Food Poisoning Attorneys Blog

 

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY – A woman who was seriously injured after swallowing a chicken bone while eating a Round Table BBQ chicken pizza was awarded $2.5 million by a Contra Costa County jury on April 26, 2012. After an 11-day trial, the jury awarded Calla Felicity, 59, $2 million in damages for pain and suffering, and $500,000 for past, current, and future medical bills. Foster Farms, one of the West Coast’s largest poultry producers, was found 60 percent at-fault for Felicity’s injury while Pizza Bytes, the franchisee for the South San Francisco Round Table Felicity dined at and other Round Table restaurants in the area were found 40 percent at-fault for her serious injury.

Felicity suffered a potentially life-threatening infection after a one and half inch piece of chicken bone, which was shaped like a toothpick, pierced her esophagus. Felicity was hospitalized for 33 days as physicians performed 11 surgeries (physicians only gave her a 50/50 chance of survival). Since the February 2010 incident, Felicity has undergone several more surgeries and was forced to use a feeding tube for many months. As a result of her injury, Felicity finds it difficult to speak and cannot walk more than a few minutes without being winded.

According to reports, Foster Farms had known about the issue and had received more than 205 complaints about bones in chicken strips over the course of five years. Some of the complaints involved children choking and some complaints involved Round Table restaurants. When large food producers, like Foster Farms, fail to use care in the preparation of food, the producer may be financially liable for any expenses related to an injury associated with a dangerous product.

If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury as a result of eating a dangerous food product, please contact a dangerous meat lawyer at the law firm of Estey Bomberger. Our skilled team of contaminated food attorneys has successfully represented numerous individuals injured or killed by a dangerous or defective food product and we can help you in your quest for justice. Please call our firm today for a free case review. Together, we can help send a message to meat producers that more care must be taken when producing, packaging or distributing a food product.

LA Star Seafood Co. Inc., is recalling several lots of Vobla fish because they may be contaminated with Clostridium botulinum. The sale of eviscerated fish longer than 5 inches, is illegal because the dangerous Clostridium botulinum are more likely to be concentrated in the viscera. Improper evisceration can lead to contamination of the fish with a dangerous bacterium than can potentially cause a life threatening disease called Botulism. Anyone who exhibits the following symptoms should seek medical attention immediately:

• Poor reflexes
• Difficulty swallowing
• Respiratory paralysis
• Troubled vision (blurred or double)
• General weakness
• Poor reflexes

The products that were recalled today include the Vobla Dry and Vobla Smoked; both products were shipped in 20lb bulk boxes and were not vacuum packed. There are no lot numbers or expiration dates available to further identify the contaminated products, but customers may have purchased the contaminated Vobla fish between the dates February 28, 2012 and April 23, 2012. The stores and distributors that sold these recalled products in California include:

• European Importing
• M and M Market
• Russian Import
• Karabagh Market
• Tashkent Market
• Golden Farms Market

Although there have not been any reports of illness, consumers are waned not to use the product even though there are no visible signs of contamination. Botulism is a serious illness that can develop into a life threatening condition. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a recalled contaminated food product, a professional foodborne illness lawyer can determine your rights and may be able to help you recover compensation for the damages related to your sickness. For more information on Botulism and contaminated food injury claims, contact a California food poisoning lawyer for a free consultation.

 

 

MONTEREY, CA. – On Monday April 16, 2012, Dole Food Co.’s fresh vegetable division issued a recall for 756 cases of “Seven Lettuces” bagged salad due to a salmonella bacteria contamination. Dole issued the recall after a random test conducted by the State of New York came back positive for salmonella. As of yet, no illnesses have been reported and Dole is currently working with regulatory officials to stop retailers from selling the tainted salad. The bagged salad was distributed in Alabama, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Maryland, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and Wisconsin.

