According to a recent announcement by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS), Bakkavor Foods USA, Inc. recalled almost 800,000 pounds of packaged, prepared burrito and pizza meals. The firm is a food manufacturer with establishments in various locations, including one in Charlotte. The recall followed the firm’s discovery that its onion supplier had recalled its products because of potential Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella contamination of the onions. Similar recalls in the past have led to personal injury lawsuits in North Carolina and across the country.
Salmonella contamination causes a bacterial foodborne illness that typically lead to abdominal cramps, diarrhea and fever that could last for four to seven days. People with compromised immune systems might need hospitalization. Consuming L. monocytogenes contaminated food can cause a severe infection, called listeriosis, in older people, pregnant women, newborn babies and others with compromised immune systems. This is a life-threatening condition that typically appears with flu-like symptoms within 60 days after consumption of contaminated food.
Listeriosis could start with gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and then continue with headaches, muscle aches, stiff neck, fever, loss of balance, confusion and convulsions because the infection does not remain limited to the gastrointestinal tract. Pregnant women are at increased risks because the infection could cause stillbirths, miscarriages, life-threatening infections in newborns or premature delivery. No reports have been recorded about people affected by the recalled burritos and pizzas.
Authorities are concerned that consumers might have some of the recalled products stored in freezers and fridges. People who developed foodborne illnesses after consuming purchased contaminated foods might have grounds to pursue financial relief by filing product liability lawsuits. A North Carolina personal injury attorney can help with establishing negligence and determining whom to name as defendants. The lawyer can then advocate for the client throughout ensuing legal proceedings.