Published by If you or a loved one experienced listeria poisoning, food-related illness, or other health complications following consumption of recalled Sargento cheese products, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to contaminated food products.
Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Sargento Foods, Inc., a leading cheese producer in the country, is initiating a recall of 7 products due to potential contamination with listeria, a bacteria responsible for causing serious foodborne diseases.
Free Confidential Lawsuit Evaluation: If you had food poisoning after eating Sargento cheese, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to compensation by filing a food poisoning lawsuit and our lawyers can help.
Table Of Contents
- Sargento Cheese Recall Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Sargento Cheese Recall Lawsuit Updates
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- Sargento Cheese Recall Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Sargento Cheese Recall Lawsuit?
- Sargento Cheese Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for Sargento Cheese Recall Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. What are the symptoms of listeria infection from contaminated cheese?
- 2. How long after eating contaminated cheese can listeria symptoms appear?
- 3. What must be proven to win a Sargento cheese recall lawsuit?
- 4. What compensation might I receive from a Sargento cheese recall lawsuit?
- 5. Is there a deadline for filing a Sargento cheese recall lawsuit?
- 6. Can I still file a lawsuit if I threw away the cheese or don’t have a receipt?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
- References
Sargento Cheese Recall Lawsuit Overview
Sargento Cheese recall lawsuits are product liability and food safety claims focusing on cheese products contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes bacteria.
These lawsuits allege that Sargento Foods failed to maintain proper safety protocols, resulting in contaminated products reaching consumers.
Sargento initiated the recall after being notified by a supplier that its Longhorn Colby cheese may be contaminated with listeria, potentially affecting seven different cheese products sold nationwide.
This outbreak is part of a larger listeria contamination issue affecting multiple cheese manufacturers that source from the same suppliers, including Deutsch Käse Haus LLC, leading to an expanding multi-company recall across the industry.
Latest Sargento Cheese Recall Lawsuit Updates
February 16, 2017 – Multi-national dairy giant Saputo Inc. issued a nationwide recall for its specialty gouda cheese packaged under the Great Midwest and Dutchmark brands after state inspectors found Listeria monocytogenes in another brand of cheese made by its supplier. The Great Midwest branded cheese was produced by Deutsch Käse Haus LLC [1].
February 16, 2017 – Guggisberg Cheese of Millersburg, OH, recalled a dozen types of Colby cheese products over potential contamination with listeria. Affected products were sold primarily in retail stores at deli counters and deli cases in Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Illinois, and West Virginia [2].
February 14, 2017 – Sargento initiated a recall of seven cheese products after being notified by a supplier that its Longhorn Colby cheese may be contaminated with listeria. The recall includes various sliced and shredded cheese products with specific UPC codes and “Sell By” dates.
FDA Reports and Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1,600 people get listeriosis each year in the United States, and about 260 die from the infection [3].
The FDA has identified listeria as a significant public health concern, particularly for pregnant women, newborns, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) estimates that foodborne illness costs the United States more than $15.6 billion each year, with listeria infections accounting for a significant portion of those costs due to their severity and high mortality rate.
The expanding cheese recall highlights the interconnected nature of the food supply chain, as multiple brands have been affected by products from a single supplier.
This demonstrates how contamination at one point in the production process can lead to widespread safety issues across the industry.
Related Article: Listeria Lawsuit
Sargento Cheese Recall Injuries & Side Effects
Listeria poisoning (listeriosis) can cause serious and potentially life-threatening complications, particularly in vulnerable populations.
- Mild to Moderate Symptoms: Fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea that typically resolve within a few days in healthy individuals
- Invasive Listeriosis: When infection spreads beyond the gastrointestinal tract, causing confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, and potentially death
- Pregnancy Complications: Pregnant women may experience miscarriage, stillbirth, premature delivery, or life-threatening infection of the newborn
- Meningitis and Encephalitis: Infection can spread to the nervous system, causing inflammation of the brain and the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord
Do You Qualify for a Sargento Cheese Recall Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a Sargento Cheese recall lawsuit if:
- You purchased and consumed one of the recalled Sargento cheese products, which include:
- Sargento Ultra Thin Sliced Longhorn Colby, 6.84 oz., UPC 4610000228, with “Sell By” dates of “12APR17B” and “10MAY17B”
- Sargento Chef Blends Shredded Nacho & Taco Cheese, 8 oz., UPC 4610040041, with “Sell By” dates of “H14JUN17” and “H12JUL17”
- Sargento Sliced Colby-Jack Cheese, 12 oz., UPC 4610000109 with “Sell By” date of “11JUN17B”
- Sargento Sliced Pepper Jack Cheese, 12 oz., UPC 4610000108 with “Sell By” dates of “12JUN17B”, “09JUL17B” and “10JUL17B”
- Sargento Chef Blends Shredded Taco Cheese, 8 oz., UPC 4610040002 with “Sell By” dates of “H14JUN17” and “F28JUN17”
- Sargento Off The Block Shredded Fine Cut Colby-Jack Cheese, 8 oz., UPC 4610040014 with “Sell By” date of “F05JUL17”
- Sargento Off The Block Shredded Fine Cut Cheddar Jack Cheese, 8 oz., UPC 4610040076 with “Sell By” date of “F05JUL17”
- You developed symptoms of listeria poisoning within 70 days after consuming the product
- You sought medical treatment for your symptoms
- Your doctor diagnosed you with listeriosis or your symptoms align with those of listeria infection
- You have proof of purchase or consumption of the recalled products
Evidence Required for a Sargento Cheese Recall Lawsuit
To strengthen your Sargento Cheese recall lawsuit, you should gather:
- Proof of purchase of the recalled Sargento cheese products (receipts, credit card statements, loyalty program records)
- Medical records documenting your symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment for listeriosis
- Lab test results confirming listeria infection, if available
- Documentation of any communication with healthcare providers regarding your illness
- Evidence of missed work and lost wages due to your illness
- Photographs of the product packaging showing the UPC code and “Sell By” date, if available
Damages You Can Recover
Victims of Sargento cheese listeria contamination may be eligible to recover:
- Medical expenses for treatment of listeriosis and related complications
- Lost wages due to time away from work during illness and recovery
- Pain and suffering resulting from the illness
- Additional damages for severe complications including hospitalization, invasive treatment, or long-term health effects
- Wrongful death damages for families who lost loved ones to listeria infection
Sargento Cheese Recall Information
On February 14, 2017, Sargento Foods, Inc. initiated a recall of seven cheese products after being notified by a supplier that its Longhorn Colby cheese may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes.
