2009 May | E.coli Lawsuit - Eric H. Weinberg

Archive for May, 2009

May 27, 2009: 20 Triathletes Become Ill After Competing In Oklahoma Event

Murray Evans of the Associated Press writes that at least 20 athletes became ill after competing in the Boathouse International Triathlon, held in Oklahoma City, earlier this month. According to public health officials, the event included a swim in the Oklahoma River, which at the time had high fecal coliform counts.

Symptoms of the athletes’ illness included diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain.

Oklahoma State Department of Health spokesperson, Leslea Bennett-Webb, advises that participants of the 09 Boathouse International Triathlon should contact their personal doctor if they are experiencing symptoms. Illnesses should be reported to the health department.

The following quotes are taken from Mr. Evans’ article. There is only one question and that is “What were event planners and city officials thinking?”

Debbie Ragan, a spokeswoman for Oklahoma City’s Utilities Department, said water samples taken on May 15 near the swim course showed an E. coli count of 573 per 100 milliliters of water. The Oklahoma Water Resources Board said standards for “primary body contact recreation,” in which there is a chance water could be ingested, is a 126 count for E. coli. …………

Knopp said the May 15 testing was taken into consideration before the race, but the bacteria levels appeared to be dropping and the decision was made to go forward with the event.

He said previous testing indicated the river’s water quality was generally good for swimming but could vary, depending on weather events.

Todd Brewer, the city of Oklahoma City’s water quality lab manager, said the bacteria sample seemed elevated in water samples taken from the river after big rain storms. Parts of Oklahoma City received up to two inches of rain the day before the event.

“We’re learning as we go,” Knopp said. “We certainly don’t want to get anybody sick.”

Bret Sholar, the race director, said officials closely monitored the conditions and decided to go ahead and conduct the event because the water flow appeared safe, there was no debris in the river and it was a championship-caliber competition.

“Every first-year race has its issues,” Sholar said. “Unfortunately ours was people becoming sick.”

Before the triathlon, Derek Smithee, the water quality division chief of the Oklahoma Water Resources Board, said a six-mile section of the river near the boathouse is listed by the state as “impaired” because of fecal coliform, sulfates and turbidity.

Smithee said the ranking didn’t mean the water wasn’t safe for swimming.

“It’s probably more dangerous to drive to the Oklahoma River than to swim in the Oklahoma River,” Smithee said at the time.

Mr Evans ends his article with the following information:

The river opened to the public in December 2004. According to the city’s Web site, swimming is not allowed in the river.

The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg represents food poisoning victims nationwide. We are ready to help you. If you have been diagnosed with a foodborne illness, are awaiting medical confirmation of infection, or have a question regarding your legal rights, please submit a Free Legal Case Evaluation or call us toll free at 1-877-934-6274.

For information regarding recent food poisoning outbreaks, please see E coli Lawyers, Peanut Butter Salmonella Lawyer, and Sprouts Salmonella Lawyers. Or, visit our additional website dedicated to food safety and food litigation by clicking on Food Poisoning Lawyer.

Add comment May 27th, 2009

May 21, 2009: E. coli Concerns Lead To Valley Meats Ground Beef Recall

Valley Meats LLC, Coal Valley, Illinois, has recalled approximately 95,898 pounds of ground beef because the products may be contaminated with the potentially fatal foodborne pathogen E. coli O157:H7.

The recall was initiated after a public health investigation established a link between 3 cases of E. coli infection in Ohio and Valley Meats products. Illnesses linked to this outbreak were also reported in Illinois and Pennsylvania.

The recalled ground beef was produced by Valley Meats, on March 10, 2009, and distributed nationwide. The recalled ground beef is sold under the brand names 3S, Grillmaster, J & B, Klub, Thick ‘N Savory, and Ultimate. Each product bears the establishment number “EST. 5712″ inside the USDA mark of inspection.

Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection may include severe abdominal cramps, fever, and watery diarrhea. The diarrhea may become bloody and can lead to dehydration. Severe infections can cause kidney failure. The very young, elderly, and immunocompromised are at greatest risk for experiencing complications due to E. coli infection.

