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What’s the Problem?
The FDA warning letter accuses the Jimmy John’s sandwich chain of engaging in a pattern of receiving and selling adulterated clover sprouts and cucumbers, according to CBS Baltimore [1].
“Jimmy John’s restaurants have been implicated in multiple outbreaks that have spanned the past seven years and impacted consumers in no fewer than 17 states,” said FDA Deputy Commissioner Frank Yiannas. “Jimmy John’s has not demonstrated implementation of long-term sustainable corrections to its supply chain to assure the safety of ingredients used in its products.”
FDA is requiring Jimmy John’s to respond to the warning letter with specific actions the chain is taking to address the violations within 15 days. The company has removed sprouts from all its locations until further notice, Jimmy John’s president James North told CNN.
“Food safety is our top priority,” North said. “This removal (of sprouts) was out of an abundance of caution and was not initiated by any known, immediate threat.”
Why are Sprouts a High Risk for Food Poisoning Contamination?
Sprout seeds have been the starting point of many a foodborne illness outbreak. This is because the seeds can easily become contaminated during production while still growing in the field. In the field, contamination can come from irrigation water, animal manure, wild animals, unsanitary practices, or the dirty hands of field workers.
Upon harvest, seeds can be exposed to contamination from transportation containers and vehicles, equipment, rodents, pests, and workers.
Certain types of seeds have rough outer surfaces that can allow bacteria to easily attach. Additionally, some seeds are put through a process called scarification in which the outer surface of the seed is abrasively rubbed to thin the outer seed coat and increase germination rates. This process can also create rough outer surfaces in which bacteria can hide.
Related Food Poisoning Cases:
- Cucumber Recall Lawsuit
- Pats Exotic Carrot Juice Recall
- Healthy Choice Liquid Gold Carrot Juice Recall
FAQs
Can I join a class action lawsuit against Jimmy John’s if I got sick?
If you were affected by a foodborne illness linked to Jimmy John’s, you might be eligible to join a class action lawsuit. Joining such a lawsuit can help you seek compensation for medical expenses and other damages.
What types of compensation might be available in a Jimmy John’s lawsuit?
Compensation in a lawsuit against Jimmy John’s could include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in some cases, punitive damages. The amount depends on the specifics of the case and the severity of the illness.
How can I prove that Jimmy John’s caused my foodborne illness?
To prove that Jimmy John’s caused your foodborne illness, you would need evidence such as medical records, lab results confirming the pathogen, and documentation of what you ate. Legal assistance can help build a strong case.
See all related food poisoning lawsuits our lawyers covered so far.
Do I Have a Jimmy John’s 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 Jimmy John’s Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new E. coli cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one got sick after eating at Jimmy John’s, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a lawsuit and we can help.