September 18, 2015 — Health officials have reported 25 illnesses and one death linked to soft cheese contaminated with Listeria.
The FDA has opened an investigation and confirmed illnesses in nine states: California (14), Colorado (1), Illinois (1), Massachusetts (2), Michigan (1), New York (2), Ohio (1), Tennessee (1), and Washington (1).
Eighteen victims who were interviewed said they ate soft cheese in the month before getting sick. In 21 cases (84%), victims had to be hospitalized. Five illnesses occurred in pregnant women, including one who had a miscarriage. One person in Ohio died from the infection.
Karoun Dairies, Inc., of San Fernando, California, has issued a recall. The company says no products have tested positive for Listeria.
They have provided a complete list of recalled cheese (PDF), including UPC codes. Brands affected by the recall include Karoun, Arz, Gopi,
Queso Del Valle, Central Valley Creamery, and Yanni.
Soft cheeses included in the recall:
- Ackawi
- California
- Cotija
- Farmers Goat Fresh
- Fresco
- Feta
- Goat Milk Feta
- Mozzarella
- Paneer
- Queso Blanco
- String Cheese
- Ani
- Nabulsi
- Yanni Grilling
Soft cheese from unpasteurized milk is the most common source of Listeria outbreaks, according to the CDC — especially Mexican-style queso fresco. Unlike most types of food poisoning, Listeria is a very serious illness that often causes life-threatening complications.
Do I have a Listeria Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Listeria induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with listeriosis, 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.
Attention Lawyers: We consider a referral from another law firm to be one of the greatest compliments. If your firm is interested in referring us a case or for us to send you a list of previous award judgments and/or average referral fees, please visit the Lawyer Referral section of our website.
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC has been recognized as one of the nation’s leading plaintiffs' law firms and handles cases in all 50 states. We are very proud of our legal achievements, but equally self-respecting of our firm's reputation for providing personal attention to each and every client we represent.
