The Summer 2008 E. coli O157:H7 Outbreak linked to Nebraska Beef and Whole Foods - A story of companies out of control leaving victims in its wake.
On June 30, 2008, Nebraska Beef, Ltd., an Omaha-area beef processor, recalled approximately 531,707 pounds of ground beef products because the meat was potentially contaminated by E. coli O157:H7.
On June 24, 2008, the CDC announced an outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses among 24 residents of Michigan and Ohio. The next day, the CDC announced that the number of outbreak linked cases had grown to 32, and that ground beef sold at Kroger stores, the Cincinnati based grocery chain, was the likely outbreak vehicle. That afternoon, Kroger recalled all varieties and weights of ground beef products bearing a Kroger label sold between May 21 and June 8 at Michigan and Central and Northwestern Ohio Kroger retail establishments. By June 26, the outbreak had claimed 33 victims; and by June 30, the CDC counted 35 confirmed cases linked to ground beef sold by Kroger, with 19 people hospitalized and 1 known case of hemolytic uremic syndrome.
But Kroger did not produce the meat from which the contaminated ground beef implicated in this developing outbreak was made. Investigation by health officials in Michigan and Ohio, in collaboration with officials at the CDC and FSIS, showed that the contaminated Kroger beef had actually been produced by an Omaha, Nebraska beef processor called Nebraska Beef, Ltd. On the basis of these investigative findings, Nebraska Beef recalled approximately 531,707 pounds of beef products on June 30, 2008.
The outbreak linked to Nebraska Beef’s products would continue to grow through the end of June and into July. On July 1, the CDC announced that 38 people had now been infected in Ohio and Michigan; on July 3, the number rose to 41. That day, Nebraska Beef expanded its recall “to include all beef manufacturing trimmings and other products intended for use in raw ground beef produced between May 16 and June 26.” The massive recall now totaled an estimated 5.3 million pounds of beef. In an FSIS press release the same day, it was reported:
FSIS has concluded that the production practices employed by Nebraska Beef, Ltd. are insufficient to effectively control E. coli O157:H7 in their beef products that are intended for grinding. The products subject to recall may have been produced under insanitary conditions.
Meanwhile, further epidemiological investigation revealed that the outbreak had spread beyond the states of Michigan and Ohio. On July 15, the CDC announced that New York, Indiana, and Kentucky had reported outbreak cases as well—i.e. individuals with a stool sample that was positive for a strain of E. coli O157:H7 that was indistinguishable from the patterns detected in recalled beef products and in other already-recognized outbreak cases. The next day, the CDC reported that the State of Georgia had a case too, bringing the total to 45 victims nationally.
But Nebraska Beef’s contaminated beef products had spread even further than that into the stream of commerce, and unfortunately into the homes of consumers. On August 8, 2008, Nebraska Beef announced yet another massive recall. This time, the troubled company recalled approximately 1.2 million pounds of primal cuts, subprimal cuts and boxed beef due to potential E. coli O157:H7 contamination.
This latter recall also occurred in the wake of a large-scale investigation into a multi-state outbreak of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses with exposures to ground beef products from a variety of retail outlets. At least 31 people in 12 states and Canada had been infected. The investigation ultimately showed that, through a middleman called Coleman Natural Meats, Nebraska Beef had supplied the implicated retail outlets, including certain Whole Foods and Dorothy Lanes locations.
The total amount of beef products recalled by Nebraska Beef from June to August 2008 was 6,660,000 pounds. The contaminated beef subject to Nebraska Beef’s various recalls ultimately caused at least 80 illnesses in 16 states and Canada.
Eula Bentley-Tobias
Eula Plum Bentley-Tobias is a two-and-a-half-year-old, free spirited little girl who lives in Charlottesville, Virginia with her parents, Jonah and Lisa. At the time of her illness, Eula was just twenty-one months old, and the Tobias family was living in New York City.
Prior to her HUS illness, Eula was an extremely healthy child. In fact, after her birth, she had never even been to a hospital, she was not on any medications, and she had no known allergies or other health problems whatsoever. Moreover, she had met all of her major developmental milestones, both psychosocial and physical, including babbling at six months, speaking her first word (“dada”) at eight months, and walking at twelve months. Without a doubt, Eula was an entirely healthy toddler with no congenital impediment to leading a productive, normal life.
On July 2, 2008, Eula and her parents traveled to Charlottesville, Virginia for the Fourth of July holiday. They stayed at Jonah’s mother and father’s home. While there, Jonah’s mother purchased ground beef on two occasions from the local Whole Foods store. The first package of ground beef was actually returned to the store because, when Lisa took it from the refrigerator to prepare hamburgers, she noticed that the meat appeared grayish in color. Whole Foods willingly allowed Jonah’s mother to exchange the discolored meat for a new package of fresh ground beef the morning of July 4. That afternoon, Lisa prepared hamburgers for many members of the family, including Jonah. Eula did not consume any of the ground beef.
