E Coli Symptoms & Treatment – Ecoli Food Poisoning Bacteria Outbreak

In the last few months, nearly 3,000,000 pounds of beef and sausage products have been recalled due to possible E. Coli and Salmonella contamination.  The most recent recall was by Daniele International, a corporation that operates in Pascoag and Mapleville RI.  About 1,240,000 pounds of Italian sausage products were recalled.  These foods were ready to eat varieties, and included salami.  This outbreak resulted in at least 184 illnesses across 38 states, which was contributed to contamination by Salmonella Montevideo.

This round of meat contamination began in November of 2009, when Fairbank Farms, a New York company, recalled half a million pounds of ground beef that was thought to be contaminated with E. Coli O157:H7.  This outbreak resulted in five individuals developing HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome.)  In total, 26 people became ill and 19 had to be hospitalized.

Since then, 3 more episodes of E. Coli contaminated foods have led to recalls.  On Christmas Eve, National Steak and Poultry, an Oklahoma company, recalled 248,000 pounds of tenderized beef products.  At least 21 people are known to have become ill during this outbreak across 16 states.

In Athol, Massachusetts, over 2,500 pounds of beef products were recalled due to possible E. Coli food poisoning contamination.  These products were produced by Adams Farm Slaughterhouse, LLC.  Only one Massachusetts resident is known to have become sick in this incident.  The Massachusetts Department of Public Health conducted an epidemiological investigation, during which a ground beef sample tested positive for E. Coli O157:H7.

In mid January, 846,000 pounds of ground beef product had to be recalled because of possible E. Coli food poisoning contamination.  The FSIS (food inspection branch of the USDA) announced this recall of beef produced by Huntington Meat Packing, Inc., a California based company.

Foodborne illnesses are frequently mild, but severe complications and even death are not out of the question, especially in individuals at increased E. Coli risks.  Young children, pregnant women, the elderly and anyone with a compromised immune system should be especially cautious.  Symptoms usually include stomach cramps, nausea, diarrhea, fever and sometimes vomiting.  E. Coli can lead to HUS, especially in infants and young children.  In HUS, most of the toxin gains access to system circulation, which means it can easily attached to weak receptors found on white blood cells.  Organ injury and even death may result.  Damage to the brain, pancreas and kidneys is not unusual when HUS occurs.

If you develop symptoms of E. Coli, contact your doctor at once for treatment.  Those most at risk should take special care to seek medical attention.

For the third time this year, beef products have been recalled due to possible E. Coli food poisoning contamination.  The latest recall on the list is a voluntary recall by West Missouri Beef, LLC who has recalled 14,000 lbs. of boneless beef products.  This news was revealed in a press release on February 2nd by the USDA’s Food Safety and Inspection Service.  This is a Class I recall, which according to the FDA means that there is a reasonable probability that the use or exposure to that product could put individuals at risk of serious health consequences or even death.  E. Coli food poisoning is one of the most serious of foodborne illnesses, so any time it is recalled it is classified as a Class I.

Just in the last three months, over 1,600,000 lbs. of beef products have been recalled.  Approximately two weeks ago, Huntington Meat Packing recalled 864,000 lbs. of beef because of likely E. Coli contamination.  Prior to that, Applebee’s and at least five other restaurant chains were affected by recalled beef and steak products.  This contamination was thought to have originated at an Owasso, Oklahoma plant.  At the time of this announcement, 21 people in 16 states had been made ill, and nine of these had to be hospitalized.  One individual developed HUS (hemolytic uremic syndrome), which is life-threatening.

E. Coli is characterized by abdominal pain and severe cramps, usually followed by diarrhea.  Certain individuals are at high risk of becoming seriously ill.  In infants and young children, HUS, a complication of E. Coli infection, is the number one cause of acute kidney failure.

Others who are at greater risk of serious complications include those who have compromised immune systems and the elderly. People who have had stomach-reduction surgery are also at an increased risk.

Foods that commonly contain the E. Coli bacteria are apple cider and milk that are unpasteurized, beef that is not cooked thoroughly, and soft cheeses.  Food poisoning, while not usually serious, can be fatal in certain circumstances.  Those who develop E. Coli symptoms should see a doctor at once for treatment; especially those most at risk for complications.

Restaurants, food manufacturers and others responsible for handling foods may be held liable for costs associated with E. Coli infection.  Contact an experienced and reputable New York food poisoning attorney, who can advise you of your legal rights.