Palo Duro Meat Ground Beef Recall Lawsuit

Attention Georgia Residents: Approximately 40,000 pounds of frozen fine ground beef products that were shipped to Georgia from a Texas firm are now being recalled because they may be contaminated with E. coli 0157:H7. The product in question was intended for distribution to Georgia school districts associated with the National School Lunch Program. Individuals concerned about an illness should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

Free Palo Duro Meat Ground Beef Recall Lawsuit Case Evaluation:If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with E. coli food poisoning after consuming Palo Duro Meat ground beef products included in this recall, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a food poisoning lawsuit and we can help.

What’s the problem?

September 23, 2011 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today that Palo Duro Meat, an Amarillo, Texas, establishment, is currently recalling approximately 40,000 pounds of frozen fine ground beef due to the potential for E. coli 0157:H7 contamination.

Specific products involved in this recall include 40-lb. boxes containing four 10-lb. chubs of fine ground beef, which can be identified by the labeling ‘Est. 7282’ inside the USDA mark of inspection and a production code of 19110.

The product in question was manufactured on September 9th, and shipped to two Georgia warehouses for further distribution to institutions in six school districts associated with the National School Lunch Program.

The contamination was discovered by Palo Duro Meat after a review of lab results that confirmed a positive test for E. coli bacteria. According to the company, the problem may have occurred as the result of a sample tracking error that allowed the ground beef to be accidentally shipped into circulation.

Palo Duro has advised any individuals concerned about food poisoning to contact their healthcare provider immediately.

E. Coli Food Poisoning

E. coli 0157:H7 is a potentially deadly foodborne bacterium that can cause bloody diarrhea, dehydration, and kidney failure in children, seniors and those with otherwise compromised immune systems. Severe cases of E. coli food poisoning require hospitalization to avoid such complications as hemorrhagic colitis and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).

HUS is a severe condition characterized by the destruction of red blood cells, decrease in platelets in the blood, and acute kidney failure. E. coli can also cause damage to the endothelia cells of the pancreas, brain, and other organs.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that each year approximately 2,000 Americans are hospitalized, and about 60 die as a direct result of E. coli infection and its complications.

A recent study estimated the annual cost of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses to be $405 million, which included $370 million for premature deaths, $30 million for medical care, and $5 million for lost productivity.

Tips for Preparing Ground Beef for Safe Consumption

• wash hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw meat and poultry
• wash cutting boards, utensils, and dishes with hot soapy water
• immediately clean all spills
• keep raw fish, meat and poultry away from other food that will not be cooked
• only eat ground beef products that have been cooked to an internal temperature of at least 160 degrees
• refrigerate raw meat and poultry within two hours after purchase or one hour if temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit
• always be sure to refrigerate cooked meat and poultry within two hours after cooking

Interested in learning more? Click here if you’d like additional information about other recent E. coli food poisoning outbreaks in the news from Schmidt & Clark, LLP.

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FAQs

Can I seek punitive damages in the Palo Duro Meat ground beef recall lawsuit?

Punitive damages may be sought in cases where it can be shown that the company acted with gross negligence or recklessness in allowing contaminated products to reach consumers. These damages are intended to punish the company and deter similar conduct in the future.

How can I protect myself from future foodborne illnesses related to ground beef?

To protect yourself from future foodborne illnesses, always cook ground beef to a safe internal temperature (typically 160°F), practice proper food handling and storage, check for recalls before purchasing or consuming meat products, and stay informed about food safety guidelines from trusted sources like the USDA and CDC.

What should I consider when choosing a lawyer for the Palo Duro Meat ground beef recall lawsuit?

When choosing a lawyer, look for someone with experience in food safety litigation, a strong track record of success in similar cases, and a deep understanding of the complexities involved in proving a foodborne illness claim.

Do You Have a Palo Duro Meat Ground Beef 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 Palo Duro Meat ground beef recall lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new E. coli food poisoning cases in all 50 states.

Free Palo Duro Meat Ground Beef Recall Lawsuit Case Evaluation: If you or a loved one has been severely sickened after consuming Palo Duro Meat ground beef 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.