Egg Recall Grows; Additional Company Linked to Outbreak

Monday, August 30th, 2010

What began as a recall of 228 million shell eggs recalled due to possible salmonella contamination has now grown to 500 million, and an additional corporation has been added to the list.  It was first reported the Wright County Egg was thought to be the source of the tainted shell eggs; now, Hillandale Farms has been implicated as well.   The two companies seem to have a close connection which includes part of their egg production operations.

If you need to find Salmonella egg recall law firm to answer legal questions, consider contacting Brown Chiari.

While there have still been no deaths tied to this outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates  that there have been 1,953 illnesses across the nation caused by the same strain of salmonella since August 19th.

The Associated Press reported the apparent link between Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms.  Mary Clare Jalonick reported that both companies are share suppliers of chickens and feed.  She also went on to say that Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms have ties to a business located in Iowa that is routinely cited for violating both state and federal laws.

Jewanna Porter, a spokeswoman for the egg industry, said that Quality Egg supplies chickens and feed to both companies, and that they share other unnamed suppliers.

Here is a breakdown of illnesses across the nation thus far:

California – 266 cases of salmonella confirmed, 43 of these in Los Angeles County.

Colorado – 28 cases reported during June and July.  Colorado usually has only 7 cases on average reported during this time period; some of these recent illnesses were associated with a restaurant in Jefferson County called The Fort.

Minnesota – 14 cases linked to two restaurant outbreaks.  One restaurant involved is relatively new; the eggs at Mi Rancho Mexican restaurant are linked to Hillandale Farms.

Southern Nevada – Since January, 30 cases have been reported which is quadruple the number usually reported.

Texas – Since mid-May, over 150 cases of salmonella food poisoning have been reported in at least 40 counties; investigations are ongoing to determine how many of these illnesses are related to Wright County Eggs.

Wisconsin – A restaurant in Kenosha, Baker Street Restaurant and Pub, is thought to be the source of 21 salmonella illnesses.

There are likely many illnesses that have not been reported, and numbers could continue to grow for some time.  Salmonella food poisoning is characterized by abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea and occasional fever. While most cases are not serious, some individuals may be at a higher risk of developing serious complications.  These individuals include young children, those with weakened immune systems, and the elderly.

If you become ill with symptoms you suspect are related to salmonella tainted eggs, contact Brown Chiari, a highly-regarded Buffalo NY food poisoning attorney. Also serving as Buffalo injury attorneys in New York.

Alfalfa Sprouts and Whole Raw Pistachios Added to the Ever Growing List of Foods Tainted with Salmonella

Monday, August 30th, 2010

As if 500 million salmonella tainted shell eggs aren’t enough to worry about, now two other foods have been linked to salmonella.  A New York company, Snow White Food Products, Inc. has recalled certain packages of alfalfa sprouts due to salmonella contamination.  Production and sales of the alfalfa sprouts have been suspended after the New York State Food Laboratory discovered salmonella bacteria while analyzing samples of the product.

The packages of alfalfa sprouts affected by this recall are packaged in an uncoded 3.5 ounce plastic clamshell container.  The UPC code for this product is 0-46421-11236-6.  This product was distributed in New York City and throughout the entire state.  Investigators are trying to determine just how wide the distribution area of the alfalfa sprouts is.

So far, there have been no illnesses linked to the alfalfa sprouts, and consumers are urged to dispose of the product if they have it in their homes, or return it to the place of purchase.  Questions or concerns can be directed to the company at 718-230-5625.

In other salmonella news, a Eugene, Oregon company GloryBee Foods, Inc. has voluntarily recalled 5 pound bags of Whole Raw Pistachios and 25 pound boxes of Whole Raw Pistachios Kernels due to possible salmonella contamination.  The 5 pound bags are under the brand name Aunt Patty’s, and the 25 pound boxes under the brand Specialty Commodities.

The pistachios were distributed across western and central Oregon, as well as western Washington to bakeries and retail stores.  The 25 lb. boxes have labels on the boxes displaying “Packed for Special Commodities, Los Angeles, CA. 90010.”  On the sides of the boxes is a lot number 32043 stamped in red.  To date, there have been no illnesses reported in association with this recall.

