Health Law

Marler Clark Files First Salmonella Lawsuit in Daniele Pepper Salami Outbreak

By Bill Marler

COOK COUNTY, IL: (January 26, 2010) The nationwide outbreak of Salmonella linked to pepper covered salami has resulted in legal action. The first Salmonella lawsuit was filed today against Daniele International, Inc, a Rhode Island company that recalled 1,240,000 pounds of sausage products due to potential Salmonella contamination.

In late December, the Keppler family purchased Daniele, Inc's now recalled pepper-coated salami (salame) product at a Costco in Lake Zurich, Illinois. Mrs. Keppler consumed the product and soon began to experience gastrointestinal illness. Although she did not require medical treatment, her 3-month-old son soon fell ill. His symptoms included fever and diarrhea, and even after a visit to his pediatrician, his symptoms continued to worsen. His diarrhea became incessant, and ultimately turned bloody. His temperature soared to 104 degrees. His parents rushed him to the ER, where he was re-hydrated and blood and stool samples were given for testing. The stool test would later reveal that he had been infected with Salmonella. After discharge from the hospital, the Keppler's son continued to be very ill for an extended period of time, requiring several more visits to his pediatrician. He continues to recover from the illness.

The CDC reports 187 Salmonella illnesses in 39 states. The investigation is continuing, as officials look into the possibility of Salmonella contamination of the ready-to-eat meat product or the spices used on and in it. Spices have previously been responsible for Salmonella outbreaks, such as the Union International Foods outbreak and the Adams Extract and Spice outbreak.

Full post as published by Food Poison Blog on January 26, 2010 (boomark / email).