September 24, 2015 — The FDA has confirmed that environmental samples collected at Central Valley Cheese Inc. tested positive for the same strain of Listeria that has caused an outbreak of food poisoning linked to soft cheese.
Central Valley Cheese supplied soft cheese products to Karoun Dairies. On September 16, a recall was issued for more than a dozen products, including:
Ackwai, California, Cotija, Farmers Goat Fresh, Fresco, Fresh Cheese/Panela, Feta, Goat Milk Feta, Mozzarella, Paneer, Queso Blanco, String Cheese, Ani, Nabulsi, and Yanni Grilling.
Whole genome sequencing (WGS) of five samples collected at Central Valley Cheese in 2010 showed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes that was closely-related to the outbreak strains. Two samples collected in September 2015 also tested positive for the outbreak strain of Listeria.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), at least 24 people in nine states have been infected since 2010. At least 22 people were hospitalized, one pregnant woman had a miscarriage, and one victim in Ohio died in 2012.
Listeria infection can cause fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, and other symptoms. It can take up to 10 weeks for symptoms to appear. The FDA warns:
“Listeriosis can be fatal, especially in certain high-risk groups. These groups include the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems and certain chronic medical conditions (such as cancer). In pregnant women, listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor, and serious illness or death in newborn babies.”
Do I have a Food Poisoning Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting soft cheese induced food poisoning cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with Listeria, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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