Consumers are asked to return any whole raw pistachios involved in this recall to GloryBee Foods for a weight-based refund.  Questions and delivery or product replacement concerns should be directed to Greg Wilson at 800-456-7923 between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

Symptoms of salmonella food poisoning include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and occasional fever.  While symptoms usually subside and produce only mild illness, serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur in those who are elderly, young children and individuals with a weak immune system.

Finding a Buffalo personal injury attorney that will assist you in your food poisoning legal needs is an excellent consideration.

California Company Recalls 37,318 Pounds of Peppers Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Monday, July 26th, 2010

A California company is recalling 37,318 lbs. of pepper products that were distributed between March 15th of this year and May 6th.  Miravalle Foods, Inc. recalled their Miravalle Chile California and Miravalle Chile Nuevo Mexico brands of peppers due to possible salmonella food poisoning contamination.  These peppers were distributed to customers in CA, CO, UT, NC, NE, ID, OR and NV.

These products were distributed to only a small group of customers through distributors, retail stores and direct delivery, and include the following:

3oz. (UPC Code: 7 12810-00301 & 7 12810-00304)
6 oz. (UPC Code: 7 12810-60001 & 7 1280-60004)
8oz. (UPC Code: 7 12810-00802 & 7 12810-00803)
16 oz. (UPC Code: 7 12810-16005 & 7 12810-16007)

The products are packaged in clear plastic under the “Miravalle Chile California & Miravalle Chile Nuevo Mexico” Brand names and in bulk 25lb. boxes.

A random sample of the products revealed the presence of salmonella following lab analysis conducted by the US Food and Drug Administration.   Miravalle Foods, Inc. is located in El Monte, California.  Consumers who have purchased any of the products involved in this recall are asked to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.  Questions or concerns can be directed to the company at 1-626-575-7551 between the hours of 8 am and 4 pm PST Monday through Friday.

While salmonella food poisoning usually produces only mild symptoms, in some cases it can be fatal.  Symptoms include abdominal pain and fever, diarrhea, and vomiting.  Those most at risk for serious complications include children, those with a compromised immune system and the elderly.  If you have eaten any of the above products and become ill, see your doctor at once.

Those who become seriously ill after consuming foods contaminated with salmonella may have legal rights.  To discuss your situation and learn if you may be entitled to compensation for medical or other costs related to your illness, contact a New York food poisoning attorney.

Brown Chiari is a team of experienced Buffalo personal injury attorneys representing victims rights in personal injury cases.  Brown Chiari specializes in nursing home abuse, food poisoning and construction accidents.

Glencoe, IL Country Club Salmonella Illnesses Continue to Rise

Monday, July 19th, 2010

Recently, 37 individuals who had eaten at the Skokie Country Club in Glencoe Illinois were confirmed to have salmonellosis, and 8 of those individuals were hospitalized.  Now it appears that 2 of the eight remain hospitalized, and officials believe that the outbreak may affect as many as 80 or more people.

While 37 cases were initially linked to the Country Club, 50 others had reported symptoms of salmonella infection, and those have been under investigation.  The kitchen at Skokie Country Club closed voluntarily until the investigation can be completed.  Those who consumed food or drinks at the club between June 12 and 24 are urged to contact Cook County Health Department if experiencing the symptoms of salmonella food poisoning, which include diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps.

This particular strain of salmonella, enteritidis, is commonly associated with undercooked eggs.  Some restaurants “pool” eggs, which means that crack numerous eggs and hold a dozen or more in a bucket or large bowl until ready to use, which is the perfect breeding ground for bacteria.

While the source of the salmonella contamination has yet to be determined, it looks as though improper food handling procedures may be to blame.

Those who work in food preparation areas such as that at the Skokie Country Club should take careful precautions to ensure that foods are being handled in a safe manner, and that hands are washed frequently and food preparation surfaces are kept clean and disinfected.

