According to KTVU News, the listeria outbreak involving the contaminated cantaloupes is now responsible for 21 deaths. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported new deaths in Indiana, New York, and Wyoming. The CDC also indicated that 109 people in numerous states from California to the East Coast have sustained illnesses in the outbreak.
While listeria is typically found in processed meats and unpasteurized milk, cheese, and other produce, government officials said this was the first known listeria outbreak in cantaloupes. CDC officials investigating the outbreak stated that any cantaloupes not from Jensen Farms are also not safe to eat. The recalled melons may be labeled "Colorado Grown," "Distributed by Frontera Produce," "Jensenfarms.com" or "Sweet Rocky Fords." The states that currently reported illnesses include Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
California Foodborne Illness and Wrongful Death Liability
While the serious heath issues and/or deaths to individuals may continue to rise due to cantaloupe listeria outbreak, victims or family members of the victims would be well-advised to contact an skilled California foodborne illness attorney. A knowledgeable and experienced attorney at the law firm of Estey Bomberger, can advise the victims of their legal rights and determine the best course of action to recover the maximum compensation for medical care expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In the event, where the illness results in the death of a victim, the family of that victim can pursue a wrongful death claim and may be able to receive compensation for damages that relates to funeral/burial costs, loss of love, care, affection, and companionship.
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