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Ground Beef Most Likely Source of Michigan E. coli Infections

By Pritzker | Ruohonen

The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) and several local health departments are investigating an increase in the number of illnesses related to the bacteria E. coli O157:H7. MDCH has received reports of 29 cases of infection so far in the month of June.  At least 10 E. coli cases in Ohio are part of this outbreak.  Health officials are investigating 45 cases in Michigan and Ohio that may be part of this E. coli outbreak.

According to the MDCH:

Although the investigation is ongoing, early laboratory results, including DNA analysis of the bacteria, indicate that several of the illnesses may be linked, suggesting a common food source. Preliminary information collected from patients indicates ground beef is most likely the source.

E. coli O157:H7 lives in the intestines of healthy cattle and is present in their manure. When these cattle go to slaughter, unsanitary conditions in the slaughterhouse can lead to contamination of meat with the cattle manure. Sometimes the intestines of an animal are accidentally cut open, allowing the contents to contaminate exposed meat.

E. coli O157:H7 that has contaminated the outside of meat during slaughter can become thoroughly mixed within meat during grinding. Even a small amount of E. coli O157:H7 can contaminate hundreds of pounds of ground beef.  As a result, ground beef has been responsible for numerous E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks.

Our law firm represents victims of E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks throughout the United States.  When someone contracts an E. coli infection associated with ground beef, a number of parties may be responsible:

• The slaughterhouse
• The processor of the ground beef
• The distributor of the ground beef product
• A retailer
• A restaurant
• A school or other food service provider

To determine who can be pursued for compensation and how much compensation to seek, an E. coli lawyer needs to thoroughly review the facts of the case.  To contact a lawyer with E. coli litigation experience, please call 1-888-377-8900 (toll-free), email our lawyers or submit our free case consultation form.

Full post as published by Food Poisoning Law Blog on June 20, 2008 (boomark / email).