If you’ve been looking for an excuse to clean out your freezer, now is a good time. A major producer of frozen fruits and vegetables has issued a voluntary recall of more than 40 brands and 300 products, and the list just keeps growing.
So far, two people have died from infections caused by listeria found in the recalled food. If you believe you have been sickened by a contaminated food product, get in touch with a an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible.
Information about the Frozen Food Recall
According to a Time report, all 40 brands and 300 products involved in the recall can be traced back to one processing plant in Washington state. The plant, CRF Frozen Foods, voluntarily recalled its products after eight people developed listeria poisoning. Tragically, two people died in the hospital while being treated for infections caused by the listeria.
The frozen foods involved in the recall include broccoli, green beans, potatoes, blueberries, carrots, strawberries, and cauliflower. Unfortunately, this list is likely to continue expanding.
The recall is one of the biggest food recalls in history and may eventually turn out to be the largest ever. It spans all 50 states and covers food produced all the way back to 2014.
Because the recall involves frozen food, the worry is that many people may have these contaminated products in their freezers and not even realize it.
Some of the brand names affected by the recall include:
- Trader Joe’s
- Panda Express
- Signature Kitchens
- Earth’s Pride
- Safeway Frozen Foods
- Costco
- Meijer
- Organic by Nature
The Food and Drug Administration has a full list of the recalled foods on its website, which it updates each time a new product is added to the recall.
Food Poisoning Can Be Deadly
If you have ever suffered a bout of food poisoning, you know it’s a serious illness that can make even a fit, healthy person extremely ill.
For some members of the population, food poisoning is exceptionally dangerous. The elderly and the very young are especially vulnerable to food poisoning.
Some types of bacterial infections, such as those caused by listeria, can also cause devastating damage to an unborn baby when the mother contracts the illness. Although a listeria infection usually does little damage to the mother, it can cause birth defects and even death in the fetus.
Compensation for Food Poisoning Injuries
If you suspect you or a loved one has food poisoning, or you have ongoing health problems after suffering food poisoning, it’s important to see a doctor right away.
These infections can escalate quickly, causing symptoms that include:
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Confusion
- Convulsions
- Photosensitivity
- Stiff neck
Food poisoning is unfortunately common, and one in six Americans get it every year. Although most people recover, food poisoning varies in severity. The most extreme forms of food poisoning can actually cause long-term health problems, such as brain and nerve damage, renal failure, and chronic arthritis.
If your health has been compromised by contaminated food, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the burden of medical bills, lost wages, and other losses caused by your illness. You deserve compensation for your injuries.
The frozen food recall will probably stretch throughout the summer. Whether you are cooking out or dining in, make sure the food you’re eating is not on the recall list. Cleaning out the fridge isn’t a pleasant task, but your health and safety are too important to ignore.
About Author:
Scott J. Sternberg is an experienced personal injury lawyer at Scott J. Sternberg & Associates, P.A. The law firm serves multiple locations across the state of Florida, including West Palm Beach, Boca Raton and Orlando. Sternberg standing up for the rights of injury victims.