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Pritzker Olsen attorneys have appeared on CBS News, Fox news, and numerous local television stations throughout the country. They have recovered millions for victims of listeriosis outbreaks, including a $6,000,000 settlement. To contact our law firm, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free consultation form.

Listeriosis

What is listeriosis?

Listeriosis is a bacterial infection caused by Listeria monocytogenes. While many bacteria generally infect specific locations within the human body, Listeria may infect many different sites, such as the brain or spinal cord membranes or the bloodstream.

Who gets listeriosis?

Anyone can get the disease, but those at highest risk for serious illness are newborns, the elderly, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. Healthy adults and children occasionally get infected with Listeria, but they rarely become seriously ill.

Listeria bacteria are widely distributed in nature and can be found in water and soil. Infected animals may also serve as sources. Unlike other organisms, Listeria can be spread by several different methods. Ingestion (food-borne transmission) of the organism, such as through unpasteurized milk, deli meat, hot dogs or contaminated vegetables, is often a source of cases. In newborn infections, the organism may be transmitted from mother to fetus in utero, or directly to the fetus at the time of birth. Direct contact with the organism can cause lesions on the skin.

Listeriosis has an extremely variable incubation period. It can range from three to 70 days, but symptoms usually appear within a month.

What are the symptoms of listeriosis?

Because listeriosis can affect many different parts of the body, the symptoms vary. For meningoencephalitis, the onset can be sudden with fever, intense headache, nausea, vomiting and signs of meningeal irritation. In other body locations, various types of lesions at the site of infection are the primary symptom. In most cases, Listeria infection causes fever and influenza-like symptoms resembling many other illnesses.

Are there any unusual features of this disease?

Listeria infections are a significant risk for pregnant women, who may not experience obvious symptoms. Infection of the fetus can occur before delivery and can cause abortion as early as the second month of pregnancy, but more often in the fifth and six months. An infection later in pregnancy may cause exposure during birth, sometimes resulting in infection of the newborn which may be fatal.

Plum Organics Baby Food Recall Due to Botulism Risk

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.

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Eggo Waffle Recall Due to Listeria

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.

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Langostino Recall Due to Listeria Risk

Slade Gorton & Co has issued a voluntary recall of its "ICYBAY" cooked, ready to eat, frozen langostinos because they have the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The recalled langostinos retail in one pound, clear plastic package marked with UPC 0-73129-61672-8 on the top and with an expiration date of June 2009 and is distributed under the brand name of "ICYBAY". The recalled langostinos were also distributed to wholesale accounts, also under the "ICYBAY" brand, in five pound clear plastic packages containing either 70-90 count, 90-125 count or 120-150 count. This recall involves production dates of July 18, 2007 through August 13, 2007 and/or Julian dates of 199 through 232.

The recalled "ICYBAY" cooked langostinos were distributed to retailers in Massachusetts and Maryland, over the course of the past several weeks. The majority of the retail distribution was removed from shelves immediately upon notice of the potential of contamination. The recalled "ICYBAY" cooked langostinos were distributed to wholesalers in Colorado, Connecticut, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas, Vermont, West Virginia and Wisconsin.

The potential for contamination was noted after a Canadian government laboratory, CFIA, found that one sample was believed to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
No illnesses (listeriosis) have been reported to date in connection with this product.

President Kim Gorton said her company, one of the largest private seafood distributors in the United States, strictly follows HACCP procedures and FDA guidelines for testing its seafood products to ensure their wholesomeness and safety.

She said that "while the report from Canada only involves a small sample of the langostinos, we are issuing this voluntary recall, as a precautionary measure, out of concern for the health and safety of the consuming public."

Distribution of the product has been suspended while FDA and the company continue to confirm testing and investigate the source of any potential problem. Slade Gorton & Co. will use an independent testing service to determine the accuracy of the Canadian findings.

Posted March 2008.

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Food Poisoning Lawyer Fred Pritzker has appeared on national television and has been quoted by national publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Associated Press and Lawyers USA. He has been named a "Super Lawyer" by Law and Politics magazine. He is also listed in the current edition of The Best Lawyers in America. To contact Fred Pritzker about a food poisoning lawsuit or food safety advocacy, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit the firm's free consultation form.

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