Salmonella Suspected in Durham NC Foodborne Illness Outbreak

A popular restaurant in Durham, NC seems to be the site where several illnesses have originated from in recent days.  Bullock’s Barbecue is where several people ate food before later developing symptoms of food poisoning.  This well-known restaurant is the common thread between 15 people who became ill after eating at the restaurant.  County inspectors suspect Salmonella food poisoning may be to blame, but are waiting for their suspicions to be confirmed through lab work.

Investigations have been performed related to proper disposal and clean-up of potentially affected food items and equipment used to prepare foods, but thus far it has not been determined any particular food source responsible for the outbreak.  Durham County Health Director Gayle Harris stated that they have visited the restaurant and looked the production process over from beginning to end, and have no problem with the way the restaurant operates.  The kitchen area was where health inspectors began their investigation.

Harris also said that they would be talking with employees of the restaurant in order to determine if any of those who work at Bullock’s have been sick.  Health officials say that Tommy Bullock, owner of the restaurant, has been fully cooperative with officials in trying to determine how the pathogen may have spread.

Long-time devoted customers such as Merle Minor have a hard time believing that Bullock’s could have been the source of food poisoning.  Minor stated that he believes it is a fallacy that anyone says they got food poisoning at the restaurant, and that he doesn’t believe it happened there.

Harris said that samples of food and other items being tested will hopefully shed light on the source of the outbreak.  These samples are being tested in the state lab.  While loyal customers continue to vouch for the quality and reputation of the restaurant, Bullock says he fears the reports of illness will tarnish the reputation of Bullock’s.

Individuals who develop symptoms of gastroenteritis should see their doctor to make certain the illness is nothing serious or life-threatening.  Symptoms of salmonella food poisoning include nausea, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever and vomiting.  These symptoms are mild and last only a few days in most individuals, but those at higher salmonella injury risk could develop serious complications.  Elderly people, young children and those with compromised immune systems should seek medical attention if these symptoms develop.

If you are in need of a Salmonella food poisoning attorney, consider contacting the experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorneys in New York at Brown Chiari!

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Recent Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Alfalfa Sprouts

California-based Caldwell Fresh Foods has voluntarily recalled alfalfa sprouts after 20 people across 10 states became ill. These alfalfa sprouts were manufactured under the Caldwell Fresh Foods brand, as well as Nature’s Choice and California Exotics brands.  So far, no deaths have been reported but 4 of the individuals sickened have required hospitalization.

A wide variety of restaurants and retailers across the nation purchased the alfalfa sprouts from Caldwell Fresh Foods, including Cardenas Markets, Gonzalez Northgate Markets, Canton Foods, Wal-Mart Stores, Kings Super Market and Trader Joe’s.  The alfalfa sprouts being recalled are packaged and labeled as follows:

California Exotics brands – 5 oz. plastic clamshell containers

Caldwell Fresh Foods – 4 oz. plastic cups and one pound plastic bags; 2 and 5 pound plastic bags packed in cardboard boxes with a “Caldwell Fresh Foods” sticker affixed on the box

Nature’s Choice – 4 oz. plastic cups

The U.S. FDA , Centers for Disease Control and state authorities are investigating the outbreak, and Caldwell Fresh Foods is cooperating as well.  According to the company, alfalfa sprouts not affected by the salmonella recall will have bright, round green stickers affixed to labels and lids.

According to Maurie Thomas, general manager at the Maywood-based Caldwell Fresh Foods, alfalfa sprouts are strictly controlled by the FDA, and the company follows all guidelines set forth by the FDA to a T.  Thomas stated that state and federal health officials visited the company and took samples of finished products as well as swabs from equipment used at the facility to test for traces of salmonella.

Consumers are urged to throw away any sprouts in question, or to return them to the place of purchase for a refund.  So far, 11 people from California have become ill along with one Oregon infant.

While the majority of illnesses related to salmonella food poisoning are short in duration and cause only mild symptoms, some individuals are at risk of serious complications.  These include young children, those with a compromised immune system, and the frail or elderly.  Common symptoms include nausea, fever, abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting.  It is suggested that you see a doctor if you develop these symptoms after eating foods that are possibly tainted.

You may be eligible for reimbursement of expenses associated with salmonella food poisoning.  Contact a reputable New York food poisoning attorney to learn more about your rights and what action you may take.  Learn more about Brown Chiari; personal injury attorneys in Lancaster NY.

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Egg Recall Grows; Additional Company Linked to Outbreak

What began as a recall of 228 million shell eggs recalled due to possible salmonella contamination has now grown to 500 million, and an additional corporation has been added to the list.  It was first reported the Wright County Egg was thought to be the source of the tainted shell eggs; now, Hillandale Farms has been implicated as well.   The two companies seem to have a close connection which includes part of their egg production operations.

If you need to find Salmonella egg recall law firm to answer legal questions, consider contacting Brown Chiari.

While there have still been no deaths tied to this outbreak, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates  that there have been 1,953 illnesses across the nation caused by the same strain of salmonella since August 19th.

The Associated Press reported the apparent link between Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms.  Mary Clare Jalonick reported that both companies are share suppliers of chickens and feed.  She also went on to say that Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms have ties to a business located in Iowa that is routinely cited for violating both state and federal laws.

Jewanna Porter, a spokeswoman for the egg industry, said that Quality Egg supplies chickens and feed to both companies, and that they share other unnamed suppliers.

Here is a breakdown of illnesses across the nation thus far:

California – 266 cases of salmonella confirmed, 43 of these in Los Angeles County.

Colorado – 28 cases reported during June and July.  Colorado usually has only 7 cases on average reported during this time period; some of these recent illnesses were associated with a restaurant in Jefferson County called The Fort.

Minnesota – 14 cases linked to two restaurant outbreaks.  One restaurant involved is relatively new; the eggs at Mi Rancho Mexican restaurant are linked to Hillandale Farms.

Southern Nevada – Since January, 30 cases have been reported which is quadruple the number usually reported.

Texas – Since mid-May, over 150 cases of salmonella food poisoning have been reported in at least 40 counties; investigations are ongoing to determine how many of these illnesses are related to Wright County Eggs.

Wisconsin – A restaurant in Kenosha, Baker Street Restaurant and Pub, is thought to be the source of 21 salmonella illnesses.

There are likely many illnesses that have not been reported, and numbers could continue to grow for some time.  Salmonella food poisoning is characterized by abdominal cramps, diarrhea, nausea and occasional fever. While most cases are not serious, some individuals may be at a higher risk of developing serious complications.  These individuals include young children, those with weakened immune systems, and the elderly.

If you become ill with symptoms you suspect are related to salmonella tainted eggs, contact Brown Chiari, a highly-regarded Buffalo NY food poisoning attorney. Also serving as Buffalo injury attorneys in New York.

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