Organic Pastures E. coli Outbreak: Legal Recourse
Shiga toxin-producing E. coli is a dangerous bacterium that can cause several diarrheal illnesses in humans. Some of the most common sources of E. coli infection include ground beef, leafy vegetables and raw milk. Raw milk recently caused a large E. coli outbreak in California and Washington. In September 2006, six children in these states developed severe E. coli food poisoning characterized by vomiting, fever, abdominal pain and bloody diarrhea. A subsequent health investigation revealed that the culprit of this E. coli outbreak was raw milk produced by California's largest raw milk dairy, Organic Pastures.
Organic Pastures E. coli Contamination
After learning about several cases of E. coli food poisoning, the California Department of Health Services (CDHS) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) initiated a thorough environmental investigation. The inquiry revealed that all of the sickened children had consumed Organic Pastures raw milk prior to developing E. coli food poisoning symptoms. The CDHS and CDFA performed extensive testing at the farms of Organic Pastures, as a result of which the inspectors discovered E. coli O157:H7 bacteria in two cows. The agencies concluded that the bacteria had likely entered the raw milk supply, contaminating a variety of food items produced by Organic Pastures.
Organic Pastures Dairy Recalls
In order to limit the spread of the E. coli infection, in September 2008 the CDFA initiated a recall of raw milk, raw cream and raw colostrum produced at Organic Pastures. The recall was later expanded to include all Organic Pastures products, including raw butter, raw buttermilk and raw whey. In addition, the U. S. Department of Justice filed a lawsuit in a California Federal District Court to prevent Organic Pastures from shipping its products across state borders.
Organic Pastures E. coli Lawsuits
While four of the sickened children fully recovered, two victims developed serious complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome, central nervous system impairment, congestive heart failure and pancreatitis. Although the two children survived, they had to undergo long-term rehabilitation therapy and learn to live with permanent kidney impairment. In order to hold Organic Pastures responsible for their suffering and obtain compensation for medical expenses, the parents of the injured children filed lawsuits against the company, alleging negligence and product liability.
Contacting a Skilled E. coli Food Poisoning Lawyer
In the United States, food producers and distributors are required to provide consumers with foods that are reasonably safe. Failure to do so, such as selling E. coli-infected foods, can make the responsible companies financially liable for damages consumers incur as a result. If you believe that your E. coli infection or the gastrointestinal disease of your loved one was caused by a contaminated food product, contact the law offices of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz at (888) 255-2956, as you might be entitled to compensation. In addition to handling Organic Pastures E. coli lawsuits, the attorneys of AWKO Law specialize in helping victims of salmonella, botulism, shigella and listeriosis obtain justice.
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Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz
803 North Palafox St.
Pensacola, Florida 32501
55 Baybridge Dr.
Gulf Breeze, Florida 32561
