E. coli Lawyer Will Join Harvard University Panel for Lively Debate over The “Insane Risks” of Raw Milk
Raw milk litigation, the raw milk movement and the pure science behind raw milk will make a splash together on February 16 in a national food safety debate hosted by the Harvard Law School Food Law Society on the Harvard campus in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
The participants will feature national E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzer of the PritzkerOlsen Law Firm; Dr. Heidi Kassenborg, director of the Dairy and Food Inspection Division of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture; Sally Fallon Morell, president of Weston A. Price Foundation and David Gumpert, author of The Raw Milk Revolution.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), raw (unpasteurized) milk and raw milk
products like raw milk cheese are to blame for 1,614 illnesses in the U.S. from 1998 to 2008. Two of the
victims died and 187 were hospitalized. Mr. Pritzker has represented victims of raw milk outbreaks, including the family of a Pennsylvania man who was paralyzed from his neck down after drinking raw milk from a local health food store that was unknowingly contaminated with Campylobacter.
The Minneapolis law firm he founded is one of the very few in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. PritzkerOlsen has recovered tens of millions of dollars for victims of food poisoning, including raw milk outbreaks.
“It’s insane for states to give farmers the choice of salling raw milk when science has proven that raw milk is no more nutritious than pasteurized milk,” Pritzker has said in previous appearances. “It’s a trap that will continue to inflct an enormous toll on families who will be stricken by illness.”
Pritzker and Kassenborg adhere strongly to the mainstream view that unpasteurized milk is unsafe and especially dangerous for young children, pregnant women, the elderly, infants and people who have weakened immune systems. Besides Campylobacter, raw milk can carry E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, or other potentially lethal pathogens spread by the feces of cows.
Just last year there were at least 10 outbreaks across the country spawned by various pathogens. Four of the outbreaks were caused by toxic E. coli, including three in Washington state alone. Human infections of Shiga toxin-producing types of E. coli lead to a severe complication called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) in 8 to 10 percent of children under age 5 (even previously health children), and HUS is fatal 5 percent of the time. In addition HUS survivors often suffer from lifelong medical issues, including the need for kidney transplants in some.
CA Raw Milk Outbreak Traced to Organic Pastures Dairy
The California raw milk outbreak that sickened five children last year, sending three of them to the hospital with E. coli HUS kidney failure, has been traced definitively to Organic Pastures Dairy of Fresno County.
Ten swabs taken from various surfaces at the facility tested positive for E. coli O157:H7. Two of them had the same, identical DNA fingerprint of the strain that sickened the kids. The results were relayed to farm officials in a letter from the California Department of Public Health that became public this week. An offical at the farm was quoted by the Associated Press as saying they accept the findings but are puzzled by the location of the germs — away from milk production areas.
The Organic Pastures E. coli outbreak prompted state officials last year to quarantine the operation’s raw milk products for about a month. All five children had consumed raw, unpasteurized milk from the company, which made the farm the likely source of the outbreak. The quarantine was lifted December 16 after sanitation requirements were fulfilled.
Raw milk has been found to contain numerous pathogens that can cause serious illness, including Campylobacter, Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Yersinia and Brucella and the bacteria that cause bovine tuberculosis. Pasteurization was developed many years ago as a way to reduce diseases that were commonly caused by raw milk, but the practice of selling raw milk has continued at great risk to consumers.
If your child has been diagnosed with a an E. coli infection after drinking Organic Pastures raw milk, you may have a claim against Organic Pastures for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress and other damages. Contact our attorneys for a free consultation.
Michigan E. coli Outbreak Investigation Continues
Health officials are continuing to investigate the Michigan E. coli outbreak linked to The Ambassador restaurant in the Upper Peninsula town of Houghton, a health department spokeswoman has confirmed.
At least seven people who dined at the restaurant in late December have confirmed cases of E. coli poisoning, four of them have been hospitalized, according to the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department.
