The listeria outbreak responsible for deaths and illnesses across 26 states has now risen to 25 and 123 respectively, US News reported. According to the CDC, the states in which the effects of listeria caused the deaths of many individuals include Colorado, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, Oklahoma, Texas, and Wyoming. Those who have died in this tragic incident were between the ages of 48- and 96-years-old. The number of deaths and illnesses that have grown within the past few months became the country's most deadliest outbreak in 25 years.
Cause of the Listeria Outbreak in Cantaloupes
The Rocky Ford cantaloupes that were recalled by Jensen Farms, of Granada, Colo. on September 14th still remain under investigation. However, based on updated information provided by numerous news reports, it appears the cause of the outbreak may be due the contaminated water on the floor and the condition of the equipment in a Jensen Farms facility in Colorado. According to the FDA, Jensen Farms had recently purchased used equipment that appeared to be dirty, old, corroded, and hard to clean. It was also noted, that pools of water on the floor, which may be harboring the bacteria, were formed near the packaging equipment. Although this information was gathered from a six-page assessment of the conditions of the farm, the FDA will continue to monitor the situation and determine the primary cause of the listeria outbreak.
California Foodborne Illness and Wrongful Death Liability
The elderly, pregnant women, newborns, and individuals with compromised immune systems are highly susceptible and vulnerable to the effects of these tainted cantaloupes. Symptoms of listeria can take a couple months to appear, however, when symptoms are shown, it may consist of fever, muscle aches, stiff neck, and diarrhea. Therefore, while the serious health issues and/or deaths may continue to grow in this cantaloupes listeria outbreak incident, victims or family members of the victims would be well-advised to contact a California foodborne illness attorney. Knowledgeable and experienced attorneys at the law firm of Estey Bomberger, can ensure the victims legal rights are protected, and help decide the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for medical care expenses, funeral/burial costs, time away from work, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
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