Eula began to suffer from a low-grade fever on July 7 or 8. No other symptoms of illness manifested until approximately one week later, when Eula began to complain that her “tummy hurt.” Onset of diarrhea occurred around the same time, quickly increasing in intensity and frequency over the next twenty-four hours. Eula saw her pediatrician, Mark Levin, MD, on July 17, who noted significant abdominal pain and guarding. Dr. Levin’s differential diagnosis included gastroenteritis and intussusception, which is a potentially fatal condition characterized by the enfolding of the large and small bowel. He recommended that Jonah and Lisa take Eula immediately to the emergency department at Beth Israel Hospital for further diagnostic tests.
Jonah and Lisa were ill prepared for what they would witness over the course of the next month, much less the medical reality that would confront their then-only child by the time she was finally discharged from the hospital on August 16. During her three-day-stay at Beth Israel, Eula’s kidneys would shut down, becoming clogged with cellular debris produced by the hemolyzing effect of the shiga toxins circulating in her bloodstream. She would also become badly anemic and suffer from a precipitous decline in platelets, signaling the onset of hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially fatal condition triggered by E. coli O157:H7 bacteria.
Unable to produce urine, yet requiring intravenous fluids due to the dehydration caused by her continuing, grossly bloody diarrhea, Eula’s entire body, even her eyelids, swelled to the point that her frightened parents could hardly recognize the form that their daughter had taken. And toward the end of her short stay at Beth Israel, before being transferred to New York Presbyterian Hospital’s pediatric intensive care ward, Eula’s body began to experience metabolic changes that would ultimately cause insulin-dependent diabetes. By July 20, 2008, Eula’s condition had deteriorated to the point that her team of doctors at Beth Israel agreed that she should be transferred to New York Presbyterian for potentially life-saving kidney dialysis and other care.
Eula’s body continued its rapid descent toward catastrophic, total failure at New York Presbyterian. After being directly admitted to the intensive care unit, blood tests confirmed that her kidneys had shut down completely, and that she had experienced a critical drop in red blood cells and platelets. The first of many blood transfusions occurred in the early morning hours of July 21. Over the next ten days, Eula would be repeatedly transfused with red blood cells.
On July 22, swollen and failing, Eula became much more irritable and fussy; too much so, in fact, for the change to be simply a consequence of her very ill condition. She began to speak incoherently, losing entirely the relatively advanced verbal structure that she had developed over the course of her first twenty-one months of life. In an email written to family and friends, Eula’s mother said, “She is slowly slipping away from us mentally, becoming less and less responsive.”
The changes became more pronounced that evening. Then, at midnight on July 22, Eula’s pediatric critical care specialist noticed certain behaviors, including agitation and a pronounced, left-sided gaze, that he believed to be a seizure. An EEG done later detected a seizure lasting eighteen minutes in the right hemisphere of Eula’s brain. Doctors immediately loaded her with Dilantin, an anti-seizure medication that caused Eula to become only minimally responsive. And then, four days later, she suffered a grand mal seizure lasting over an hour. During the seizure, Jonah and Lisa Tobias were rushed out of the room, and watched through a window in the door as doctors compressed Eula’s chest to ensure that her heart continued to beat. Ultimately, Eula would remain only minimally responsive into the month of August, when the anti-seizure medications could be safely withdrawn.
Meanwhile, Eula continued to suffer from total kidney failure, and metabolic changes that lead to respiratory failure, alternating low and high blood pressures, liver and pancreas disease, and, ultimately, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Peritoneal dialysis began on July 25, having to take over the job of Eula’s failing kidneys and rid her body of the harmful toxins and wastes that were building up due to her inability to produce any urine. Eula remained sedated, and breathing through a mechanical ventilator, through the end of July.
Eula ultimately remained on dialysis through August 11, by which point her kidneys had been irreversibly and severely damaged. By the time of discharge from New York Presbyterian Hospital on August 16, she had regained most of her mental function, and doctors were optimistic that, despite the severity of her neurological involvement, she had not sustained any organic brain damage. Nevertheless, due to the severity of her kidney injury and her ongoing diabetes mellitus, Eula remained on a variety of medications after discharge from the hospital, including Enalapril, Nystatin, Dilantin, Erythropoietin, and Lantus.
Since discharge, Eula’s recovery has been gradual and, sadly, incomplete. Her kidneys have not regained the functional capacity that they had before she became infected by E. coli O157:H7 in July 2008; and they never will. Eula remains on multiple medications to support her damaged kidneys and prolong their life, but she will require medical monitoring for the rest of her life, and at some point will likely require kidney transplantation and further dialysis for survival.
