The Law Firm of Eric Weinberg is currently assisting victims of Listeria food poisoning outbreaks nationwide, including those injured in the recent outbreak that may be linked to recalled soft cheeses. Please contact our law firm 24/7, toll free at 1-877-934-6274, if you have a question regarding a food poisoning lawsuit. You can also contact our attorneys online by using the “Free Legal Case Evaluation Form” found on this page.
CDC Reports Twenty-Four Sickened In A Multistate Listeriosis Outbreak Linked to Soft Cheeses
On September 18, 2015, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced that in collaboration with the FDA and multiple state public health agencies, they are investigating a multistate Listeria monocytogenes outbreak that may be linked to soft cheese. Listeria is a bacterial pathogen that can cause a serious, life-threatening infection known as listeriosis.
The CDC indicated that 24 people infected with one of five closely related, rare Listeria strains have been reported from nine states since August 8, 2010. The number of ill people reported from each state is as follows: California (14), Colorado (1), Illinois (1), Massachusetts (2), Michigan (1), New York (2), Ohio (1), Tennessee (1), and Washington (1).
The CDC also released the following outbreak statistics:
- Ill people range in age from less than 1 year to 92, and the median age is 77.
- Seventy-five percent of ill people are female.
- Twenty-one (91%) of 23 ill people for whom information is available reported being hospitalized.
- Five of the illnesses were pregnancy-related, and one illness resulted in a fetal loss.
- One death was reported from Ohio.
The 24 confirmed outbreak illnesses were reported from August 2010 to August 2015. Public health officials identified the outbreak cluster in August 2015 after they observed an increase in illnesses caused by one of the five rare Listeria strains. Illnesses caused by the other four closely related strains were added to the investigation. Additional illnesses are under investigation.
Karoun Dairies, Inc. Recalls Certain Cheeses
The CDC indicated that although the investigation has not conclusively identified the source of the outbreak, most of the sickened patients who were interviewed reported eating soft cheese before becoming ill. According to the CDC “Eighteen (82%) of the 22 ill people with available information reported eating soft cheeses in the month before becoming ill. Four (57%) of seven ill people who specified a brand of cheese reported brands distributed by Karoun Dairies. No other brand of cheese was reported more than once.”
On September 16, 2015, Karoun Dairies, Inc., recalled and ceased production of certain cheeses that the company distributes due to possible contamination with Listeria. According a company press release, the recalled products are sold under the following brands: Karoun, Arz, Gopi, Queso Del Valle, Central Valley Creamery, and Yanni. Products are vacuum packed, in jars or in pails. Weights vary from 5 ounces to 30 pounds. For a complete list of the recalled cheeses please see Karoun Dairies Cheese Recall.
Public health officials caution that consumers should not eat, restaurants should not serve, and retailers should not sell recalled cheeses because these products may be contaminated with Listeria and may make people sick.
Contact The Weinberg Law Firm for a Free Listeria Food Poisoning Lawsuit Evaluation
If you or a loved one are diagnosed with listeriosis, are awaiting medical confirmation of infection, or have a question regarding your legal rights, you can request a free food poisoning lawsuit case evaluation by calling our lawyers toll free at 1-877-934-6274. Our phones are answered 24/7. You may also contact The Weinberg Law Firm online, by submitting the food poisoning lawsuit case evaluation form found on this page.
