New York Woman Files Lawsuit Against Wegmans Food Markets and Grimmway Farms Over E. coli Outbreak After Experiencing Kidney Failure
MANHATTAN, NEW YORK (November 26, 2024) – A woman from New York has filed a lawsuit against Wegmans Food Markets and Grimmway Farms following an E. coli outbreak.
The defendant is 73 years old and suffered kidney failure after eating carrots infected with E. coli. Prior to the lawsuits, Wegmans Food Markets and Grimmway Farms recalled batches of their whole bagged carrots and baby carrots.
The E. coli outbreak is being investigated across multiple states. So far, around 40 people have become sick, and one baby died because of the bacterial infection.
At least five residents of New York have become sick after eating carrots produced by Grimmway Farms. A full investigation into the cause of the outbreak remains ongoing at this time.
Liability for New York E. Coli Outbreaks
E. coli outbreaks are responsible for many serious illnesses and deaths every year in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “An estimated 73,480 illnesses due to E. coli O157 infection occur each year in the United States, leading to an estimated 2,168 hospitalizations and 61 deaths annually, and it is an important cause of acute renal failure in children.” There are a number of common sources of E. coli infections.
- Contaminated food, including undercooked ground beef and fresh produce
- Contaminated water that has not gone through proper water treatment protocols
- Contact with animals, including direct contact with animals that carry E. coli
- Improper food handling that allows for cross-contamination
Companies that produce food products have a legal obligation to ensure that their products are reasonably safe. They must follow all health and safety standards set by the Food and Drug Administration. If a company fails to take reasonable steps in order to prevent E. coli outbreaks, this could form the basis of a negligence claim. Companies should take a number of measures to prevent E. coli outbreaks.
- Companies should adopt comprehensive food safety systems like Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP).
- Companies should source from reputable suppliers.
- Companies should ensure that all ground beef in food products reaches a proper internal temperature.
- Companies should take measures in order to prevent cross-contamination of foods.
E. coli outbreaks can be devastating for older people and those with certain underlying medical conditions. Many of these victims do not survive. This is why it is so important for all food producers to strictly adhere to food safety standards. They must also issue prompt recalls when they are made aware of an outbreak. Any person who becomes sick after eating food contaminated with E. coli may have legal recourse. A personal injury attorney can examine the unique facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Getting Legal Help Afer E. Coli Outbreaks
We at Gersowitz Libo & Korek, P.C. extend our best wishes to all of the people injured in this E. coli outbreak. Any person who may have more information should reach out to investigators. There needs to be a thorough investigation into what went wrong.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in an E. coli outbreak? Our team of personal injury attorneys is here to help in any way that we can. We care deeply that victims are aware of their rights and that those rights are being protected. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we may be able to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at (516) 908-9792.
