February 12, 2021: Multi-State Listeria Outbreak Possibly Linked to Hispanic-Style Fresh and Soft Cheeses

February 12th, 2021

Hispanic-Style Cheese Listeria Outbreak News – The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced an investigation into a multi-state outbreak of Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) infections potentially linked to Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses.

Hispanic-Style Cheese Listeria Outbreak Information

On February 12, 2021, the FDA, along with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and state and local partners, announced an investigation into a multi-state Listeria outbreak possibly linked to Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses. The FDA has begun its investigation and is in the process of collecting information to try to determine the origins of this Listeria outbreak. CDC analysis of available epidemiologic information has indicated that Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses may be the cause of the illnesses. Although, no specific brand or type of cheese have been confirmed as the source of the Listeria outbreak. 

According to the CDC, there have been reports of seven infections across the following states: Connecticut, Maryland, New York, and Virginia. Six of the seven reportedly ill people are Hispanic. Per the FDA’s announcement:

“Of the four people interviewed, three reported eating at least one type of Hispanic-style fresh and soft cheeses, and all three reported eating queso fresco.”

FDA officials are in the beginning stages of investigating this Listeria outbreak. Consumers are cautioned that there may be additional products impacted by the outbreak. The FDA will continue to provide additional updates as more information becomes available.

ABOUT LISTERIA

Listeria monocytogenes, is a type of bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection (listeriosis) can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women. 

Please see About Listeria for more information.

CONTACT THE WEINBERG LAW FIRM FOR A FREE LISTERIA LAWSUIT CASE EVALUATION

If you or a loved one are diagnosed with listeriosis, are awaiting medical confirmation of Listeria food poisoning, or have a question regarding your legal rights, you can request a free Listeria Lawsuit case evaluation by contacting The Weinberg Law Firm toll free at 877-934-6274. Our phones are answered 24/7. 

Please visit Medical Malpractice Lawyer, Consumer Products Lawsuit, Food Poisoning Legal Help, and Personal Injury Attorney for information regarding our additional legal services.

October 1, 2020: Country Fresh Chunk Watermelon Recall Issued For Potential Listeria Contamination

October 1st, 2020

Country Fresh Chunk Watermelon Recall Announced After FDA Inspection Detects Listeria On Packing Equipment.

Country Fresh is recalling watermelon chunks from select stores due to the potential for Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) product contamination.  The chunk watermelon recall was prompted after the FDA detected Listeria on equipment used in packing the product. The FDA made these findings during a recent inspection.

Country Fresh Chunk Watermelon Recall Information

The Country Fresh chunk watermelon recall affects product codes of watermelon items shipped directly to Walmart and RaceTrac’s retail distribution centers stores in certain stores located in Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Oklahoma, and Texas (See Company Recall Announcement). The product was packaged in a variety of clam shell containers. The best-if-used by dates of October 2, 3, and 4, 2020 and the SKUs are as follows:

“Walmart – Freshness Guaranteed
Watermelon 4 x 10 oz – UPC Code: 681131180672
Watermelon 2 x 32 oz – UPC Code: 681131180672 Watermelon Chunks 2 x 42 oz – UPC Code: 681131180658 Watermelon Spears 4 x 16 oz – UPC Code: 681131180665 Summer Blend FTC 4 x 5 oz – UPC Code: 681131355094

RaceTrac
Watermelon 5.5oz – UPC Code: 74641000644 Melon Trio 5.5oz – UPC Code: 74641031945

Country Fresh has not received any reports of illnesses to date associated with these recalled items. The recalled products were distributed from 9/23/2020 – 9/25/2020. RaceTrac and Walmart retail stores are removing the recalled product from store shelves and inventories immediately. Customers with recalled watermelon should discard it immediately and not consume it.

This recall is being undertaken with the knowledge of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Country Fresh takes food safety matters very seriously, stringently follows all mandated regulations and implements preventive measures designed to minimize potential risks. Country Fresh is working in close coordination with FDA in its continuing investigation to resolve the matter promptly and deeply regrets the inconvenience to our consumers and customers. If you have any questions, please contact Customer Service at: 1-877-251-8300 Monday – Friday, 8-5pm CST

Watermelon 32oz, Lot URR0103, Use By 10/2/20
Watermelon 32oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/3/20
Watermelon 42oz, Lot URR0103, Use By 10/2/20
Watermelon 42oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/3/20
Watermelon 16oz, Lot URR0103, Use By 10/2/20
Watermelon 16oz, Lot URS0103, Use By 10/4/20
Watermelon 10oz, Lot URR0103, Use By 10/2/20
Watermelon 10oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/3/20
Watermelon 10oz, Lot URS0103, Use By 10/4/2
Watermelon 5.5oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/4/20
Summer Blend 5oz, Lot URR0103, Use By 10/2/20
Summer Blend 5oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/3/20
Summer Blend 5oz, Lot URS0103, Use By 10/4/20
Melon Trio 5.5oz, Lot URE0103, Use By 10/4/20”