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Health officials have determined that the likely source of the outbreak was a food-handler at the restaurant who was ill. They are urging anyone who became ill with bloody diarrhea in late December or early January to contact the health department.
The bacteria E.coli can cause serious sometimes fatal infections if ingested. Symptoms of an E.coli infection include severe abdominal cramping and diarrhea. Young children, the elderly, or those who are immunocompromised are most at risk. In roughly 8 percent of cases, patients develop Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) a condition that causes kidney failure and requires hospitalization for treatment which can include dialysis and transfusions.
If you have legal questions about an illness or hospitalization associated with this outbreak, contact the foodborne illness attorneys at PritzkerOlsen P.A. for free consultation. A toll free number is also available: 1(888) 377-8900.
E. coli O157:H7 Transmits Easily from Infected Restaurant Workers to Unsuspecting Customers
E. coli O157:H7 is an organism easily transmitted from person to person and the best prevention against foodborne illness is to wash hands before preparing food and avoid handling food when ill. The latest example of what can happen when an infected person goes to work at a restaurant is on display in Houghton, Michigan, where the Western Upper Penninsula Health Department continues to investigate an outbreak linked to The Ambassador Restaurant.
Dr. Terry Frankovich, the agency’s medical director, said the likely source of the Christmas-time outbreak was an ill food-handler. Five people initially were confirmed as case patients, including a customer from Wisconsin. Later, two more diners were identified as infected by the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7. Local authorities are asking any Ambassador customers who came down with bloody diarrhea after eating at the restaurant in late December or early January to come forward by reaching an attorney or calling the health department directly at 906-482-7382.
According to health department records reviewed by national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys, The Ambassador did fairly well in six inspections conducted between January 20, 2010 and August 1, 2011. One of the inspections found food storage temperatures out of compliance, but the problem was rectified by the time inspectors did a follow-up, the records show.
An E. coli lawyer from Pritzker Olsen is continuing to investigate the outbreak and can provide any concerned family or individual a free case consultation at 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free) or leave your contact information and the attorney will call you.
In some people, especially young children, the elderly, or those who are immunocompromised, a more severe illness, even death, can result from E. coli O157:H7. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)
occurs in about 8 percent of infections. Persons with this illness have kidney failure and may require dialysis and transfusions. In The Ambassador E. coli outbreak, four people were hospitalized.
A good E. coli lawyer will seek recoveries that not only address medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other harms, but also will compensate a victims for harms that will continue into the future. Studies have shown that even people with uncomplicated E. coli illness can suffer vascular injuries and related problems that can last throughout a person’s life. Food poisoning lawsuits and negotiations seek to hold suppliers and service providers accountable for introducing dangerous pathogens into the food supply.
Long-Term Risks of E.coli Poisoning
Every year, more than a quarter of a million Americans are sickened by Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) , according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). E. coli O157:H7 is the most common STEC strain and it is the strain at the heart of the outbreak linked to The Ambassador restaurant in Houghton, Michigan that has sickened seven people, four of whom required hospitalization.
In some cases, between 5 and 10 percent, those diagnosed with an STEC infection, develop a potentially life threatening complication called Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) and require hospitalization becasue of potential kidney failure. HUS usually effects children under 10, but it can also effect adolescents and adults. HUS usually runs its course within 15 days, but it can lead to serious long-term illness including:
Kidney Failure
HUS is the leading cause of kidney failure in children. Impaired urine production during HUS can lead to long-term health consequences including chronic kidney impairment.
Neurological Damage
During the acute stage of HUS, patients can experience seizures, stroke or coma. These can cause long-lasting or permanent neurological damage.
Diabetes
During the acute phase of HUS, patients can develop diabetes, which can persist over the long term.
Gastro-intestinal problems
HUS patients are at risk of developing gall stones, irritable bowel syndrome, or experiencing a narrowing of the small intestine or colon.
