DENVER, COLORADO -- According to USA Today, the cantaloupe listeria outbreak that resulted in deaths and serious illnesses to individuals throughout the United States was traced to Jensen Farms in Holly, Colorado. The company recalled the "Rocky Ford" brand cantaloupes earlier this month, however, the Food and Drug Administration found listeria in cantaloupes from grocery stores in the state of Colorado and from a victim's home that were grown at Jensen Farms. Investigators also found matching listeria strains, which were located on the equipment and cantaloupes at Jensen Farms' packing facility.
The Centers of Disease Control and Prevention reported Tuesday that 72 illnesses, including 13 deaths, are linked to the tainted cantaloupes. In addition, three deaths are still being investigated to determine if there is a connection to this contaminated fruit. So far, a total of 18 states have been affected, which includes California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. The FDA, which investigates the cause of foodborne outbreaks, has not released any additional information regarding how the contamination may have occurred, but will continue to monitor the situation.
What is Listeria?
Listeria is a pathogen known to be found in contaminated food products, which can cause serious infections or death. People who are infected can have few or no symptoms present. However, when individuals are symptomatic, they usually consist and are not limited to fever, nausea, diarrhea, and muscle aches. According to the Centers Disease Control and Prevention, 1,600 people become seriously ill with listeriosis each year in the United States. And out of these people, 260 die from contracting listeria.
California Foodborne Illness and Wrongful Death Liability
Foodborne illnesses can cause serious health issues or death to individuals who has consumed any contaminated food products that was not properly grown or prepared. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems are the most vulnerable and susceptible to complications that arise from tainted food products. In situations such as this one, where the investigation is ongoing, family members of the victims or the victims themselves who have been seriously ill due these "Rocky Ford" brand cantaloupes, would be well-advised to contact a California foodborne illness lawyer. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney can advise the victims of their legal rights and best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for medical care expenses, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and other damages. In the event, where the illness resulted in the death of the victim, family members of the victim, can take action in a wrongful death claim and may be eligible to receive the maximum damages pertaining to medical care expenses, loss of love, care, and companionship, and other damages relating to this devastating incident.
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