In the wake of a multistate Listeria outbreak linked to cantaloupes grown in the Rocky Ford region of Colorado, national food safety law firm Marler Clark is reminding the public of the importance of knowledge when it comes to preventing foodborne illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed 15 Listeria cases including 1 death linked to the consumption of contaminated cantaloupe in the following states: Colorado (11), Texas (2), Nebraska (1), and Oklahoma (1). In New Mexico, health officials confirmed nine additional cases of Listeria that may be linked to cantaloupe, including 3 deaths.
“People want to know what they are dealing with when a foodborne illness threatens their family or community,” said Marler Clark attorney and food safety expert William Marler. “Our team has established an array of free information pertaining to Listeria and other foodborne illnesses which people can arm themselves with in outbreak situations.”
• About-Listeria is a one-stop site offering in depth information on Listeria risks, symptoms, diagnosis, prevention, history, sources, and more. A one-page downloadable Listeria fact sheet is available on the site.
• For breaking news, the firm’s attorneys operate Food Poison Journal, a responsive blog which is updated frequently with the most up to date news on foodborne illness.
• Marler Clark also publishes Food Safety News, with original reporting on all food issues, including news on this latest Listeria outbreak.
LISTERIA CONTAMINATION: Fruits and vegetables can become contaminated with Listeria from soil, water, fertilizers, or from animals passing through a field. Cantaloupe is especially prone to contamination due to the fact that it is grown on the ground and its skin is porous, thereby allowing easier entrance for microorganisms. Listeria grows well at refrigerated temperatures, so while most of our food is safer in a cool environment, refrigerated, ready-to-eat foods carry an increased risk for Listeria. Those individuals who are immune-deficient, such as children, the elderly, and pregnant women may be at risk for serious problems such meningitis, brain infection, and even death. Infection in pregnant women may lead to miscarriage or stillbirth. See this YouTube video explaining more about Listeria contamination and listeriosis.
BACKGROUND: Bill Marler is a food safety expert and the Managing Partner of Marler Clark, the nation’s leading law firm dedicated to representing victims of Listeria and other foodborne illness outbreaks. The firm has represented victims of numerous Listeria outbreaks and recently won a $1.1 million judgment on behalf of a Texas family. For more information or to speak with Mr. Marler, contact Cody Moore at cmoore@marlerclark.com or 1-206-407-2200.