Recalled Country Fresh Chunk Water Melon and Labels
Recalled Watermelon and Packaging

About Listeria

Listeria is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Listeria Food Poisoning Lawsuit Information

If you or a loved one was sickened by a contaminated food product and you would like information regarding your legal rights, please contact The Weinberg Law Firm toll free at 877-934-6274. Please see Food Poisoning Lawyer to learn more about our firm and food poisoning litigation. Please see Mushroom Lawsuit, Red Onion Lawsuit, and Peach Lawsuit to learn about outbreaks caused by the foodborne pathogen, Salmonella

August 7, 2020: Blue Grass Provisions Public Health Alert Issued For Ready To Eat Sausage Products Due To Potential Listeria Contamination

September 27th, 2020

A Blue Grass Provisions Public Health Alert has been announced by FSIS for the company’s ready-to-eat sausage products that may be contaminated with Listeria bacteria.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has issued a public health alert for ready-to-eat sausages produced by Bluegrass Provisions Co., of Crescent Springs, Kentucky because the products that may be contaminated with the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria).

A recall was not requested by the agency because it is believed that all of the products covered by the alert are no longer in commerce and, are past their use or freeze by dates.  FSIS is concerned however, that some sausage product may still be in consumers’ freezers. Consumers who have purchased these products are urged not to eat the sausages due to potential Listeria contamination. These sausage products should be thrown away or returned to the place of purchase advises FSIS.

Sausages Subject To The Blue Grass Provisions Public Health Alert

Product affected by the the Bluegrass Provisions public health alert included the company’s ready-to-eat smoked sausages produced on April 22, 2020. The following products subject to the public health alert include:

  • 14-oz. plastic packages containing 6 pieces of “BLUE GRASS METTWURST,” with a use or freeze by date of July 23, 2020.
  • 14-oz. plastic packages containing 6 pieces of “WALNUT CREEK FOODS Smoked Sausage,” with a use or freeze by date of July 23, 2020.
  • 14-oz. plastic packages containing 6 pieces of Lidl “SMOKED BRATWURST,” with a use or freeze by date of July 23, 2020.
  • 14-oz. plastic packages containing 6 pieces of Lidl “SMOKED BRATWURST WITH CHEESE,” with a use or freeze by date of July 23, 2020.

The products subject to the Blue Grass Provisions public health alert bear establishment number “EST. 7417” inside the USDA mark of inspection. These items were shipped to distributors and retail locations in Kentucky, Ohio, North Carolina, and Virginia. 

According to FSIS, the problem was discovered by routine testing when the results showed one of the sausage products was contaminated with Listeria. There is concern that the additional products may be affected by cross-contamination.

About Listeria Food Poisoning

According to FSIS, consumption of food contaminated with Listeria can cause listeriosis, a serious infection that primarily affects older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women and their newborns. Less commonly, persons outside these risk groups are affected.

Listeriosis can cause fever, muscle aches, headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions sometimes preceded by diarrhea or other gastrointestinal symptoms. An invasive infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract. In pregnant women, the infection can cause miscarriages, stillbirths, premature delivery or life-threatening infection of the newborn. In addition, serious and sometimes fatal infections can occur in older adults and persons with weakened immune systems. Listeriosis is treated with antibiotics. Persons in the higher-risk categories who experience flu-like symptoms within two months after eating contaminated food should seek medical care and tell the health care provider about eating the contaminated food.

Food Poisoning Lawsuit Information

If you or a loved one was sickened by a contaminated food product and you would like information regarding your legal rights, please contact The Weinberg Law Firm toll free at 877-934-6274. Please see NJ Food Poisoning Lawyer to learn more about our firm and food poisoning litigation.

Please see Mushroom Lawsuit, Red Onion Lawsuit, and Peach Lawsuit to learn about outbreaks caused by the foodborne pathogen, Salmonella

September 17, 2020: Blue Bell Creameries Ordered To Pay $17.25 Million In Criminal Penalties Following 2015 Listeria Outbreak

September 22nd, 2020

A federal court in Texas has ordered ice cream manufacturer, Blue Bell Creameries L.P., to pay $17.25 million in criminal penalties for shipping Listeria contaminated products linked to a deadly 2015 listeriosis outbreak.

Blue Bell Creameries pleaded guilty in May 2020 to two misdemeanor counts of distributing adulterated ice cream products.  The $17.25 million fine is the largest criminal penalty imposed following a conviction in a food safety case, and was reported by the Justice Department to be consistent with the terms of a please agreement previous filed in the case.