If you are experiencing E. coli food poisoning symptoms or have a health related question, contact your healthcare professional. He or she can order a stool culture which can confirm E. coli infection. Let your doctor know that you consumed a ground beef product.

The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg represents victims of food poisoning outbreaks nationwide. We are ready to help you. If you believe that you were injured in this latest E. coli outbreak, please submit a Free Case Evaluation Form, or call us toll free at 1-877-934-6274.

Please scroll down for a listing on the ground beef products identified in the May 21, 2009, USDA recall notice:

3S Brand Products:

10-pound cases containing a total of 40 (4-1) “KEEP FROZEN 3/S 100% GROUND BEEF PATTY.” Each package bears the identifying case code “95554.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 60 (6-1) “KEEP FROZEN 3/S 100% GROUND BEEF PATTY.” Each package bears the identifying case code “95556.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 30 (3-1) “KEEP FROZEN 3/S CHOPPED BEEF SIRLOIN STEAK BURGER.” Each package bears the identifying case code “95573.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 40 (4-1) “KEEP FROZEN 3/S CHOPPED BEEF SIRLOIN STEAK BURGER.” Each package bears the identifying case code “95574.”

Grillmaster Brand Products:

10-pound cases containing a total of 100 (10-1) “KEEP FROZEN GRILL MASTER 100% GROUND BEEF PATTY.” Each case can be identified by the case code “95588.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 20 (2-1) “KEEP FROZEN GRILL MASTER 100% GROUND BEEF PATTY.” Each case can be identified by the case code “95500.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 30 (3-1) “KEEP FROZEN GRILL MASTER 100% GROUND BEEF PATTY.” Each case can be identified by the case code “95502.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 40 (4-1) “KEEP FROZEN GRILL MASTER 100% GROUND BEEF PATTY.” The cases can be identified by the case codes “95504″ and “95505.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 50 (5-1) “KEEP FROZEN GRILL MASTER 100% GROUND BEEF PATTY.” Each case can be identified by the case code “95508.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 60 (6-1) “KEEP FROZEN GRILL MASTER 100% GROUND BEEF PATTY.” Each case can be identified by the case code “95509.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 40 (4-1) “KEEP FROZEN GRILL MASTER BEEF PATTIE.” Each case can be identified by the case code “95512.”

J & B Brand Products:

10.5 pound cases containing a total of 28, 6-ounce “KEEP FROZEN BEEF HOAGIE PATTIE.” Each package bears the identifying case code “51706.”
10.5 pound cases containing a total of 14, 12-ounce “KEEP FROZEN BEEF DINNER PATTIE.” Each package bears the identifying case code “51312.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 30 (3-1) “KEEP FROZEN TENDERKNIT BEEF STEAK CHOPPED AND FORMED.” Each package bears the identifying case code “11028.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 40 (4-1) “TENDERKNIT BEEF STEAK CHOPPED AND FORMED.” Each package bears the identifying case code “11024.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 10 (4-1) “KEEP FROZEN TENDERKNIT VEAL LUNCHEON CHOPPED AND FORMED.” Each package bears the identifying case code “13014.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 40 (4-1) “KEEP FROZEN SEASONED GROUND BEEF PATTIE.” Each package bears the identifying case code “11384BR.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 40 packages (4-1) “KEEP FROZEN BEEF STEAK BURGER.” Each package bears the identifying case code “J1004.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 30 (3-1) “KEEP FROZEN FLAVOR BURST BEEF PATTIE.” Each package bears the identifying case code “51803.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 40 (4-1) “KEEP FROZEN FLAVOR BURST BEEF PATTIE.” Each package bears the identifying case code “51804.”

Klub Brand Products:

10-pound cases containing a total of 20 (2-1) “KEEP FROZEN KLUB GROUND BEEF STEAK.” Each case can be identified by the case code “95565.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 30 (3-1) “KEEP FROZEN KLUB GROUND BEEF STEAK.” Each case can be identified by the case code “95567.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 40 (4-1) “KEEP FROZEN KLUB GROUND BEEF STEAK.” Each case can be identified by the case code “95568.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 20 (2-1) “KEEP FROZEN KLUB HOMESTYLE GROUND BEEF STEAK.” Each case can be identified by the case code “95583.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 30 (3-1) “KEEP FROZEN KLUB HOMESTYLE GROUND BEEF STEAK.” Each case can be identified by the case code “95584.”

