Ready Pac Salad Recall Lawsuit

FDA Role in The Recall

Nov. 22, 2019 – Federal health officials are investigating a cluster of E. coli infections linked to Ready Pac Bistro Bowl Chicken Caesar Salad purchased from Sam’s Club locations in 8 states.

Authorities say at least 17 cases of E. coli — including several that required hospitalization — have been reported in people who ate Sam’s Club salad. The recalled salads have a “best-by” date of Oct. 31, 2019.

February 24, 2017 – Ready Pac Foods Inc. recalls nearly 30 tons of pre-packaged chicken salads because they contain cheese already being recalled over potential contamination with Listeria monocytogenes. This bacterium causes severe foodborne illness.

Ready Pac salads affected by this recall include:

• Single-serve salad bowl packages of “Ready Pac Foods Puro Picante Blazin Hot”
• Size: 7.5 ounce
• Use By Dates: 1/31/2017 – 3/4/2017
• Establishment number P-27497, P-32081, or P-18502B (inside USDA mark of inspection)

According to a USDA Recall Notice, these salads were produced at three different Ready Pac facilities from Jan. 17 to Feb. 17, 2017, and shipped to retail locations across the U.S.

Nov. 17, 2011 – Ready Pac Foods, Inc. recalled the following bagged salad products over potential E. coli contamination:

• 10oz. Ready Pac Caesar Romaine UPC# 0-77745-00202-6 BEST IF USED BY NOV 18
• 9.25oz Ready Pac Santa Fe Caesar Complete Salad UPC# 0-77745-21404-7 BEST IF USED BY NOV 18
• 10oz. Ready Pac Classic Caesar Complete Salad UPC# 0-77745-20566-3 BEST IF USED BY NOV 18
• 10oz. Ready Pac Bella Romaine UPC# 0-77745-21407-8 BEST IF USED BY NOV 18
• 10oz. Dining In Classic Caesar Salad Kit UPC# 0-11225-02530-3 BEST IF USED BY NOV 18
• 10oz. Raley’s Caesar Romaine UPC# 0-46567-71642-8 BEST IF USED BY NOV 18
• 10oz. Trader Joe’s Romaine Salad UPC# 0013-2145 BEST IF USED BY NOV 18
• 16oz. Trader Joe’s Very American Salad UPC# 0020-7225 BEST IF USED BY NOV 18
• 10oz. Safeway Farms Caesar Romaine UPC# 0-21130-98350-6 BEST IF USED BY NOV 18
• 9oz. Safeway Farms Hearts of Romaine UPC# 0-21130-98358-2 BEST IF USED BY NOV 18
• 10oz. Safeway Farms Complete Caesar Supreme UPC# 0-21130-33677-7 BEST IF USED BY NOV 18
• 10.25oz Safeway Farms Complete Southwestern Ranch UPC# 0-21130-33679-1 BEST IF USED BY NOV 18

These products were distributed to the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Oregon, Texas, and Washington.

Listeria Symptoms & Timeline: Key Signs to Monitor

Listeria symptoms can take 1 to 4 weeks, though some cases may take longer.

Here’s a breakdown of what to watch for as the infection progresses:

• Early Symptoms (Days 1-3):
  • Mild fever
  • Muscle aches
  • Nausea and diarrhea
• Progression (Days 4-7):
  If left untreated, symptoms may intensify, leading to:
  • Severe headaches
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion or changes in mental status
• Severe Risks (Days 7+):
  For high-risk groups—such as pregnant women, elderly individuals, and those with weakened immune systems—Listeria can lead to serious complications like meningitis or septicemia.

Awareness of these signs and acting quickly can make a significant difference in managing the infection and preventing severe outcomes.

Related Article: Listeria Outbreak Lawsuit Update

How to Get Your Refund: A Step-by-Step Guide

You may be eligible for a refund if you purchased the recalled Ready Pac Bistro Bowl Chicken Caesar Salad.

