Hams Teeter Stores in Washington DC, Delaware, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia
Hilander Stores in Illinois
Jetro Restaurant Depot Stores in Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York Pennsylvania and Rhode Island
Kings Stores in New Jersey and Pennsylvania
Kroger Stores in Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Montana, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia
Market Basket Stores in Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New Jersey
Pathmark Stores in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania
Piggly Wiggly Stores in South Carolina
Quality Food Center/QFC – Fresh Fare Stores in Oregon and Washington
Ralphs/Ralphs Fresh Fare Stores in California and New York
Roche Brothers Stores in Massachusetts
Sams Club Stores Nationwide
Scotts Stores in Indiana
Shoppers Market Stores in Maryland and Virginia
Shop-Rite Stores in New Jersey
Smiths/Smiths Marketplace Stores in Arizona, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah and Wyoming
Stop and Shop/Super Stop and Shop Stores in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York and Rhode Island
Super K-Mart Stores in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and South Carolina
The Fresh Market Stores in North Carolina
Top Food Stores in Washington
Waldbaums Stores in New York
Walmart Stores Nationwide
Wegmans Stores in New York
Weis Stores in Maryland, New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania
Whole Foods Stores in Texas

YOU SHOULD NOT EAT ANY OF THE RECALLED PRODUCTS LISTED BELOW, AND IF YOU HAVE LEFTOVERS YOU SHOULD NOT THROW THEM AWAY UNTIL YOU ARE SURE NO ONE HAS BEEN SICKENED BY THEM (Contact our law firm about preserving evidence):

10-ounce packages of "DANIELE NATURALE SALAME COATED WITH COARSE BLACK PEPPER."
Catch weight packages of "DANIELE PEPPER SALAME."
9-ounce packages of "BLACK BEAR OF THE BLACK FOREST BABY GENOA PEPPER SALAME."
20-ounce packages of "DANIELE DELI SELECTION, GENOA SALAME, SMOKED SALAME, PEPPERED SALAME, RUSTIC SALAME."
340- and 454-gram packages of "DANIELE SURTIDO FINO ITALIANO, SALAMI GENOA CON PIMIENTA, LOMO CAPOCOLLO, SALAMI CALABRESE."
16-ounce packages of "DANIELE ITALIAN BRAND GOURMET PACK, HOT CALABRESE, PEPPER SALAME, HOT CAPOCOLLO."
8-ounce packages of "DIETZ & WATSON ARTISAN COLLECTION PARTY PLATTER PACK, HOT CALABRESE, PEPPER SALAME, HOT CAPOCOLLO."
8-ounce packages of "DANIELE ITALIAN BRAND GOURMET PACK, HOT CALABRESE, PEPPER SALAME, HOT CAPOCOLLO."
16-ounce packages of "DANIELE GOURMET COMBO PACK, PEPPER SALAME, CAPOCOLLO, CALABRESE."
500-gram packages of "DANIELE ITALIAN BRAND GOURMET PACK EMBALLAGE ASSORTI GOURMET ITALIEN, HOT CALABRESE, PEPPER SALAME, CALABRESE PIQUANT, SALAMI AU POIVRE, HOT CAPOCOLLO, CAPOCOLLO PIQUANT."
8-ounce packages of "BOAR'S HEAD BRAND ALL NATURAL SALAME COATED WITH COARSE BLACK PEPPER."
Catch weight packages of "DIETZ & WATSON ARTISAN COLLECTION, BABY GENOA PEPPER SALAME, MADE WITH 100% PORK COATED WITH BLACK PEPPER AND PORK FAT."
20-ounce variety packages of "DANIELE DELI SELECTION, GENOA SALAME, SWEET SOPRESSATA, PEPPERED GENOA, MILANO SALAME."
21-ounce variety packages of "DANIELE GOURMET ITALIAN DELI SELECTION, SWEET SOPRESSATA SALAMI, PEPPERED GENOA SALAMI, HOT SOPRESSATA SALAMI, MILANO SALAMI, SALAMI SOPRESSATA DOUX, SALAMI GENOA POIVRÉ, SALAMI SOPRESSATA PIQUANT, SALAMI MILANO."
7-ounce packages of "DANIELE SALAME BITES PEPPER SALAME."
14-ounce packages of "DANIELE GOURMET ITALIAN DELI SELECTION ASSORTMENT DE FINES CHARCUTERIE ITALIENNE, SWEET SOPRESSATA SALAMI, MILANO SALAMI, SALAMI SOPRESSATA DOUX, SALAMI MILANO."
Catch weight packages of "DANIELE NATURALE SALAME COATED WITH COARSE BLACK PEPPER."
32-ounce variety packages of "DANIELE DELI SELECTION, GENOA SALAME, SWEET SOPRESSATA, PEPPERED GENOA, MILANO SALAME."

Each package bears a label with establishment number "EST. 9992" or "EST. 54" inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Salami Recall and Salmonella Outbreak: The Smoking Gun

Washington and Iowa health departments have tested samples of Daniele International salami and found Salmonella Montevideo indistinguishable from the outbreak strain. In addition, recent test results provided by the Rhode Island Department of Health revealed that an opened container of black pepper used in the manufacturing of at least some of the recalled Daniele salami/ salame products was positive for Salmonella Montevideo and that the DNA fingerprint matched the outbreak strain. These are smoking guns that directly link the products to the nationwide Salmonella Montevideo outbreak.

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with Salmonella after eating salami, it is critical that you contact a Salmonella attorney at our law firm immediately to protect your legal rights. The following may apply to you:

Additional stool testing and other testing may need to be done
You may have leftover salami that needs to be tested and used as evidence
Hospital and other medical bills may be putting a financial strain on your family
You and others in your family may have had to take time off of work because of the Salmonella Montevideo infection
You may have developed a serious complication, such as Reiter's syndrome (a form of arthritis) or neurological problems, that may require future medical care
You may have questions about how much your Salmonella case is worth

Contact Pritzker Olsen Attorneys for a free consultation about a salami recall lawsuit: 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our online free consultation form.

Salami Recall and Salmonella Outbreak: Epidemiological Evidence

During January 16-21, 2010, CDC and public health officials in multiple states conducted an epidemiologic study by comparing foods eaten by 41 ill and 41 well persons. Preliminary analysis of this study has suggested salami as a possible source of illness. Ill persons (58%) were significantly more likely than well persons (16%) to report eating salami. Additionally, 13 ill persons have been identified who purchased the same type of sliced salami variety pack at different grocery store locations before becoming ill. This salami was manufactured by Daniele International and recalled by the company on January 23.