Nebraska Beef’s Six-Plus Years of Serious Food Safety Violations
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For readers here, and those who saw the 
Daniele International Inc., an establishment with operations in Pascoag and Mapleville, R.I., is now recalling approximately 1,263,754 pounds of ready-to-eat (RTE) varieties of Italian sausage products, including salami/salame, in commerce and potentially available to customers in retail locations because they may be contaminated with Salmonella, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
During the course of that investigation, a sample of product found in commerce was tested on behalf of a participating state department of health and found to contain Salmonella, which FSIS has a zero tolerance for in RTE products. The product tested was similar to products bought by customers who later became sick in the Montevideo investigation, but currently there is not a direct link. The Salmonella strain in the tested product does not appear to be the Montevideo strain of interest and further testing of the sample is ongoing at a state health partner laboratory. FSIS is continuing to work with the CDC, affected state public health partners, and the company on the investigation and will update the public on the progress of this investigation as information becomes available.
The Rhode Island Department of Health announced this afternoon that recent test results strongly suggest black pepper is the source of the Salmonella outbreak associated with Daniele Inc. Daniele purchased black pepper from two different distributors (Mincing Oversees Spice Company and Wholesome Spices) who buy imported black pepper. Samples of pepper from both distributors have tested positive for Salmonella
According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution and AP, over 100 victims of last year's nationwide salmonella outbreak will split $12 million as part of a bankruptcy settlement with the insurer of the company linked to the illnesses.
The recall is being expanded as a result of a confirmed finding of Salmonella in an unopened salami product reported by the Illinois Department of Public Health. The product was sampled during the course of an ongoing investigation of a multi-state outbreak of Salmonella serotype Montevideo illnesses. The product tested was not included in the previous recall (FSIS Recall 006-2010) issued January 23, but is similar to products bought by customers who later became sick in the Montevideo investigation. Product subject to the expanded recall may have been cross-contaminated with black pepper before it was packed. The company believes that black pepper is a possible source of Salmonella contamination.
FSIS is continuing to work with the CDC, FDA, affected state public health partners, and the company on the investigation and will update the public on the progress of this investigation as information becomes available.
The products subject to recall include:
The CDC reports that a total of 202 individuals infected with a matching strain of Salmonella Montevideo have been reported from 42 states and District of Columbia since July 1, 2009. The number of ill persons identified in each state with this strain is as follows: AK (1), AL (2), AZ (5), CA (30), CO (4), CT (4), DC (1), DE (2), FL (3), GA (3), IA (1), ID (2), IL (11), IN (3), KS (3), LA (1), MA (12), MD (1), ME (1), MI (3), MN (4), MO (1), NC (9), ND (1), NE (1), NH (1), NJ (7), NM (2), NY (16), OH (9), OK (1), OR (9), PA (5), RI (2), SC (1), SD (3), TN (4), TX (7), UT (7), VA (1), WA (15), WV (1), and WY (2). Because this is a commonly occurring strain, public health investigators may determine that some of the illnesses are not part of this outbreak.
Although officials from USDA, FSIS and FDA remain silent, as has Daniele Salami, both CIDRAP and Food Safety News reported Rhode Island Health Officials have named 
Last week within minutes of Nestle’s 
In a 
Yesterday’s announcement from Nestle that it had “informed the FDA [on January 11, 2010] that two samples of Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough … had tested positive for E. coli O157:H7…,” came as both a shock, that sick months after a severe E. coli O157:H7 outbreak, product was testing positive again, and a wake up call that clearly more needs to be done to make the product safe. The good news is that according to Nestle, “[c]onsistent with [its] quality assurance protocol, the finished product involved never left [its] factory or entered the supply chain, and none was shipped to customers..jpg)
A few minutes ago, Nestle USA's Baking Division announced "it will begin using heat-treated flour in the manufacture of its Nestle Toll House refrigerated cookie dough." This was in response to recent positive E. coli O157:H7 test results that were disclosed to the FDA two days ago. According to the Nestle press release, "quality assurance protocols [implemented after the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak of 2009] include[d] testing ingredients before they enter our facility, rigorous environmental sampling throughout the facility, and testing of finished product before it is shipped to customers." None of the positive product was shipped..jpg)
Sitting at the Seattle Airport waiting for my flight to Pullman (no, that is not the plane), gave me a little time to work on the 2009 JBS meat recall and E. coli outbreak..jpg)
After the recall announcements, the multi-state investigation into the reported E. coli O157:H7 illnesses continued. Samples from unopened packages of ground beef recovered from the house of one of the patients were tested by the Michigan Public Health Laboratory. The tests yielded an E. coli O157:H7 isolate that was an identical PFGE match to the outbreak strain. .jpg)
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According to Alan Liddle of .jpg)
As of Monday, January 4, 2010, 21 persons infected with the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 had been reported from 16 states. The number of ill persons who were identified resides in each state as follows: California (1), Colorado (1), Florida (1), Hawaii (1), Iowa (1), Indiana (1), Kansas (1), Michigan (1), Minnesota (3), Nevada (1), Ohio (2), Oklahoma (1), South Dakota (2), Tennessee (1), Utah (2), and Washington (1). Known illness onset dates range from October 3, 2009 through December 14, 2009. Most patients became ill between mid-October and late November. Patients range in age from 14 to 87 years and the median age of patients is 34 years, which means half are younger than 34 years. Forty-three percent of patients are females. There have been 9 reported hospitalizations, 1 case of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and no deaths.