Here’s how to ensure you get your money back:

1. Locate Your Receipt: Find your purchase receipt or any proof of purchase. This is essential for processing your refund.
2. Contact the Retailer: Reach out to the store where you purchased the salad. Most retailers have dedicated customer service lines for handling recalls.
3. Follow Refund Instructions: Each retailer may have different procedures for issuing refunds. Be prepared to provide details about your purchase, including the date and location.
4. Return the Product: Return any unopened recalled salads to the store for a full refund if possible. Some retailers may also allow refunds without requiring the product to be returned.
5. Check for Additional Offers: Some stores may provide additional compensation or incentives for affected customers, so inquire about any available options.

Navigating Insurance Claim Procedures: What You Need to Know

If you experienced health issues from consuming the recalled salad, filing an insurance claim may be necessary.

Here’s how to navigate this process effectively:

1. Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed record of any symptoms experienced after consuming the salad, including dates, severity, and any medical visits related to these symptoms.
2. Contact Your Insurance Provider: Reach out to your health insurance provider as soon as possible to report your situation and inquire about coverage for medical expenses related to foodborne illness.
3. Submit Required Forms: Complete any necessary claim forms provided by your insurer. Be thorough and accurate in detailing your medical expenses and treatment related to the illness.
4. Gather Medical Documentation: Collect all relevant medical records, bills, and receipts associated with your treatment for submission with your claim.
5. Follow Up Regularly: Stay in contact with your insurance provider throughout the claims process to ensure timely processing and address any additional information they may require.

Medical Documentation Requirements: Essential Steps for Your Case

If you are pursuing compensation due to health issues from the Ready Pac salad recall, having proper medical documentation is critical.

Here’s what you need:

1. Visit a Healthcare Provider: Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms related to E. coli or other foodborne illnesses after consuming the salad. Prompt treatment is essential for your health and documentation.
2. Request Detailed Medical Records: Ask your healthcare provider for comprehensive medical records that outline your diagnosis, treatment plan, and any follow-up care required.
3. Keep All Bills and Receipts: Maintain copies of all medical bills, prescriptions, and receipts related to your treatment for easy reference when filing claims or seeking compensation.
4. Document Communication with Providers: Keep a record of all communications with healthcare providers regarding your illness, including dates of visits and discussions about symptoms and treatments.
5. Consult Legal Counsel if Necessary: If pursuing legal action, consult an attorney specializing in foodborne illness cases to ensure that all necessary documentation is gathered and presented effectively.

Navigating refunds, insurance claims, and medical documentation can seem overwhelming after a food recall like Ready Pac salads. However, by following these clear steps, you can protect your rights and ensure that you receive any compensation or assistance you are entitled to.

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FAQs

Is there compensation available for those affected by the recalled Ready Pac salads?
You may be eligible for compensation for medical expenses and other damages if you have been affected. Consult with a legal professional for advice.

What steps are being taken to address the contamination issue in Ready Pac salads?
Producers are likely working with health authorities to investigate the source of contamination and implementing measures to prevent future incidents.

Can I trust the safety of Ready Pac products after the recall?
Yes, companies typically take significant steps to address recall issues and implement measures to prevent future occurrences, enhancing overall safety.

What legal rights do I have if I am affected by the recalled Ready Pac salads?
You have the right to seek compensation for any harm caused by the contaminated salads. Consult with a legal professional to understand your options.

How can I identify affected products?
You can identify the affected products by checking the product label for the specific brand, batch number, and expiration date mentioned in the recall notice. This information is usually found on the packaging and should match the details provided in the recall announcement.

What should I do with recalled products?
If you have a recalled product, don’t consume it. Instead, follow the recall instructions, which typically suggest returning the product to the store where it was purchased or disposing of it according to safety guidelines.

How can I get a refund for recalled products?
Most retailers offer refunds or exchanges for recalled items. Bring the affected product back to the place of purchase with proof of purchase, if available, to receive a full refund or replacement as outlined in the recall notice.

What are the insurance claim procedures?
If you experienced harm from a recalled product, document your medical expenses and any related losses. Contact your insurance provider to file a claim, providing them with detailed records and receipts. For severe cases, consulting a lawyer may help with navigating insurance and legal claims related to the recall.

See all related food poisoning lawsuits our lawyers have taken on.

Do I have a Ready Pac Salad 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 Ready Pac salad lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new listeria cases in all 50 states.

Again, if you got a listeria infection from Ready Pac salad, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.