An outbreak of Salmonella Stanley infections has been linked to raw cashew cheese produced by The Cultured Kitchen of West Sacramento, California. People have been sickened in California (12), Nevada (1) and Wyoming (1). It is highly likely that more than 14 people have been sickened in this outbreak. Illnesses that occurred after December 12, 2013 might not yet be reported due to the time it takes between when a person becomes ill and when the illness is reported. This takes an average of 2 to 4 weeks. Additionally, the recalled raw cashew cheese has a long shelf-life and may still be in people’s homes, and illnesses may continue to be reported.
“These cases are connected by DNA evidence obtained using pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE),” said Salmonella lawyer Fred Pritzker, who represents Salmonella victims nationwide and is recognized for his use of PFGE evidence to get compensation for his clients.
“It is critically important for people with Salmonella symptoms to see their doctors and get tested for Salmonella food poisoning. Early detection may lessen the complications of this illness, and it provides victims with evidence that they are part of the outbreak.”
People sickened by Salmonella Stanley bacteria with the outbreak PFGE pattern are part of this outbreak and have the right to seek compensation for their medical expenses, lost income, physical pain, emotional suffering and other damages.
This strain of Salmonella Stanley is rare, and has been reported to the CDC only 20 times prior to this outbreak.
To date the CDC has found the following:
Among persons for whom information is available, illness onset dates range from November 13, 2013 to December 9, 2013. Ill persons range in age from 2 years to 77 years, with a median age of 27 years. Fifty percent of ill persons are female. Among 12 ill persons with available information, 3 (25%) reported being hospitalized. No deaths have been reported.
In response to this outbreak, The Cultured Kitchen as recalled all flavors of its cashew cheese products with expiration dates on or before April 19, 2014. The products were sold in natural food stores throughout Northern California and Northern Nevada, and at farmers markets in Sacramento County. They were sold in eight-ounce plastic containers in the following flavors: Herb, smoked cheddar, pepper jack, habanero cilantro lime, basil pesto and white cheddar.
Attorney Fred Pritzker and his Bad Bug Law Team® are investigating this outbreak. You can call them at 1-888-377-8900 (toll free) or submit our free Salmonella case review form (click here now) to find out if you can file a lawsuit against The Cultured Kitchen and others.