--- title: Colorado Woman Sickened in Multistate Raw Oyster Salmonella Outbreak to Sue Whole Foods and Virginia Oyster Grower date: 2026-10-23T19:21:00-07:00 author: Bill Marler canonical_url: "https://marlerclark.com/news_events/colorado-woman-sickened-in-multistate-raw-oyster-salmonella-outbreak-to-sue-whole-foods-and-virginia-oyster-grower" section: News --- [All News](/news_events) / [Press Releases](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/press-releases) / # Colorado Woman Sickened in Multistate Raw Oyster Salmonella Outbreak to Sue Whole Foods and Virginia Oyster Grower ## **WHAT:** Filing of a personal injury lawsuit, *DeCrow and Hadar v. Whole Foods Market Rocky Mountain/Southwest, L.P. and Little Wicomico Oyster Company, LLC*, arising from the 2026 multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to raw oysters from Virginia's Little Wicomico River. **WHEN:** Early next week (week of October 26, 2026). Copies of the filed complaint will be available on request. **WHERE:** United States District Court for the District of Colorado, Denver. **WHO:** Sherry DeCrow and her husband, John Hadar, of Lafayette, Colorado, represented by food safety attorney William (Bill) Marler of Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm. ### Background On June 5, 2026, Sherry DeCrow bought a dozen raw Blue Point oysters at the seafood counter of the Whole Foods Market at 303 Marshall Road in Superior, Colorado. Within hours of eating them she was violently ill, with a fever of 102.2°F, vomiting, diarrhea, severe abdominal pain and shock-like pain in her back and hips. Her stool culture was positive for Salmonella, and public health investigators interviewed her about the oysters. Ms. DeCrow has not recovered. She developed joint pain her providers have evaluated as possible reactive arthritis, her digestive symptoms persist, and a stool test in October 2026 was again positive for Salmonella. A hardwood flooring installer who was healthy before her illness, she has been unable to work as she did. The oysters were harvested by Little Wicomico Oyster Company (VA-1421-SP) of Northumberland County, Virginia. On October 9, 2026, the Virginia Department of Health closed the Little Wicomico River to shellfish harvesting and issued a recall alert. On October 19, CDC and FDA announced a multistate outbreak linked to the company's oysters: 27 people sick in 12 states, including two in Colorado, with five hospitalized. Virginia health officials report a larger count of 53 people in 18 states sickened with *Salmonella* Telelkebir, with illnesses beginning in late May. The recall covers oysters harvested September 18 through October 8, 2026. Ms. DeCrow and many others fell ill months earlier, from oysters sold and eaten before any recall. ### The Lawsuit The complaint names Whole Foods Market Rocky Mountain/Southwest, L.P., which operates the Superior store, and Little Wicomico Oyster Company, LLC. It brings claims for strict product liability, breach of implied warranty and negligence, and a loss-of-consortium claim by Mr. Hadar. The complaint alleges that Little Wicomico harvested and shipped oysters from contaminated water. It also alleges that Whole Foods seafood employees twice told Ms. DeCrow that raw oysters could be kept and eaten over three to four days, and that oysters she bought a week earlier contained shell fragments mixed into the meat. Plaintiffs seek damages to be proven at trial and demand a jury. ### Statement "Oysters are filter feeders, and when they come from water fouled with fecal material they concentrate Salmonella. Nothing between the harvest and the consumer's mouth kills it," said Bill Marler. "Sherry ate these oysters in June, months before anyone recalled anything, and she is still sick today. Growers and retailers who sell raw shellfish owe consumers a product that is safe to eat raw and honest advice about how to handle it." ### About William “Bill” Marler [William “Bill” Marler](https://billmarler.com/) has spent more than thirty years as a food safety lawyer and advocate—work that began with the 1993 Jack in the Box *E. coli* outbreak and has never really stopped since. In the years that followed, he has represented victims in nearly every major foodborne illness outbreak in the United States. That case, and the movement it launched, is the subject of the book [*Poisoned*](https://www.amazon.com/Poisoned-Deadly-Outbreak-Changed-Americans/dp/098495435X) and the Emmy Award–winning [Netflix documentary](https://www.netflix.com/title/81460481) of the same name. Bill’s work has been profiled in *The New Yorker* ([“A Bug in the System”](https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2015/02/02/bug-system)), the *Seattle Times* ([“30 years after the deadly ](https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/30-years-after-the-deadly-e-coli-outbreak-a-seattle-attorney-still-fights-for-food-safety/)[*E. coli*](https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/30-years-after-the-deadly-e-coli-outbreak-a-seattle-attorney-still-fights-for-food-safety/)[outbreak, a Seattle attorney still fights for food safety”](https://www.seattletimes.com/pacific-nw-magazine/30-years-after-the-deadly-e-coli-outbreak-a-seattle-attorney-still-fights-for-food-safety/)), the *Washington Post* ([“He helped make burgers safer. Now he’s fighting food poisoning again”](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/he-helped-make-burgers-safer-now-hes-fighting-food-poisoning-again/2020/01/18/5b979cf8-38ad-11ea-9541-9107303481a4_story.html)), and [many others](https://billmarler.com/about). Dozens of times a year, Bill speaks to industry, regulators, and universities across the United States, Canada, Europe, Africa, China, and Australia about a simple idea: outbreaks are preventable. He has testified before Congress on the Food Safety Modernization Act and teaches food safety at institutions including the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He writes regularly about food litigation and food safety at [Marler Blog](https://www.marlerblog.com/), and in 2009 he founded [Food Safety News](https://www.foodsafetynews.com/), which he continues to publish. ### About Salmonella and Marler Clark *Salmonella* sickens more than a million Americans every year and is the leading cause of hospitalizations and deaths among foodborne bacteria. Its reach is remarkable—it turns up in produce, poultry, pantry staples, and pet food alike.[Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm](https://marlerclark.com/), is the nation’s leading firm representing victims of [*Salmonella*](https://about-salmonella.com/) outbreaks. Our [*Salmonella*](https://marlerclark.com/food-litigation/salmonella-outbreak-litigation)[ lawyers](https://marlerclark.com/food-litigation/salmonella-outbreak-litigation) have represented thousands of victims in the only U.S. law practice devoted exclusively to foodborne illness, which has recovered more than $850 million for victims and families nationwide. We have tied [*Salmonella*](https://about-salmonella.com/) outbreaks to cantaloupe, tomatoes, ground turkey, salami, sprouts, cereal, peanut butter, and restaurant meals, and we have brought cases against Cargill, ConAgra, Peanut Corporation of America, Sheetz, Taco Bell, Subway, and Wal-Mart. The Peanut Corporation of America outbreak ended in federal criminal convictions, with the company’s owner sentenced to twenty-eight years in prison. We are also pressing the federal government to treat *Salmonella* as an adulterant on raw chicken, so that contaminated poultry can be kept off store shelves the way dangerous *E. coli* already is. If you or a family member became ill with a [*Salmonella*](https://about-salmonella.com/) infection—including lasting complications such as [reactive arthritis](https://about-reactive-arthritis.com/) or [irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)](https://about-irritablebowelsyndrome.com/)—after eating contaminated food, contact the Marler Clark [*Salmonella*](https://about-salmonella.com/) attorneys for a free case evaluation. #### FAQ **What is *Salmonella*?** *Salmonella* is a group of bacteria behind one of the most common—and most deadly—foodborne infections in the United States, sickening more than a million people a year. Symptoms usually begin between 6 hours and 6 days after eating contaminated food and include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps that last four to seven days. **What foods cause *Salmonella* outbreaks?** Poultry, eggs, ground beef, produce, peanut butter, flour, and even pet food have all caused outbreaks. *Salmonella* can survive for months in dry, low-moisture foods. **Can a *Salmonella* infection cause long-term problems?** Yes. Some victims develop reactive arthritis—joint pain and swelling that can persist for months—or irritable bowel syndrome after the initial illness resolves. **Who is most at risk?** Young children, adults over 65, and people with weakened immune systems are the most likely to be hospitalized or to suffer severe, invasive infection. **Can I sue for a *Salmonella* infection?** If your illness is linked to a contaminated product or a recognized outbreak, you may have a claim against those in the chain of distribution. A stool culture matching the outbreak strain is powerful evidence. #### Additional Resources - • [About ](https://about-salmonella.com/)[*Salmonella*](https://about-salmonella.com/) — a complete resource for victims of *Salmonella* outbreaks - • [Marler Clark ](https://www.salmonellalitigation.com/)[*Salmonella*](https://www.salmonellalitigation.com/)[ Lawsuits and Litigation](https://www.salmonellalitigation.com/) - • [Downloadable ](https://marlerclark.com/pdfs/salmonella_brochure.pdf)[*Salmonella*](https://marlerclark.com/pdfs/salmonella_brochure.pdf)[ Fact Sheet](https://marlerclark.com/pdfs/salmonella_brochure.pdf) ### Media Contact Bill Marler, Marler Clark, Inc., PS 180 Olympic Drive SE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110 (206) 346-1888 · bmarler@marlerclark.com \# # # ### Other Salmonella Lawsuits [Ramona Family Naturals Market and Happy Hens Salmonella Outbreak Lawsuits](https://marlerclark.com/ramona-family-naturals-market-and-happy-hens-salmonella-outbreak-lawsuits) [Jalapeño Salmonella Outbreak Lawsuits: Chipotle, QDOBA and Coast Citrus Distributors — 431 Sick in 32 States](https://marlerclark.com/chipotle-linked-to-salmonella-outbreak-tied-to-peppers) [Egg Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 134 in 18 States](https://marlerclark.com/egg-salmonella-outbreak-sickens-98-in-17-states) [18 Sick with Salmonella from Moringa Capsules](https://marlerclark.com/18-sick-with-salmonella-from-moringa-capsules) [64 with Salmonella tied to Oysters](https://marlerclark.com/64-with-salmonella-tied-to-oysters) [Vega Farms Salmonella Outbreak Sickens 63](https://marlerclark.com/vega-farms-salmonella-outbreak-sickens-63) [Green Supplement causes Salmonella Outbreak](https://marlerclark.com/green-supplement-causes-salmonella-outbreak) [Salmonella Outbreak tied to Metabolic Meals](https://marlerclark.com/salmonella-outbreak-tied-to-metabolic-meals) [Kentucky Salmonella outbreak linked to Ramsey’s Diners and Missy’s Pies](https://marlerclark.com/kentucky-salmonella-outbreak-linked-to-ramseys-diners-and-missys-pies) [Salmonella Egg Outbreak sickens 63 in California](https://marlerclark.com/salmonella-egg-outbreak-sickens-63-in-california) [Cucumbers with Salmonella - Again](https://marlerclark.com/cucumbers-with-salmonella-again) [Aladdin Mediterranean Restaurant Linked to Salmonella Outbreak in San Diego - 89 Sick](https://marlerclark.com/aladdin-mediterranean-restaurant-linked-to-salmonella-outbreak-in-san-diego) ### Lawsuit updates about foodborne illnesses [Reactive Arthritis Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=reactive-arthritis&year=all) [E. coli Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=e-coli&year=all) [Guillain-Barre Syndrome Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=guillain-barre-syndrome&year=all) [Salmonella Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=salmonella&year=all) [Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=hemolytic-uremic-syndrome&year=all) [Listeria Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=listeria&year=all) [Irritable Bowel Syndrome Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=irritable-bowel-syndrome&year=all) [Hepatitis A Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=hepatitis-a&year=all) [Norovirus Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=norovirus&year=all) [Botulism Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=botulism&year=all) [Campylobacter Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=campylobacter&year=all) [Shigella Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=shigella&year=all) [Cyclospora Lawsuit Updates](/news_events/case-news?illness=cyclospora&year=all) ### Lawsuits updates by year [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 1998](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=1998) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 1999](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=1999) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2000](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2000) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2001](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2001) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2002](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2002) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2003](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2003) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2004](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2004) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2005](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2005) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2006](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2006) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2007](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2007) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2008](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2008) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2009](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2009) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2010](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2010) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2011](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2011) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2012](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2012) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2013](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2013) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2014](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2014) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2015](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2015) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2016](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2016) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2017](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2017) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2018](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2018) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2019](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2019) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2020](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2020) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2021](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2021) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2022](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2022) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2023](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2023) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2024](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2024) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2025](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2025) [Foodborne Illness Lawsuits in 2026](https://marlerclark.com/news_events/case-news?illness=all&year=2026) ##### Get Help #### Affected by an outbreak or recall? The team at Marler Clark is here to answer all your questions. Find out if you’re eligible for a lawsuit, what questions to ask your doctor, and more. [ Get a free consultation ](https://marlerclark.com/contact) ##### Related Resources ###### [Salmonella Food Poisoning](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/salmonella/about-salmonella) What is Salmonella and how does it cause food poisoning? The term Salmonella refers to a specific group of gram-negative bacteria with the potential to cause gastrointestinal distress and other... ###### [The Incidence of Salmonella Infections](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/salmonella/the-incidence-of-salmonella-infections) Typhoidal Salmonella Salmonella enterica serotypes Typhi, Sendai, and Paratyphi A, B, or C are found exclusively in humans. These serotypes, collectively referred to as typhoidal Salmonella, cause enteric fever (also... ###### [The Prevalence of Salmonella in Food and Elsewhere](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/salmonella/the-prevalence-of-salmonella-in-food-and-elsewhere) Most Salmonella infections are caused by eating contaminated food. One study found that 87% of all confirmed cases of Salmonella are foodborne. Foods of animal origin, including meat, poultry, eggs... ###### [Transmission of Salmonella Bacteria](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/salmonella/transmission-of-salmonella-bacteria) In the past two decades, consumption of produce, especially sprouts, tomatoes, fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and nut butters, has been associated with Salmonella illnesses. The surface of fruits and vegetables... ###### [Symptoms of Salmonella Infection](https://marlerclark.com/foodborne-illnesses/salmonella/salmonella-symptoms-risks) Symptoms of Salmonella infection include painful abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and fever. Salmonella infections can have a broad range of illness, from no symptoms to severe illness. The most common clinical... ##### Outbreak Database #### Looking for a comprehensive list of outbreaks? The team at Marler Clark is here to answer all your questions. Find out if you’re eligible for a lawsuit, what questions to ask your doctor, and more. [ View Outbreak Database ](https://outbreakdatabase.com)