Listeria Lawyer & Attorney : Marler Clark Law Firm : Listeria Blog

By JANE LERNER
jlerner@thejournalnews.com
THE JOURNAL NEWS
(Original publication: July 29, 2005)

A Spring Valley food company that told state inspectors it was closing down because its products were contaminated with bacteria kept delivering salads to grocery stores anyway, officials said yesterday.

As a result, state inspectors spent the last several days visiting 128 stores in the New York metropolitan area that sold Golden Taste products -- including 12 in Rockland -- and pulling them off shelves, said Jessica Chittenden, spokeswoman for the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.

"When we found out that they did not cease distribution, we seized all their product and destroyed it," she said.

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By JOHN SHULTZ
The Kansas City Star

About 3,200 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken products have been recalled because of concerns about Listeria contamination, the U.S. Department of Agriculture announced.

The food, made by Ilyssa Manufacturing Corp., was distributed to retail in 15 states, including Missouri.

Affected by the voluntary recall:

■ 16-oz. packages of Chef Pronto, Tortellini with Grilled Chicken and Sun-dried Tomatoes.

■ 12-oz. packages of Chef Pronto, Grilled Chicken with Balsamic Vinegar and Rosemary.

■ 12-oz. packages of Chef Pronto, Grilled Lemon Pepper Chicken.

■ 12-oz. packages of Chef Pronto, Grilled Chicken Strips.

All of the products, which were produced on July 18, bear the sell-by date of ìAUG 0205" and the establishment number P-19629 inside the USDA seal of inspection.

According to the USDA, there have been no reports of illnesses connected to the products.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELESE
Tuesday, July 26, 2005

Contact: Jim Klapthor, Media Relations Manager
Phone: 312-782-8424 x231
E-mail: jnklapthor@ift.org

FINDING FOODBORNE ILLNESS OUTBREAKS SOONER, FASTER

CHICAGO--If 25 people eating at a single banquet hall became sick and needed hospitalization, determining the cause could be as easy as checking the dinner menu. But if those same people were scattered across 20 states and became ill after eating food processed at a single site, identifying the link could sometimes be impossible.

Hence the development of FoodNet, a program implemented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to collect and analyze cases of foodborne illness, such as salmonella and E. coli outbreaks.

Since 1996, FoodNet has led to a 42 percent decrease in salmonella infections and 40 percent reduction in Listeria infections reported Robert Tauxe, a foodborne disease expert with the CDC, speaking last week at the Institute of Food Technologists annual meeting in New Orleans.

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07/26/2005
By Lindsey Carroll
Morris News Service

GRAND ISLAND, Neb. -- Feta, brie and Camembert. Which one of these cheeses could damage a pregnant woman and her baby?

All three soft cheeses, as it turns out.

ìAnything that isn--t made with pasteurized milk, make sure to read the labels,-- said Lana McCoy, a registered nurse at a local hospital.

McCoy said not only pregnant women but also elderly people, especially people with weakened immune systems, could be at risk for Listeria monocytogens.
Listeria is a type of bacteria that can be found everywhere -- in soil, groundwater and also on plants. Animals and people can carry Listeria in their bodies, even without actually being sick. Most of the infections in humans are caused by eating contaminated food.

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Recall Release CLASS I RECALL
FSIS-RC-030-2005 HEALTH RISK: HIGH

Congressional and Public Affairs
(202) 720-9113
Amanda Eamich

WASHINGTON, July 21, 2005 - Tip Top Poultry, Inc., a Rockmart, Ga., firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 170 pounds of cooked chicken products that may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.

The products subject to recall are:
10 lb. cases of "DICED ? IN., COOKED CHICKEN MEAT, CARNE DE POLLO COCINADA, NATURAL PROPORTION." The cases carry a code of "15310" and labels bear the establishment number "P-17453" inside the USDA seal of inspection.

