E. coli
Symptoms of E. coli Illness
The signs of E. coli poisoning begin about seven days after exposure to the bacteria.
Look for E. coli symptoms in this order:
- Abdominal Cramps
- Watery Diarrhea
- Bloody Diarrhea
- Possible Fever, Nausea, and Vomiting
While most healthy adults recover from E. coli within one week, some people may develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), especially young children and the elderly. This condition can lead to serious kidney damage and even death. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that E. coli (0157:H7) causes 73,000 illnesses and 60 deaths a year nationwide.
Recent E. coli Outbreaks
E. coli Recall by PA Ground Beef Producer
In late 2007, Cargill Meat Solutions of Wyalusing, Pennsylvania recalled over one million pounds of ground beef sold under various brand names, including Giant Eagle, because the meat was tainted with E. coli.
Second Largest Beef Recall of All Time
A shocking 21.7 million pounds of frozen ground beef products were recalled by the Topps Meat Company in 2007. The recalled meat was enough to feed a hamburger to everyone in the United States. The massive recall sickened 40 people, including 12 people from Pennsylvania. As a result of the E. coli recall, Topps closed down.
E. coli Poisoning from Beef at PA Food Chain
As of April 20, 2007, beef served at Hoss’s Steak and Sea House was confirmed as the source of E. coli infection in five different people in four separate Pennsylvania counties. Four of the individuals were hospitalized for their sickness. Steak from Hoss’s, often served rare or medium-rare, was identified as the common link in all five cases. Hoss’s PA processor and distributor, HFX Corp., voluntarily recalled almost 260,000 lbs of beef from the restaurant chain.
Taco Bell E. coli Outbreaks
In December 2006 over 71 people in five states were sickened with E. coli from eating at Taco Bell fast-food restaurants across northeastern United States. Among the ill, 80% were hospitalized and 11% developed HUS. Early reports indicated that green onions were to blame for the E. coli; however FDA investigators were unable to confirm the source of the bacteria and suspect iceberg lettuce to be the likely culprit.
E. coli Spinach Outbreak
In October 2006, tainted spinach sickened at least 200 people, hospitalizing over 80 and killing three. The FDA was able to determine the source of the outbreak–wild pigs that may have contaminated spinach fields with bacteria. Natural Selection Foods recalled all of its products, including brands processed in their facility. Twenty-six states were affected with cases of E. coli tainted spinach.
What to do if You Get E. coli Poisoning
Seek immediate medical help. Contact a health care provider immediately if you or someone you care about exhibits symptoms of E. coli sickness.
Seek legal help quickly. The longer you wait to get advice from an experienced attorney, the harder it will be to prove your E. coli case.
We Have the Experience to Help You
Our law firm has represented the victims of national and local outbreaks of tainted food. We’ve helped people with Salmonella, hepatitis, and other foodborne illnesses to get the compensation they deserve.