The recalled salads have a use-by-date of April 11, 2012 and are stamped with the UPC code 71430 01057. The contaminated salad also features one of these two product codes: 0577N089112A or 0577N089112B. If you have a recalled bagged salad, do not eat it and throw the bag away. Salmonella can cause an illness called salmonellosis, which can be potentially-life threatening for individuals with weakened immune systems. The more common symptoms of salmonellosis are abdominal cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Most symptoms develop within 72 hours of eating a contaminated food product.

The contaminated food lawyers at the law firm of Estey Bomberger are equipped to handle the unique challenges a contaminated food case involves. Our partnership with top trial experts has yielded successful results for our clients’ cases. There is nothing more important to us than getting our clients the financial compensation they need for illness-related damages. You can reach one of our skilled contaminated produce attorneys at anytime of the day or night by calling toll-free (800) 890-6722.

Multiple news sources indicated that a California Cupertino company has recalled a yellowfin tuna product as it was linked with an outbreak of Salmonella that has sickened more than 100 people in 20 states and the District of Columbia.

According to a press release provided by the FDA, the company, known as Moon Marine USA Corporation, voluntarily recalled 58,828 pounds of a the frozen raw tuna product labeled as Nakaochi Scrape AA or AAA. The FDA has also stated on April 13th, 2012, that at least 116 illnesses have been reported, including 12 people who have been hospitalized.

The product is not available for sale to individual consumers but may have been used to make sushi, sashimi, ceviche, and similar type dishes available in restaurants and grocery stores. The company name, along with Nakaochi Scrape AA or AAA, are printed on the boxes of the product when it was sold to distributors.

Symptoms of Salmonella Infection

Signs and symptoms people show when infected with Salmonella are diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. These symptoms usually occur approximately 12 to 72 hours after infection. In some cases, people recover without specific treatment. However, if the illness is prolonged for several days without treatment, typically four to seven days, hospitalization may be required due to the infection spreading beyond the intestines.

Salmonella FoodBorne Illness Liability

If you or a loved one has become seriously ill from consuming this contaminated product, it would be well-advised to speak to a contaminated food attorney regarding you or your loved one’s legal rights. At Estey and Bomberger, an attorney can evaluate your case and help you better understand your rights at no cost. If you or a family member decides to take action in a civil claim against the party or parties responsible, you may be entitled to receive compensation for medical care expenses, time away from work, pain and suffering, and other related damages.

 

Eddy Packing Co., Inc., a Texas based food processor, recalled 26,136 pounds of chicken apple sausage on April 2, 2012 because the sausage may contain bits of plastic pieces. According to the Food Safety and Inspection Service, the problem was discovered after consumers complained about finding pieces of plastic in the sausage. The chicken and apple sausage was distributed across the nation through a warehouse chain on February 14, 2012. The products affected by the recall are:

• Artisan Fresh, All Natural Chicken and Apple Sausage – 1 lb. packages (3 to a package) with a sell by date of June 23, 2012
• Artisan Fresh, All Natural Chicken and Apple Sausage 36 lb. cases containing 12/3 lb. packages, stamped with code “P-4800”

There have been no reports of injury or illness at this time, but anyone who has concerns about an illness or injury associated with the recalled sausage should see their healthcare provider immediately. Illnesses stemming from contaminated foods are on the rise, and many, if not treated properly, can cause serious injury or even death.

If you or a loved one suffered a serious injury or illness as a result of eating or drinking a contaminated food, help is available. The contaminated food attorneys at the law firm of Estey Bomberger have helped many victims seek justice for an injury, illness or death caused by a contaminated food product. With our resources and legal expertise, victims have been freed from the many financial burdens that are associated with a serious injury, illness or death. Victims have collected compensation for medical bills, lost wages from missed time at work, disability, loss of quality of life, funeral and burial expenses, and pain and suffering. Please call our office now. You will speak directly with a contaminated meat lawyer and not a case manger or paralegal. You will not be charged for the call or the consultation and if hired to represent you, we will not charge you legal fees until we win compensation for you.

