Chicken Recall Lawsuit Attorney

Update: Alabama Farm Recalls Nearly 600,000 Pounds of Undercooked Chicken

Alabama-based Wayne Farms is recalling more than half a million pounds of ready-to-eat chicken that may be undercooked, according to the FSIS.

Affected chicken breasts were produced between Feb. 9 and April 30, 2022, and have production codes 23618, 24357, 24512, 24583, and 24957. They were shipped to distributors nationwide and are at retail locations in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia.

How is Chicken Contaminated?

Bacterial contamination is the primary cause of food poisoning cases associated with chicken and other poultry products, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [1].

Preferring moist, protein-rich environments, foodborne pathogens like salmonella, E. coli, and campylobacter thrive in the intestinal tracts of chickens during their lifetime and continue to live even after the bird has been slaughtered. Additionally, the water and ice used to process chicken harbors bacteria and provides an ideal environment for contamination to spread.

Related Article: Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Update

Food Poisoning Symptoms

Symptoms of food poisoning may range from mild to severe, depending on the type of bacteria ingested. However, the most common signs of a foodborne illness include:

• Upset stomach
• Stomach cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) [2]

How To Prevent Food Poisoning at Thanksgiving: WCVB Channel 5 Boston Video

Circle K Chicken Salad Sandwiches Recalled for Listeria Risk

LSG Sky Chefs is recalling Circle K brand chicken salad sandwiches which may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, according to an FDA Recall Notice [3] dated July 8, 2021.

The recalled 5.9 oz. Chicken Salad Sandwiches were sold at Circle K stores in Phoenix, Arizona, and Southern California areas from June 1, 2021, to July 5, 2021. The chicken used in the recalled Circle K chicken salad sandwiches is subject to a national recall issued by Tyson Foods Inc.

Poultry Recalls Double Since 2013: Study

Food poisoning recalls have increased significantly since the passage of the Food Safety Modernization Act [4] in 2011, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC) [5].

A study by the Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) [6] in Jan. 2019 found that food poisoning recalls have increased overall by 10% since 2013, but with chicken and other hazardous meat products, there was an 83% increase in recalls during the same time frame. Other key findings from the study included:

• Outdated laws have allowed meat producers to sell contaminated products. Unbelievably, it is still legal to sell meat that tests positive for salmonella. A case study about a 2018 recall of more than 12 million pounds of ground beef produced by Arizona-based JBS Tolleson found that the incident could have been prevented with updated food production laws.
• Contaminated water used on produce was the source of a major E. coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce in 2018.

FSIS Warns “USDA Farmers to Families Food Box” Chicken May be Contaminated with Listeria

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is issuing a public health alert [7] for about 130,860 pounds of chicken products that were distributed via local food banks in Florida through the “USDA Farmers to Families Food Box” program in individual food boxes which may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes. Specific products affected include:

• 4-lb. plastic bags containing “FULLY COOKED CHICKEN MEAT ¾ DICED WHITE” with code 13530, Est. number P-18237, and pack dates of “01/25/2021” and “01/26/2021.”
• 4-lb. plastic bags containing “FULLY COOKED CHICKEN MEAT DARK/WHITE ¾ DICED” with code 16598, Est. number P-45638, and pack dates “24/MAR/2021” and “23/MAR/2021.”

The products bear establishment numbers “P-18237” or “P-45638” inside the USDA mark of inspection and were distributed by Big Daddy Foods, Inc., a Houston, Texas firm. FSIS issued this health alert on May 24, 2021.

Chicken Recall Timeline

Step-by-Step Guide to Documenting for a Potential Claim

If you’ve been affected by contaminated food, proper documentation is essential for filing a successful claim. Keeping organized records ensures you have the evidence needed to support your case and seek compensation.

Here’s what you should do:

• Save Evidence: Keep all receipts, product packaging, and any recall notices linked to the item.
• Medical Records: Collect copies of doctor’s reports, test results, and bills for any treatment you’ve received.
• Journal Symptoms: Write down when symptoms started, how severe they were, and how long they lasted.
• Contact Details: Record the date and place of purchase for the contaminated product.
• File a Report: Inform your local health department or the USDA about the issue to help with investigations.

By staying organized and thorough, you’ll strengthen your case and improve your chances of a fair resolution.

Can I File a Class Action?

Although Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is a nationally recognized class action firm, we have decided against this type of litigation when it comes to chicken food poisoning claims.

Our food poisoning lawyers feel that if there is a successful resolution to these cases, individual suits, not class actions will be the best way to get maximum payouts to our clients.

If you developed a food poisoning illness after eating chicken, we know you’ve suffered emotionally and economically, and want to work with you personally to obtain the maximum compensation for the damages caused by your injuries. Contact us today to learn more about your legal rights.

Related articles:

• Chicken Salad Lawsuit
• Wegmans Recall Lawsuit
• Chicken Nugget Recall Lawsuit

FAQs

How can I check if my chicken is part of the recall?

Check the recall notice for specific product details, including batch numbers, production dates, and packaging information. Compare this information with the label on your chicken.

What are the symptoms of Salmonella or Listeria infection?

Symptoms of Salmonella infection include fever, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Listeria infection can cause fever, muscle aches, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Severe cases can lead to more serious complications.

What should I do if I have consumed recalled chicken and feel sick?

If you have consumed recalled chicken and feel sick, seek medical attention immediately. Inform your healthcare provider about the potential exposure to contaminated food.

Can I get a refund for the recalled chicken?

Yes, you can get a refund for the recalled chicken by returning it to the store where it was purchased. Contact the retailer for their specific refund policy.

How long after eating contaminated chicken can symptoms appear?

Symptoms can appear anywhere from 6 hours to 3 days after consuming contaminated chicken. However, for certain bacteria like Salmonella, symptoms may take up to a week to develop. Common signs include nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever.

What if I already ate the recalled product?

If you already ate the recalled chicken, monitor yourself for symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, or fever. If symptoms develop, contact your doctor immediately. Keep the packaging and any purchase receipts for potential claims or investigation. 

Will my insurance cover testing/treatment?

Most health insurance plans cover testing and treatment for foodborne illnesses. Check with your provider to confirm coverage. If the illness stems from a recalled product, you may be eligible for reimbursement of medical expenses through a claim against the manufacturer.

See all related food poisoning lawsuits our lawyers covered so far.

Do I have a Chicken Recall Lawsuit?

The Food Poisoning Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in chicken recall lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.

If you or a loved one developed symptoms of food poisoning after eating recalled chicken, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.