If you have questions about an illness or hospitalization associated with this outbreak, contact the attorneys at PritzkerOlsen P.A. for a free consultation.
Ill Restaurant Worker Causes E. coli Outbreak in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at Christmas
With an ill restaurant worker causing an E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, in Houghton, questions arise about regulations concerning training, management and responsibility for eliminating the risky practice of sending a contagious person into work in any food establishment.
E. coli lawyer Fred Pritzker is investigating The Ambassador restaurant E. coli outbreak that sickened at least seven people, including four who were hospitalized. The infected customers ate at the restaurant around Christmas. Others who became ill with diarrhea after eating at the restaurant are encouraged to report their experience to an attorney or the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department.
E. coli O157:H7, the pathogen transmitted by the restaurant worker, is a potentially deadly bacterium that causes hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) or thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP). Both of these diseases shut down a person’s kidneys and can lead to other severe illness, including strokes, anemia, heart attack and paralysis.
A study on file with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that transmission of pathogens from food workers to the food they handle is implicated as a contributing factor in approximately 20 percent of foodborne illness outbreaks. The study authors interviewed food workers in nine states and found that 12 percent of them had worked while suffering from vomiting or diarrhea on two or more shifts in the previous year. Factors associated with workers having worked while experiencing vomiting or diarrhea were:
- High volume of meals served.
- Lack of policies requiring workers to report illness to managers.
- Lack of on-call workers.
- Lack of manager experience.
The findings of this study and others suggest that policies that encourage workers to tell managers when they are ill can help mitigate pressures to work.
Regulations vary with jurisdictions, but it is the responsibility of restaurant owners to train staff members to stay away from work while they are sick. In cases where the workers are confirmed to be infected with E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella or Hepatitis A, they should be tested by a health care provider before they are cleared to return to work.
Any Ambassador E. coli lawsuit stemming from this outbreak will examine what policies were in place at the restaurant and whether reporting mandates from the local or state health departments were followed.
If you or a loved on was sickened in this outbreak, call Mr. Pritzker at 1-888-377-8900 or leave your contact information and he or another attorney from the firm will call you. The law firm he founded, Pritzker Olsen Attorneys, is one of the very few legal groups in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation. We have collected millions for victims of restaurant outbreaks and have represented Michigan and Wisconsin clients in numerous cases. Our law firm does not charge its clients until a claim is won for them.
Houghton’s Ambassador Restaurant Linked to Michigan Upper Peninsula E. coli Outbreak
Four people were hospitalized with severe food poisoning infections in an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 that health officials have linked to an ill food-handler at a restaurant in Houghton, Michigan. At least three others also were sickened and authorities suspect there could be more people who ate at The Ambassador and became ill over the Christmas holiday.
That’s when the cluster of E. coli infections was noticed and investigated. The results of the probe will be important to any E. coli lawsuit filed on behalf of victims. Free case consultations are available at PritzkerOlsen, P.A., one of the very few legal groups in the country practicing extensively in the area of foodborne illness. Leave your contact information for an attorney or call 1-888-377-8900 (Toll Free). Our firm has collected millions for victims of E. coli restaurant outbreaks and has represented consumers in previous Michigan outbreaks of foodborne illness.
The Ambassador’s outbreak was announced by Dr. Terry Frankovich, an area medical director. The public health investigation is being conducted by the Western Upper Peninsula Health Department, she said, and officials suspect others could have become ill and not realized they were part of an outbreak.
The Ambassador has remained open for business and has been working in cooperation with authorities. E. coli O157:H7 is a feared pathogen that can cause life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which happens in about 8 percent of cases. HUS victims lose kidney function and often require blood transfusions. HUS also can cause stroke, heart attack, attacks on the central nervous system and severe anemia.
Studies have shown that even mild E. coli infections can carry negative health reprecussions throughout a person’s life. A good E. coli lawyer will seek claim compensation full enough to fairly cover victims for all past and future harms.