HAPPYTOT Baby Food Recall

2010-01-14T10:32:00.006-06:00

On January 13, 2010, Nurture, Inc., issued a HAPPYTOT baby food recall involving selected varieties and date codes of HAPPYTOT Stage 4 and HAPPYBABY Stage 1 and Stage 2 pouch meals with date codes expiring between November 2010 and January 2011. These products are being recalled due to a packaging defect that potentially could cause the pouches to swell or leak. Swollen or leaking pouches could indicate that the products may contain bacteria that could potentially cause illness.

As of January 13, 2010, no illness had been reported in association with the recalled HAPPYTOT baby food. The products were sold at retail locations nationwide.

Potentially affected varieties include:

- Green bean, pear & peas, NET WT. 4.22 OZ. (120g), UPC 8 52697 00127 9;
- Sweet potato, carrot, apple & cinnamon, NET WT. 4.22 OZ. (120g), UPC 8 52697 00128 6;
- Spinach, mango & pear, NET WT. 4.22 OZ. (120g), UPC 8 52697 00129 3;
- Butternut squash & apple, NET WT. 4.22 OZ. (120g), UPC 8 52697 00130 9;
- Banana, peach, coconut & prunes, NET WT. 4.22 OZ. (120g), UPC 8 52697 00131 6;
- Banana, peach & mango, NET WT. 4.22 OZ. (120g), UPC 8 52697 00132 3
- Mango, NET WT. 3.5 OZ. (99g), UPC 8 52697 00134 7
- Spinach Mango Pear, NET WT. 3.5 OZ. (99g), UPC 8 52697 00139 2
- Apricot Sweet Potato, NET WT. 3.5 OZ. (99g), UPC 8 52697 00136 1

The above meals are packaged in plastic pouches with plastic caps.

To determine if a specific product is part of this voluntary recall, consumers should examine product packaging for expiration date codes between November 2010 and January 2011. These dates are printed as the first seven characters of a 15-character string, as illustrated in the accompanying illustration.

Additional information from Nurture, Inc.:

Less than half of one percent of the products sold to date is affected by this packaging defect; no other products sold by the company are affected. As standard practice for Nurture, all products sold are sent to a laboratory for food safety testing prior to market release and no harmful bacteria have been detected in damaged packages to date.

One consumer complaint was received regarding swollen and leaking pouches, and no illnesses have been reported. The company has worked quickly with the manufacturer to identify the cause of the malfunction and the issue has been resolved.

"We are committed to ensuring our organic foods are not only delicious, convenient, and as healthy as possible, but also delivered in the highest quality, dependable package for our youngest consumers," says Shazi Visram, Nurture, Inc.'s Founder and CEO. "As a mother-to-be expecting my first child to arrive any day now, I know firsthand how critical it is for parents to have complete confidence in the foods they serve their children. We stand behind our mission to provide only the very best, which is why we have taken the measure to voluntarily recall these products."

Nurture has worked with the contract manufacturer and the US Food and Drug Administration to resolve the matter.

While no illness has been reported, consumers who have purchased affected products should not consume or serve any swollen or leaky pouches and may return them to their place of purchase for a full refund or contact Nurture Inc directly for a full refund or exchange. (Note from Pritzker Olsen Attorneys: Do not dispose of or return the recalled HAPPYTOT baby food unless you are certain that your child has not been sickened by the product because it may be evidence. Contact our law firm for a free consultation.)

Parkers Farm Recall Lawsuit

2010-01-12T12:01:00.003-06:00

On January 8, 2010, Parkers Farm, Inc., a Coon Rapids, Minnesota firm, recalled peanut butter, bagel spreads, dips, cheese and salsa due to possible contamination with Listeria monocytogenes, a life-threatening foodborne pathogen that causes listeriosis, which can lead to brain damage, sespticemia, pneumonia, hydrocephalus, meningitis and death. Pregnant women are at risk of having a miscarriage, stillbirth or premature birth. Babies who survive may be born with listeriosis and die within a few days.

Although no illnesses have been reported to either Parkers Farms or the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Listeria has an extremely long incubation period, up to 70 days, which means someone who consumes a product contaminated with Listeria may not show any signs of illness until 3 months after consumption. This can make proving a Listeria case difficult, but our Listeria attorneys have experience using both microbiological and epidemiological evidence to recover money for Listeria victims.

The recalled Parkers Farm products were distributed nationwide in the following retail stores: Hy-Vee, Cub, Rainbow, Byerlys Lunds, Target, Whole Foods, Jewel, Dominicks, Marsh, Price Chopper, Shop Rite, Nash Finch, Sams Club, Costco, Safeway, Kroger, Central Markets, Happy Farms and Dutch Farms.

THE FOLLOWING RECALLED PRODUCTS WERE SOLD UNDER THE PARKERS FARM OR PARKERS LABEL:

~~~16 OUNCE PEANUT BUTTER IN SQUARE PLASTIC CONTAINERS (TUB WITH SNAP ON LID), VARIETIES ARE CREAMY, CRUNCHY, HONEY CREAMY AND HONEY CRUNCHY WITH SELL BY DATES BETWEEN 11/14/2010 AND 12/31/2010**.

~~~34 OUNCE PEANUT BUTTER IN ROUND PLASTIC CONTAINERS (TUB WITH SNAP ON LID), VARIETIES ARE CREAMY AND CRUNCHY WITH SELL BY DATES BETWEEN 8/11/2010 AND 9/30/2010**.

~~~7 OUNCE BAGEL SPREADS IN WHITE PLASTIC CONTAINERS (TUB WITH SNAP ON LID), VARIETIES ARE GARDEN VEGGIE, WILD BERRY, STRAWBERRY, APPLE CINNAMON AND HONEY WALNUT) WITH SELL BY DATES BETWEEN 5/13/2010 AND 6/30/2010**.

