Attorney Fred Pritzker and his team are investigating Listeria monocytogenes infections associated with Queseria Bendita soft cheese products. Three people were sickened, one died. All them ate a product purchased at the company store in Yakima, Washington, before they got sick.
Read about Listeria from cheese in Spanish: Listeriosis Queso.
In response to this outbreak of listeriosis (Listeria food poisoning), Queseria Bendita issued a recall of all lots of its Panela, Queso Fresco, Requeson, Cotija fresh soft cheese products and sour cream. These products have best-by dates up to 4/16/2015.
Can I Sue for Listeria from Soft Cheese?
Yes, if there is sufficient evidence that your Listeria infection was caused by the soft cheese product, you can sue the maker, in this case, Queseria Bendita. Your lawsuit would seek compensation (money) for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
How Does Listeria Contaminate Soft Cheese?
Listeria monocytogenes are bacteria. If these bacteria get into the area where soft cheese is made, the bacteria can be mixed into the cheese or contaminate the outside of the cheese. Because soft cheese has lots of moisture and a low acid content, the Listeria bacteria can quickly multiply.
Because of this risk of contamination and bacterial growth, it is essential for makers of soft cheese to have an extremely clean environment.
Can Parents Sue on Behalf of a Child?
Yes, a parent can sue on behalf of a child. Our lawyers are currently representing a mother her baby, who was born prematurely with Listeria. The mother had eaten a tainted caramel apple while pregnant, and the Listeria passed through the placenta and infected the baby.
In the case we are handling, the child survived but as serious health problems. Listeria can also cause miscarriage or stillbirth.