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July 20, 2005
A ProMED-mail post
http://www.promedmail.org
Date: Wed 20 Jul 2005
From: ProMED-mail promed@promedmail.org
Source: NewsWatch 50 Syracuse, NY [edited]
http: //www.newswatch50.com/news/local/story.aspx?content_id=76FD5237-6844-4823-8E50-98A6DFF0BBBD
Health officials in the Syracuse area say one of 4 people infected in an outbreak of listeriosis has died. The Onondaga County Health Department says the adult patient died yesterday [19 Jul 2005] due to complications of the rare foodborne bacterial disease.
Authorities established that 3 of the cases that surfaced this month [July 2005] were caused by the same strain of Listeria and that they probably got sick from a single source of contaminated food. The 4th patient surfaced a week later. Investigators are trying to determine whether that case is from the same strain.
Listeriosis can be fatal, but severe symptoms are unusual in healthy adults and children. The disease most often affects pregnant women, newborn babies, or people with weakened immune systems. In 1998, 16 people died in a multistate outbreak of listeriosis linked to contaminated hot dogs and deli meats.
ProMED-mail
promed@promedmail.org
[Fatal listeriosis, predominantly meningitis, generally occurs in individuals with defects in cellular immune function. This includes patients with organ transplantation or malignancies on therapy. Disease may occur in apparently normal hosts, however, usually in the elderly. Most sporadic cases of listeriosis are thought to be part of a foodborne cluster which may not be recognized. - Mod.LL]

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July 21, 2005

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has recalled smoked salmon that was sold under the brand names Imperial Salmon House, Superior Brand Norwegian Cure and Golden Eagle Smoked Salmon because it may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.

The packages were produced on June 13, and have a shelf life of three to four months if maintained in an unopened frozen state, and four days if refrigerated. The salmon was sold in individual 2 to 4 lb. packages labeled: "Processed by Hickory House, Hialeah, FL 33016", "21555, Product of the USA", "keep frozen until ready to use."

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
P05-44
July 20, 2005
Media Inquiries:
Cathy McDermott, 301-827-6242
Consumer Inquiries:
888-INFO-FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing a Safety Alert to consumers about the recall of SMOKED SALMON SKINLESS SLICED SIDES packaged in various 2 to 4 lb. weight packages because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. The products are sold under the brand names: Imperial Salmon House, Superior brand Norwegian Cure and Golden Eagle Smoked Salmon.

Today's alert extends to packages produced on June 13th, 2005 and have a shelf life of 3-4 months if maintained in an un-opened frozen state, four days if kept refrigerated. They are sold in individual 2 to 4 lb. packages labeled as: "Processed by Hickory House, Hialeah, FL 33016", "21555, Product of the USA", "keep frozen until ready to use." The product was sold in Florida, Georgia, New York and Virginia.

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When diners become ill and blame something they ate, state experts start sleuthing. They interview the victims, conduct food lineups and try to narrow down the suspects.
By Scott Joseph
Sentinel Restaurant Critic
July 20, 2005

Sometimes people think it's just a touch of the flu, a 24-hour bug. Upset stomach, cramps and diarrhea might be some of the discomforts they experience. But on occasion, these are actually indicators of a food-borne illness, and, for epidemiologists such as Dean Bodager, they aren't symptoms, they're clues.

Whenever there is an outbreak of food-borne illnesses, it falls to Bodager and other members of the Florida Department of Health to track down the source. Sometimes it's simple. Most outbreaks occur at the point of preparation -- a restaurant employee who didn't wash his or her hands properly, food that wasn't kept at the correct temperature to prevent bacteria growth, or some sort of cross-contamination.

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July 20, 2005

SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- County health officials say one of the four people infected with listeriosis has died due to complications of the food-borne bacterial disease.

The adult patient died Tuesday but the person's name and age are being withheld to protect the victim's family, said Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia Morrow.

County health officials determined three of the cases that surfaced this month were caused by the same strain of listeria. Morrow said it appeared the three probably got sick from a single source of contaminated food. The fourth patient surfaced a week later, and investigators are trying to determine whether that case is from the same strain, she said.

