AFC Sushi Lawsuit – How to Bring a Claim

AFC sushi was tied to a 2020 recall over possible Vibrio contamination in Cooked Butterfly Tail-On Whiteleg Shrimp, also called Sushi Ebi. AFC Distribution Corp. recalled Lot #2019.10.02 on March 13, 2020. AFC sold the prepared sushi at counters in grocery stores, cafeterias and corporate dining centers in 40 states. Vibrio parahaemolyticus can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever and chills. No AFC sushi lawsuit, class action or MDL exists. If you ate AFC sushi and became ill, see a doctor first. Do not eat any recalled AFC product. AFC urged people to discard it or return it to the point of purchase for a full refund.

Latest AFC Sushi Lawsuit Updates

March 16, 2020: FDA Posts the AFC Recall Announcement

The FDA posted the recall announcement from AFC Distribution Corp. for Sushi Ebi Lot #2019.10.02. Food Safety News reported the recall the same day [1]. The FDA notice said no illnesses had been confirmed to date [2]. It covered shrimp used in prepared sushi at AFC counters. The recall was voluntary.

March 13, 2020: AFC Announces a Voluntary Recall

AFC Distribution Corp. of Rancho Dominguez, California announced a voluntary recall of Cooked Butterfly Tail-On Whiteleg Shrimp (Sushi Ebi), Lot #2019.10.02. The company said the ingredient may be contaminated with Vibrio parahaemolyticus, the FDA notice says. It used the shrimp in various prepared menu offerings.

What Is Vibrio Parahaemolyticus?

Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a bacterium found in marine, coastal and tidal waters that most commonly causes gastroenteritis (gastro), according to SA Health [3]. AFC named this bacterium as the possible contamination behind the Sushi Ebi recall, and the company ceased using the recalled shrimp.

Who May Be Affected?

The circumstances start with prepared AFC sushi made with the recalled Sushi Ebi shrimp, Lot #2019.10.02. These items carried sell-by dates from February 19, 2020 to March 13, 2020. A person who ate those items and later developed symptoms of Vibrio infection matches these circumstances. Recall exposure alone does not show a claim, and a legal review looks at each person’s own facts.

Reported Injuries or Damages

No court filing alleges injuries from AFC sushi. SA Health describes Vibrio infection as gastro, with symptoms that include watery diarrhea (occasionally bloody), belly cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever and headache. Symptoms usually start within 24 hours of eating the food. SA Health says they are usually mild to moderate. This is a medical description and makes no finding about AFC sushi.

Recall and Regulatory Background

The FDA notice says the recall has been completed and FDA has terminated it. It gives possible Vibrio in the shrimp as the reason. A recall does not prove liability.

Evidence to Preserve

Keep these items if you became ill after eating AFC sushi:

• Packaging or receipts showing you bought AFC sushi or Sushi Ebi, with the date and store of purchase
• The lot number and the sell-by date on any remaining packaging or labels
• Photographs of the product, its labels and any remaining packaging, taken before it is discarded
• Medical records and lab results, including stool testing, from any visit for your symptoms
• A written record of your symptoms and the dates they started and ended
• Emails, messages or call notes from any contact with AFC’s Recall Team about the product

Filing Deadlines

Filing deadlines for food poisoning claims come from state law, so they depend on where you live. The timing of the illness and its diagnosis can also affect the deadline. A claim with strong facts can still end if the filing comes too late. Speak with a lawyer promptly, because the clock may already be running.

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I See a Doctor for Vibrio Food Poisoning Symptoms?

You should see a doctor for Vibrio food poisoning symptoms if you notice dehydration, fever, severe belly pain or bloody diarrhea. The South Australian health department advises the same for any symptoms in a child under 12 months of age.

How Long Does Vibrio Food Poisoning Last?

Vibrio food poisoning usually lasts around 3 days, according to SA Health. The range is 8 hours to 12 days, so some people recover within hours while others stay ill for nearly two weeks.

Who Can Get Seriously Ill from Vibrio Infection?

People with immunosuppression, such as people receiving cancer treatment, can get seriously ill from Vibrio infection, according to SA Health. Because of that, they should seek medical advice early if symptoms start.

What Does the Research Say About How Vibrio Infection Spreads?

Vibrio infection spreads mainly through eating raw or undercooked shellfish or drinking contaminated water, according to SA Health. Antibiotics are not usually needed, but may be if diarrhea is prolonged.

How Do I Contact AFC About the Recall?

You can contact AFC’s Recall Team at 866-467-8744, Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Pacific Time, or at recall@afcsushi.com. The FDA notice lists these as the company’s contact details for the recalled shrimp.

References

1. https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2020/03/california-company-recalls-sushi-from-40-states-for-risk-of-vibrio-infections
2. https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/cooked-butterfly-tail-whiteleg-shrimp-sushi-ebi-lot-20191002
3. https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/conditions/infectious+diseases/vibrio+parahaemolyticus+infection/vibrio+parahaemolyticus+infection+-+including+symptoms+treatment+and+prevention