Personal Injury Law

FDA: Lot of Mauri Gorgonzola cheese positive for E. coli O157:H7 - Cheese was sold in Colorado Costco stores

By Bill Marler, Esq.

* Mauri Gorgonzola cheese with sell-by dates of 01/13/11 and 01/14/11 is being recalled because of a positive test for E. coli O157:H7. DPI Specialty Foods of Tualatin, Ore., cut, packaged and distributed the cheese to Costco Wholesale Corporation (Costco) stores in Colorado.

* Consumers who have any of this cheese should not eat it. They should return the cheese to the place of purchase or dispose of it in a closed plastic bag and place in a sealed trash can to prevent people or animals, including wild animals, from eating it.

* Most people infected with E. coli O157:H7 develop diarrhea and abdominal cramps, but some illnesses may last longer and can be more severe. While most people recover within a week, some may develop a severe infection. Rarely, as symptoms of diarrhea improve, a type of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) can occur; this can happen at any age but is most common in children under 5 years old and in older adults. People with HUS should be hospitalized immediately, as their kidneys may stop working and they may be at risk for other serious health problems.

* The bacterial strain from this cheese is different from the strain linked to those illnesses reported in the recent E. coli O157:H7 outbreak in Southwestern states. Investigations are ongoing to determine if any illnesses are associated with eating this recalled cheese.

* The FDA is investigating how this cheese became contaminated.

So, what is it with E. coli O157:H7 and cheese this week?

Full post as published by Marler Blog on November 11, 2010 (boomark / email).