~~~14 OUNCE DIPS & SPREADS IN SQUARE PLASTIC CONTAINERS (TUB WITH SNAP ON LID), VARITIES ARE JALAPENO NACHO, PIMENTO AND SALSA CON QUESO WITH SELL BY DATES BETWEEN 8/11/2010 AND 9/30/2010**.

~~~8 OUNCE, 12 OUNCE AND 16 OUNCE COLD PACK CHEESE IN ROUND OR SQUARE PLASTIC CONTAINERS (TUB WITH SNAP ON LID), VARIETIES ARE SHARP CHEDDAR, BACON, ONION, SMOKED CHEDDAR, SWISS ALMOND, HORSERADISH, GARLIC, PORT WINE, AND SWISS & CHEDDAR WITH SELL BY DATES BETWEEN 11/14/2010 AND 12/31/2010**.

~~~16 OUNCE SALSA IN SQUARE PLASTIC CONTAINERS (TUB WITH SNAP ON LID), VARIETIES ARE HOT, MILD, GARLIC, BLACK BEAN AND FIRE ROASTED WITH SELL BY DATES BETWEEN 3/14/2010 AND 4/30/2010**.

THE FOLLOWING RECALLED PRODUCTS WERE SOLD UNDER A VARIETY OF BRAND NAMES, INCLUDING HAPPY FARMS, DUTCH FARMS, CENTRAL MARKETS AND KROGER:

~~~16 OUNCE HAPPY FARMS COLD PACK CHEESE IN ROUND PLASTIC CONTAINERS (TUB WITH SNAP ON LID), VARIETIES ARE SHARP CHEDDAR, PORT WINE AND SWISS ALMOND WITH SELL BY DATES BETWEEN 11/24/2010 AND 12/10/2010**.

~~~8 OUNCE KROGER COLD PACK CHEESE IN ROUND PLASTIC CONTAINERS (TUB WITH SNAP ON LID), VARIETIES ARE SHARP CHEDDAR, PORT WINE AND SWISS ALMOND WITH SELL BY DATES BETWEEN 11/18/2010 THRU 12/15/2010**

~~~8 OUNCE CENTRAL MARKETS COLD PACK CHEESE IN ROUND PLASTIC CONTAINERS (TUB WITH SNAP ON LID), VARIETIES ARE SHARP CHEDDAR, PORT WINE, SWISS ALMOND, HORSERADISH WITH SELL BY DATES OF 12/9/2010**

~~~14 OZ. CENTRAL MARKETS SALSA CON QUESO IN ROUND PLASTIC CONTAINERS (TUB WITH SNAP ON LID) WITH SELL BY DATES OF 8/16/2010**.

~~~16 OZ. CENTRAL MARKETS SALSA IN ROUND PLASTIC CONTAINERS (TUB WITH SNAP ON LID), VARIETIES ARE SHARP CHEDDAR, PORT WINE, SWISS ALMOND, HORSERADISH WITH SELL BY DATED OF 3/17/2010 THRU 3/24/2010**.

~~~8 OZ. DUTCH FARMS COLD PACK CHEESE IN ROUND PLASTIC CONTAINERS (TUB WITH SNAP ON LID), VARIETIES ARE SHARP CHEDDAR, PORT WINE, SWISS ALMOND, HORSERADISH, AND SWISS & CHEDDAR WITH SELL BY DATES OF 11/16/2010 THRU 11/18/2010**.

Both the State of Wisconsin and the State of Minnesota tested samples of the recalled products and found that some finished product contained Listeria monocytogenes.

Pritzker Olsen law firm represents Listeria victims nationwide. We have recovered millions for our listeriosis clients and the families of people killed by Listeria poisoning. To contact a Listeria lawyer, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free), email Attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online form for a free consultation.

Adams Farm Slaughterhouse Beef Recall

2010-01-12T10:24:00.005-06:00

Adams Farm Slaughterhouse, LLC., an Athol, Massachusetts, establishment, is recalling approximately 2,574 pounds of beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. The recall was prompted by an association between Adams Farm Slaughterhouse ground beef and a case of E. coli poisoning in the state of Massachusetts, according to the USDA-FSIS:

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) confirmed a positive ground beef sample for E. coli O157:H7, which it collected during an epidemiological investigation. Working in conjunction with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH), FSIS determined that there is an association between the ground beef products and an illness in the state of Massachusetts.

The following products are subject to recall:

1,025-pounds of "Beef Cuts and Ground" packed for Mazzarese.
697-pounds of "Beef Cuts and Ground" packed for Side Hill Farm.
852-pounds of "Beef Cuts and Ground" packed for Sweet Water Farm.

Each package bears a label with the establishment number "EST. 5497" inside the USDA mark of inspection as well as the packaging date of "11/11/2009." The beef products were distributed to private owners on three separate farms in the state of Massachusetts.

E. coli O157:H7 infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), which cause life-threatening complications, including the following:

Stroke
Seizures
Coma
Thrombocytopenia
Heart arythmia
Hemolytic anemia
Heart failure
Acute and chronic renal failure (kidney failure)
Brain Damage
Severe abdominal pain
Pancreatitis (can include glucose intolerance)
Enlarged liver
Perforated colon
Hypertension
Death

Pritzker Olsen law firm represents E. coli and TTP-HUS victims nationwide. To contact an E. coli lawyer, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free), email Attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online form for a free consultation.

Posted January 2010.

Report Links Milan IL McDonalds to Hepatitis A Outbreak

2009-12-03T22:31:00.004-06:00

The Illinois Department of Public Health has issued its report on the hepatitis A outbreak in Milan, Illinois that sickened 34 people June through August of 2009. According to the report, the source of the outbreak for the majority of outbreak cases was food eaten at the McDonalds in Milan, Illinois where a food handler worked while infectious and handled foods that were not later cooked.

The report specifically points to the lack of proper hand washing as the cause of the outbreak:

If the first employee [at the Milan McDonalds] with hepatitis A had used proper hand washing technique while working the transmission of hepatitis A through food would not have occurred.

This employee reported to health officials that while infectious, the employee did not use gloves while working. The employee prepared foods such as bread for sandwiches that would not later be cooked, according to the report.

A previous inspection report from April 2009 indicated that bare-handed contact with food by food handlers was a concern at the McDonalds in Milan, Illinois.

Our law firm is representing people sickened in this outbreak and has represented people sickened in similar hepatitis A outbreaks linked to restaurant food handlers.

“Hepatitis A outbreaks involving restaurants are all too common. They usually involve failure to train and supervise employees regarding proper hand washing,” stated Attorney Fred Pritzker.

This outbreak could have been prevented in one of three ways:

Frequent and adequate hand washing
The use of gloves when touching food
Hepatitis A immunizations for all employees who handle food

All restaurants should take these precautions to protect their patrons.

