Shiga-Toxin Producing E. coli and HUS Illnesses for Week Ending 8-20-2011
Every week the CDC Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) publishes reported illnesses, including Shiga toxin producing E. coli and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). This week’s MMWR reports the following for the week ending August 20, 2011:
Shiga-Toxin Producing E. coli (usually E. coli O157) – 74 Reported Cases in U.S.
Maine 1, New York 12, Pennsylvania 3, Michigan 3, Ohio 10, Missouri 6, Nebraska 1, Delaware 1, Florida 9, Maryland 1, North Carolina 3, South Carolina 1, Virginia 3, Mississippi 1, Tennessee 5, Arkansas 2, Oklahoma 2, Texas 2, Colorado 4, California 1, Washington 3.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) – 6 Reported Cases in U.S.
Missouri 1, North Carolina 1, Tennessee 2, Arkansas 1, Oregon 1
Our E. coli lawyers represent E. coli and HUS victims nationwide. HUS is a life-threatening complication of E. coli that causes kidney failure, which then can lead to brain damage, pancreatitis, blindness and other serious health problems.
McNees Beef Recall in Michigan Linked to 5 Confirmed Cases of E. coli O157
Our attorneys are investigating an E. coli O157 outbreak in Michigan that has been linked to ground beef processed and distributed by McNees Meats and Wholesale LLC., a North Branch, Michigan, company. A total of five confirmed Shiga-toxin producing E. coli cases and four probable cases have been reported in Lapeer, Genesee, Isabella, and Sanilac counties. Illness onset dates range from July 18-30. Those affected range in age from 15-88. Both microbiological and epidemiological evidence links these cases of E. coli to McNees ground beef. Those sickened have reported consuming ground beef either at local restaurants supplied by McNees or by purchasing beef directly from the company.
In response to this outbreak, McNees Meats recalled approximately 360 pounds of ground beef product products.
The McNees beef recall includes 36 – 10 lb. Bags of “McNees Ground Beef Bulk.” Each clear plastic bag bears establish number “EST. 33971” within the USDA mark of inspection. The products subject to recall were produced on July 15, and July 21, 2011, and sold to restaurants in Armada, Lapeer and North Branch, Mich. The products were also sold from a retail establishment owned by McNees Meats and Wholesale, LLC.
E. coli O157 can cause serious illness, including severe dehydration, colitis, hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). E. coli food poisoning can also result in death.
Attorney Investigates Costco Bravo Farms Cheese E. coli Lawsuit
In the video below, E. coli attorney Fred Pritzker discusses the Costco Bravo Farms Gouda cheese recall prompted by an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 associated with consumption of Bravo Farms Gouda cheese sold and tasted at Costco stores. At least 25 people in AZ (11), CA (1), CO (8), NV (3) and NM (2) were sickened by the Bravo Farms cheese.
Attorney Fred Pritzker has contacted epidemiologists and other food safety experts as part of the firm’s investigation. The firm is also attempting to verify if the Bravo Farms Gouda cheese was a raw dairy product. Mr. Pritzker is currently representing a man who was paralyzed after consuming raw milk in an unrelated outbreak. “Raw milk is a dangerous product and consumers need to know if the cheese they buy is a raw dairy product or is manufactured in the same plant as raw dairy products,” said Mr. Pritzker.
Costco locations in several states offered Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese (Costco item no. 40654) for sale and for tasting, and the cheese has been preliminarily linked to an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7. The CDC, FDA and Costco Wholesale Company are warning consumers not to eat the cheese.
The outbreak has sickened at least 25 people in Arizona (11), California (1), Colorado (8), New Mexico (3), and Nevada (2). Nine people were hospitalized and one may have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
“The physical, financial and emotional burdens of an E. coli infection can be devastating for victims and their families, and I’ve seen this happen too often in my practice as an E. coli lawyer,” said food poisoning attorney Fred Pritzker. “Our law firm is investigating this outbreak and what led to the contamination of the cheese. We are also concerned about cross contamination.”
While this outbreak is being investigated, E. coli victims have hospital bills and other medical expenses. “Although it won’t undo the suffering these E. coli victims have endured, Bravo Farms should pay for the victims’ medical expenses,” Pritzker said.
To contact Attorney Fred Pritzker about a Costco and Bravo Farms cheese recall lawsuit, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our online form for a free consultation.
Hamilton Corner Meat Market Recall
Hamilton Corner Meat Market, located at 1 Hamilton Place, New York, New York, is recalling all packages of in-store ground beef, in-store sliced deli turkey and in-store sliced deli ham sold on September 29, 2010 after the New York State Department of Agriculture found E. coli O157:H7 in samples of the in-store ground beef, in-store sliced deli turkey and in-store sliced deli ham.
The recalled in-store ground beef, in-store sliced deli turkey and in-store sliced deli ham were all sold per order from the meat department and were coded with the date of purchase. The product was sold at retail only from the store’s only location at 1 Hamilton Place, New York, New York.
The contamination was discovered after follow-up sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets’ food inspectors and subsequent analysis by the New York State Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of As a result of the lab findings, food inspectors today seized and destroyed all non-prepackaged products in the meat case. The store voluntarily closed the deli and meat processing sections of the store.
The New York Department of Agriculture recommends that consumers who have purchased any of the recalled products from this store on September 29, 2010 discard the product or return the product to the place of purchase. DO NOT THROW AWAY OR RETURN ANY PRODUCT UNTIL YOU ARE SURE NO ONE WAS SICKENED BY IT. If you or someone in your family has contracted E. coli, contact an E. coli lawyer to protect your legal rights.
E. coli O157:H7 causes a diarrheal illness often with bloody stools. Although most healthy adults can recover completely within a week, some people can develop a form of kidney failure called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS). HUS is most likely to occur in young children and the elderly. The condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death. No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this recall.
Safeway Recalls Frozen Ground Beef Patties
Safeway Inc. is voluntarily recalling Butcher’s Cut frozen ground beef patties that may be contaminated with E coli 0157:H7. These products were sold in Safeway, Vons, Pavilions and Pak ‘N Save stores in California, Hawaii and Nevada. This frozen ground beef patties recall is in cooperation with the beef recall by Valley Meat Company.