According to the FSIS, National Steak and Poultry, an Owasso, Okla., establishment, is recalling approximately 248,000 pounds of beef products that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
I just got the below email tonight. I deleted identifying information to protect the dairyman's identification.
The Illinois Health Department has released its investigation into this summer's hepatitis A outbreak. It concluded the source of most of cases was food eaten at the Milan McDonald's. A state investigation has concluded most of the cases originated at the Milan McDonald's and most of the cases *would have been prevented* if only that one employee had properly washed hands.
Elizabeth Weise from USA Today, who has covered most of the E. coli outbreaks over the last dozen years, did a great job in her article, 
We filed two more lawsuits yesterday against the Ixtapa Family Mexican Restaurant in Lake Stevens, Washington. Laurie Bunney and Amanda Vest ate at Ixtapa on October 9, 2008 and became ill with E. coli O157:H7 infections in the following days. Both women incurred medical expenses and wage loss as a result of their E. coli infections.
A state report has indicated the city of Alamosa ignored a recommendation to have a deteriorating drinking water tank inspected years before the 2008 outbreak that sickened hundreds. The final 
The CDC now says that two deaths and 26 other illnesses may be linked to contaminated ground beef recalled by Fairbank Farms. Lola Scott Russell, a spokeswoman for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, says one of the deaths involved a New York adult with several underlying health conditions. The other is a death previously reported by New Hampshire officials.
On October 26
New Hampshire health officials are advising residents to take part in a beef recall after one person has died and two others became ill after eating contaminated ground beef..jpg)
NY Firm Recalls 546,000 pounds tied to E. coli Illnesses - 45,000,000 pounds recalled in last two years.
Recall Release CLASS I RECALL
At midnight Crocetti's Oakdale Packing Co., doing business as, South Shore Meats, Inc., a Brockton, Massachusetts establishment, "voluntarily" recalled approximately 1,039 pounds of fresh ground beef patties derived from bench trim as well as mechanically tenderized beef cuts that may be contaminated with 
Crocetti's Oakdale Packing Co., doing business as, South Shore Meats, Inc., a Brockton, Mass., establishment, is voluntarily recalling approximately 1,039 pounds of fresh ground beef patties derived from bench trim as well as mechanically tenderized beef cuts that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) announced today.
The products subject to recall include:
Each box bears the establishment number "EST. 6336" inside the USDA mark of inspection and may also bear a date code of "281." The beef products were produced on October 8, 2009, and were distributed to wholesale distributors and institutions in Massachusetts. If available, the retail distribution list(s) will be posted on FSIS' Web site at .jpg)
The Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) advises Rhode Islanders that the South Shore Meat packing plant in Brockton has initiated a voluntary recall on certain ground beef products based on confirmed laboratory evidence of the presence of E. coli O157:H7 in leftover ground beef samples obtained from Camp Bournedale in Plymouth, Massachusetts. The ground beef was tested by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MDPH) after more than 20 students and chaperones from Lincoln Middle School became ill. Other Massachusetts residents are also sickened from meat purchased at Star Market in Marshfield.
Raw milk related bacterial outbreaks have been an unfortunate and expanding part of business at Marler Clark. What now seems to be at least a yearly occurrence (we do not get retained in all outbreaks) raw milk illnesses are on the rise. And, because the proponents of the consumption of raw milks spend most of their time rejecting that the outbreaks – and illnesses related to them – even occurred, we expect continued business growth. 
An 86 year old Wisconsin woman has reached a confidential out-of-court settlement with the fresh produce growers and processors who she says poisoned her three years ago with a bag of spinach contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. Jane Majeska of Fond du Lac sued Dole, National Selection Foods, Mission Organics and Pick 'n Save on Sept. 1st for injuries she received from eating fresh bagged spinach, which was contaminated E. coli bacteria.
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Subject: Linda Rivera Condition 10-2-2009
Senator Harry Reid, majority leader of Senate, reached out by letter to my clients, the Rivera's, of Las Vegas. 
