August 5, 2016 — After an outbreak of E. coli, Whole Foods is recalling a variety of organic cheese made by Grassfields Cheese.
The outbreak has sickened 7 people between March and July 2016. All of the victims were infected with a Shiga-toxin producing strain of E. coli.
The same strain was found in a sample of cheese by health officials in Michigan. Grassfields Cheese recalled about 20,000 pounds of cheese on August 3.
The cheese was sold at Whole Foods grocery stores in Alabama, Georgia, Illinois, Iowa, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin.
The cheese was produced between December 2015 and June 2016. It was cut and packaged in plastic wrap and marked with “Best-By” dates through September 2, 2016 and PLU codes between 0206151 and 0206159.
The recall includes the following types of cheese:
- Gouda
- Onion ‘n Garlic
- Country Dill
- Leyden
- Edam
- Lamont Cheddar
- Fait Gras
- Polkton Corners
The symptoms of food poisoning with E. coli include severe abdominal cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, and a low fever. In some cases, fluid loss can cause dehydration and kidney problems.
While most healthy adults recover within 5-7 days, infections with Shiga-toxin E. coli are more serious. About 5-10% of victims develop a complication known as Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS).
The symptoms of HUS include decreased urine output, lethargy, and loss of pink color in the cheeks and lower eyelids. Patients with HUS will be hospitalized and most recover within a few weeks. HUS can also cause permanent kidney damage, kidney failure, or death.
Do I have an E. Coli Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting Grassfields Cheese induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know has been diagnosed with E. coli, 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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