What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting cantaloupe food poisoning cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has experienced food poisoning as a result of eating cantaloupe, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

Cantaloupe Food Poisoning: An Overview

Since August 2011, there have been reports of approximately 25 cases of Listeria-related food poisoning in people who have consumed cantaloupe from the Rocky Ford region of Colorado. It is the first bacteria outbreak linked to cantaloupe in the United States.

Outbreaks of Listeria have been reported in 6 states — 11 cases in Colorado, 10 in New Mexico, 2 in Texas and one each in Indiana, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Additionally, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention is investigating suspected cases in several other states. Listeria-related illness has caused at least four deaths in Colorado and New Mexico.

The bacteria outbreak has prompted the state of New Mexico to voluntarily recall cantaloupe and independent grocery stores in Colorado have also pulled cantaloupe from their shelves. Meanwhile, the Food and Drug Administration has not formally recalled the melons, as it confirms the origins of the infection.

While Listeria rarely infects people, older adults, pregnant women, newborns and adults with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of infection.

The CDC is advising people to check melon labels or inquire at grocery stores if they believe they have purchased cantaloupe grown in the Rocky Ford region. The CDC is advising people at high risk not to eat the melons and is recommending that cantaloupes marketed as coming from the Rocky Ford region be thrown away in a sealed trash bag.

Rocky Ford is part of the Arkansas Valley in Colorado, along the Santa Fe Trail, 130 miles southeast of Denver. Rocky Ford melons are known for their high sugar content.

What is Listeria?

Listeria monocytogenes is a form of bacteria which can cause Listeriosis, a rare, but potentially lethal food-borne infection, caused by eating contaminated food. Usually it is contracted from eating deli meats, soft cheeses, hot dogs and dairy products that have been contaminated with the Listeria bacteria. Listeria may also be found in uncooked meats, uncooked vegetables, unpasteurized milk and some processed foods.

While pasteurization and cooking can usually kill Listeria monocytogenes, contamination may occur between cooking and packaging. Additionally, refrigeration may cause Listeria bacteria to grow and multiply in some foods.

Antibiotics can potentially cure Listeriosis, but even with treatment, some cases can result in death. According to the CDC, normally about 1,6000 people become ill with Listeriosis each year. Those most at risk include:

• Pregnant women
• Newborns
• Persons with weakened immune systems as a result of transplant or certain diseases, therapies or medications
• Persons with cancer, diabetes, alcoholism, and liver or kidney disease
• Persons with AIDS
• Older adults

Most healthy persons can consume Listeria-contaminated foods without becoming ill. However, in rare cases, persons without these risks can also contract infection.

Symptoms of a Listeriosis

Listeriosis infection can cause symptoms including:

• Fever
• Muscle ache
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion
• Loss of balance
• Convulsions
• Other gastrointestinal symptoms

While a pregnant woman will only experience minor flu-like symptoms, it may be seriously harmful to her unborn child. Listeriosis infections during pregnancy can cause:

• Miscarriage
• Stillbirth
• Premature delivery
• Life-threatening infection of the newborn

Due to the severity of these symptoms, people who have contracted Listeriosis after eating cantaloupe may want to contact a lawyer or attorney with The Schmidt Firm, LLP to discuss the possibility of a food-poisoning lawsuit.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Warning

As of September 13, 2011, the CDC has confirmed 16 cases of Listeriosis in five states, all starting after August 15. The CDC has confirmed 11 cases in Colorado, 2 in Texas, and one each in Indiana, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Laboratory tests have traced the infections back to consumption of cantaloupe from the Rocky Ford region of Colorado.

As the CDC warning stated:

“CDC recommends that persons at high risk for Listeriosis, including older adults, persons with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women, do not eat cantaloupes marketed as coming from the Rocky Ford region of Colorado.”

The Food and Drug Administration has not yet recalled the melons as it works towards confirming the source. While most FDA recalls are voluntary, the FDA can authorize a recall as part of the Food Safety Modernization Act. For this to occur, the FDA must have some evidence there is a “reasonable probability that an article of food . . . will cause serious adverse health consequences or death to humans or animals.”