The ongoing problems in the US led the US Centers for Disease Control (CDC ) to publish recommendations for reducing the risk of transmitting E. coli and other human pathogens at animal exhibits. In the wake of devastating E. coli outbreaks, several states including Pennsylvania and North Carolina have enacted laws requiring similar precautions. Yet in representing dozens of children sickened in these outbreaks over the years, Marler Clark has seen animal exhibitors continue to disregard these basic precautions:
On the third anniversary of the Dole Spinach E. coli outbreak, once again Lynne Terry of .jpg)
President Obama once said:.jpg)
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Jane and Ben Majeska have been married 60 years in August 2009. Their marriage never faced a challenge in those years of the sort that they endured in the fall of 2006. Were it not for her consumption of Dole spinach, September and October of 2006 would have been two more precious months spent active, happy, and together. Instead they were excruciating and terrifying. The impacts of Jane’s HUS involved nearly every body system. The extraordinary efforts of her doctors and Jane’s remarkable strength and will meant the difference between life and death. Jane reflects, and recalls her children consulting the folders where they kept their parent’s funeral plans and end of life wishes. Medical bills to date are nearly $500,000. The Majeskas deserve to be compensated for their deep suffering. To quote, I am sure someone famous, “We will see you in Court!” Here is the Majeska’s story:
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I have a very busy September coming up. I am looking forward to mediation in a few days on the last of the 2006 Dole Spinach E. coli O157:H7 outbreak cases. This client spent 51 days hospitalized, 18 days on dialysis and incurred $500,000 in medical bills. Will Dole, Natural Selection Foods and Mission Organics play hardball with this 80ish lady? We shall see..png)
Kim Archer of the 
Excerpts from the Article about just one of the victims:
Three Family Members Sickened in Wisconsin, One Gravely..png)
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OK, I admit, Lou Dobbs (and all the cable yammering heads) drive me nuts. Mainly because they prey on peoples' fears (left and right) and they are smart and sane enough (O.K., exclude Beck and Hannity) to know better. Lou is particularly bothersome with his constant complaints of illegal immigrants and the plagues (he yells loudly about) they allegedly bring across our borders..jpg)
The lawsuit is being brought by Karie Fiegel and her 14-year-old daughter, both of whom ate at the Milan McDonald’s in early June, 2009. Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) has an incubation period of 15-50 days, and it was not until early July that Ms. Fiegel fell ill with nausea, vomiting, fever, and jaundice. She sought medical care, but her symptoms only intensified, and she was admitted to the hospital where she remained for three days. In the hospital, tests revealed that she had been infected with HAV. Hepatitis infects the liver, and Ms. Fiegel’s liver enzymes were found to be elevated during her hospitalization. Although she has been released, her liver enzymes remain elevated..jpg)
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As of July 1, 2009, the .png)
We represent two of the HUS cases. Nicole Riggs is 9 years old. She lives in Willard, Missouri with her mother, Julie; father, Dustin; and her younger sister, Christina. Larry Pedersen is a 2-year-old toddler. He lives in Monett, Missouri with his parents, Brian and Angela, and his two older sisters, Hailey and Kelsey.
A total of 5,366 doses of either hepatitis A vaccine, or a product called immune globulin, were given out in public clinics run by Rock Island County. All of those receiving free inoculations had visited a McDonald's restaurant at 400 W. 1st St., in Milan during July 13-14..png)
A confidential settlement was reached this morning on behalf of twelve-year-old Rebecca Gosla, who was sickened in a 2007 
The Rock Island County Health Department will conduct walk-in clinics at its office at 2112 25th Ave., Rock Island, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. These additional dates are being made available for those who went to the Milan, Ill., McDonald's on July 13 or 14. If they went there previous to these dates, receiving either of these shots may be beyond the time period to provide protection from potential exposure.
The first lawsuit on behalf of a customer sickened in the Milan McDonald’s outbreak was filed today in the Circuit Court of the Fourteenth Judicial Circuit of Rock Island County. The lawsuit was filed against McDonald’s Inc., and Kevin Murphy, the owner of the McDonald’s restaurant at 400 West First Street in Milan, IL, by Marler Clark, the Seattle-based foodborne illness law firm, and the Illinois firm of Foote, Meyers, Mielke & Flowers LLC..png)
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The cases are connected with Rock Island County businesses, including a McDonald's restaurant, 400 W. 1st St., Milan. Earlier this month, two food handlers at McDonald's were found to have hepatitis A, and the restaurant was closed for three days for a deep cleaning. Employees also received instructions on how to properly wash their hands, especially after using the restroom.
My daughter is 17 and took a partime job busing tables as a local restaurant. Can you imagine being a parent and urging your kid to get a Summer job at McDonald's? Here is an email I received tonight:.png)
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In light of the illnesses, FSIS issued a notice about a recall of 41,280 pounds of beef products from JBS Swift Beef Company that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. On June 28, the recall was expanded to include 380,000 pounds of assorted pieces of beef (beef primal products) from the same company..jpg)
We have been retained by several families in this outbreak and have already filed suit on behalf of a New Mexico boy who suffered HUS. Yesterday we were contacted by a Washington State family whose child suffered severe HUS (weeks hospitalized on dialysis) that may well be linked to this outbreak after the purchased JBS Swift meat at [an unnamed store]. What we know thus far is:.jpg)
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) is a severe, life-threatening complication that occurs in about 10% of those infected with E. coli O157:H7 or other Shiga toxin (Stx) producing E. coli (E. coli). HUS was first described in 1955, but was not known to be secondary to E. coli infections until 1982. It is now recognized as the most common cause of acute kidney failure in infants and young children. Adolescents and adults are also susceptible, as are the elderly who often succumb to the disease.