Thick ‘N Savory Brand Products:

10-pound cases containing a total of 20 (2-1) “KEEP FROZEN THICK ‘N SAVORY SEASONED BEEF PATTY.” Each case can be identified by the case code “95579.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 30 (3-1) “KEEP FROZEN THICK ‘N SAVORY SEASONED BEEF PATTY.” Each case can be identified by the case code “95580.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 40 (4-1) “KEEP FROZEN THICK ‘N SAVORY SEASONED BEEF PATTY.” Each case can be identified by the case code “95581.”

Ultimate Brand Products:

10-pound cases containing a total of 20 (2-1) “KEEP FROZEN ULTIMATE BURGER CHOPPED BEEF STEAK.” Each case can be identified by the case code “1012CL.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 30 (3-1) “KEEP FROZEN ULTIMATE BURGER CHOPPED BEEF STEAK.” Each case can be identified by the case code “1013CL.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 40 (4-1) “KEEP FROZEN ULTIMATE BURGER CHOPPED BEEF STEAK.” Each case can be identified by the case code “1014CL.”

Products with No Specified Name Brand:

10-pound cases containing a total of 30 (3-1) “KEEP FROZEN PURE BEEF PATTIE HEARTY HOMESTYLE.” Each case bears the case code “3253.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 40 (4-1) “KEEP FROZEN PURE BEEF PATTIE HEARTY HOMESTYLE.” Each case bears the case code “3254.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 50 (5-1) “KEEP FROZEN PURE BEEF PATTIE HEARTY HOMESTYLE.” Each case bears the case code “3255.”
24.75-pound cases containing a total of 144 “KEEP RERIGERATED GROUND BEEF PATTY.” Each case can be identified by the case code “8218.”
20-pound cases containing a total of 4 (4 X 5) “KEEP REFRIGERATED GROUND BEEF.” Each package bears the identifying case code “8020EC.”
40-pound cases containing a total of 8 (8 X 5) “KEEP REFRIGERATED GROUND BEEF10-pound cases containing a total of 20 (2-1) “KEEP FROZEN ULTIMATE BURGER CHOPPED BEEF STEAK.” Each case bears the case code “50123.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 30 (3-1) “KEEP FROZEN ULTIMATE BURGER CHOPPED BEEF STEAK.” Each case bears the case code “50125.”
10-pound cases containing a total of 40 (4-1) “KEEP FROZEN ULTIMATE BURGER CHOPPED BEEF STEAK.” Each case bears the case code “50127.”
40-pound cases of 8 (8 x 5) “KEEP REFRIGERATED GROUND BEEF.” Each package bears the identifying case code “8020VP.”
20-pound cases containing a total of 4 (4 X 5) “KEEP REFRIGERATED GROUND BEEF.” Each package bears the identifying case code “8515.”
20-pound cases containing a total of 4 (4 X 5) “KEEP FROZEN GROUND BEEF.” Each package bears the identifying case code “8020ECF.”
20-pound cases containing a total of 4 (4 X 5) “KEEP FROZEN GROUND BEEF.” Each package bears the identifying case code “10201.”
20-pound cases containing a total of 4 (4 X 5) “KEEP FROZEN GROUND MEAT.” Each package bears the identifying case code “10301.”

Add comment May 21st, 2009

May 13, 2009: Bob’s Food City Recalls Ground Beef Due To E. coli Concerns

The USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced that retailer Bob’s Food City, Hot Springs Arkansas, is recalling 375 pound of ground beef products, because the beef may be contaminated with the bacterium E. coli O157:H7.

The following ground beef products are subject to recall:

1-pound through 5-pound tray packs of “GROUND BEEF CHUCK,” “GROUND ROUND” or “REGULAR GROUND BEEF.” Each pack bears a sell by date of “05/09/09.” There is no USDA mark of inspection on the tray packs.

