Karoun Dairies Inc. has issued a recall for soft cheese products that may be contaminated with Listeria. An outbreak of food poisoning has sickened at least 24 people and contributed to one death.
Need a Texas Food Poisoning Lawyer? Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged. If you or a loved one had a Listeria infection from recalled soft cheese, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit in Texas.
Karoun Dairies Soft Cheese Listeria Outbreak
In September 2015, the CDC warned that soft cheeses sold by Karoun Dairies Inc. have been linked to an outbreak of Listeria. At least 24 people were infected in 9 states, including 22 who were hospitalized and one person in Ohio who died. Click here to read more.
Case Count: California (14), Colorado (1), Illinois (1), Massachusetts (2), Michigan (1), New York (2), Ohio (1), Tennessee (1), and Washington (1).
Listeria Outbreak Ongoing Since 2010
Karoun Dairies received products supplied by Central Valley Cheese. The FDA confirmed that environmental samples taken from Central Valley in 2010 tested positive for a strain of Listeria that was closely related to the outbreak strain. In September 2015, two more samples from Central Valley tested positive for Listeria.
Karoun Dairies Recalls Soft Cheese
On September 16, a recall was issued by Karoun Dairies for products sold under the following brands: Karoun, Arz, Gopi, Queso Del Valle, Central Valley Creamery, and Yanni.
Soft cheese items included in the recall:
- Ackwai
- California
- Cotija
- Farmers Goat Fresh
- Fresco
- Fresh Cheese/Panela
- Feta
- Goat Milk Feta
- Mozzarella
- Paneer
- Queso Blanco
- String Cheese
- Ani
- Nabulsi
- Yanni Grilling
Soft Cheese and Listeria
Soft cheese is the most common source of Listeria outbreaks, according to the CDC. Cheese made from raw (unpasteurized) milk are 50 to 160 times more likely to cause infection than cheeses made from pasteurized milk. However, cross-contamination can spread Listeria to pasteurized milk products in unsanitary conditions.
The problem is that Listeria is prevalent in the dairy environment and it is not uncommon for cows to carry the bacteria — including on their udders, where the bacteria contaminates milk products. Another problem is that Listeria grows under refrigeration temperatures, making it hard to eradicate from deli counters and dairy processing facilities.
Signs & Symptoms of Listeriosis
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacteria that causes a rare but serious illness known as listeriosis.
Symptoms of infection may include fever, muscle aches, diarrhea, gastrointestinal symptoms, body chills, and more. These symptoms may not appear for several weeks after contaminated food is consumed.
According to the FDA, infections can be life-threatening:
“Listeriosis can be fatal, especially in certain high-risk groups. These groups include the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems and certain chronic medical conditions (such as cancer). In pregnant women, listeriosis can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature labor, and serious illness or death in newborn babies.”
Need a Food Poisoning Lawyer in Texas?
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping Texans that have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $260 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact our Texas food poisoning lawyers for a free lawsuit review.