“American consumers must be able to trust that the foods they purchase are safe to eat,” said an Acting Assistant Attorney General Jeffrey Bossert Clark of the Justice Department’s Civil Division.  “The sentence imposed today sends a clear message to food manufacturers that the Department of Justice will take appropriate actions when contaminated food products endanger consumers.”

The plea agreement and criminal information filed against Blue Bell allege that the company distributed ice cream products that were manufactured under insanitary conditions and contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, in violation of the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. 

The U.S. Department Of Justice’s press release indicated that according to the plea agreement with the company:

  • Texas state officials notified Blue Bell in February 2015 that samples of two ice cream products from the company’s Brenham, Texas factory tested positive for the foodborne pathogen, Listeria monocytogenes.
  • As a result, Blue Bell directed its delivery drivers to remove remaining stock of the two ice cream products from store shelves, however, the company did not recall the products or issue any formal communication to inform customers about the potential Listeria contamination. 
  • Two weeks after Blue Bell received notification of the first positive Listeria tests, Texas state officials informed the company that additional state-led testing confirmed Listeria in a third product.  Blue Bell again chose not to issue any formal notification to customers regarding the positive tests. Blue Bell’s customers included military installations.  
  • In March 2015, tests conducted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) linked the strain of Listeria found in one of the Blue Bell ice cream products to a strain that sickened five patients at a Kansas hospital with listeriosis, a severe infectious illness caused by eating Listeria-contaminated food. 
  • The FDA, CDC, and Blue Bell all issued public recall notifications on March 13, 2015. 
  • Subsequent tests confirmed Listeria contamination in a product made at another Blue Bell facility in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, which led to a second recall announcement on March 23, 2015. 
  • According to the plea agreement with the company, FDA inspections in March and April 2015 revealed sanitation issues at the Brenham and Broken Arrow facilities, including problems with the hot water supply needed to properly clean equipment and deteriorating factory conditions that could lead to insanitary water dripping into product mix during the manufacturing process. 
  • Blue Bell temporarily closed all of its plants in late April 2015 to clean and update the facilities. Blue Bell re-opened its facilities in late 2015.

Blue Bell Creameries Listeria Outbreak – The Final Case Count

In its final outbreak update, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that a total of 10 people with listeriosis related to the Blue Bell ice cream Listeria outbreak were reported from 4 states: Arizona (1), Kansas (5), Oklahoma (1), and Texas (3). All ill people were hospitalized. Three deaths were reported from Kansas (3).

Contact The Weinberg Law Firm For A Free Food Poisoning Lawsuit Evaluation

Please see Listeria Lawyer and Salmonella Mushroom Outbreak to learn more about the Weinberg Law Firm and our food poisoning legal services.

August 9, 2020: Freshouse Produce Recall For Mesh Bags and Bulk Shipments of Potatoes, Limes, Valencia Oranges, and Lemons

August 9th, 2020

Freshouse Produce Recall News – Freshouse II, LLC (Freshouse), of Salisbury, NC, has issued a recall for its Valencia Oranges, lemons, limes, organic limes, and Red B. Potatoes due to a possible Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) contamination.

Freshouse Produce Recall Information

On August 9, 2020, Freshouse initiated a recall for specific lots of Valencia Oranges, lemons, limes, organic limes, and Red B. Potatoes because they may be contaminated with Listeria. Freshouse issued the recall after routine internal testing found Listeria on a piece of equipment in a packing facility. The below chart outlines information related to the recalled produce:

Credit: FDA & Freshouse

Consumers can identify the recalled produce by looking for the brand, UPC number and, if available, the trace number printed on the tag or clip attached to the opening end of the bag. The recalled produce were shipped directly to retailer distribution centers in NC, PA, SC, and VA, as well as to wholesalers in Maryland and North Carolina.

Consumers who have a recalled produce item listed above should not consume it and should destroy the product in a way so that it may not be consumed by others. Alternatively, the affected Freshouse produce can be returned to the place of purchase for a refund.

ABOUT LISTERIA

Listeria monocytogenes, is a type of bacterium that can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection (listeriosis) can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

Please see About Listeria for more information.

CONTACT THE WEINBERG LAW FIRM FOR A FREE LISTERIA LAWSUIT CASE EVALUATION

If you or a loved one are diagnosed with listeriosis, are awaiting medical confirmation of Listeria food poisoning, or have a question regarding your legal rights, you can request a free Listeria Lawsuit case evaluation by contacting The Weinberg Law Firm toll free at 877-934-6274. Our phones are answered 24/7.

Please visit Food Poisoning Lawyer, Accident Lawyer NJ, and Medical Malpractice Lawyer New Jersey for information regarding our additional legal services. Let The Weinberg Law Firm help you take the first step towards seeking compensation for your injuries.

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