Ms. Lochhead added in a few of the major outbreaks (all of which I am squarely in the middle of). I added in one she missed, corrected a date and added a bit – all in bold..png)
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From a Nestle’s Press Release:
That's a mistake and people continue to get sick because of it, former USDA Food Safety Under Secretary Richard Raymond told Dow Jones Newswires in an interview. "We first tested ground beef and now we're testing trim. We need to start testing whole cuts."
I also followed up with a Nevada woman, who too has been linked to the outbreak, and who is still hospitalized after over two months in the hospital. She has suffered the removal of a portion of her large intestine and was on dialysis until the last few days. A week ago she was just learning how to walk again. E. coli O157:H7 is a very, very nasty bug. 
Mr. E. coli (aka Brian Hartman) once again scoops all in the ongoing Cookie Dough caper. Here is part of his story:.jpg)
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OK, so the CDC likely would not even recognize that they know me or that what I do is useful, but I must say, 
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JBS Swift USA and the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) have released a list of retailers that received meat that may have been tainted with E. coli. JBS Swift USA has recalled more than 420,000 pounds of beef that left the Greeley packing plant in April. The retail outlets include:
Health officials with The Atlanta based Centers for Disease Control and Prevention say at least twelve people have been hospitalized in connection with a possible .png)
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Brian Hartman of ABC reports that FDA investigators today found E. coli O157:H7 at the plant in Danville, Virginia where Nestle makes Toll House Cookie Dough.
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Still in Atlanta at the .png)
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The average E. coli O157:H7 victim without hospitalization will spend at least $1,000 in medical expenses and loose a week’s wages. For those hospitalized, medical bills can run from $10,000 to $100,000 in a very short time period. Those families whose children develop HUS, bills can push well into $1M depending on the severity of the illness. If the HUS is severe, future complications – including kidney transplant can add untold millions..png)
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Foodborne illnesses are a major health burden in the United States. Most of these illnesses are preventable, and analysis of outbreaks helps identify control measures. Although most cases are sporadic, investigation of the portion that occur as part of recognized outbreaks can provide insights into the pathogens, food vehicles, and food-handling practices associated with foodborne infections. CDC collects data on foodborne disease outbreaks (FBDOs) from all states and territories through the Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System (FBDSS). This report summarizes epidemiologic data on FBDOs reported during 2006 (the most recent year for which data have been analyzed). A total of 1,270 FBDOs were reported, resulting in 27,634 cases and 11 deaths. Among the 624 FBDOs with a confirmed etiology, norovirus was the most common cause, accounting for 54% of outbreaks and 11,879 cases, followed by Salmonella (18% of outbreaks and 3,252 cases). Among the 11 reported deaths, 10 were attributed to bacterial etiologies (six Escherichia coli O157:H7, two Listeria monocytogenes, one Salmonella serotype Enteritidis, and one Clostridium botulinum), and one was attributed to a chemical (mushroom toxin). Among outbreaks caused by a single food vehicle, the most common food commodities to which outbreak-related cases were attributed were poultry (21%), leafy vegetables (17%), and fruits/nuts (16%). Public health professionals can use this information to 1) target control strategies for specific pathogens in particular foods along the farm-to-table continuum and 2) support good food-handling practices among restaurant workers and the public..png)
During 2006, public health officials reported a total of 1,270 FBDOs from 48 states. A confirmed or suspected single etiologic agent was indentified in 884 (70%) FBDOs (621 confirmed and 263 suspected), accounting for 22,510 (81%) cases. The number of outbreaks reported by each state or territory ranged from zero to 76. The median rate was 0.21 (range: zero to 1.3) per 100,000 population. For seven states (Hawaii, Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin), the rate of reporting was greater than three times the median. Rates of reported outbreaks varied markedly by etiology group. Among the 621 outbreaks (with 18,111 cases) with a confirmed single etiologic agent, 343 (55%) outbreaks and 11,981 (66%) cases were caused by viruses, 217 (35%) outbreaks and 5,781 (32%) cases were caused by bacteria, 52 (8%) outbreaks and 219 (1%) cases were caused by chemical agents, and nine (1%) outbreaks and 29 (1%) cases were caused by parasites. Calicivirus caused 337 (98%) of the confirmed FBDOs attributed to viruses; all calicivirus outbreaks reported in 2006 were attributed to norovirus. Salmonella, the most commonly reported bacterial etiologic agent, caused 112 (52%) of the confirmed FBDOs attributed to bacteria; Salmonella serotype Enteritidis caused the most outbreaks (28 [13%]). Shiga toxin--producing E. coli (STEC) caused 29 (13%) of confirmed FBDOs attributed to bacteria, of which 27 were serogroup O157..png)
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NPR Joanne Silberner interviewed Peter Hurley, father of three-year-old Jacob Hurley, who was poisoned by Salmonella-tainted peanut butter for Morning Edition, June 10, 2009 · Congress is taking the first step toward major changes in monitoring the safety of the nation's food supply. The broad plan is to give more money and power to an agency that has come under a lot of criticism in recent years — the Food and Drug Administration..png)
