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Table Of Contents
- Almark Foods Egg Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Almark Foods Egg Lawsuit Updates
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- What’s the Problem?
- Almark Foods Egg Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for an Almark Foods Egg Lawsuit?
- Almark Eggs Recalled for Listeria Contamination
- Statute of Limitations for Almark Foods Egg Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. What Is the Main Issue With Almark Foods Eggs?
- 2. Which Almark Foods Products Were Recalled?
- 3. What Should Consumers Do if They Have Purchased the Recalled Eggs?
- 4. Has Anyone Been Affected by the Listeria Outbreak Linked to Almark Foods Eggs?
- 5. How Long Does It Take for Listeria Symptoms to Appear?
- 6. What Compensation Can I Receive in an Almark Foods Egg Lawsuit?
- 7. How is Listeria Infection Diagnosed and Treated?
- Get a Free Almark Foods Egg Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Almark Foods Egg Lawsuit Overview
The Almark Foods Egg lawsuit centers on listeria contamination in hard-boiled egg products that led to multiple illnesses and one death across several states.
These legal actions allege that Almark Foods failed to maintain proper safety standards in their Gainesville, Georgia facility, resulting in dangerous contamination of their products.
According to the CDC, at least 7 people in 5 states were sickened by the outbreak, with 4 requiring hospitalization and 1 fatality reported [1].
The FDA issued warnings and conducted extensive investigations, ultimately leading to a nationwide recall of the company’s hard-boiled egg products.
Latest Almark Foods Egg Lawsuit Updates
- March 4, 2020 – CDC has announced that the salmonella outbreak linked to hard-boiled eggs produced and distributed by Almark Foods, Inc., is over. All recalled products are now past their “best by” dates, and the FDA investigation into the cluster of illnesses has been completed [2]. Almark Foods has discontinued the production of hard-boiled eggs at its Gainesville, Georgia, facility.
- December 23, 2019 – Almark Foods issued a nationwide recall for “Hard-Boiled and Peeled Eggs in white plastic pails with white plastic lids” due to potential listeria contamination, according to an FDA recall notice [3]. The recalled eggs were distributed to food service companies in Georgia, California, Mississippi, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Iowa, Missouri, Alabama, Florida, and Arizona.
- December 19, 2019 – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and various other state and local health authorities announced an investigation into a multi-state outbreak of listeria monocytogenes that sickened at least 7 people in 5 states. Of those sickened, 4 people required hospitalization, and 1 person died from complications.
FDA Reports and Statistics
Federal health agencies have compiled data on the Almark Foods Egg contamination:
- The CDC confirmed 7 cases of listeria infection across 5 states linked to Almark Foods eggs [4].
- 57% of those infected required hospitalization, significantly higher than typical foodborne illness rates.
- The outbreak had a 14% fatality rate, demonstrating the severe nature of listeria infections.
- FDA testing identified the outbreak strain of Listeria monocytogenes in samples taken from the Gainesville, Georgia facility.
- The company’s hard-boiled egg products were distributed to food service operators in at least 11 states.
- According to CDC estimates, listeria is responsible for approximately 1,600 illnesses and 260 deaths in the United States annually [5].
What’s the Problem?
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food & Drug Administration (FDA), and various other state and local health authorities investigated a multi-state outbreak of listeria monocytogenes that sickened at least 7 people in 5 states.
Of those sickened, 4 people required hospitalization, and 1 person died from complications.
The warning affected bulk, fresh hard-boiled eggs produced by Gainesville, Georgia-based Almark Foods. The eggs were peeled, hard-boiled, and packaged in plastic pails of various sizes for use by foodservice operators.
Related Article: Listeria Lawsuit Update (2023)
Almark Foods Egg Injuries & Side Effects
Consumers who consumed contaminated Almark Foods eggs may develop listeriosis, a serious infection that can cause severe illness and even death, particularly in vulnerable populations [6].
- Initial Symptoms: Fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea that typically begin 1-4 weeks after consuming contaminated food but can appear as early as the same day or as late as 70 days after exposure.
- Invasive Listeriosis: If the infection spreads to the nervous system, victims may experience headache, stiff neck, confusion, loss of balance, and convulsions that can lead to permanent neurological damage.
- Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women may experience only mild symptoms but the infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn.
- Long-term Effects: Some survivors of severe listeriosis suffer permanent kidney damage, cardiovascular issues, and neurological problems that require ongoing medical care.
Do You Qualify for an Almark Foods Egg Lawsuit?
You may qualify for an Almark Foods Egg lawsuit if:
- You consumed Almark Foods hard-boiled egg products between October 2019 and March 2020.
- You were diagnosed with listeriosis by a medical professional following consumption.
- You required medical treatment, hospitalization, or suffered ongoing health problems.
- You can provide proof of purchase or consumption of the contaminated product.
- You have medical documentation linking your illness to listeria infection.
- You filed your claim within the statute of limitations for your state.
Evidence Required for an Almark Foods Egg Lawsuit
Building a strong case requires substantial documentation:
- Medical records confirming listeria diagnosis and treatment
- Proof of purchase of Almark Foods egg products (receipts, credit card statements)
- Documentation showing the product was subject to the recall
- Timeline establishing consumption of the product before illness onset
- Records of all medical expenses related to your food poisoning
- Documentation of lost wages and other financial impacts
Damages You Can Recover
In a successful Almark Foods Egg lawsuit, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including hospitalization, medications, and ongoing treatment
- Lost wages due to time away from work during illness and recovery
- Pain and suffering related to the physical and emotional impact of your illness
- Permanent disability or impairment resulting from listeriosis complications
- Wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones to the outbreak
Almark Eggs Recalled for Listeria Contamination
On Dec. 23, 2019, Almark Foods issued a nationwide recall for “Hard-Boiled and Peeled Eggs in white plastic pails with white plastic lids” due to potential listeria contamination, according to an FDA recall notice issued Friday [7].