Do I Have a Cantaloupe Listeriosis Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting cantaloupe food poisoning cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has experienced food poisoning as a result of eating cantaloupe, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

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What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting food poisoning claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with food poisoning and suffered serious side effects, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please click here to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

More Food Poisoning Information

According to the Center for Disease Control, food poisoning and foodborne related illnesses cause about 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,200 deaths nationwide each year. Whether it is salmonella, E. coli, listeria or another type of food poisoning, the effects can be severe and even life-threatening.

Often, the source of the problem starts way before the food reaches a consumer. This has been the case with recent food recalls such as black pepper, beef, peanut butter, salami and so on. Other times, food is stored improperly, whether in a warehouse, grocery store or restaurant.

Recognizing the need for consumer education, the FDA recently released some tips to help consumers protect themselves while shopping for food.

• Check for cleanliness
• Is the store clean looking and smelling?
• Keep certain foods separated
Separate and raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other items in your cart. And put meats, poultry and seafood in plastic bags to prevent their juices from getting on other items.
• Inspect cans and jars
Don’t buy food in cans or jars that are bulging, dented, or cracked.
• Inspect frozen food packaging
Don’t buy frozen food if the package is damaged. Don’t buy food that shows signs of freezer burn.
• Select frozen foods and perishables, and then meat last
• Choose fresh eggs carefully
Make sure the eggs are refrigerated and that none of the eggs are cracked or broken.
• Be mindful of time and temperature
Refrigerate perishable products as soon as possible. Perishable foods should not be left at room temperature longer than 2 hours, 1 hour when temperatures are above 90° F.

Symptoms & Side Effects of Food Poisoning

Food Poisoning has been linked to the following side effects:

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Reiter’s syndrome
• Vomiting
• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)

Do I Have a Food Poisoning Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting food poisoning claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with food poisoning and suffered serious side effects, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting romaine lettuce side effect claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with E. coli food poisoning after eating romaine lettuce, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please click here to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

More Romaine Lettuce Recall Information

Freshway Foods and Vaughan Foods have both recalled romaine lettuce due to E. coli contamination. The Freshway lettuce has a use by date of May 12 or earlier. Vaughan Foods recalled romaine lettuce with use by dates of May 9th and 10th. Both companies buy lettuce from Andrew Smith Company and it is believed that the lettuce originally came from the same farm. So far, there have been at least 29 reported cases of food poising traced to the romaine lettuce. Over half of the cases have been confirmed. The lettuce was distributed in several states, and cases have been confirmed in Michigan, New York, and Ohio. Some of the people who got sick have been diagnosed with HUS, a serious complication of E. coli food poisoning.

The Freshway lettuce was sold also sold under the Imperial Sysco brand name. The Freshway lettuce product was sold to distributors in Alabama, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The lettuce was also sold for use in in-store salad bars and delis for Kroger, Giant Eagle, Ingles Markets, and Marsh stores. The Vaughan lettuce was only sold to food distributors and restaurants.

Recalled Romaine Lettuce Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal Cramps
• Bloody Diarrhea
• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)

Do I Have Romaine Lettuce Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting romaine lettuce side effect claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with E. coli food poisoning after eating romaine lettuce, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

March 1, 2010 –Heartland Foods, Inc. recalled all sizes/containers of COARSE GROUND BLACK PEPPER shipped from their facility at 6815 E. 34th Street, Indianapolis IN. Potential distribution took place on or after October 19th, 2009 to February 17th, 2010. The product involved includes the following sizes: 1 lb Quart (jar), 4 lb Gallon, 8 lb Bucket (new pail). Each container is identified with an individual label showing the Heartland Foods company logo, the description: Coarse Ground Black Pepper, and the specific Net Weight of the container (i.e., 1 lb, 4 lb, 8 lb).

March 5, 2010 – Mincing Overseas Spice Company recalled black pepper Lots 3258 and 3309.