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Wednesday, July 20, 2005
By Diana LaMattina
Staff writer

One of the four patients in Onondaga County infected with listeriosis has died due to complications of the food-borne bacterial illness, according to the county Health Department.

The adult patient died Tuesday, according to Dr. Cynthia Morrow, county health commissioner. The patient's name and age are being withheld to protect the victim's family, Morrow said.

Lab tests have established that three of the cases, which all surfaced this month, were caused by the same strain of listeria. That indicates the three probably got sick from a single source of contaminated food. The fourth patient surfaced a week later, and investigators are trying to determine whether that case is from the same strain.

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By JANE LERNER
jlerner@thejournalnews.com
THE JOURNAL NEWS
July 19, 2005

A Spring Valley food company that warned consumers four times in about a month that its products could make them sick has ceased production, state officials said today. Golden Taste Inc., located at 45 S. Central Ave., has stopped manufacturing all food products, said Kate Lane, a spokeswoman for the state Department of Agriculture and Markets.

"Golden Taste is currently closed until further notice," she said.

The company had recalled its salads -- including Nova lox, baked salmon and tuna -- four times since June 10 because tests done by the state showed they were contaminated with listeria. The bacteria can cause pregnant women to suffer miscarriage or premature labor and can make the elderly, children and people with compromised immune systems very sick.

The company will remain closed until inspector visit it again, Lane said.

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7/15/2005
The Associated Press

SPRING VALLEY, N.Y. (AP) -- Golden Taste Inc. is recalling "Nova Lox Salad" packaged in 7.5 ounce, 3.5 ounce and 5 lb. plastic containers due to possible listeria bacteria contamination.

The product, coded 8/18/05, was sold throughout New York State and New Jersey.

Listeria can cause serious infections in elderly people, young children, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.

Customers should return the products to their place of purchase. Questions can be directed to the company at (845)356-4133.

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Friday, July 15, 2005
By Tim Knauss
Staff writer

An unidentified elderly person Thursday became the fourth patient found to have listeriosis in Onondaga County, where health officials are still trying to pinpoint the source of the food-borne bacterial illness.

Lab tests have established that three previous cases, which surfaced last week, were caused by the same strain of listeria, indicating they probably came from a single source of contaminated food, said Dr. Cynthia Morrow, health commissioner.

It will take about a week to determine whether the fourth case was caused by the same strain, but for now investigators are looking for a common source, Morrow said.

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The Associated Press

Last Updated: July 13, 2005, 04:20:37 PM PDT

SACRAMENTO (AP) - State officials this week ordered a recall of Lapperts-brand banana caramel chocolate chip ice cream because of a possible listeria bacteria contamination.

The ice cream was distributed to several Whole Foods stores in Northern California.

Food inspectors in Washington state found bacteria in the ice cream during a routine surveillance and laboratory testing. So far, no illnesses have been reported.

Lapperts Ice Cream has been ordered to hold the product, which is sold in pints, at its Richmond plant.

Whole Food stores in Sacramento, San Francisco, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, San Mateo, San Rafael, Redwood City and Palo Alto have been asked to remove the ice cream from their shelves.

Listeria monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections. Young children, pregnant women, elderly people and others with weakened immune systems are especially vulnerable.

Consumers who have purchased the ice cream should discard it or return it to the store for a refund.

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By Jan Suszkiw
July 13, 2005

Identifying harmful yeasts and bacteria is faster, easier and more sensitive than current detection methods, thanks to a new test by Agricultural Research Service scientists in Peoria, Ill.

As a research tool, the new method's use could shed light on what makes some strains of the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes more pathogenic than others. In food-processing applications, the test's use could help redirect critical-control-point programs to better prevent contamination at manufacturing plants. Listeria's disease-causing strains are the leading cause of food recalls due to microbial contamination.

