The Listeria bacteria can cause a severe type of food poisoning known as listeriosis. This infection can be life-threatening for newborns, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems. The bacteria is most commonly found on uncooked vegetables, deli meats, soft cheeses, and other foods.

Do I Have a Listeria Food Poisoning Lawsuit? 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 has been injured after consuming food contaminated with Listeria, you should contact our lawyers immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit.

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Caramel Apple Outbreak

In December 2014, the CDC reported 29 illnesses in 10 states, including 5 deaths, linked to pre-packaged caramel apples. The FDA also issued a warning against eating  certain commercially-produced caramel apples during the outbreak. Soon afterward, the family of a woman who died filed a lawsuit against Safeway Inc.

Listeria Food Poisoning

The Listeria bacteria causes an illness called listeriosis. This type of food poisoning is usually not severe for healthy adults, and may never even show symptoms. However, it can be life-threatening for unborn babies of pregnant women, infants, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems.

Listeriosis is particularly dangerous for pregnant women. Even if the mother’s illness is mild, it can be deadly for her unborn baby. The listeria bacteria passes through the placenta, and can cause premature birth, miscarriage, or stillbirth. Sometimes babies are born with a listeria infection and die shortly after birth.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that there are 1,600 cases of listeriosis every year, and 260 deaths.

What is Listeria?

Listeria is actually a group of seven different species of bacteria, of which three can cause listeriosis in humans. The Listeria monocytogenes is responsible for most cases of listeriosis in humans. These bacterias are widespread in nature, found in soil, water, decomposing plant material, and in the intestines of animals and humans (in sewage or manure fertilizer).

Foods typically become contaminated with listeria when they come in contact with soil, water, feces, or manure fertilizer that has been contaminated with the listeria bacteria. Cooking foods to the proper internal temperature can kill listeria, however, refrigeration and freezing do not. Unlike most other bacteria, listeria can grow inside the refrigerator, and even survive in the freezer.

Undercooked or unprocessed foods are most likely to be contaminated with listeria. These foods include unprocessed deli meats, unpasteurized dairy products, soft cheeses, raw vegetables that are contaminated with manure fertilizer or soil, or hot dogs that have not been cooked thoroughly. However, the listeria bacteria can also be found on other types of foods.

Symptoms of Listeria Food Poisoning

If you have consumed a food product that was recalled due to listeria contamination, you should be aware of the symptoms of listeriosis. Symptoms may begin a few days after ingestion of the bacteria, or up to two months afterward. The biggest risk is that the infection will spread in the body, causing a deadly blood infection or inflammation of the brain and/or spinal cord (meningitis).

Contact your doctor if you believe listeria is causing you to suffer from the following symptoms:

  • Fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

When the listeria bacteria spreads to the central nervous system, it can cause far more serious complications. If you are suffering from any of the following symptoms due to listeriosis, seek immediate emergency medical attention:

  • Severe headache
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion of changes in alertness
  • Loss of balance
  • Convulsions
  • Sensitivity to light

How to Reduce the Risk of Listeria Infection

There CDC offers these recommendations for reducing your risk of listeriosis:

  • Cook raw food products from animals to the proper internal temperature before eating it
  • Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating them
  • Do not allow uncooked meats to touch ready-to-eat foods
  • Do not consume raw (unpasteurized) milk or dairy products
  • After handling or preparing uncooked meat or vegetables, thoroughly wash your hands, knives, utensils, and cutting boards to prevent cross-contamination
  • Consume perishable food products before their expiration date
  • Do not eat hot dogs or deli meats that have not been cooked to 165 degrees Fahrenheit
  • Promptly clean up spills in the refrigerator, especially spills of meat juices or hot dog juices

Do I have a Listeria Food Poisoning Lawsuit?

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 $60 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact us for a free Listeria Food Poisoning Lawsuit review.

Meet Your Attorney

Collen A. Clark

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.”

To contact Collen, please fill out the contact form below:

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