If you develop symptoms of salmonella food poisoning, call your doctor at once, especially if you are at higher risk of developing serious complications.  Those most at risk include the elderly, young children, and individuals with a weakened immune system.

Brown Chiari is a team of personal injury attorneys in Buffalo NY, experienced in food poisoning cases throughout the north east.

ConAgra Foods Recalls Marie Callender’s Cheesy Chicken and Rice Due to Possible Salmonella Contamination

Tuesday, July 6th, 2010

A Council Bluffs, IA company, ConAgra Foods Packaged Foods LLC, has recalled all Marie Callender’s brand Cheesy Chicken and Rice frozen meals that have been distributed across the nation due to possible salmonella food poisoning contamination.

All of these products are being recalled regardless of production date, after the CDC informed ConAgra about an investigation that involved 29 individuals across 14 states who were diagnosed with salmonella chester, 8 of these people reporting specifically eating the Cheesy Chicken and Rice.  The first report of illness occurred in April, and the last was reported on May 22.

While the specific source of the outbreak has not yet been determined, the FSIS became aware of the problem due to an investigation that is ongoing in multiple states of the salmonella serotype chester illnesses.  The FDA, Centers for Disease Control, FSIS and state health departments along with agriculture departments are all involved in this continuing investigation.  The public will be informed when further information regarding this outbreak is available.

The product being recalled is the 13-ounce packages of Marie Callender’s Cheesy Chicken & Rice White Meat Chicken and Broccoli over Rice Topped with Rich Cheddar Sauce, with a label containing establishment number “P-45″ inside the USDA mark of inspection.

These products were distributed across the nation, but as of this moment a distribution list is not available by the FSIS.  Consumers who have purchased the Marie Callender’s product are urged to dispose of it, and any questions should be directed to ConAgra Foods at 1-866-484-9610.

Salmonella food poisoning is usually accompanied by diarrhea, nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting, and lasts just a short time.  However, individuals such as the very young or elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are at risk of developing more serious complications.  See your doctor if you develop symptoms of salmonella infection.

If you or a family member have become ill after eating foods purchased at the supermarket or prepared in a dining establishment, contact a competent New York food poisoning attorney to determine if you may be eligible for compensation of expenses related to your illness.

Brown Chiari are experienced Buffalo personal injury attorneys helping individuals with food poisoning and nursing home abuse cases.

Salmonella Risk Reason for Recall of Organicgirl Baby Spinach

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Salinas, California based Organicgirl Produce has announced a recall of the 10 oz. organicgirl Baby Spinach due to the possibility of salmonella contamination.  So far, no illnesses have been reported in relation with this product.

The Baby Spinach in question has an expiration date of May 22, with a product code 11A061167.  It was reportedly distributed and sold in six states including Alabama, Arizona, California, North Carolina, Oregon and Wisconsin.  This makes two recalls announced relating to leafy green produce this week, after Fresh Express announced its recall of romaine-based salads that are also possibly tainted with salmonella.

A third-party laboratory for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration performed random sample testing and found that a package of organicgirl Baby Spinach tested positive for salmonella.  This recall is being announced out of caution and concern for consumers.

This recall includes 336 cases of the 10 oz. package size of organicgirl Baby Spinach with a use-by date of May 22.  As of now, no other products are salads are included in this latest recall.

organicgirl Produce is conducting a thorough internal investigation, and is also working in conjunction with state and federal regulators to determine the source of the contamination.  The company conducted a traceability analysis at once, along with an appraisal of its food safety documentation.  All were found in compliance, and the raw product testing records for the time period relating to this incident did not reveal the presence of any pathogens.

Retailers are asked to check store shelves to ensure that none of the possibly contaminated produce is present.  Consumers in the six states listed above are urged to make certain that they have none of the product with the use-by date and product code in question in their homes.  Do not consume the product, and discard it if it is present in your home.  Consumers with concerns or questions are asked to call the consumer hotline at 831-758-7810 any time between 8 and 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, Monday through Friday.

Individuals who experience symptoms of salmonella food poisoning should seek medical attention, especially those at increased risks of serious complications including the frail or elderly, young children and those with weakened immune systems.