Products affected by the recall include:
- Almark Foods Hard Cooked Broken Egg Whites
- Almark Hard-cooked Eggs
- Eggs Select Whole Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs
- Nic’s Peeled Pearls 23lb Salad Grade Hard-Boiled Eggs
- Nic’s Peeled Pearls
- Nic’s Salad Grade Hard-boiled Eggs
- Rainbow Farms 20 LB Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs
- Rainbow Farms 23 LB Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs
- Rainbow Farms 23 LB Hard-Cooked Peeled Eggs in Vinegar
- Rainbow Farms 25 LB Hard Cooked, Peeled Eggs
- Sutherland’s Food Service Inc., Premium Hard-Cooked Peeled Select Whole Eggs
The recalled eggs were distributed to food service companies in:
- Georgia
- California
- Mississippi
- North Carolina
- Pennsylvania
- Tennessee
- Iowa
- Missouri
- Alabama
- Florida
- Arizona
The eggs were packaged in 20, 23, and 25-pound plastic pails, and sold primarily to further processing plants of egg products and restaurant chain suppliers.
CDC Recommendation
The eggs have not been officially recalled; however, due to the potential severity of listeria infections, CDC is warning that Almark eggs should not be sold, purchased, or eaten.
The agency further advises people who may be at an increased risk for infection to throw away any store-bought hard-boiled eggs or products containing hard-boiled eggs, such as egg salad.
If you purchased any eggs affected by the recall, you should discard them immediately or return them to the point of purchase for a refund.
Also, be sure to wash and sanitize all surfaces in your refrigerator or freezer where the eggs were stored.
Statute of Limitations for Almark Foods Egg Lawsuits
The time limit for filing an Almark Foods Egg lawsuit varies by state but generally ranges from 1-6 years from the date of illness or discovery that your illness was linked to the contaminated product.
Some key considerations include:
- Many states apply a “discovery rule,” meaning the statute of limitations begins when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered that your illness was caused by contaminated eggs
- Food poisoning cases typically fall under personal injury statutes of limitations
- For wrongful death claims, different timelines may apply, usually starting from the date of death
- The statute of limitations for minors is often extended until they reach adulthood
Given these complexities, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after developing listeriosis from contaminated eggs to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable timeframe.
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FAQs
1. What Is the Main Issue With Almark Foods Eggs?
The main issue with Almark Foods eggs is a multi-state outbreak of listeria monocytogenes linked to their hard-boiled egg products. This contamination has resulted in severe illnesses and at least one death, prompting significant health concerns and legal actions.
2. Which Almark Foods Products Were Recalled?
The Almark foods products that were recalled include all bulk, fresh, hard-boiled eggs produced at Almark Foods’ Gainesville, Georgia, plant. These eggs were packaged in various-sized plastic pails and distributed nationwide for use by foodservice operators.
3. What Should Consumers Do if They Have Purchased the Recalled Eggs?
Consumers who have purchased the recalled eggs should discard them immediately or return them to the point of purchase for a refund. Additionally, it is advised to wash and sanitize all surfaces in refrigerators or freezers where the eggs were stored to prevent further contamination.
4. Has Anyone Been Affected by the Listeria Outbreak Linked to Almark Foods Eggs?
Yes, at least seven people in five states have been affected by the listeria outbreak linked to Almark Foods eggs. Of those affected, four required hospitalization, and one person has died from complications related to the infection.
5. How Long Does It Take for Listeria Symptoms to Appear?
Listeria symptoms typically appear 1-4 weeks after consuming contaminated food, though they can develop as soon as the same day or as late as 70 days after exposure. This extended incubation period can make it difficult to connect the illness to the source without proper medical testing.
6. What Compensation Can I Receive in an Almark Foods Egg Lawsuit?
Compensation in Almark Foods Egg lawsuits may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in cases of death, wrongful death damages. The exact amount depends on factors like severity of illness, duration of symptoms, and long-term health impacts.
7. How is Listeria Infection Diagnosed and Treated?
Listeria infection is diagnosed through blood or spinal fluid tests and treated with antibiotics. Early treatment is crucial to prevent the infection from spreading to the nervous system, where it can cause serious complications including meningitis.
See all related food poisoning lawsuits our lawyers have taken on.
Get a Free Almark Foods Egg Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action for illnesses caused by contaminated Almark Foods eggs. Most states impose a statute of limitations of 1-6 years from the date of illness, after which you may permanently lose your right to compensation.
Food poisoning cases require specialized legal knowledge and medical evidence to establish causation. Given the complexity of linking your illness to a specific contaminated product, it’s essential to work with attorneys experienced in foodborne illness litigation.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your potential claim
- No upfront costs or fees for our services
- Payment only if we win your case and secure compensation for you
- Attorneys with specific experience in listeria outbreak litigation
References
- https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/eggs-12-19/index.html
- https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-listeria-monocytogenes-hard-boiled-eggs-december-2019
- https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/almark-foods-recalls-hard-cooked-egg-products-pails-due-possible-listeria-monocytogenes
- https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/outbreaks/eggs-12-19/index.html
- https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/surveillance.html
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/listeria-infection/symptoms-causes/syc-20355269
- https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/almark-foods-recalls-hard-cooked-egg-products-pails-due-possible-listeria-monocytogenes