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Recalls & Alerts
By FDA
Jul 13, 2005

Contact:
Lappert's Ice Cream
510-231-2340

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Richmond, CA -- July 13, 2005 -- Lappert's Ice Cream of Richmond California is recalling its Banana Caramel Chocolate Chip Ice Cream, because it has the potential to be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes,

Listeria Monocytogenes can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people, and other with weakened immune systems. Although healthy individuals may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages, and stillbirths among pregnant women.

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The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) has issued an order to Lapperts Ice Cream to withdraw Lapperts Banana Caramel Chocolate Chip Ice Cream distributed in one-pint containers to Whole Foods stores in Sacramento, San Francisco, Berkeley, Walnut Creek, San Ramon, San Mateo, San Rafael, Redwood City and Palo Alto, and to hold remaining product at the company's plant in Richmond.

These actions came after inspectors in Washington detected Listeria monocytogenes bacteria during routine surveillance and laboratory sampling. Listeria monocytogenes may cause listeriosis among "at risk" people, including pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems. Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea or diarrhea. If infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms such as a headache and stiff neck can occur. Infected pregnant women may experience only a mild, flu- like illness; however, infections during pregnancy could lead to more serious problems for the fetus. If a related illness is suspected, consumers are encouraged to consult a physician immediately.

No illnesses have been reported to date. Consumers who have purchased the product should discard it or return it to the store for a refund. The company's other products are not affected by the quarantine and recall.
Consumers with questions can contact CDFA's Public Affairs phone line at
(916) 654-0462.

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By Dana Downie
Jul 12, 2005

USDA/ARS scientists in Peoria, IL have devised a new DNA-based test machine for identifying deadly bacteria that is faster, easier to use and more precise than some methods currently used by food and beverage processors, according to an ARS press release.

Scientists say they have developed a "flow cytometer" that can handle up to 100 samples at a time and accurately identify Listeria monocytogenes and Candida albicans bacteria within a day.

The new machine also targets variations of the bacteria, says Todd Ward, a microbiologist who helped develop the system. Such variations can help distinguish one strain of Listeria from another.

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Start out with produce that's not damaged; that's where bacteria can thrive.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
By Amber Smith
Staff writer

If you're trying to stay safe from listeria, you can avoid unpasteurized dairy products, and you can cook meat to 160 degrees.

But keeping raw fruits and vegetables in your diet and free of the dangerous bacteria responsible for hospitalizing three Central New York women in the last two weeks requires some know-how.

Most of us don't associate pathogens such as listeria monocytogenes with produce, but the threat is real, says Kathy Dischner, a registered dietitian and nutrition and food safety program leader from Cornell University Cooperative Extension.

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Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Staff reports

The three Central New York women who were hospitalized with listeriosis in the previous two weeks didn't get it from eating recalled tuna. In CNY Ways to protect produce / Page E-4

"That was a dead end," Onondaga County Health Commissioner Dr. Cynthia Morrow said of the investigation into what contaminated food product is to blame for the sometimes-fatal bacterial infections. Morrow said she expects to learn later this week whether the three women are infected with the same strain of listeria.

People can become infected with the bacteria, Listeria monocytogenes, from eating contaminated foods such as meat, unpasteurized dairy products or raw produce.

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By JANE LERNER
jlerner@thejournalnews.com
THE JOURNAL NEWS

Golden Taste of Spring Valley has issued several recalls of its products lately

Thursday: Baked salmon salad in 3.5-ounce, 7.5-ounce and 5-pound plastic containers. The salad had an expiration date of Aug. 11.

June 28: 3.5-ounce, 7.5-ounce and 5-pound plastic containers of tuna deluxe, with expiration dates of July 24 and Aug. 1; scallion tuna deluxe with expiration dates of July 5 and July 12; and whitefish salad with an expiration date of July 14.

June 10: Tuna deluxe in 3.5-ounce and 7.5-ounce clear plastic containers with expiration dates of July 3.