Source: Hepatitis A Outbreak Summary, Rock Island, Illinois, June-August 2009, Division of Infectious Disease, Illinois Department of Public Health, October 30, 2009.

Fairbury Steaks Ground Beef Recall

2009-11-19T14:09:00.003-06:00

On November 17, 2009, Fairbury Steaks, Inc. a Fairbury, Nebraska firm, recalled approximately 90 pounds of fresh ground beef products due to possible E. coli contamination.

The products subject to recall include:

* 10-pound packages of "BULK FRESH GROUND BEEF."

The possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination was discovered through FSIS microbiological sampling, i.e., a sample of the ground beef tested positive for E. coli O157:H7.

The recalled Fairbury Steaks products were sold in 10-pound packages labeled "BULK FRESH GROUND BEEF" to a restaurant in Ruskin, Nebraska.

Neither Fairbury Steaks nor the USDA-FSIS has provided the name of the Ruskin, Nebraska restaurant to which the recalled ground beef was sent. According to the FSIS, it routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers (including restaurants) of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers. We question the effectiveness of these "effectiveness checks."

FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products. We just hope the Ruskin, Nebraska restaurant either had not yet served the meat to customers or cooked the meat very well.

South Shore Meats Recall

2009-10-27T11:23:00.008-05:00

On October 26, 2009, Crocetti's Oakdale Packing Co., doing business as, South Shore Meats, Inc. in Brockton, Massachusetts recalled about 1,039 pounds of fresh ground beef patties derived from bench trim as well as mechanically tenderized beef cuts based on confirmed laboratory evidence of the presence of E. coli O157:H7 in leftover ground beef samples obtained from Camp Bournedale, a nature camp in Plymouth, Massachusetts.

Suspect patties were collected and tested by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) after more than 20 school children and adults from Lincoln Middle School in Rhode Island, who had visited Camp Bournedale the week of October 13th, became ill with gastrointestinal symptoms. Read more about the Lincoln Middle School E. coli outbreak linked to Camp Bournedale.

In a recent press release, E. coli Lawyer Fred Pritzker stated:

More resources must be devoted to federal food safety. The current system is undermined by too much fragmentation of responsibility and not enough coordination between federal, state and local agencies.

One also has to wonder if microbiological testing is lax. Ground beef and other meat products should not be allowed to leave the manufacturer unless their safety is confirmed. Eating a hamburger should not be a high-risk activity.
DPH is continuing to investigate the outbreak in cooperation with the Rhode Island Health Department and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There is now laboratory evidence that the ground beef collected at the camp is the same strain of E. coli O157:H7 confirmed in two of the Lincoln Middle School students who attended Camp Bournedale.

DPH is continuing to work with United States Department of Agriculture to identify all affected beef products that will need to be recalled. To date, the following South Shore Meats Company products have been recalled:
10-pound boxes containing 40, 4-ounce packages of "Beef Sirloin Patties."
7.5-pound boxes containing 12, 10-ounce packages of "Beef Teres Major Steaks Seasoned."
Boxes of 24, 5-ounce packages of "BEEF BUTT STEAKS, (Filet Style)."
9-pound boxes containing 12, 12-ounce packages of "BEEF BUTT STEAK, Center Cut, (sirloin style)."
9-pound boxes containing 12, 12-ounce packages of "BEEF BUTT STEAK, Center Cut, (filet style)."
6.75-pound boxes containing 12, 9-ounce packages of "BEEF BUTT STEAK, Center Cut, (sirloin style)."
Boxes of 16, 10-ounce packages of "Beef Top Butt Steaks Sirloin Style."
Boxes of 20, 8-ounce packages of "Beef Butt Steaks Club Style."
Boxes of 26, 6-ounce packages of "Beef Top Butt Steaks Sirloin Style."
Boxes of 12, 10-ounce packages of "BEEF BUTT STEAKS, (Filet Style)."
6-pound boxes containing 16, 6-ounce packages of "Beef Filet Of Sirloin, Executive Cut."
Boxes of 12, 8-ounce packages of "BEEF BUTT STEAKS, (Filet Style)."
Each box of recalled beef bears the establishment number "EST. 6336" inside the USDA mark of inspection and may also bear a date code of "281." The beef products were produced on October 8, 2009, and were distributed to wholesale distributors and institutions in Massachusetts.

If your child has been diagnosed with E. coli O157, contact Pritzker Olsen Attorneys. Our law firm is representing people sickened by E. coli O157, including people who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). E. coli HUS is the leading cause of kidney failure in children in the United States.

MN Petting Zoo E coli HUS Linked to Llama

2009-10-24T16:43:00.004-05:00

Pritzker Olsen law firm has been retained to represent a 3 ½ year-old child sickened with E. coli poisoning and hemolytic uremic syndrome. The child is believed to have contracted the illness at a local apple orchard/ petting zoo in the Twin Cities (MN) area.

Preliminary testing indicates that the genetic fingerprint of the E .coli O157:H7 obtained from the child’s stool sample matches the genetic fingerprint of E. coli from llama feces tested at the petting zoo.

Fred Pritzker, a leading E. coli litigation attorney, is representing the child in this outbreak. “It does not appear the operator of this facility took the necessary precautions to prevent this child’s severe injuries."

There may be other victims from this outbreak. Unconfirmed reports indicate that an older person may also have developed E .coli O157:H7 poisoning and hemolytic uremic syndrome after visiting the same apple orchard/petting zoo in the Twin Cities area.

For a free consultation about an E. coli-HUS lawsuit, please call 612-338-0202 or 800-377-8900 (toll free), email Attorney Fred Pritzker, or submit our online consultation form.

Texas Star Meat Beef Brisket Recall

2009-10-21T20:31:00.003-05:00

On October 21, 2009, Lone Star Brisket Company, a Thorndale, Texas firm, has recalled approximately 14 pounds of smoked beef products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The following products are subject to recall:

2.5- 3-pound vacuum sealed packages of "Texas Star Meat Company HALF SMOKED BEEF BRISKET Fully Cooked." Each label bears the establishment number "EST. 27340" inside the USDA mark of inspection and a day-glo sticker "SLICED" next to the product label. Each package also has a Use By/Sell By date of "12/16/09," and can also be identified by the case code "285A."
4-5-pound vacuum sealed packages of "Texas Star Meat Company WHOLE SMOKED BEEF BRISKET Fully Cooked." Each label bears the establishment number "EST. 27340" inside the USDA mark of inspection and a day-glo sticker "SLICED" next to the product label. Each package also has a Use By/Sell By date of "12/16/09," and can also be identified by the case code "285A."