Over the ensuing days it became clear that the outbreak was not limited to MSU. While at MSU, the reported number of E. coli O157:H7 cases had risen to 18 (3 confirmed, 15 probable), there were also a reported 12 cases at Lenawee County Jail (5 confirmed, 7 probable). In fact, by September 29, a total of 26 confirmed cases of E. coli O157:H7 with the same genetic fingerprint had been reported to MDCH, from eight Michigan counties. Additionally, nine individuals in Illinois and three from the Province of Ontario had also been identified with the same genetic strain of E. coli O157:H7..png)
This outbreak was clearly linked to Ready Pac lettuce served in Taco Bell restaurants in the northeastern United States. As of December 14, 2006, Thursday, 71 persons with illness associated with the Taco Bell restaurant outbreak have been reported to CDC from 5 states: New Jersey (33), New York (22), Pennsylvania (13), Delaware (2), and South Carolina (1). States with Taco Bell restaurants where persons confirmed to have the outbreak strain have eaten are New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. (The patient from South Carolina ate at a Taco Bell restaurant in Pennsylvania). Other cases of illness are under investigation by state public health officials. Among these 71 ill persons, 53 (75%) were hospitalized and 8 (11%) developed a type of kidney failure called .png)
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Educating consumers is also something we all need to do for ourselves. We need to pay attention to what we consume. However, in our search for knowledge about what may be good for us, shouldn't we expect that the manufacturers and sellers of our food be fair and unbiased about the risks of consuming the food they sell us?.png)
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KFC E. coli Outbreak – Ohio - 1999
ConAgra Ground Beef E. coli Outbreak – Nationwide (including Ohio) - 2002
Nebraska Beef E. coli Outbreak – Nationwide (including Ohio) - 2008.jpg)
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An investigation carried out by the California Department of Health Services and the Colorado Department of Health, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, preceded the recall of June 3. Illnesses occurred in Arizona (6), California (3), Colorado (2), Idaho (1), Utah (1) and Wyoming (1). Illness onset dates ranged between April 25 and May 18..png)
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Today we amended our complaint on behalf of “Daniel Krim, 49, [who] became ill after eating alfalfa sprouts on a turkey sandwich he purchased from a La Vista restaurant in late February. His flu-like symptoms worsened, forcing him to go to the emergency room at Midlands Hospital in Papillion. Days later, his doctor confirmed he had been infected with the .jpg)
OK, it is 2:00 AM and the power is out after a wind a rain and storm on Bainbridge Island. Fortunately, my laptop has batteries and I have a wireless card. I am also wondering where my passport is since I leave for Canada in 12 hours. But, hopefully the morning will find it – somewhere.
My guess is that Cinco de Mayo is Lou Dobbs favorite holiday. I know, he seems to make such a big deal about those damn "illegal immigrants," but he knows that you can count on one hand how many foodborne illness outbreaks have been caused by imported Mexican, or for that matter any imported foreign food product. The bottom line is that US Corporations do a wonderful job of poisoning our own citizens. 
On October 22, The General Communicable Disease Control Branch (GCDC) of North Carolina was contacted by a guest and family member of the bride to report an outbreak of gastroenteritis caused by 
In late April 2008, San Diego County health officials announced that a number of 
The initial investigation has traced the contaminated raw alfalfa sprouts to multiple sprout growers in multiple states. This suggests a problem with the seeds used, as well as the possible failure of the sprout growers involved to appropriately and consistently follow the 
In June of 2007, United Food Group, LLC (UFG) recalled 5.7 million pounds of ground beef products after a joint investigation into an 
On July 7, 2007, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) learned that two siblings in Texas were critically ill with botulism and that their illnesses were likely acquired by eating contaminated food. Four days later on July 11, public health officials in Indiana reported to the CDC that a married couple in Indiana were suspected of having foodborne botulism. On July 17, CDC staff provided information regarding the production-dates and times to the FDA. The evidence strongly suggested that brands of Castleberry’s hot dog chili sauce were the common source of the four ill persons with botulism. By August 24, eight cases of botulism had been reported to the CDC. In addition to the Indiana couple, the mother of the children in Texas had developed symptoms of botulism, which brought the total number of Castleberry-associated cases in Texas to three. There were also three unrelated residents of Ohio who had developed botulism consuming Castleberry’s hot dog chili sauce in the week before symptom onsets. Botulinum toxin was identified in leftover chili sauce collected from the refrigerator belonging to one of the Ohio cases..png)
In 2007 Public health officials from several states collaborated to determine the source of the outbreak, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) officially announced that a Salmonella serotype I 4,5,12:i:-* outbreak had been traced to the consumption of ConAgra pot pies on October 9th. At the time, ConAgra did not initiate a recall.