March 09, 2010 – Frontier Natural Products Co-op, recalled several of its products manufactured with non-organic black pepper that were sold under the Frontier brand and under the Whole Foods Market brands. Recalled products were sold in all 50 states and in some parts of Canada to distributors, retailers and consumers.

March 12, 2010 – Tastefully Simple recalled select 1.1-ounce retail packages and 0.3-ounce samples of Toasted Garlic & Parmesan Cheese Ball Mix. This recall applies only to a small number of retail packages of Toasted Garlic & Parmesan Cheese Ball Mix (Item: 723200) and sample packets (Item: 723270) shipped since February 12, 2010. The following lot codes, which can be found on the bottom of the retail boxes, are involved in the recall: 9315, 9317 and 0004. The lot codes for the sample packets affected are: 9313, 9314 and 0005, which are embossed on the left front side of the packet.

March 16, 2010 – Dutch Valley Food Distributors, Inc. recalled for the following items: 5 Pound boxes of Seasoning Salt, item 808530, with a Mfg. date of 1/4/10 and 2/2/2010; 5 Pound boxes of Perfect Pepper Seasoning, item 808399, with a Mfg. date of 1/4/2010; Pound boxes of Perfect Pepper Dip Mix, item 278115, with a Mfg. date of 12/7/2009; 5 Pound boxes of Vegetable Dip Mix, item 278112, with a Mfg. date of 1/4/2010 and 2/2/2010; 5 Pound boxes of Southwest Dip Mix, item 278109, with a Mfg. date of 2/2/2010; 50 Pound boxes of Medium Black Pepper, item 808464 with a lot number of 3309 (B, F, G, K, P and T) and 3258 (B, D, G, L, P, Q, R, T and X); 20 Pound boxes of Coarse Black Pepper, item 808465 with a lot number of 3309 (B, F, G, K, P and T) and 3258 (B, D, G, L, P, Q, R, T and X); 25 Pound boxes of Fine Black Pepper, item 808466 with a lot number of 3309 (B, F, G, K, P and T) and 3258 (B, D, G, L, P, Q, R, T and X); 50 Pound boxes of Fine Black Pepper, item 808467 with a lot number of 3309 (B, F, G, K, P and T) and 3258 (B, D, G, L, P, Q, R, T and X); 25 Pound boxes of Whole Black Peppercorns, item 808468 with a lot number of 3309 (B, F, G, K, P and T) and 3258 (B, D, G, L, P, Q, R, T and X); 20 Pound boxes of Medium Black Pepper, item 808469 with a lot number of 3309 (B, F, G, K, P and T) and 3258 (B, D, G, L, P, Q, R, T and X); 5 Pound pails of Whole Black Peppercorns, item 808470 with a lot number of 3309 (B, F, G, K, P and T) and 3258 (B, D, G, L, P, Q, R, T and X)

March 17, 2010 – C. H. Guenther & Son, Inc. recalled Sunbird Seasonings, Williams Wings Seasonings and Williams Gumbo Soup lines.

March 17, 2010 –Spice Barn recalled: Malabar Peppercorns Lot MTC-3258 in 1 and 5 Pound Bags Distributed between: 1/26/10 to 2/8/10, Ground Black Pepper Lot MO-3258T in 1 and 5 Pound Bags Distributed between:12/08/09 to 2/8/10.

March 18, 2010 – Bass Pro Shops® recalled one lot of Uncle Buck’s® Beer Batter Mix Lightly-Seasoned.

March 19, 2010 – John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc recalled various snack mix and cashew products, which have been flavored with seasoning containing the recalled black pepper.