Symptoms of salmonella include nausea, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, vomiting and occasional fever.  These are usually short-lived in healthy individuals.

Salmonella Contamination Subject of Recall by Chiquita Brands Subsidiary Fresh Express

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

Fresh Express, a subsidiary of Chiquita Brands, is recalling fresh Express romaine-based ready-to-eat bagged salads due to possible contamination with salmonella.  Recently a random test was conducted by the FDA in which salmonella food poisoning was detected in a single package of Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine Salad.  No other Fresh Express salads are currently included in this recall.

The products affected are marked with expired use-by dates of May 13th through May 16th and have an “S” in the product code.  These dates have passed, but the FDA warns that consumers who may have the product in their refrigerator check the dates before using, to make certain they do not eat foods that may possibly be contaminated.  These products could possibly remain on the store shelves, so Fresh Express extended this recall to retailers as well.

The Fresh Express Hearts of Romaine Salad in question were sold in many states, including Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Oklahoma, Idaho, Utah, Missouri, Montana, Kansas, Washington and Wyoming, Oregon, Texas and New Mexico.

While the recall has been issued after detecting salmonella in only a single package of the salad, Fresh Express is being highly cautious in order to prevent possible food poisoning.  Consumers who have purchased this product and have it in their homes are asked to dispose of the salad, and contact consumer representatives of Fresh Express at 800-242-5472, 24 hours a day during week days for a full refund.

Salmonella produces only mild symptoms in healthy individuals, including diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea.  Some individuals, such as young children, the elderly, and those with a compromised immune system may experience serious complications.  If you suspect salmonella food poisoning, seek medical treatment.

Recent Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts

Tuesday, June 8th, 2010

California-based Caldwell Fresh Foods has voluntarily recalled alfalfa sprouts after 20 people across 10 states became ill. These alfalfa sprouts were manufactured under the Caldwell Fresh Foods brand, as well as Nature’s Choice and California Exotics brands.  So far, no deaths have been reported but 4 of the individuals sickened have required hospitalization.

A wide variety of restaurants and retailers across the nation purchased the alfalfa sprouts from Caldwell Fresh Foods, including Cardenas Markets, Gonzalez Northgate Markets, Canton Foods, Wal-Mart Stores, Kings Super Market and Trader Joe’s.  The alfalfa sprouts being recalled are packaged and labeled as follows:

California Exotics brands – 5 oz. plastic clamshell containers

Caldwell Fresh Foods – 4 oz. plastic cups and one pound plastic bags; 2 and 5 pound plastic bags packed in cardboard boxes with a “Caldwell Fresh Foods” sticker affixed on the box

Nature’s Choice – 4 oz. plastic cups

The U.S. FDA , Centers for Disease Control and state authorities are investigating the outbreak, and Caldwell Fresh Foods is cooperating as well.  According to the company, alfalfa sprouts not affected by the salmonella recall will have bright, round green stickers affixed to labels and lids.

According to Maurie Thomas, general manager at the Maywood-based Caldwell Fresh Foods, alfalfa sprouts are strictly controlled by the FDA, and the company follows all guidelines set forth by the FDA to a T.  Thomas stated that state and federal health officials visited the company and took samples of finished products as well as swabs from equipment used at the facility to test for traces of salmonella.

Consumers are urged to throw away any sprouts in question, or to return them to the place of purchase for a refund.  So far, 11 people from California have become ill along with one Oregon infant.

While the majority of illnesses related to salmonella food poisoning are short in duration and cause only mild symptoms, some individuals are at risk of serious complications.  These include young children, those with a compromised immune system, and the frail or elderly.  Common symptoms include nausea, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting.  It is suggested that you see a doctor if you develop these symptoms after eating foods that are possibly tainted.

You may be eligible for reimbursement of expenses associated with salmonella food poisoning.  Contact a reputable New York food poisoning attorney to learn more about your rights and what action you may take.  Learn more about Brown Chiari; personal injury attorneys in Lancaster NY.