The smoked beef brisket products were packaged on October 14, 2009 and distributed to a Department of Defense Commissary in Oklahoma City, Okla.

The problem was discovered through FSIS's microbiological sampling program. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product.

If you are diagnosed with listeriosis, a serious illness caused by Listeria monocytogenes, contact Pritzker Olsen Attorneys at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our online free consultation form.

Culebra Meat Market Beef Recall

2009-10-21T16:12:00.002-05:00

Culebra Meat Market has recalled about 4000 pounds of beef products it produced and distributed in the San Antonio area because of possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7. The Texas Department of State Health Services laboratory testing detected E. coli O157:H7 in samples collected from the meat company.

Products included in the recall are beef stew meat, carne asada and ground beef produced by the company from Oct. 2 through Oct. 17, 2009. Products were sold to some San Antonio-area restaurants and in the company’s retail store, 2800 Culebra Road in San Antonio.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is investigating whether the products also were sold at other Culebra retail store locations in San Antonio.

Products sold to consumers at the company’s retail store were packaged in various weights and wrapped in white butcher paper with no markings. Products sold to restaurants were packed in 10-pound boxes labeled with the company and product names and lot codes 100209 through 101709. The boxes have the inspection label “TEXAS INSP. & PSD. 740” located inside an outline of the state of Texas.

The Texas Department of State Health Services is not aware of any illnesses associated with the recalled product.

Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 illness include bloody diarrhea and stomach pains. People with these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms typically occur two to nine days after exposure.

Infection can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause E. coli kidney failure or death.

For a free consultation with an E. coli lawyer about an E. coli lawsuit, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our online consultation form.

Plum Organics Baby Food Recall Due to Botulism Risk

2009-10-20T07:20:00.003-05:00

Plum Organics has recalled one batch of its 4.22 oz. Apple & Carrot Portable Pouch baby food with the best by date May 21, 2010 and marked with the following universal product code (UPC) #890180001221 located on the bottom of the package.

Plum Organics recalled the baby food due to the risk of contamination with Clostridium botulinum, a bacteria that produces a toxin that can cause botulism, a serious and sometimes life-threatening condition. Consumers should not use these products, even if they appear to be normal, because of the possible health risk. Symptoms of botulism poisoning in humans include general weakness, dizziness, double-vision and trouble with speaking or swallowing. People experiencing these problems should seek immediate medical attention.

The recalled Plum Organics baby food pouches are sold individually at Toys-R-Us and Babies-R-Us locations nationally.

No illnesses have been reported in connection with this product and no other
Plum Organics products are affected.

"The product did not meet the FDA guidelines for proper acidity level," said Dr. Paul Gerhardt, a Food Science Ph.D. and member of the Plum Organics action team. "Though the risk of illness from this one batch is minimal, Plum Organics is taking the extraordinary step of recalling all Apple & Carrot Baby Food Pouches with best by date May 21, 2010."

"As a mother, the safety and satisfaction of our customers and their children is my highest concern," said Plum Organics Founder Gigi Lee Chang. Due to a mixing error during production, one batch of this product was improperly blended. As a result, it did not meet our company`s standard for quality. We are taking the extra step of recalling all Apple & Carrot Portable Pouches with this date to eliminate any question in the minds of consumers about the safety of our products. Plum Organics was founded on the vision of superior quality and nutritious baby food; we are committed to these values and our consumers."

For a free consultation regarding a botulism lawsuit, please contact Pritzker Olsen Attorneys at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free), email Attorney Fred Pritzker or submit our online consultation form.

Eggo Waffle Recall Due to Listeria

2009-09-02T23:35:00.004-05:00

A frozen food plant in Atlanta has been closed for a deep cleaning by Kellogg Company after state inspectors found Listeria monocytogenes in a pack of waffles.

The finding also prompted a recall by Kelloggs of certain Eggo Cinammon Toast waffles and Eggo Toaster Swirlz Cinammon Rolls Minis.

The recalled waffles, according to a press release by the Georgia Department of Agriculture, Health, have a UPC code of 3800040440 and "Best if used before'' dates of NOV22 10 EA, NOV23 10 EA, NOV24 10E.

The recalled toaster swirlz have a UPC code of 3800023370 and "Best if used before'' date beginning with Nov. 15.

If you have Listeria questions about your legal rights, call a lawyer at national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen attorneys at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). To receive a free case consultation via the Internet, please fill out our contact form and send it to us online.

Mi Ranchito Water Leads to Outbreak

2009-09-02T05:51:00.006-05:00

Health officials in Kansas have issued an emergency license suspension to close the Mi Ranchito restaurant in Lenexa after at least 20 customers fell ill while eating -- possibly from carbonic acid poisoning in carbonated water.

The Mi Ranchito food poisoning outbreak occurred Sunday about 6 p.m. News media reported that nine ambulances were called to the scene and a dozen patrons were taken to the hospital for treatment. They had become nauseous, feverish, dizzy and were vomiting.

Jennifer Bustos-Gomez, an operations director for the restaurant, told reporters that the Mi Ranchito outbreak was the result of carbonated water backing up and coming into contact with copper tubing. The same thing reportedly happened a couple of weeks ago and five people went to the hospital. She said the problem is being fixed.

But a spokeswoman from the Kansas Department of Health and Environment said the restaurant won't reopen until tests confirm what caused the sudden outbreak of illness. The last time it happened, the problem wasn't bacterial.

Mi Ranchito compensation consultation forms are being accepted by national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen attorneys. Call a food poisoning lawyer at the firm, 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free).

We are one of the few law firms in the country with deep experience handling foodborne illness litigation against restaurants, food companies, caterers, grocery stores and meat producers. Over the years, we have collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning of all types.

If you or a loved one were sickened in the Mi Ranchito carbonic acid outbreak, you may have a claim against the restaurant for recovery. Pritzker Olsen has the experience and resources that make it one of the country's leading firms in this complicated area of law.

Milk Sparks WI Campylobacter Outbreak

2009-08-29T12:08:00.009-05:00

Consumption of contaminated raw milk has caused a Wisconsin Campylobacter outbreak, with public officials confirming 13 related illnesses in the southeastern area of the state.

The Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is investigating the source of the unpasteurized milk. It is illegal to sell raw milk in Wisconsin, but people have gotten around the law in the past by forming ownership co-ops, in which shares of ownership are sold in individual cows.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen attorneys is tracking the outbreak and people who have become sick and have concerns about protecting their legal rights can call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). If you or a loved one are sick and believe you may have contracted the outbreak strain of this disease, you should immediately see a physician.

The outbreak started August 14 and the onsets of illness in the confirmed cases lasted six days. With Campylobacter jejuni, people can contract the disease from an infected person and the number of confirmed cases is expected to climb because other people are ill in households where someone has a confirmed case. Tests are pending.

The outbreak has come with a warning from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services for people to discard any raw, unpasteurized milk they have in their refrigerators. Campylobacter is one of the most common of foodborne illnesses, but it can cause serious illness, even death. Those at highest risk are young children, the elderly and people who have weakened immune systems.

One of the complications of Campylobacter is Guillain-Barre' Syndrome, a disease that can result in muscle weakness and paralysis. Pritzker Olson has represented Guillain-Barre' patients and others who have become seriously ill from Campylobacter. Our law firm is involved in practically every major outbreak of food poisoning and we have collected tens of millions for victims.

To receive a free case consultation from a Campylobacter lawyer at our firm, follow our link to a free case consultation form and submit the form online.

SUPERVALUE Recall - Macaroni and Cheese

2009-08-17T11:42:00.003-05:00

SUPERVALU INC.® is voluntarily recalling frozen Culinary Circle™ Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese products because they may have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The recalled SUPERVALUE macaroni and cheese products are found in the frozen foods section in a 38 oz. package and were sold at SUPERVALU-owned stores including Acme®, Albertsons®, bigg’s®, Cub Foods®, Farm Fresh®, Hornbacher’s®, Jewel-Osco®, Lucky®, Shaw’s/Star Market™, Shop ‘n Save®, and Shoppers Food & Pharmacy® in all of the states where they operate.

This SUPERVALUE recall includes all Culinary Circle Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese, a frozen product sold in 38 oz. package. The UPC number for the recalled products is 41130 38704.

The possibility for contamination was identified through routine sampling of the product at the manufacturing facility. There have been no reported illnesses associated with the identified product.

Sterling Pacific Meat Co. Recall - E. coli

2009-08-14T08:44:00.002-05:00

If you or a family member has contracted E. coli O157:H7 after consuming ground beef, contact our law firm. If you have any recalled Sterling Pacific Meat Co. ground beef patties in your home, do not eat them. Do not throw them away if someone has contracted E. coli because the meat can be tested for E. coli.

Sterling Pacific Meat Co., a City of Commerce,California establishment, is recalling approximately 3,516 pounds of ground beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The products subject to recall include:

Fatburger Brand:

20-pound packages of "8 oz. PUCK (80/20) GROUND BEEF PATTIES."
10-pound "2.5 oz. BABY GROUND BEEF PATTIES."

Stock Yards Brand:

12-pound packages of "6 oz ROUND 80 % LEAN PURE GROUND BEEF PATTIES." Each package bears the identifying case code "13627."
12-pound packages of "(3/1) ROUND 80% LEAN PURE GROUND BEEF PATTY." Each package bears the identifying case code "13582."
12-pound packages of "(3/1) ROUND 80% LEAN GROUND BEEF PATTIES." Each package bears the identifying case code "10457" and the pack date "05/18/2009."
12-pound packages of "GROUND BEEF PATTY (8/1) SLIDER 80% LEAN." Each package bears the identifying case code "13657" and the pack date "05/18/2009."
12-pound packages of "(4/1) ROUND 85% LEAN PURE GROUND BEEF PATTY." Each package bears the identifying case code "13575" and the pack date "05/18/2009."
12-pound packages of "PURE GROUND BEEF PATTY 7oz WIDE PATTY 80% LEAN." Each package bears the identifying case code "13520" and the pack date "05/18/2009."
12-pound packages of "PURE GROUND BEEF PATTY (7/1) ROUND PATTY 80% LEAN." Each package bears the identifying case code "13577" and the pack date "05/18/2009."
11.80-pound packages of "PURE GROUND BEEF PATTIES 7 oz ROUND 80% LEAN." Each package bears the identifying case code "13520" or "13561" and the pack date "05/18/2009."

The packages also bear the establishment number "EST. 550" within the SDA Mark of Inspection and advise "KEEP REFRIGERATED" and/or "KEEP FROZEN." The ground beef products were produced on May 18, 2009, and were distributed at the wholesale level to food service companies, who further distributed the product to restaurants in Calif. and Ariz. FSIS has no reason to believe that these products are available for sale in commerce.

FSIS routinely conducts recall effectiveness checks to verify recalling firms notify their customers (including restaurants) of the recall and that steps are taken to make certain that the product is no longer available to consumers.

The problem was discovered by FSIS during a review of the establishment's records. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of these products. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact a physician.

Peregrina Cheese Recall - Listeria

2009-08-14T07:47:00.004-05:00

If you or a family member has contracted listeriosis (Listeria infection) after consuming Peregrina cheese, contact our law firm. If you have any recalled Peregrina cheese in your home, do not eat it.

Peregrina Cheese Corporation of Brooklyn, New York, is recalling all products manufactured in its Brooklyn, NY plant from March 17, 2009 to the present because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections (listeriosis, listeria meningitis) in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recall action involves the following products produced since March 17, 2009:

- Peregrina Cheese brand QUESO FRESCO Fresh Cheese, 14 Oz. (397 g) foil-wrapped package, Plant # 36-8431, UPC 8 17424 00024 6, all lot codes on the market produced since March 17, 2009.
- Chipilo brand MEXICAN CHEESE QUESO FRESCO – Fresh Cheese, NET WT. 15 oz. (425g), Plant #36-8431, UPC 8 17424 00028 4, all lot codes on the market produced since March 17, 2009.
- Peregrina Cheese brand QUESO HEBRA Queso Oaxaca, NET WT. 15 Oz. (425g), Plant #36-8431, UPC 8 17424 00026 0, all lot codes on the market produced since March 17, 2009.
- Peregrina Cheese brand QUESO COTIJA MOLIDO, NET WT. 15 OZ. plastic bags, Plant # 36-1388, UPC 8 17424 00027 7, all lot codes on the market produced since March 17, 2009.
- Peregrina Cheese brand Flan, NET WT 8 oz., Plant # 36-8431, UPC 8 17424 00026 0, all lot codes on the market produced since March 17, 2009.
- Peregrina Cheese brand GELATIN, NET WT. 10 OZ., Plant # 36-8431, UPC 8 17424 00031 4, all lot codes on the market produced since March 17, 2009.
- Peregrina Cheese brand CREMA MEXICANA Mexican Cream, Weight 16 Oz., Plant # 55-8991, UPC 8 17424 00030 7, all lot codes on the market produced since March 17, 2009.

