Archive for October, 2008
Snohomish County public health investigators announced that Ixtapa Restaurant, in Lake Stevens, WA, is the likely source of a recent E. coli food poisoning outbreak. Ixtapa is located at 303 91st Ave. NE, #B201, Lake Stevens.
Health officials reached their conclusion after interviewing victims of the outbreak and comparing where, what, and when they had eaten. Thirteen for the 17 reported illnesses were linked to the restaurant, however, one individual was not interviewed and three of those sickened did not eat at the restaurant.
The specific food that has caused the illnesses has not been identified.
If you have been harmed by E. coli food poisoning and you have a question concerning your legal rights, please see free case evaluation or contact us toll-free at 1-877-934-6274. For more information about E. coli food poisoning, visit the pages of this blog and the website www.foodpoisoning.com.
October 22nd, 2008
The Snohomish Health District has reported 14 unconfirmed cases of E. coli infection in Snohomish County, WA. Snohomish public health officials are investigating the source of the illnesses, and awaiting laboratory confirmation that the infections were caused by the potentially life-threatening foodborne pathogen, E. coli.
Doctor Gary Goldbaum, director of the Snohomish Health District, alerted health care professionals on October 17, to be on the watch for patients who showed symptoms of E. coli infection. He also requested that medical providers take specimens for lab testing, since E. coli infection is diagnosed by detecting the bacterium in a patient’s stool.
To learn more about E. coli food poisoning, please see E. coli Food Poisoning and E. coli Symptoms, or visit www.foodpoisoning.com, our additional website dedicated to food safety and foodborne illnesses.
If you have been harmed by E. coli food poisoning and you have a question concerning your legal rights, please click free case evaluation or contact us toll-free at 1-877-934-6274.
October 21st, 2008
Vermont Livestock, Slaughter and Processing Co., of Ferrisburg, Vermont, has recalled 2,758 pounds of ground beef because it may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. To date, 10 cases of E. coli food poisoning in Vermont, including one hospitalization, has been linked to the tainted beef.
Prior to determining the source of the outbreak, the Vermont Department of Health issued two warnings cautioning Vermonters to avoid eating undercooked meat. See previous postings Vermont E. coli Warning and Vermont E. coli Investigation.
The USDA, reports that the following product is subject to recall:
5-pound packages labeled “VT BURGER CO GROUND BEEF.” The product is marked “EST. 9558″ inside the USDA mark of inspection and bears a lot code of “090508A,” “090808A,” “091208A,” “091908A” or “092208A.”
The beef was shipped two packages per box to distribution centers, and intended for restaurant, food service, and institutions in Vermont and Plattsburgh, NY. The beef product was produced on Sept. 5, 8, 12, 19 and 22.
E. coli O157:H7 infection may include severe abdominal cramps and watery diarrhea. The diarrhea may become bloody and can lead to dehydration. Sometimes there are no symptoms at all. There is usually little or no fever. Symptoms generally resolve in 5-10 days, but serious complications including kidney failure, may ensue. Children, the elderly, and immunocompromised are the most susceptible to foodborne illness its associated complications.
If you have been harmed by E. coli food poisoning and you have a question concerning your legal rights, please see free case evaluation or contact us toll-free at 1-877-934-6274. For more information about E. coli food poisoning, visit the pages of this blog and the website www.foodpoisoning.com.
October 19th, 2008
Vermont Health officials have issued a second warning to state residents and visitors, to not eat undercooked meat after the ninth case of E. coli O157:H7 food poisoning was confirmed. One more suspected case of E. coli food poisoning remains unconfirmed at this time.
It was reported that the source of the Vermont E. coli outbreak is contaminated beef, and that it was served in restaurants. The Vermont Department of Health warned consumers of the following:
Consumers should only eat ground beef or ground beef patties that have been cooked to a safe internal temperature of 160º F. Color is NOT a reliable indicator that ground beef or ground beef patties have been cooked to a temperature high enough to kill harmful bacteria such as E. coli O157:H7. The only way to be sure ground beef is cooked to a high enough temperature to kill harmful bacteria is to use a thermometer to measure the internal temperature.
While consumers can implement these practices in their own homes, this latest outbreak underscores the fact that restaurants do not always follow food service establishment rules. So here are three tips that can help reduce the risk of food poisoning when ordering a burger in a restaurant:
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Order your burger (or other ground beef dishes) “well done”.
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Before you bite into your burger, cut into the center. If the restaurant did not honor your request, send the burger back for further cooking. Don’t be shy, your health comes first; and restaurants know of the health risks associated with serving undercook meats to their patrons.
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If you do send you burger back, explain that you would like a new roll (or bun), new toppings, and a fresh plate.
The health department investigation is still ongoing, and health officials caution that anyone experiencing severe abdominal symptoms (diarrhea, bloody stool, cramping, vomiting) should seek medical attention right away. Physicians are asked to report suspected cases of E. coli 0157:H7 to the Vermont Department of Health.
To learn more about E. coli food poisoning, please see E. coli symptoms, or visit www.foodpoisoning.com, also hosted by the Law Firm of Eric Weinberg.
Our firm represents victims of food poisoning outbreaks nationwide. If you believe that you are the victim of a foodborne illness and have a question concerning your legal rights, please call us toll free at 1-877-934-6274, or click on Free Case Evaluation. To learn more about our law firm, please see Food Poisoning Attorney.
For information concerning recent food recalls, outbreaks, and legal news, please see Illinois E. coli Lettuce, Michigan E. coli Lettuce, and Salmonella IHOP.
October 16th, 2008
Eight people in Vermont have been diagnosed with E. coli O157:H7 food poisoning. The E. coli illnesses were reported in Chittenden (4 cases) and Washington (3 cases) counties, and by an individual who had recently visited Vermont.
Although the source of this latest E. coli outbreak is still unknown, the Vermont Department of Health is warning people not to eat undercooked meats. They also advise that consumers avoid unpasteurized and raw milk and milk products and that fruits and vegetables should be washed before consuming.
Vermont Health officials caution:
The Health Department is reminding Vermonters not to eat undercooked hamburger or ground beef products. Cook ground beef to at least 160ºF. Eating undercooked, pink ground beef is linked with a higher risk of illness. If a food thermometer is not available, do not eat ground beef that is still pink inside. Avoiding unpasteurized raw milk and milk products, and washing fruits and vegetables, are other practices that can help avoid serious foodborne diseases.
To learn more about E. coli food poisoning please see the additional pages of this blog, About E. coli and E. coli Symptoms or visit www.foodpoisoning.com.
Vermont health officials also advise that anyone experiencing severe abdominal symptoms should seek medical attention. Physicians are advised to report suspected cases of bacterial foodborne infection to the Vermont Department of Health at 802-863-7240 or 1-800-640-4374.
The Law Firm of Eric Weinberg represents victims of food poisoning outbreaks throughout the country. If you believe that you are the victim of a foodborne illness, please call us toll free at 1-877-934-6274, or click on Free Case Evaluation. To learn more about our law practice, please click Food Poisoning Attorney.
To learn more about recent food recalls, outbreaks, and legal news, please see Illinois E. coli Lettuce, Michigan E. coli Lettuce, and Salmonella IHOP.
October 13th, 2008
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