The Gouda Cheese E. coli Outbreak
Costco asked customers to return Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda cheese (Costco item 40654) on November 4, 2010 in announcement that the cheese was identified as the source of an E. coli outbreak among at least 25 people from 5 states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the Gouda cheese sold in Costco stores and featured in a "cheese road show" between Oct. 5 and Nov. 1 is contaminated with a strain of E. coli O157:H7 that hadnever before been linked to an outbreak.
Laboratory testing conducted on two opened packages of Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda Cheese purchased at Costco from two different homes has detected a matching strain of E. coli O157:H7 as that involved in the outbreak. Also, laboratory testing on an unopened (intact) was positive for a matching strain of E. coli O157:H7.
Public health investigators ultimately identified 38 people who had become ill with E. coli infections, some with hemolytic uremic syndrome, after eating Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda Cheese purchased at Costco.
E. coli O157:H7 Infection
E. coli O157:H7 is a bacterium that causes foodborne illness. Symptoms of E. coli infection include abdominal cramping and diarrhea, which can become bloody. In severe cases, E. coli can cause kidney failure or even death.
Contact an E. coli Lawyer
If you or a family member became ill with an E. coli infection after eating Gouda cheese sold at Costco and you’re interested in pursuing a legal claim, you can contact the Marler Clark E. coli attorneys for a free case evaluation. Marler Clark is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of E. coli outbreaks and other foodborne illnesses. You can fill out the contact form or call toll-free at 866-770-2032. There is no cost to you.