March 19, 2010 – McCain Foods USA recalled the McCain All American Roaster frozen potato product, 24 oz bags, UPC 10072714037334, Production date November 25, 2009

March 22, 2010 – C. H. Guenther & Son, Inc. recalled a number of products. The products are: Bayou Heat Spicy Wings Seasoning, Shop’n Save Chicken Roasting Bag & Seasoning Blend, Carlita Fajita Seasoning Mix, La Tiara Taco Seasoning, Shurfine Pork Gravy, Shurfine Season ‘n Bake for Chicken-with bag, Western Family Pork Gravy Mix
Western Family Season ‘n Bake for Chicken with bag, HY-TOP Pork Gravy Mix, HY-TOP Fajita Seasoning Mix, HY-TOP Cooking Bag & Seasoning Blend for Chicken, HY-TOP Marinade Southwest-Flavor for Meat or Chicken, IGA Bag’n Bake – Cooking Bag and Seasoning Mix Chicken, Parade Fajita Seasoning Mix, Parade Pork Gravy Mix
Weis Chicken Season ‘n Bake – Roasting Bag and Seasoning, H-E-B Beef Stew Seasoning Mix, H-E-B Meat Loaf Seasoning Mix, H-E-B Sloppy Joe Mix

March 23, 2010 – Blue Line Foodservice Distribution recalled Little Caesars Spice Paks. The Spice Paks are small white packets, approximately 1.5” X 2.5” that contain black pepper and other spices. Before they were removed from the stores, they were available upon request to consumers at many Little Caesars stores in the US, Canada and Mexico.

March 23, 2010 – C. H. Guenther & Son, Inc. recalled additional products Best Yet Season ‘n Bake Chicken, Food Club Beef Stew, Tops Pork Gravy, Piggly Wiggly Season ‘n Bake Chicken

March 25, 2010 – Perfect Candy & Packaging Co recalled the following product with an H.D.W. Foods Inc. label: Whole Black Peppercorns, 2.0 oz Bags UPC# 080869654293

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Salmonella claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Salmonella and suffered serious side effects, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please click here to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

More Salmonella Information

Salmonella is a serious and potentially deadly form of bacteria that causes Salmonellosis. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. While most people recover without the need for medical attention, some people experience such severe diarrhea that they need to be hospitalized. In these patients, the Salmonella infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other parts of the body and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly. Also, in rare cases, a person may develop Reiter’s syndrome which causes pain in their joints, irritation of the eyes, and painful urination. Reiter’s syndrome can last for months or years, and can lead to chronic arthritis.

Salmonella related food poisoning usually develops within the first 12-72 hours after ingesting the contaminated food and can last anywhere from 4 to 7 days. Every year, approximately 40,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported in the United States and approximately 400 people die. Because many milder cases are not diagnosed or reported, the actual number of infections may be thirty or more times greater. Only your healthcare provider can determine for sure if you have salmonella or another type of infection.

Salmonella Symptoms

The following is a list of symptoms associated with salmonella food poisoning.

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Reiter’s syndrome

Do I Have a Salmonella Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Salmonella claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Salmonella and suffered serious side effects, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Daniele Sausage and Salami Salmonella side effect claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has eaten Daniele sausage or salami and subsequently been diagnosed with Salmonellosis, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please click here to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

More Daniele Sausage and Salami Information

Between January and February of 2010, Daniele International recalled almost 1.4 million pounds of ready-to-eat sausage and salami due to the risk of salmonella contamination. Salmonella is a serious and potentially deadly form of bacteria that causes Salmonellosis. According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), Salmonella can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections, particularly in young children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

The recalled products include:

• 3-ounce packages of “DANIELE NATURALE SALAME COATED WITH COARSE BLACK PEPPER.”
• Approximately 6-pound packages of “DANIELE SALAME GRANDE COATED WITH PORK FAT & PEPPER.”
• 10-ounce packages of “DANIELE NATURALE SALAME COATED WITH COARSE BLACK PEPPER.”
• Catch weight packages of “DANIELE PEPPER SALAME.”
• 9-ounce packages of “BLACK BEAR OF THE BLACK FOREST BABY GENOA PEPPER SALAME.”
• 20-ounce packages of “DANIELE DELI SELECTION, GENOA SALAME, SMOKED SALAME, PEPPERED SALAME, RUSTIC SALAME.”
• 340- and 454-gram packages of “DANIELE SURTIDO FINO ITALIANO, SALAMI GENOA CON PIMIENTA, LOMO CAPOCOLLO, SALAMI CALABRESE.”
• 16-ounce packages of “DANIELE ITALIAN BRAND GOURMET PACK, HOT CALABRESE, PEPPER SALAME, HOT CAPOCOLLO.”
• 8-ounce packages of “DIETZ & WATSON ARTISAN COLLECTION PARTY PLATTER PACK, HOT CALABRESE, PEPPER SALAME, HOT CAPOCOLLO.”
• 8-ounce packages of “DANIELE ITALIAN BRAND GOURMET PACK, HOT CALABRESE, PEPPER SALAME, HOT CAPOCOLLO.”
• 16-ounce packages of “DANIELE GOURMET COMBO PACK, PEPPER SALAME, CAPOCOLLO, CALABRESE.”
• 500-gram packages of “DANIELE ITALIAN BRAND GOURMET PACK EMBALLAGE ASSORTI GOURMET ITALIEN, HOT CALABRESE, PEPPER SALAME, CALABRESE PIQUANT, SALAMI AU POIVRE, HOT CAPOCOLLO, CAPOCOLLO PIQUANT.”
• 8-ounce packages of “BOAR’S HEAD BRAND ALL NATURAL SALAME COATED WITH COARSE BLACK PEPPER.”
• Catch weight packages of “DIETZ & WATSON ARTISAN COLLECTION, BABY GENOA PEPPER SALAME, MADE WITH 100% PORK COATED WITH BLACK PEPPER AND PORK FAT.”
• 20-ounce variety packages of “DANIELE DELI SELECTION, GENOA SALAME, SWEET SOPRESSATA, PEPPERED GENOA, MILANO SALAME.”
• 21-ounce variety packages of “DANIELE GOURMET ITALIAN DELI SELECTION, SWEET SOPRESSATA SALAMI, PEPPERED GENOA SALAMI, HOT SOPRESSATA SALAMI, MILANO SALAMI, SALAMI SOPRESSATA DOUX, SALAMI GENOA POIVRÉ, SALAMI SOPRESSATA PIQUANT, SALAMI MILANO.”
• 7-ounce packages of “DANIELE SALAME BITES PEPPER SALAME.”
• 14-ounce packages of “DANIELE GOURMET ITALIAN DELI SELECTION ASSORTMENT DE FINES CHARCUTERIE ITALIENNE, SWEET SOPRESSATA SALAMI, MILANO SALAMI, SALAMI SOPRESSATA DOUX, SALAMI MILANO.”
• Catch weight packages of “DANIELE NATURALE SALAME COATED WITH COARSE BLACK PEPPER.”
• 32-ounce variety packages of “DANIELE DELI SELECTION, GENOA SALAME, SWEET SOPRESSATA, PEPPERED GENOA, MILANO SALAME.

Symptoms of Salmonella Food Poisoning

Salmonella has been linked to the following side effects.

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Reiter’s syndrome

Do I Have a Daniele Sausage or Salami Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Daniele Sausage and Salami Salmonella side effect claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has eaten Daniele sausage or salami and subsequently been diagnosed with Salmonellosis, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting black and red pepper contaminated salmonella side effect claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has eaten a product containing the recalled spices and subsequently been diagnosed with Salmonellosis, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please click here to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

More Black and Red Pepper Recall Information

Daniele International issued a huge recall of ready to eat sausage and salami in early 2010 due to salmonella contamination. In an effort to determine how the products become contaminated, state laboratories began testing which found the most likely cause was the pepper coating. Since this discovery, Mincing Overseas Spice Company and Wholesome Spice Company have recalled the following spices due to possible salmonella contamination:

Mincing Overseas Spice Company:

• Black Pepper Lot 3258 in 50-pound, 25-pound, and 20-pound cartons
• Black Pepper Lot 3309 in 50-pound, 25-pound, and 20-pound

Wholesome Spice Company

• Ground Red Pepper sold to Daniele International Inc.
• Whole Black Pepper sold to Daniele International Inc.
• Crushed Red Pepper sold from April 6, 2009, to Jan. 20, 2010 in 25-pound boxes

Kroger Co.