According to the CDC, during 1991--2005, the CDC received reports of 32 outbreaks of E. coli O157:H7 that were associated with animals in public settings. Among these, venues in certain outbreaks were not in compliance with NASPHV guidelines, with reported inadequate handwashing facilities, permitted consumption of food or drink in animal areas, unsupervised handwashing, and no signage. During 2006--2008, five E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks related to animal settings were reported (CDC, unpublished data, 2009). NASPHV guidelines include recommendations on handwashing, venue design, animal care and management, risk communication, and oversight needed for animals in public settings. 
The article was reported by: KA Alelis, MPH, PE Borkowski, Pinellas County Health Dept; P Fiorella, PhD, J Nasir, J Middaugh, MD, C Blackmore, DVM, Florida Dept of Health. J Keen, DVM, US Dept of Agriculture and Univ of Nebraska. This report is based, in part, on contributions by C Minor, Florida Dept of Health; T Holt, DVM, W Jeter, DVM, J Crews, DVM, and J Carter, Florida Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Svcs.
CDC is collaborating with public health officials in many states and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to investigate a multistate outbreak of human infections due to 
The contamination appears to be in seeds so washing the sprouts may not help, the FDA said in a statement. "Other types of sprouts have not been implicated at this time," the agency said.
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Well, made it from Seattle to Dallas to Lubbock to Plainview today. Had a great steak dinner at the “Rockin’ R Steak House.” They did not have a beer or wine list because they share a back door with their neighbor, the Baptist Church. We parked across the street and had little fear of being hit by a car (or anything else) as we crossed the street..png)
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GBS is a disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the peripheral nervous system. The peripheral nervous system includes the cranial nerves (except the optic [eye] nerve), the spinal nerves, and the autonomic nervous system that governs involuntary actions. The central nervous system is the spinal cord and brain. GBS often occurs a few days or weeks after a person has had symptoms of a respiratory or gastrointestinal viral or bacterial infection; in fact, two-thirds of affected individuals have had a preceding infection. Campylobacter jejuni, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and Mycoplasma pneumoniae are commonly identified antecedent pathogens.(1).png)
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According to press reports, the Texas Department of State Health Services has levied a $14.6 million fine against the Texas plant owned by a peanut company at the heart of a national salmonella outbreak. The Texas Department of State Health Services said Thursday it was fining Plainview Peanut Co. LLC over alleged violations that include unsanitary conditions, product contamination, illnesses linked to peanuts from the plant and operating without a food manufacturers' license. The Plainview plant has been closed since Feb. 9. The plant's owner, Peanut Corp. of America, is blamed for an outbreak that has sickened nearly 700 people and is said to be the cause of at least nine deaths..jpg)
At the request of the 
A second lawsuit was filed today against CW Sprouts, the company tied to the recent Salmonella outbreak associated with alfalfa sprouts. The suit, which was filed in the Tenth District Court of Nebraska, Douglas County, is on behalf of Omaha resident Amanda Monastersky. The Ausman Law Firm, an Omaha area firm, is also representing the plaintiff. 
An investigation carried out by the California Department of Health Services and the Colorado Department of Health, in coordination with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, preceded the recall of June 3. Illnesses occurred in Arizona (6), California (3), Colorado (2), Idaho (1), Utah (1) and Wyoming (1). Illness onset dates ranged between April 25 and May 18..png)
Peanut butter, meet food fighter. Seattle attorney Bill Marler just dipped his knife into your jar and, well, your salmonella secret is over.
Here, according to my new friend Jennifer, is what is actually happening – “Included in the event will be live music, free peanut snacks including grilled peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, an obstacle course, educational exhibits and a peanut recipe contest.” And there are the lovely, caring quotes by politicians and folks from the Chamber of Commerce:.png)
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Interestingly, Kellogg Co. chief executive David Mackay provided his prepared remarks to the AP before the hearing. In it he wants food safety placed under a new leader in the Health and Human Services Department. He also called for new requirements that all food companies have written safety plans, annual federal inspections of facilities that make high-risk foods, and other reforms.
I actually spoke to .png)
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Then I got this test message from my thirteen-year-old daughter: