Salmonella Discovery Causes Pork Producer to Suspend Operations

 Posted on September 03, 2015 in Food Poisoning

Earlier this summer, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a product recall for barbecued whole hogs produced by Kapowsin Meats after its inspectors discovered Salmonella in a sample of the product. Since the recall, Salmonella has been discovered in other products made by Kapowsin Meats. The USDA responded to this further discovery by recalling all products by Kapowsin Meats and those from other companies that came from the same sources as the tainted meat. Examples of these other products include pork offal products, pork blood, and pork trimmings.

Kapowsin Meats voluntarily suspended its operations.

Salmonella refers to two species of bacteria: Salmonella bongori and Salmonella enteria. Both types of Salmonella can be found in a variety of animal species. Eating food contaminated with Salmonella can cause food poisoning, typhoid fever, and paratyphoid fever. If you become ill after consuming food contaminated with Salmonella, you could potentially have grounds for a food poisoning claim. This is a type of personal injury claim, which means that you may be able to recover your economic damages through a claim against the party responsible for your exposure to Salmonella.

Symptoms of Salmonella Poisoning

A few symptoms of Salmonella poisoning, also known as Salmonellosis, include the following:

• Abdominal cramps
• Fever
• Diarrhea

Symptoms can develop anywhere from 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food. The infection can last from four to seven days. Salmonella poisoning is especially dangerous for individuals with weak immune systems, such as older adults and infants.

Foods infected with Salmonella often appear to be completely normal. Salmonella can be transmitted by unwashed hands, feces, and contact with people or animals carrying the bacteria. Certain animals, such as reptiles and rodents, are frequent carriers of Salmonella. Always wash your hands after handling these animals.

If You Become Ill After Salmonella Exposure

In most cases, the infection passes on its own without medical treatment. However, some cases of Salmonellosis require serious medical attention and could have a significant impact on a victim's life. If you have suffered significant damages, such as high medical bills and lost wages due to having to spend time out of work, you could be entitled to monetary compensation from the party responsible for your exposure to the bacteria.

Like with other types of personal injury claims, you will need to provide proof that you suffered from eating a contaminated food product. If the food you consumed has been recalled, keep documentation of the recall to aid with your claim. Do not eat any food that has been recalled. You can find out about recent food and other recalls on recalls.gov.

Food Poisoning Attorneys in Illinois

Do not wait to seek legal counsel for your food poisoning claim. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is two years from the date of your accident – in a food poisoning case, this is the date that you consumed the contaminated food product. Learn more about your rights and legal options during your initial consultation with the Law Offices of Newland & Newland, LLP. We can answer your questions about food poisoning and help you determine the best way to move forward with your case.