Have You Recently Developed Food Poisoning After Eating Celery or other Produce?
October 21, 2010 – The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) announced that it had determined chopped celery was the source of a Listeria food poisoning outbreak among Texas residents. Texas DSHS had been investigating the source of 10 cases of listeriosis – 5 of which resulted in death – for 8 months when investigators determined that the source of the outbreak was chopped celery sold by Sangar Fresh Cut Produce in San Antonio. Six of the 10 cases have been conclusively linked to consumption of the chopped celery.
Texas DSHS ordered Sangar to stop processing food and recall all products shipped from the plant since January 2010 after lab testing of chopped celery from the plant indicated the presence of Listeria. According to a press release issued by Texas DSHS, conditions in the food processing plant posed “an immediate and serious threat to human life or health.”
Texas DSHS inspectors reported that they found sanitation issues at the plant during the investigation and believe the Listeria bacteria found in the chopped celery may have contaminated other food manufactured in the facility. The agency stated in a press release that a condensation leak had been found above the food product area during an inspection. Inspectors also found soil on a food preparation table and identified hand washing issues. All of these factors could have contributed to the spread of Listeria throughout the food manufacturing plant where celery was chopped and packaged.
Listeria Food Poisoning Information
Listeriosis can be contracted by eating food contaminated with the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes. Listeria food poisoning has been associated with uncooked meats, fish (uncooked or smoked), and vegetables, as well as with processed foods, such cheese (particularly soft cheeses), ice cream, and cold cuts. Non-pasteurized milk or milk products may contain the bacterium. Ready-to-eat foods, such as hotdogs and deli meats, may become contaminated with Listeria after cooking but prior to packaging.
Do I have a Celery Recall Lawsuit?
The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in celery food poisoning listeriosis lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new cases in all 50 states.
Free Celery Listeria Food Poisoning Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been sickened with listeriosis after consuming chopped celery included in this recall, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit and we can help.