In addition, Kroger has recalled Kroger California Seasoning Blend Garlic Powder and Kroger Special Seasoning Blend Lemon Pepper sold in its retail stores across 31 states because it used black pepper recalled by Mincing Overseas Spice Company in both mixes. The affected mixes include:

• Kroger California Seasoning Blend Garlic Powder sold in 2.5-ounce jars with code dates of DEC0312PS2 and DEC0412PS2 under the following UPC code: 1111066599.
• Kroger Special Seasoning Blend Lemon Pepper sold in 2.25-ounce jars with code dates of NOV0512PS2, DEC0312PS2 and DEC2812PS2 under the following UPC code: 1111074492.
• Kroger California Seasoning Blend Garlic Powder (Kroger California Seasoning Blend Garlic Powder sold in 2.5-ounce jars with code dates of Sell By: Dec 03 11PS2 and Sell by: Dec 04 11PS2 under the following UPC code: 1111066599)

C. H. Guenther & Son, Inc.

Seasoning and gravy mixes; see recall notice for specific products, product codes, and lot numbers:

• Bayou Heat Spicy Wings Seasoning
• Shop’n Save Chicken Roasting Bag & Seasoning Blend
• Carlita Fajita Seasoning Mix
• La Tiara Taco Seasoning
• Shurfine Pork Gravy
• Shurfine Season ‘n Bake for Chicken-with bag
• Western Family Pork Gravy Mix
• Western Family Season ‘n Bake for Chicken with bag
• HY-TOP Pork Gravy Mix
• HY-TOP Fajita Seasoning Mix
• HY-TOP Cooking Bag & Seasoning Blend for Chicken
• HY-TOP Marinade Southwest-Flavor for Meat or Chicken
• IGA Bag’n Bake – Cooking Bag and Seasoning Mix Chicken
• Parade Fajita Seasoning Mix
• Parade Pork Gravy Mix
• Weis Chicken Season ‘n Bake – Roasting Bag and Seasoning
• H-E-B Beef Stew Seasoning Mix
• H-E-B Meat Loaf Seasoning Mix,
• H-E-B Sloppy Joe Mix

Other companies that Overseas distributes to have also announced voluntary recalls of potentially contaminated products.  The companies and products are as follows:

• Dutch Valley Food Distributors, Inc.
• Frontier Natural Products Co-Op
• Spice Barn, Inc. (Malabar Peppercorns and Ground Black Pepper in 1lb and 5lb bags
• John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. (Fisher brand Louisiana Cajun Mix) and (Archer Farms brand Sweet Cajun Trail Mix, Salt & Pepper Cashews, and Tex Mex Trail Mix)
• McCain Foods USA - McCain All American Roaster frozen potato product

Salmonella Side Effects

Salmonella has been linked to the following side effects.

• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Reiter’s syndrome

Do I Have a Black or Red Pepper Recall Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting black and red pepper contaminated salmonella side effect claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has eaten a product containing the recalled spices and subsequently been diagnosed with Salmonellosis, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting E. coli claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with E. coli and suffered serious side effects, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please click here to contact our law firm or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

More E. coli and Information

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that every year at least 2000 people are hospitalized and about 60 die as a result of E. coli infections and its complications. E. coli food poisoning is usually caused by eating unwashed vegetables or undercooked meat. Many may remember the 2006 outbreak of E. coli that was linked to spinach. However, there have been several outbreaks in the last several years that have not received such widespread news coverage. The severity of the illness varies considerably. The symptoms of E. coli infections generally include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. There may also be a low-grade fever. Most people recover within 5–7 days. However, E. coli can be fatal, especially in young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems.

