Last month, Burch Farms in North Carolina issued a recall of nearly 14,000 cases of cantaloupes due to possible Listeria monocytogenes contamination. Initially, only 580 cases of cantaloupe were recalled. According to the nation’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the larger recall was issued following an Agency inspection that noted unsanitary conditions in the company’s melon packing area.
The recall was later expanded to include all cantaloupes and honeydew melons grown or distributed by Burch Farms during the 2012 season after the FDA found evidence of the bacteria that causes Listeriosis on honeydew melons sold by the company. The recalled melons were reportedly shipped to Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Exposure to Listeria monocytogenes may potentially cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. People who are most vulnerable to getting sick from Listeriosis include pregnant women, young children, the elderly, and anyone who suffers from a weakened immune system. Symptoms of infection include fever, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Although no illnesses associated with the Burch Farms recall have been reported, it can take several weeks before Listeriosis symptoms become apparent.
Last year, a Listeriosis outbreak that was traced to allegedly unsanitary conditions at a Colorado farm sickened 147 individuals in at least 28 states. According to the Centers for Disease Control, 33 victims died as a result of eating cantaloupes grown or processed by Jensen Farms. Additionally, one pregnant woman allegedly miscarried as a result of contracting Listeriosis from consuming contaminated cantaloupe. The contaminated cantaloupe sold by Jensen Farms reportedly caused the worst food-borne illness outbreak in the United States in approximately 100 years. The company is currently facing numerous lawsuits over the Listeriosis outbreak.
Potential food-borne illness lawsuits are currently being evaluated throughout the United States. If you suffered a serious illness such as Listeriosis, or your loved one died as a result of eating contaminated food, you are advised to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal right to recover damages.
Contact the law firm of Carabin Shaw if you suffered from a preventable food-borne illness. Our knowledgeable San Antonio food recall attorneys are here to help you receive the compensation you deserve based on your injuries. At Carabin Shaw, our capable lawyers are available to answer your questions and help you file your personal injury case. Our diligent attorneys represent clients throughout Texas including Beaumont, El Paso, McAllen, San Antonio, Laredo, and Austin. To schedule a free initial consultation with a hardworking lawyer today, please do not hesitate to call the law firm of Carabin Shaw toll free at (800) 862-1260 or contact our accomplished attorneys through the law firm’s website.
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Additional Resources:
Final listeria cantaloupe death toll at 33, CDC says, by Michael Booth, The Denver Post
Listeria Cantaloupe Recall Expanded to 188,000 Melons, by Helena Bottemiller, Food Safety News
N.C. farm recalls cantaloupes, melons amid listeria concerns, by CNN Wire Staff, CNN Health
Burch Farms Recalls 580 Cantaloupe Crates For Potential Listeria Contamination, Huffington Post