Salads Recalled over Food Poisoning Concerns
Our California food poisoning lawyers have observed that salads – both bagged and prepared — are among the prime candidates for bacterial contamination. Now, we have yet another nationwide recall of bagged salads contaminated with listeria involving products made by Reser Fine Foods, Inc. According to a report on Fortune.com, the company stated that one of its ingredient suppliers has notified them that listeria could be present in onions that they recently purchased.
The onions were used to prepare different varieties of potato, tuna, egg and macaroni salads. The products were distributed between March 22 and April 10 to 29 U.S. states including California. This has been classified as a Class 1 recall, which the U.S. Food and Drug Administration defines as a situation where there is a reasonable probability that consuming the product can cause serious illnesses or death. Those who have purchased the products can return them to the store for a full refund. The products were sold under different names including at Wal-Mart and Safeway stores under those brand names.
Symptoms and Dangers of Listeria
Symptoms of a listeria infection may begin a few days after one has consumed the contaminated food, but it may take as long as two months before the first signs of infection begin. Common symptoms experienced by those affected include fever, muscle aches, nausea, diarrhea, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. In pregnant women, the consequences may be devastating. A listeria infection could result in stillbirths or the baby experiencing a life-threatening infection within days after birth.
Understanding Your Rights
If you have been sickened as a result of consuming a contaminated food product, it is important to understand that you have legal rights. Injured victims of food poisoning can seek compensation from negligent food producers, processors or eateries for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, diagnostic tests, pain and suffering and emotional distress. They could also seek compensation for any permanent injuries or health consequences suffered as a result of the food-borne illness.
If you have become ill as a result of the contaminated food, it is important that you get prompt medical attention. If you have any of the suspect food left over, keep it separately so it can be tested in a lab for pathogens. Report your illness to the local healthcare agency, which tracks food poisoning incidents and outbreaks. Contact an experienced California food poisoning lawyer who can provide you with more information about pursuing your legal rights.