Fresh Express Salad Kit Recalled Over Fears of E. Coli Contamination
According to the FDA, eight people have been sickened and three have been hospitalized after eating a Fresh Express salad kit possibly tainted with E. coli. This strain of E. coli (0157:H7) is different from the E. coli outbreak tied to romaine lettuce grown in the Salinas, California region. Federal officials say that it’s possible that the kits contained romaine lettuce from the Salina area but as of now, they have not identified a particular ingredient in the mix that is contaminated with the bacteria. The illnesses were reported from three states: Wisconsin, North Dakota and Minnesota.
An investigation done by the FDA, CDC, state health authorities, and Canadian officials led back to Fresh Express brand Sunflower Crisp Chopped Salad Kits as the likely source of the infections. Consumers who have purchased this mix should check for the UPC number 0 71279 30906 4, a lot code beginning with “Z,” and a best-by date up to and including Dec. 7, 2019. If you have this mix do not eat it.
Symptoms of E. coli infection
According to the CDC, on average, people show symptoms of E. coli infection 3-4 days after consuming the bacteria. Common symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Some people develop low-grade fevers. Some people develop a type of kidney failure called HUS after ingesting E. coli. Despite E. coli being a type of bacteria, antibiotics are not usually a recommended treatment.
If you believe that you may have consumed the contaminated salad kit and are experiencing symptoms of E. coli infection take the following steps:
- Talk to your healthcare provider who may use a stool sample to make a diagnosis
- Make a journal of everything you can remember eating the week before you got sick
- Contact your local health department and report the illness
- Answer questions by public health investigators about your illness
Contaminated food personal injury case
The Federal government estimates that there are about 48 million cases of foodborne illnesses in the United States every year. When a person is seriously injured by contaminated food because of the negligence of another, they may be able to recover damages with the help of a personal injury lawyer.
In order to recover damages, the plaintiff and his or her personal injury attorney must show that injuries were caused by the contaminated food by providing medical records and calling expert witnesses, that the injuries caused damages such as pain and suffering, lost wages and medical bills and that the defendant is legally liable for the accident because of their negligence.
Seek the help of a personal injury attorney
A personal injury attorney is best equipped to determine who the defendant is along the supply chain, gather evidence and build a case. They will also be able to assess the value of your claim and fight for the settlement you deserve.
If you have lost a loved one or been injured through no fault of your own, you have enough on your plate. Let an experienced personal injury attorney fight for the justice and fair compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the caring, tireless and experienced personal injury attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County and surrounding areas since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