 

On March 25, 2012, Sysco, the largest food distributor in the United States, issued a voluntary recall of 16,800 pounds of ground beef patties because of a possible bacteria contamination. A spokesman for Sysco, Charley Wilson, said the recalled beef was not sold in stores but was sold to a single customer who operates restaurants in Colorado, Washington, Arizona, and Texas. Sysco’s Seattle branch originally purchased the beef from New Food Classics, the Canadian food processing company that recently issued a massive recall affecting more than 135 beef products in Canada. Wilson did not identify the restaurant that purchased the tainted beef, but did say that they are working with the company to ensure the beef is recovered and destroyed.

The Canadian beef recall was issued on March 17, 2012 after an Alberta resident became ill with E.Coli. E.Coli can cause severe diarrhea, bloody stool, respiratory illness, and urinary tract infections. Most people infected with E.Coli only experience symptoms for a few days, but according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately five to ten percent of those infected with E.Coli develop a condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). HUS is a disease that can cause kidney failure and death.

If you or a loved one developed a serious illness after consuming a recalled food product, including contaminated meat, you would be well advised to speak with a trusted contaminated food attorney at the law firm of Estey Bomberger. We are committed to securing our clients maximum compensation for illness related expenses and will not hesitate to present a case before a judge and jury if a settlement cannot be reached in a timely manner. Call us today to discuss your case one-on-one at no cost. Every case is taken on a no recovery, no fee basis.

 

 

 

 

On March 6, 2012 the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) began tweeting state-specific food safety alerts on all meat, poultry, and egg products. In addition to food safety alerts, the USDA will also be tweeting information on how to protect food from contamination during severe weather events. Until the recent launch of the USDAs state-specific Twitter feed, food recalls had only been announced through press releases and the USDAs general Twitter account.

The Food Safety and Inspection Service, which is the USDA agency responsible for ensuring the safety of the nation’s meat, poultry, and egg products, says the state-specific tweets will alert those affected by food recalls directly. To follow California’s Twitter feed, list the state’s two-letter abbreviation, followed by underscore, FSISALERT. For example, California’s Twitter feed is: CA_FSISALERT.

According to food recall logistics experts, ExpertRecall, food recalls increased significantly over the last two quarters of 2011. Between October and December 2011, there were 50 percent more food recalls than in the previous three-month quarter. The number one reason for food recalls was undeclared allergens. The second most common reason for food recalls in the fourth quarter of 2011 was listeria contamination. Listeria can be fatal if an individual with a weak immune system, such as an infant or a pregnant woman, is infected.

If you or someone you know suffered a foodborne illness as a result of eating or drinking a contaminated food product, please do not wait to contact a contaminated food attorney at the law firm of Estey Bomberger. We can explain your legal rights to you and tell you what legal options are available. If you decide to file a personal injury claim, we can help you prove that your illness was caused through no fault of your own. We can also help you obtain maximum compensation for damages associated with your illness. Consultations are free and you are under no obligation.

 

 

According to ExpertRecall, the nation’s top recall management and logistics experts, U.S. food recalls increased 50 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 (compared to the previous three-month quarter). Shockingly, 80 percent more units were affected in the fourth quarter of 2011 than in the previous quarter. The most common reason for 2011 fourth quarter food recalls was undeclared allergens. Undeclared allergens, such as a nut, dairy, shellfish or wheat product, can cause severe injuries or even death to people with food allergies, which is why every product used to make a food item, must be listed on an ingredient label. Unfortunately, due to poor management, cutbacks or profits, food manufacturers are failing to list all ingredients on food labels. Between the months of October and December 2011, almost 45 percent of food recalls were issued because of undeclared allergens.