The products were distributed to retail stores in New York and Pennsylvania.

No illnesses have been reported to date, but the incubation period for Listeria can be as long as 70 days.

Vons Ground Beef Recall Due to Salmonella

2009-08-07T14:34:00.008-05:00

Vons supermarkets in California and Nevada are among the retail outlets that took delivery of ground beef subsequently recalled by Cargill's Beef Packers Inc. due to concern the meat may have caused an outbreak of Salmonella Newport in Colorado and other western states.

Vons is owned by Safeway Inc. and Safeway and Sam's Club stores also received ground beef made in Fresno and recalled by Cargill. The Cargill recall involves 825, 769 pounds of ground beef and is associated with an outbreak that has sickened at least 40 people with a drug-resistant strain of Salmonella Newport.

In connection with the recall, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) released a complete list of retail stores that are known to have received the potentially tainted Cargill beef and many Vons stores in California and Nevada are on the list.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen is representing Salmonella victims nationwide and our lawyers are available for a free Vons lawsuit consultation. To contact a Salmonella lawyer at our firm, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete one of our free Salmonella compensation consultation forms.

Our lawyers have collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning and we are public advocates for reforming U.S. food safety laws and meat inspection protocols. Our attorneys represent victims in practically every major outbreak of foodborne illness.

Sams Club Recall Due to Salmonella Outbreak

2009-08-07T14:04:00.008-05:00

Sam's Club stores in 10 western states today announced a recall of ground beef that came from Cargill's Beef Packers plant in Fresno, California. The Cargill plant recalled nearly 43 tons of ground beef products associated with an outbreak of Salmonella Newport in Colorado, California and other western states.

Sam's Club said 94 of its stores sold items involved in the Cargill recall. The stores are in Anchorage and Fairbanks, Alaska; Great Falls, Montana; and various locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico and Wyoming.

Sam's Club said the items would have been purchased between June 16 and July 8. The six recalled items are:

90% GROUND BEEF COV MAX 10% FAT with a UPC of 0021209400000
90% GROUND BEEF COV MAX 10% FAT with a UPC of 0021200200000
90%GROUND BEEF PATTY MAX 10% FAT with a UPC of 0021200300000
GROUND BEEF MAXIMUM 10% FAT with a UPC of 0029200200000
MAXIMUM 10% FAT REDUCED PRICE PATTY with a UPC of 0029200300000
90% GROUND BEEF MAX 10% FAT/CASE ONLY with a UPC of 0021204700000

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen is representing Salmonella victims nationwide and our lawyers have taken on Cargill in the past and won. Our lawyers are available for a free Sam's Club lawsuit consultation regarding recalled ground beef that could be associated with the Salmonella Newport outbreak that has sickened at least 40 people, including 21 confirmed cases in Colorado.

To contact a Salmonella attorney at Pritzker Olsen, call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or complete one of our online Salmonella compensation consultation forms. We have collected tens of millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning and we are public advocates for reform of our nation's food safety inspection system.

Safeway Ground Beef Recall Due to Salmonella

2009-08-07T13:05:00.005-05:00

Safeway Inc. is recalling ground beef products sold between June 6 and July 14 from stores in nine states in conjunction with the Cargill recall of 825,769 pounds of ground beef that state and federal health officials have associated with an outbreak of Salmonella Newport.

National food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen is representing Salmonella victims nationwide. Our lawyers are available for a free Safeway lawsuit consultation by calling 1-888-377-8900 or by completing one of our free online consultation forms.

California-based Safeway issued a press release saying the product was no longer in stores, but the company is urging its customers to check their freezers. The potentially contaminated ground beef, ground beef patties and meatloaf were sold at full-service counters and self-service areas and would have sell-by dates between June 6 and July 14, the company said.

The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) released a full list of retail stores involved in the recall. The FSIS list includes ALL Safeway stores in Colorado, Wyoming, Nebraska, South Dakota and New Mexico. Some Safeway stores in Hawaii, Arizona, California and Nevada are also on the list.

Officials have said there have been 40 confirmed cases of Salmonella Newport in the outbreak, including 21 in Colorado, where four victims were hospitalized but are recovering. The outbreak strain of Salmonella Newport is resistant to antibiotic drugs normally used to treat such infections. This raises the risk of hospitalization and failed treatment and consumers are being urged to heed the recall closely.

Safeway Recalls Ground Beef in Salmonella Outbreak

2009-08-06T21:19:00.015-05:00

Giant grocery retailer Safeway has announced a recall of store-packaged ground beef, beef patties and meatloaf sold in nine states between June 6 and July 14. Safeway said in a news release that the meat is associated with an outbreak of Salmonella Newport and Cargill recall.

The potentially tainted meat was supplied to Safeway by the Fresno, California, plant of Beef Packers Inc., which is owned and operated by food giant Cargill. The USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced earlier in the day that 825,769 pounds of Beef Packers ground beef was being recalled because it may be linked to the outbreak.

Meanwhile, the Colorado Department of Health and Environment reported that the majority of known illnesses in the Salmonella Newport outbreak have occurred in Colorado, where there have been 21 confirmed cases since late June and mid-July. Colorado officials said consumers should look out for ground beef stamped with establishment number EST 31913 if produced between early June and mid-July.

Colorado said it has epidemiological data showing that 15 of 16 confirmed illnesses were in people who said they purchased their ground beef at Safeway. The retailer said its recall affects stores in Colorado, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Fred Pritzker, president and founder of national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen, is advising consumers to check their freezers for ground beef products that have been recalled by Cargill and Safeway. Pritzker also cautioned consumers that Salmonella Newport is resistant to antibiotics normally used to fight Salmonella infections. This increases the risk for hospitalization and for treatment failure.

