At least 7 people have been sickened in an E. coli outbreak linked to products made by Grassfields Cheese LLC, which has issued a recall of approximately 20,000 pounds of organic cheeses.
E. coli poisoning can lead to severe complications, according to Fred Pritzker, an attorney who helps E. coli victims get compensation and justice. In one of his cases, a young woman from Michigan ate food contaminated with this dangerous pathogen and then developed kidney failure. With evidence linking the contaminated food to her illness, Fred won over $4 million for this young woman.
The E. coli Outbreak
During an ongoing investigation of 7 cases of Shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STEC), “the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Geagley Laboratory confirmed the presence of STEC bacteria in a sample of Grassfields cheese collected by MDARD food and dairy inspectors” (MDARD). They then found that illnesses occurring between March and July 2016 were caused by the same type of STEC.
The Grassfields Cheese Recall
On August 4, 2016, Grassfields Cheese LLC recalled cheese products due to possible contamination with Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC). The recalled cheeses were sold from the firm’s retail store located at 14238 60th Ave., Coopersville MI 49404, to wholesale and retail customers, and to consumers nationwide via sales through the firm’s website.
The recall involves all types and sizes of organic cheeses manufactured by the firm between December 1, 2015 through June 1, 2016, including:
- Gouda
- Onion ‘n Garlic
- Country Dill
- Leyden
- Edam
- Lamont Cheddar
- Chili Cheese
- Fait Fras
- Polkton
- Corners
- Crofters.
The cheeses were sold as wheels, half wheels, and wedges of various sizes.
If you, your spouse or your child was sickened in this outbreak, you may have the right to sue for compensation and justice.
You should get medical attention if you have eaten any of these products and experience symptoms of an E.coli infection, including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, fever (usually less than 101˚F).
Please note that about 5–10% of E. coli victims develop a potentially life-threatening complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)., which causes kidney failure. Signs that a person is developing HUS include the following:
- very infrequent urination
- extreme fatigue
- looking pale
- loss of pink color inside the lower eyelids
HUS can cause permanent damage or death.