Can You Sue After Consuming Poisonous Foods?
When most residents of California head to their local supermarket and buy various items, they never expect them to be filled with poison. But when you take into account the rampant product recalls due to concerns over poison, bacteria, and other concerns, this becomes a real possibility. Often, a product is only recalled after innocent consumers suffer serious injuries. In some cases, people have even died after consuming run-of-the-mill items like milk or meat. Thanks to current struggles with supply chain issues, companies are struggling to hit quotas. This often leads to cutting corners and putting consumers at risk. But can you really sue after consuming poisonous foods in California?
FDA Issues Stark Warning About Daily Harvest Product
On October 26, 2022, the FDA announced that it was continuing to investigate an outbreak of illnesses associated with Daily Harvest’s frozen crumbles. This scare has been going on for months, and a wide range of people have reported serious health issues after consuming these frozen crumbles. On October 21st, the number of sick individuals reached almost 400. Of these 400 affected consumers, over 130 had to be hospitalized.
The FDA went on to describe the specific illnesses associated with Daily Harvest’s frozen crumbles, including:
- Gastrointestinal illnesses
- Liver illnesses
- Bile duct illnesses
- Gallbladder illnesses
These illnesses are proving to be so intense that many people have had to have certain organs removed in order to survive.
Although the FDA has been warning about these products for months, there is still a concern that some consumers in California may have Daily Harvest frozen crumble stowed away in their freezers. The worry is that some individuals may unwittingly pull these products out of their freezers and consume them. The FDA is now calling for everyone to check their freezers to make sure they do not have any Daily Harvest frozen crumbles.
In an official statement, the FDA warned:
“Although the response to this incident is no longer being handled by FDA’s Coordinated Outbreak Response & Evaluation (CORE) Network, FDA’s research, and investigation to evaluate which components of this product may have caused these illnesses is ongoing and more information will be provided as it becomes available.”
Daily Harvest has stopped selling these products, and they report that the illnesses may have been caused by the tara flour used in their frozen crumble. It is unclear why tara flour would cause such serious illnesses.
According to the FDA, you should seek medical attention if you develop any of the symptoms after heating Daily Harvest frozen crumbles:
- Jaundice
- Dark urine
- Itching
- Gastrointestinal illness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Body aches
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fever
Cheese Recalled in California after Listeria Outbreak
At the beginning of October 2022, the CDC announced that six people had been infected with listeria across many states, including California. These outbreaks were traced back to either brie or camembert cheese, although none of the victims remembered the brand name of the cheese they consumed. One stated that they vaguely recalled eating Lidl Premium Brand Brie, which is made by a company called Old Europe Cheese.
The CDC also reported that the true number of infected individuals is likely much higher, as most people recover from listeria fairly easily without requiring medical treatment. Old Europe Cheese voluntarily recalled its brie and camembert cheeses as a result of this. The FDA has warned individuals to seek medical attention if they develop any of the following symptoms after eating cheese:
- Fever
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
The FDA also states that pregnant women who become infected with listeria can suffer miscarriages or stillbirths. Elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to listeria.
Raw Milk Recalled in California Due to Bacterial Contamination
In late September 2022, it was reported that raw sheep milk produced by Valley Milk Simply Bottled had been recalled due to concerns over bacterial contamination. Testing determined that a bacteria called Campylobacter jejuni had been found in the milk. Consumers were warned to immediately dispose of any of these products still present in their refrigerators. No illnesses were reported, but this specific type of bacteria can cause a range of medical issues, including:
- Diarrhea
- Bloody stool
- Fever
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting
- Irritable bowel syndrome
- Temporary paralysis
- Arthritis
In addition, people with weakened immune systems may suffer a life-threatening infection when the bacteria spread to the bloodstream. That being said, most people recover from an infection without needing medical treatment.
Concerns Over Marijuana-Laced Candy
In the run-up to Halloween of 2022, fresh concerns were voiced over the prevalence of marijuana-laced candy in California. Various studies have confirmed that accidental marijuana poisoning is becoming quite common in children who live in states where the drug has been legalized. It does not help that marijuana candies are often packaged in bright colors that make them almost indistinguishable from normal candy. A child who sees one of these candies lying around unattended may consume them and overdose. In response, many states have banned marijuana candies that are sold in shapes and colors that may be attractive to children. Some states have also mandated child-proof wrapping for marijuana candies.
Where Can I Find a Qualified Personal Injury Attorney in California?
If you have been searching the California area for a lawyer who can help you seek justice after consuming poisonous foods, look no further than Mary Alexander & Associates, P.C. Over the years, we have assisted numerous injured plaintiffs – and we know that there is no excuse for food producers who allow poisonous items to reach the shelves. Whether you have suffered serious health issues or you are filing your lawsuit on behalf of a poisoned child, we can help. Time is of the essence, as the statute of limitations may prevent you from suing if you wait too long. A settlement can provide you with compensation for missed wages, emotional distress, unpaid medical expenses, and much more. Book your consultation today to get started with an effective action plan.
