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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.

Continue reading "Cantaloupe Listeria Outbreak Increases its Death Toll to 25" »

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.

Continue reading "Death Toll Rises to 21 in Cantaloupe Listeria Outbreak" »

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.

Continue reading "Several Killed, Many Suffer Illnesses in Cantaloupe Listeria Outbreak" »