Sprouts Face Food Recall Due to E. Coli Contamination

On Wednesday, May 21st, health officials in both Idaho and Washington announced that a recent outbreak of e. Coli in the two states could be linked back to raw clover sprouts produced at a farm in Idaho, triggering a food recall.

Five of the reported e. Coli cases came from Spokane County, and three others from Kootenai County, in Washington State. Five of those patients have been hospitalized with that illness; so far, no one has died from the outbreak, and a proper food recall has been issued.

The producer reportedly shipped sprouts to several Inland Northwestern food establishments, including Jimmy John’s Gourmet Sandwiches, two Pita Pit locations, and a Daanen’s Deli. All of the restaurants in question have stopped serving the sprouts due to the food recall.

Nine of the ten patients reportedly ate sprouts within 10 days before becoming ill with e. Coli. Health officials said that most people recover from the illness within 5 to 7 days, but that the illness can be serious in those with compromised immune systems, children, or the elderly. Symptoms of e. Coli infection include diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. e Coli symptoms may also include sometimes excessive gas, bloating, loss of appetite and malaise.

“We advise people not to eat raw clover sprouts from Evergreen Fresh Sprouts until further notice,” said Washington State Health Officer Dr. Kathy Lofy. “If you have these products at home, you should throw them out.”

“Anyone who thinks they may have become ill from eating contaminated sprouts should consult their health care provider,” said Lofy. “The elderly and very young children are more likely to become severely ill from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infection.”

Defective Products Can Lead to Health or Food Recalls

Every year, thousands of consumers sustain serious injuries from defective products, whether broken bones from a car accident, or a serious illness from a food-borne pathogen.Many of these injuries could be avoided if the manufacturers or distributors of these products took additional steps to ensure consumer safety. Defective products that commonly cause injuries include medical devices, pharmaceutical products, food recalls, and other defective products such as toys, cars and automotive parts.

There are a number of reasons that defective products make it to our shelves:

• Defective manufacturing
• Inadequate testing
• Food-borne pathogens
• Design defects
• Marketing Misrepresentation

Consumers that have been harmed by defective products such as drugs, medical devices, improperly-sealed food, or other products, may be eligible to receive legal remedies.

The Strom Law Firm Protects Citizens Harmed by Delayed Product or Food Recalls

The attorneys at the Strom Law Firm aim to protect our clients’ health and safety, and hold manufacturers to the highest possible standard of safety. Product recalls are especially important because defective drugs, medical devices, food, and toys can seriously injure or even kill consumers. If you or a loved one have experienced severe, life-limiting side effects from a defective food, product or drug, and believe that your pain stems from a product, drug, or food recall that came too late, you may be entitled to compensation. The Strom Law Firm can help. We offer free, confidential consultations to discuss the facts of your case, so contact us today. 803.252.4800