The second most common reason for fourth quarter food recalls in 2011 was listeria contamination, reports ExpertRecall. The listeria bacterium can cause an illness called listeriosis. Depending on the type of infection and the existing health of the infected person, listeriosis can present itself in different ways. Individuals with compromised immune systems and the elderly can develop much more serious symptoms and medical conditions, such as septicemia and meningitis, than health individuals. In a healthy individual, symptoms will usually only last a few days and are mild.

If you or someone you know suffered either an injury or illness because of consuming a contaminated food product, please contact an experienced contaminated food attorney at Estey Bomberger. Every victim deserves to know their legal rights and we will gladly explain a victim’s rights in a one-on-one consultation. Many victims are surprised to learn that they may obtain financial compensation for expenses related to their injury or illness. We have helped thousands of victims get maximum compensation for damages related to a severe injury or illness, so please call our office today to arrange a consultation. You will not be charged for the call or the consultation.

This past Wednesday, Nuts & Spice Co. issued a recall on their Rewari candies due to unacceptable levels of lead. The test results for one of the candies exhibited more than ten times the acceptable level of lead in California. The recall affected a number of different candies, including:

• HB Rewari Gur-Coin (Jaggery Candy)
• HB Rewari Sugar-Coin (Sugar Candy)
• HB Rewari Sugar-Flat (Sugar Candy)
• HB Rewari Sugar-Round (Sugar Candy)

The candies imported from India were distributed by various retailers in Northern California, including: New India Sweets & Spices, Royal Sungu Group, ICC-Foster City, India Cash & Carry, and India Bazaar. The full list can be accessed on the FDA website. According to the FDA, consumers should discard the candies immediately. Pregnant women and young children who are suspected of having consumed the lead contaminated candies are encouraged to consult their health care provider.

Excessive levels of lead can cause serious mental and physical damage. Lead contamination can be especially harmful to small children and unborn children whose smaller bodies absorb lead at a much faster rate and have a difficult time processing and filtering the toxin. In pregnant women, excessive levels of lead can a premature birth or be born with a low birth weight. In young children, lead poisoning can result in learning disabilities, behavioral problems, organ failure, and even permanent mental retardation. If you or a loved one has suffered adverse effects as a result of consuming lead contaminated foods, an experienced food poisoning attorney may be able to help you recover compensation for the damages related to your or your loved one’s poisoning.

Walgreens Chocolate Covered Raisins, sold at Walgreens locations throughout California, produced by GKI Food Inc, have been recalled due to a packaging error that may have contaminated the food products with peanuts, soy, and almonds. Consumers can identify the affected lots by the UPC Code (04902245661) and the item number (280217) of 13 oz. packages of the chocolate covered raisins. The “Best by” date on the recalled lot is October 4, 2012.

Because of its prevalence, peanut allergies are one of the leading causes of food-related deaths in the United States. Accidentally eating foods contaminated with allergens can result in serious illness or even fatality. A reaction can last up to days and may involve a number of body systems:

Skin: this is the most common type of reaction for people with allergies. Ingesting allergens can cause rashes, eczema, or swelling and redness around the mouth and face.

Gastrointestinal system: diarrhea, nausea, belly cramps, and vomiting are some of the common types of reactions involving the GI tract.

Respiratory system: affected persons may suffer from runny noses, coughing, watery eyes, and coughing. Persons with asthma may suffer from particularly severe reactions.

Cardiovascular system: for some people, allergens can cause their blood pressure to drop, experiencing light headedness and may even lose consciousness.

Sometimes, people may suffer from anaphylaxis, a severe allergic reaction that can be potentially life threatening. Symptoms of anaphylaxis include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling/tightening in the throat
• Difficulty speaking
• Skin reactions
• Rapid heart rates
• Nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea

Food processing companies are responsible for maintaining the integrity of their products, providing consumers with safe foods with appropriate warning labels. When their negligence results in serious and even fatal illnesses of consumers, they may be held accountable for the resulting damages. If you or a loved one has been seriously harmed by food contaminated with allergens, please consult one of our contaminated food attorneys regarding your eligibility to pursue an injury claim.