There are several types of E. coli bacteria, some which cause no harm to humans and others which can cause serious illness. E. coli O157:H7 is the most prevalent type of E. coli that produces illness in the United States. The CDC has estimated that 85% of E. coli O157:H7 infections are food borne in origin. Foods that have been linked to E. coli contamination include ground beef, venison, sausages, dried salami, unpasteurized milk and cheese, unpasteurized apple juice and cider, orange juice, alfalfa and radish sprouts, lettuce, spinach, and even water.

E. coli organisms have several characteristics that make them extremely dangerous.  For example, E. coli can survive several weeks on surfaces such as counter tops, and up to a year in some materials like compost.  In addition, it takes a very small amount of the bacteria to cause infection.

One serious complication of E. coli is hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Approximately 5–10% of people who get sick due to E. coli develop HUS. HUS symptoms include decreased frequency of urination, feeling very tired, and losing pink color in cheeks and inside the lower eyelids. People with HUS must be hospitalized because their kidneys may stop working and they may develop other serious problems. While most people who develop HUS recover within a few weeks, some have permanent damage and even die.
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E. coli Side Effects

E. coli has been linked to the following side effects:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea (often bloody)
• Fever
• Abdominal cramps
• Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)

Do I Have an E. coli Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting E. coli claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with E. coli and suffered serious side effects, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please click here to contact our law firm or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

What You Can Do & How We Can Help

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please click here to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

More Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Information

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is a disease that destroys red blood cells. HUS most often develops when Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria becomes lodged in the digestive tract and produces toxins that enter the bloodstream. These toxins destroy red blood cells. However, HUS has also been linked to other gastrointestinal infections, including salmonella. Although HUS can cause serious complications and can even be life threatening, most people who develop HUS recover without permanent damage to their health. Complications associated with HUS include: blood clotting problems, hemolytic anemia, kidney failure, nervous system problems, too few platelets (thrombocytopenia), and uremia.

According to the National Institute of Health, HUS is most common in children. It was once very rare, but it is increasing in children. HUS is the most common cause of sudden, short-term kidney failure in children. Some children may sustain significant kidney damage that slowly develops into permanent kidney failure and will then require long-term dialysis or a kidney transplant.

According to Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide, about 9% of people who have HUS develop end stage renal disease, about one-third have abnormal kidney function several years later, and a few require long-term dialysis. Another 8% of people with HUS have other lifelong complications, such as high blood pressure, seizures, blindness, paralysis, and removal of a portion of the colon. In addition, approximately 5-15% of those diagnosed with HUS end up dying from the disorder. The rates of serious complication and death are higher in children and the elderly.

Symptoms of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

• Blood in the stools
• Irritability
• Fever
• Lethargy
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Weakness
• Later symptoms:
• Bruising
• Decreased consciousness
• Low urine output
• No urine output
• Paleness
• Seizures
• Skin rash that looks like fine red spots
• Yellow skin (jaundice)

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Complications

Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome has been linked to the following complications:

• Blood clotting problems
• Hemolytic anemia
• Kidney failure
• Nervous system problems
• Too few platelets (thrombocytopenia)
• Uremia

Do I Have a Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Lawsuit?

The Schmidt Firm, LLP is currently accepting Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome claims in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, you should contact our firm immediately for a free case consultation. Please click here to contact our Product Liability Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.

CERVELAT Sausage Recall List

• 3 – 3.5-pound vacuum packed chubs of “Ready to Eat Laxson Quality Meat Products CERVELAT.” Each label bears the lot number “8952″ and the date of production “Produced June 0809″ as well as the establishment number “EST-13342″ inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Each case contains twelve (12) 3 – 3.5-pound chubs per box, which can be identified by the lot number “8952″ and the item number “12053.” The product was produced on June 8, 2009 and packaged on June 9, 2009. The product distribution is limited to small grocers in San Antonio, Texas.

Do I Have a Sausage Recall Lawsuit?

If you or somebody you know has been sickened by CERVELAT sausage, you should contact us immediately.  You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and the food poisoning attorneys and lawyers at our law firm can help.