The recall affected specific UPC codes and “Sell By” dates of various sliced and shredded cheese products.
This recall was part of a larger listeria contamination issue affecting multiple cheese manufacturers. The source of contamination was traced back to Deutsch Käse Haus LLC, a supplier to several cheese brands.
Following the initial Sargento recall, other companies including Saputo Inc. and Guggisberg Cheese also recalled products made with potentially contaminated ingredients from the same supplier.
Consumers can verify if their cheese is affected by entering the UPC number or “Sell By” date on the package in Sargento’s “Search Product” tool. T
hose with recalled products should contact Sargento for information about how to obtain a full refund.
Statute of Limitations for Sargento Cheese Recall Lawsuits
The statute of limitations for filing a Sargento Cheese recall lawsuit varies by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury or discovery of illness. Food poisoning cases often follow the personal injury statute of limitations in most states.
Some states apply a “discovery rule,” which means the statute of limitations begins when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered that your illness was caused by the contaminated product.
This is particularly relevant in listeria cases, as symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to 70 days after consuming contaminated food.
It’s crucial to consult with an experienced attorney as soon as possible after developing symptoms to ensure your claim is filed within the appropriate timeframe for your state.
Related cheese recall litigations from Schmidt & Clark, LLP:
- Kradjian Cedar Cheese Poisoning Lawsuit
- Del Bueno Queso Fresco Casero Cheese Poisoning Lawsuit
- Whole Foods Cheese Poisoning Lawsuit
- Roos Foods Cheese Poisoning Lawsuit
FAQs
1. What are the symptoms of listeria infection from contaminated cheese?
Symptoms of listeria infection include fever, muscle aches, nausea, and diarrhea. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, more severe symptoms may include confusion, loss of balance, convulsions, and potentially death. Pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable.
2. How long after eating contaminated cheese can listeria symptoms appear?
Listeria symptoms can appear anywhere from a few days to 70 days after consuming contaminated food, making it difficult to trace the source of infection. This extended incubation period distinguishes listeria from many other foodborne illnesses.
3. What must be proven to win a Sargento cheese recall lawsuit?
To win, plaintiffs must prove that they consumed the contaminated cheese, that the contamination caused their illness or injury, and that the manufacturer was negligent in ensuring the product’s safety.
4. What compensation might I receive from a Sargento cheese recall lawsuit?
Compensation can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, costs for ongoing medical care, and possibly punitive damages depending on the severity of the harm caused and the level of negligence.
5. Is there a deadline for filing a Sargento cheese recall lawsuit?
Yes, there are statutes of limitations for filing a lawsuit, which vary by state. It is crucial to act promptly and consult with an attorney to ensure you file within the required timeframe.
6. Can I still file a lawsuit if I threw away the cheese or don’t have a receipt?
Yes, you may still have a case even without the product or receipt. Medical records confirming listeriosis, timing of your illness, and other circumstantial evidence can help establish your case. An experienced attorney can help evaluate your specific situation.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for illnesses caused by contaminated Sargento cheese products. Depending on your state, you may have as little as 1-2 years from the date of your illness to file a claim, and the specific timeframe can be complex due to the delayed onset of listeria symptoms.
At Schmidt & Clark, we offer:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront costs or fees for our legal services
- Payment only if we win your case or secure a settlement
Don’t delay in seeking legal assistance, as waiting too long could jeopardize your right to compensation for illness and damages caused by contaminated cheese products.
Free Case Evaluation: Again, if you got food poisoning after eating Sargento cheese, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a lawsuit and we can help.
References
- https://www.fda.gov/safety/recalls-market-withdrawals-safety-alerts/saputo-inc-recalls-certain-gouda-cheese-products-due-potential-contamination-listeria-monocytogenes
- http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm541732.htm
- https://www.cdc.gov/listeria/statistics.html