Raw milk is one of the most common sources of E. coli illness outbreaks. Children often suffer devastating consequences, such as kidney failure or Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).
What You Can Do & How We Can Help
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting raw milk induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with E. coli from drinking raw milk, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
French Broad Farms E. Coli Outbreak
In June 2018, health officials in Tennessee reported that 10 children under the age of 4 were treated for severe E. coli infections after drinking unpasteurized raw milk from French Broad Farms in Knoxville, Tennessee. Four of the children were hospitalized for treatment of life-threatening kidney failure as a result of the infection.
Is Raw Milk Illegal in Tennessee?
It is illegal to buy raw milk in Tennessee, but in 2009 the state legalized “cow-share” or “dairy-share” programs that allow individuals to pay a farmer in exchange for a share of raw milk every week.
French Broad Farms was able to provide raw milk to people in Tennessee by operating as a cooperative “cow-share” program.
What is Raw Milk?
Raw milk is milk from an animal that has not been heat-treated (pasteurized) to kill E. coli or other bacteria.
Raw Milk Linked to 80+ Illness Outbreaks
Raw milk was linked to 81 illness outbreaks in 26 states between 2007 and 2012, according to the CDC, with E. coli causing 17% of the outbreaks. At least 979 people fell ill and 79 were hospitalized.
What is the Risk?
People who drink unpasteurized raw milk usually do so because they believe that it is healthier than pasteurized milk. However, raw milk is 840-times more likely to cause illness than pasteurized milk, and people who do get sick are 45-times more likely to be hospitalized.
Raw Milk Dangers for Children
E. coli is an extremely dangerous illness for young children. Infections may cause vomiting, watery diarrhea, dehydration, kidney failure, and Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), or death.
Symptoms of E. Coli Food Poisoning
The symptoms of an E. coli illness begin 1 to 8 days after drinking raw milk, and they can include:
- Diarrhea (may be watery or bloody)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Abdominal cramping
- Stomach pain or tenderness
- Nausea and vomiting
Do I have a Raw Milk E. Coli Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting raw milk induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with E. coli from drinking raw milk, you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Food Poisoning Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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