The recalled beef was produced on May 7, 2009, and sold to consumers at Bob’s Food City, located at 800 Malvern Avenue, Hot Springs, AR.

E.coli food poisoning symptoms may include severe abdominal cramps, fever, and watery diarrhea. The diarrhea may become bloody and can lead to dehydration. The very young, elderly, and immunocompromised are at greatest risk for experiencing complications due to E. coli infection.

To learn more, please see E. coli Symptoms, or visit our additional website dedicated food recalls and food poisoning litigation by clicking on E. coli Lawyer.

The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg currently represents victims of food poisoning outbreaks nationwide, and we are ready to assist you. 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.

To learn about recent food and drug recalls, please see Salmonella Lawyer, Salmonella Lawyers, and

Food Drug Lawyer.

Add comment May 13th, 2009

May 5, 2009: Beef Patties Recalled Amid E. coli Concerns

The USDA announced that Alex & George Wholesale, Inc., of Rochester, New York, is recalling approximately 4,663 pounds of ground beef products because the beef products may be contaminated with the foodborne pathogen E. coli O157:H7.

The following ground beef products are subject to recall:

10-pound poly bag of “A & G Brand BULK GROUND BEEF”
10-pound poly bag of “A & G Brand ‘HOT SAUCE’ SPECIAL BLEND”
25-pound poly bag of “A & G Brand BULK GROUND BEEF”
30-pound poly bag of “A & G Brand BULK GROUND BEEF”
10-pound case of (3-1) “A & G Brand GROUND BEEF PATTIES”
10-pound case of (5-1) “A & G Brand GROUND BEEF PATTIES”
10-pound case of “A & G Brand ‘Homestyle Press’ GROUND BEEF PATTIES”
10-pound case of (6-1) “A & G Brand GROUND BEEF PATTIES”
Cases containing 48, 4.25-ounce”A & G Brand GROUND BEEF PATTIES ‘PUCKS’”
Cases containing 48, 5-ounce “A & G Brand ‘Homestyle Press’ GROUND BEEF PATTIES”
Cases containing 48, 5-ounce (4-1) “A & G Brand ‘Homestyle Press’ GROUND BEEF PATTIES”
Cases containing 48, 5-ounce “A & G Brand GROUND BEEF PATTIES ‘PUCKS.’”

The ground beef products were packed in 10, 15, 25, and 30-pound shipping cases which bear the establishment number “EST. 4553″ inside the USDA mark of inspection. The (3-1), (4-1), (5-1) and (6-1) indicates the number of portions per one pound.

The above listed ground beef products were produced on April 29, 2009, and distributed to restaurants in western NY.

Public health officials advise that anyone with signs or symptoms of foodborne illness should consult a medical professional.

Symptoms of E.coli food poisoning may include severe abdominal cramps, fever, and watery diarrhea. The diarrhea may become bloody and can lead to dehydration. The very young, elderly, and immunocompromised are at greatest risk for experiencing complications due to E. coli infection. To learn more, please see E. coli Symptoms.

The Law Firm of Eric H. Weinberg currently represents victims of food poisoning outbreaks, and we are ready to assist you. 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.

To learn about recent food poisoning outbreaks, please see Salmonella Lawyer, Salmonella Lawsuit, and Salmonella Lawyers.

Add comment May 5th, 2009

May 5, 2009: Greenwood Creek Officials Hunt For Source Of E. coli Contamination

Officials in Greenwood Creek, Indiana, are trying to determine how Pleasant Creek may have become contaminated with elevated levels of the bacterium E. coli. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources determined that E. coli levels were about five times the state standard.

Since E. coli is a fecal contaminant, the city will inspect the integrity of sewer lines that run near the creek. They will also examine farm field runoff, which can also serve as a source of bacterial contamination.

However the pressure is on, as children often swim and wade in the creek during the summer months. In addition, Pleasant Creek flows through several city parks, and will play a major role in Greenwood downtown revitalization plans.

To learn about recent food poisoning outbreaks and recalls, please see E. coli Recall Lawyer, Salmonella Lawyer, and Salmonella Lawyers. You may also wish to visit our additional website www.foodpoisoning.com.