E.Coli Poisoning Linked to Celery Sold at Walmart, Target, and Starbucks

 Posted on December 04, 2015 in Food Poisoning

The Centers for Disease Control recently announced an outbreak of E.Coli linked to celery grown, manufactured, and packaged by Taylor Farms. This came after 19 people reportedly became ill after eating the celery sold at a Costco in Montana. Of these victims, five were hospitalized and two suffered from a type of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome. The majority of these individuals suffered after consuming rotisserie chicken salad from Costco, but the tainted celery has also been found to have been sold in Walmart, Target, Safeway, Albertons, King Soopers, Pantry, Savemart, 7-11, Von's, Tony's, and Starbucks stores. In most of these stores, it was packaged as part of preconstructed salads and deli sandwiches. The celery's producer, Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc., has recalled the product.

Escherichia coli O157:H7, also known as E. coli, is a group of foodborne bacteria that can cause food poisoning. In some cases, such as those listed above, E.coli poisoning can lead to severe complications. If you or a loved one have suffered from a severe illness after being infected by E.coli, you could be entitled to monetary compensation through a food poisoning claim.

What is E. Coli?

E. coli is probably best known for its association with fast food hamburgers after the 1990s Jack in the Box crisis. E. coli can certainly be found in raw beef, but it can also be found in vegetables and other types of food. Some strains of E. coli are harmless while others can be deadly.
E. coli affects the intestines. Symptoms of E. coli poisoning include the following:

• Diarrhea;
• Cramping;
• Nausea;
• Fatigue;
• Fever;
• Bloody stools; and
• Gas.

When E. coli infection becomes more severe, its symptoms can include pallor, dehydration, easy bruising, and bloody urine.

As with other types of food poisoning, the populations that are at the greatest risk of succumbing to E. coli infection are those with weakened immune systems, including infants and the elderly. In cases where E. coli poisoning becomes severe, it can lead to stroke, coma, or death.
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, seek medical attention. Your doctor can determine the correct treatment path for you, which may include IV fluids or kidney dialysis.

Illinois Food Poisoning Attorneys Can Help You

E. coli poisoning can have life-altering complications. If you or a loved one experience any of the symptoms associated with E. coli, do not ignore them. You could potentially be facing significant losses from the infection. If you have suffered from E. coli poisoning because of another party's failure to prevent infection or contamination, you could be entitled to monetary compensation through a personal injury claim. To learn more about seeking compensation after suffering from food poisoning, work with our team of experienced Illinois food poisoning attorneys at Newland & Newland, LLP today. We can answer the questions you have and guide you through the next steps of the legal process.