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Contact:
Golden Taste, Inc.
845-356-4133

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Spring Valley, NY -- July 7, 2005 -- Golden Taste, Inc., 45 S. Central Avenue, Spring Valley, New York 10977 is recalling its Golden Taste Baked Salmon Salad in 7.5 oz. and 3.5 oz. and 5 lb. plastic containers because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy persons may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, listeria infection can cause miscarriages and stillbirths among pregnant women.

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ONONDAGA COUNTY
7/8/2005

SYRACUSE (AP) - Three Syracuse-area residents have been diagnosed with listeriosis - a rare and potentially fatal bacterial disease caused by eating contaminated food.
Onondaga County health officials said the three women, ages 48, 70 and 77, have been hospitalized and one is "quite ill." Officials have yet to determine the source of the infection.

Listeria is found in soil and water. Unpasteurized milk and cheeses have been associated with outbreaks in the past.

The disease is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics.

Symptoms include fever, muscle aches, and sometimes nausea or diarrhea. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, symptoms also might include headache, stiff neck and confusion.

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Onondaga County health officials investigate possible link to three cases.
Friday, July 08, 2005
By James T. Mulder
Staff writer

The Onondaga County Health Department is investigating whether three residents with a rare bacterial infection ate food that was recalled late last month because of possible contamination.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced June 28 a recall of Golden Taste Tuna Deluxe, Scallion Tuna Deluxe and White Fish Salad because they may contain listeria monocytogenes, an organism that can cause listeriosis, a rare and potentially fatal infection.

Three unrelated county residents - women ages 48, 70 and 77 - have been hospitalized for treatment of the infection after becoming ill between June 26 and Saturday.

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The Onondaga County Health Department is warning the public about a rare outbreak of a food-borne illness.

Three cases of Listeriosis were reported in Onondaga County in the past week. Listeriosis is described as a serious infection, usually caused by eating contaminated food. Pregnant women, newborns, the elderly and adults with weakened immune systems are considered high risk for contracting the illness.

Possible symptoms include fever, muscle aches, severe headaches, convulsions and loss of balance, but healthy people may not experience any symptoms.

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Thursday, July 7, 2005 8:41 AM

SYRACUSE, N.Y.(AP) -- Three Syracuse-area residents have been diagnosed with listeriosis -- a rare and potentially fatal bacterial disease caused by eating contaminated food.

Onondaga County health offcials say the three -- ages 48, 70 and 77 -- have been hospitalized and one is "quite ill." Offcials have yet to determine the source of the infection

Listeria is found in soil and water. Unpasteurized milk and cheeses have been associated with outbreaks in the past.

The disease is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics.

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William D. Marler (www.williammarler.com), an attorney at Marler Clark LLP PS (http://www.marlerclark.com) has extensive experience representing victims of bacterial and viral food poisonings. Since 1993, Marler Clark has represented victims of most of the largest foodborne illness outbreaks in the United States, including the 1993 Jack in the Box E. coli, 1998 Odwalla E. coli, 1999 Sun Orchard Salmonella, 2002 ConAgra E. coli and Chili's Salmonella outbreaks, the 2003 Chi Chi's Hepatitis A outbreak, and the 2004 Sheetz Salmonella outbreak.
Bill feels that a lawyer should do more than just sue corporations. That is why he speaks frequently on issues of safe food and formed Outbreak, Inc. (http://www.outbreakinc.com), a not-for-profit business dedicated to explaining to companies why it is in their interest to avoid food illness litigation. Bill also has created (http://marlerblog.com) as a way of updating the Web on issues of interest to him.

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July 7, 2005

SYRACUSE, N.Y. Three Syracuse-area residents have been diagnosed with listeriosis -- a rare and potentially fatal bacterial disease caused by eating contaminated food.

Onondaga County health offcials say the three -- ages 48, 70 and 77 -- have been hospitalized and one is "quite ill." Offcials have yet to determine the source of the infection

Listeria is found in soil and water. Unpasteurized milk and cheeses have been associated with outbreaks in the past.

The disease is not contagious and can be treated with antibiotics.

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE -- Spring Valley, NY -- June 28, 2005 -- Golden Taste, Inc., 45 S. Central Avenue, Spring Valley, New York 10977 is recalling Golden Taste Tuna Deluxe, Scallion Tuna Deluxe and White Fish Salad because it may contain Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria monocytogenes is an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in young children, frail or elderly people and others with weakened immune systems. Although healthy persons may suffer only short-term symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiffness, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhea, Listeria infection can cause miscarria ges and stillbirths among pregnant women.

The recalled products include 5lb., 7.5 oz. and 3.5 oz. plastic containers of Golden Taste brand Tuna Deluxe coded 7/24/05; Tuna Deluxe coded 8/1/05; Scallion Tuna Deluxe coded 7/5/05; Scallion Tuna Deluxe coded 7/12/05; and White Fish Salad coded 7/14/05. The affected products were distributed to stores in New York and New Jersey.

No illnesses have been reported to date in connection with this problem.

The contamination was discovered after sampling by New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets Food inspectors and subsequent analysis by Food Laboratory personnel revealed the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the Golden Taste Tuna Deluxe, Scallion Tuna and White Fish Salads.

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Infection of food due to Listeria can be life-threatening unless vigilance is practiced to curb the infection according to the report published by Food Safety Authority of Ireland.(FSAI). The mortality due to infection can be as much as 30% associated with Listeria food contamination and only miniscule amounts need to be consumed to cause serious infection.

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From the CDC

Listeriosis, a serious infection caused by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, has recently been recognized as an important public health problem in the United States. The disease affects primarily pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems. It can be avoided by following a few simple recommendations.

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05/07/2005

Tighter controls need to be adopted by both the food industry and consumers to limit the spread of the harmful food pathogen Listeria monocytogenes, concludes a new report.

Detailing some 58 recommendations for risk prevention, the report was prepared by the Food Safety Authority of Ireland's microbiology sub-committee.
Food safety is a leading issue in society today, made ever more urgent by the growth of mass food production. And the incidence of foodborne pathogens can bring heavy costs to industry, employer and government.

The UN-backed World Health Organization estimates medical costs and the value of lives lost during just five foodborne outbreaks in England and Wales in 1996 were estimated at £300-700 million (Ä428-Ä999m); the cost of the estimated 11 500 daily cases of food poisoning in Australia has been calculated at AU$ 2.6 billion (Ä1.5bn) annually.

The FSAI squarely lays responsibility at the door of the food producer, and consumer.

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By Carole Sugarman

My daughter never met a chicken tender she didn't like. But during a recent family vacation in Florida, 9-year-old Anna was struck with a bad case of salmonellosis -- disease caused by salmonella. And while we'll never know for sure, we strongly suspect it was caused by contaminated, undercooked poultry at one of her daily restaurant chicken meals.

There is more than a little irony in this tale of excruciating stomach pains, bathroom vigils and hospital emergency rooms.

As a food writer for 25 years, I've interviewed numerous victims of food-borne diseases and parents of children who've died from them. I've attended scores of conferences and hearings where food safety issues are debated among government officials, industry and activist groups.

But this was the first time I got to see firsthand how devastating full-blown food-borne illness can be. Believe me, we're not talking about a bad tummy ache.

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www.about-listeria.com

Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria) is a pathogenic (disease-causing) bacterium that is food borne and causes an illness called listeriosis1. It is frequently overlooked as a possible cause of illness due to its unique growth capabilities. First, it is somewhat difficult for laboratories to grow, and when they do so, Listeria can be confused with common harmless contaminants and disregarded. Second, most bacteria grow poorly when temperatures fall below 40"F, while Listeria survives in temperatures from below freezing (20"F) to body temperature and it grows best at 0"F to 50"F,1 including the temperature range that we use for refrigeration. As a result, Listeria may be transmitted in ready-to-eat foods that have been kept properly refrigerated. Its ability to grow in such diverse environments is just one of the many challenges presented by this dangerous bacterium.

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