Salmonella Suspected in Durham NC Foodborne Illness Outbreak

Thursday, May 20th, 2010

A popular restaurant in Durham, NC seems to be the site where several illnesses have originated from in recent days.  Bullock’s Barbecue is where several people ate food before later developing symptoms of food poisoning.  This well-known restaurant is the common thread between 15 people who became ill after eating at the restaurant.  County inspectors suspect Salmonella food poisoning may be to blame, but are waiting for their suspicions to be confirmed through lab work.

Investigations have been performed related to proper disposal and clean-up of potentially affected food items and equipment used to prepare foods, but thus far it has not been determined any particular food source responsible for the outbreak.  Durham County Health Director Gayle Harris stated that they have visited the restaurant and looked the production process over from beginning to end, and have no problem with the way the restaurant operates.  The kitchen area was where health inspectors began their investigation.

Harris also said that they would be talking with employees of the restaurant in order to determine if any of those who work at Bullock’s have been sick.  Health officials say that Tommy Bullock, owner of the restaurant, has been fully cooperative with officials in trying to determine how the pathogen may have spread.

Long-time devoted customers such as Merle Minor have a hard time believing that Bullock’s could have been the source of food poisoning.  Minor stated that he believes it is a fallacy that anyone says they got food poisoning at the restaurant, and that he doesn’t believe it happened there.

Harris said that samples of food and other items being tested will hopefully shed light on the source of the outbreak.  These samples are being tested in the state lab.  While loyal customers continue to vouch for the quality and reputation of the restaurant, Bullock says he fears the reports of illness will tarnish the reputation of Bullock’s.

Individuals who develop symptoms of gastroenteritis should see their doctor to make certain the illness is nothing serious or life-threatening.  Symptoms of salmonella food poisoning include nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever and vomiting.  These symptoms are mild and last only a few days in most individuals, but those at higher salmonella injury risk could develop serious complications.  Elderly people, young children and those with compromised immune systems should seek medical attention if these symptoms develop.

If you are in need of a Salmonella food poisoning attorney, consider contacting the experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorneys in New York at Brown Chiari!

FDA Believes Salmonella Tainted Food Additive May Be Present in Over 10,000 Products

Tuesday, May 11th, 2010

One of the largest food recalls in U.S. history could be imminent in the next few weeks, as it’s becoming apparent that thousands of products may contain an additive linked to salmonella food poisoning contamination.  HVP, or hydrolyzed vegetable protein, has been found to contain salmonella bacteria in one lot of the flavor enhancer produced by Basic Food Flavors.  It has also been detected inside the company’s Nevada manufacturing facility according to the FDA.

It’s very difficult for federal officials to determine the true scope of the problem, because this contamination is believed to date back as far as September of 2009.  This means that millions of pounds of HVP that could be potentially contaminated was shipped to various food manufacturers over five months before the company recalled the food enhancer.

According to officials, the health threat facing the public is relatively low due to the fact that most products containing HVP are cooked during processing or are to be cooked by the consumer before eating.  The highest danger lies in ready-to-eat products such as snack foods and chips.

FDA officials have notified foodmakers that it is not necessary to recall their products if they can provide documentation proving that the foods containing HVP were heated appropriately.

Don Schaffner, a professor of microbiology and food-safety expert at Rutgers University, said that officials are trying to determine how to go about protecting public health without being so over-cautious that tons of products that may be perfectly safe are not thrown out unnecessarily.

Officials at the FDA are still trying to determine what caused the contamination originally, and declined to comment recently on when the Nevada plant was last inspected or if they have a history of problems concerning sanitation.

The contaminated HVP affects a huge variety of foods including frozen dinners, salad dressings, chips, soups, hot dogs and thousands of other processed foods.

Salmonella food poisoning is generally mild in most individuals, but can pose serious health complications in those most at risk, including young children, the elderly and people with a compromised immune system.  If you believe you have consumed foods tainted with salmonella and are showing salmonella symptoms, contact your doctor at once to see if you need treatment.

If you find yourself in need of a food poisoning attorney, consider contacting Brown Chiari.   Brown Chiari is a personal injury law firm in New York with over 20 years of experience in the legal field.