If you or someone you love has been sickened in this outbreak, contact a Salmonella attorney at our firm by calling 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or by filling out our free Salmonella consultation form.

Most healthy adults overcome Salmonellosis without medical treatment, but symptoms including diarrhea and severe stomach cramps can last up to seven days. Salmonella infections can be serious and even life-threatening in young children, the elderly and people who have weakened immune systems.

Colorado Salmonella Outbreak - Beef Packers Ground Beef

2009-08-06T12:31:00.003-05:00

A Colorado outbreak of a drug-resistant strain of Salmonella Newport has been associated with ground beef processed by Beef Packers, Inc., owned by Cargill. Read about the Cargill connection and a Cargill lawsuit.

The Colorado Salmonella outbreak has prompted Beef Packers to issue a recall of about 825,769 pounds of ground beef products.

The Beef Packers/Cargill recall involves ground beef products were produced on various dates ranging from June 5, 2009 through June 23, 2009. They were distributed to retail distribution centers in Arizona, California, Colorado and Utah.

Please be aware that the recalled ground beef was repackaged into consumer-size packages and sold under different retail brand names. TO FIND OUT IF GROUND BEEF YOU HAVE IN THE FREEZER IS THE RECALLED BEEF, CALL THE RETAILER. Our law firm is advocating for more retailer information to be provided to consumers when there is a recall, and there has been progress. More needs to be done.

To contact our Salmonella litigation law firm, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free consultation form.

A&R Bar-B-Q Lawsuit Filed

2009-07-31T21:14:00.003-05:00

A husband and wife from Memphis who organized and attended a family reunion catered by A&R Bar-B-Q restaurant of Hickory Hill Road in Memphis filed a lawsuit today in Shelby County Circuit Court alleging that the food was contaminated with Salmonella, infecting the man with food poisoning.

Toby and Shandalin Taylor are represented in the lawsuit by national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen, P.A., of Minneapolis. The suit alleges that Toby Taylor is one of more than 24 individuals whom health officials say contracted salmonellosis. Mr. and Mrs. Taylor helped stage the 2009 Harston Family Reunion, which included an A&R-catered picnic July 10 at Shelby Farms Park.

According to the lawsuit, filed by local counsel Jason Whitworth, the menu for the approximately 150 attendees included pork shoulder, chicken, BBQ spaghetti, coleslaw and bread. The exact cause of the outbreak is being investigated by the Tennessee Department of Health and the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department. Toby Taylor was among the sickened attendees whose stool tested positive for Salmonella after he was taken to the hospital to be treated for severe stomach cramps, fever, chills and dehydration from diarrhea.

"This case points to the tragedy of foodborne illness - a joyful event marred by sickness and a business facing significant loss,'' said Fred Pritzker, founder and president of Pritzker Olsen. "There are no winners, only losers.''

The lawsuit alleges negligence and recklessness on the part of the restaurant, which closed for health department review and retraining of workers after public health investigators began to probe complaints from Taylor and others in his extended family. The suit also alleges that the Salmonella contamination violated the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act.

"The defendant had a duty to ensure that its food products were prepared, handled and served according to safe food-handling practices in order to avoid the spread of food borne infectious agents such as Salmonella,'' the lawsuit said.

For more information, individuals may contact Fred Pritzker at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or email Mr. Pritzker at fhp@pritzkerlaw.com. Pritzker Olsen is one of the few law firms in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. The firm is involved as an advocate for victims in practically every major outbreak of food poisoning, including the peanut product Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak late last year and early this year that killed nine people and sickened more than 700.

That outbreak prompted passage this week in the U.S. House of Representatives of sweeping food safety reform. In the peanut product outbreak, Pritzker is representing the families of three women who died from the outbreak strain of Salmonella.

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Media Contact: Fred Pritzker, cell phone 651-592-3733; office 1-888-377-8900 or email fhp@pritzkerlaw.com.

More than 24 Sick in Memphis Salmonella BBQ

2009-07-31T11:38:00.005-05:00

Various menu items from the Hickory Hill location of A&R Bar-B-Q are being tested for contamination in a public health laboratory as investigators try to pinpoint the cause of a Memphis Salmonella outbreak that has sickened more than two dozen people.

National food safety lawyer Fred Pritzker, who is representing individuals who were infected, is closely watching the investigation and weighing legal options for his clients. Pritzker broke the news of the outbreak to the Memphis community by announcing Wednesday that many victims had attended a July 10 picnic for the 2009 Harston Family Reunion. The event was catered by the Hickory Hill A&R Bar-B-Q restaurant.

Hours after Pritzker made the announcement, the Memphis and Shelby County Health Department confirmed the investigation, which is being conducted in conjunction with the Tennessee Department of Health. Health department officials have since announced that preliminary tests indicate that more than two dozen people developed Salmonella.

Pritzker, the founder of the Pritzker Olsen law firm, has told television and newspaper reporters in the region that several family members were hospitalized with severe stomach cramps and dehydration. Anyone who got sick from eating food from A&R on or around July 10 and 11 can contact the law firm at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free), email Fred at fhp@pritzkerlaw.com or complete our online consultation form. Case consultations are free.

In Memphis, the Hickory Hill location of A&R restaurant has been closed since last Saturday for food safety retraining, a health department review and self-inspection.

Memphis Salmonella Outbreak Investigated

2009-07-29T22:06:00.011-05:00

The A & R Bar-B-Q restaurant on Hickory Hill Road in Memphis is under investigation by public health officials in connection with illnesses reported July 10 and 11.

Our law firm, Pritzker Olsen, has been retained to represent victims of the Memphis Salmonella outbreak, which started on the same day that more than 150 people gathered for a picnic in Shelby Farms Park. The gathering was part of the 2009 Harston Family Reunion in Memphis and it was catered by A & R Bar-B-Q, 3721 Hickory Hill Road. Fred Pritzker told a television reporter from My Fox Memphis that at least one person was hospitalized.

Please contact our law firm if you or a loved one were among the victims of this outbreak, which isn't necessarily limited to reunion attendees. A Salmonella lawyer is available to assist you at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free), or complete one of our online case consultation forms.

The Memphis and Shelby County Health Department has confirmed that A & R is being investigated and that the restaurant has been closed since Saturday in cooperation with the probe. Public health officials have scheduled a news briefing Thursday in Memphis to discuss the situation. The Tennessee Department of Health is also involved.