Posted on May 14, 2010 by Bryan Fears

Listeriosis kills two Texans, sicken five other

Two Texans have been killed, and five others sickened, after developing listeriosis as a result of consuming the food-borne bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.  Five of the victims are from Bexar County, while the other two are from Travis and Hidalgo counties. 

Investigators have reported that the same strain of the bacteria sickened all of the affected individuals.  They are still working to pinpoint a cause.  In the meantime, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued a public health warning for prosciutto imported from Canada and sold under the brands Casa Italia and Emma. 

Listeriosis is a bacterial infection.  Outbreaks are sometimes linked to foods such as soft cheeses and deli meats.  Listeriosis causes flu-like symptoms in healthy people.  In persons who are elderly, pregnant, or have weakened immune systems, however, the fatality rate from this infection can reach 20 percent.  The Center for Disease Control estimates that there 2500 persons become seriously ill from listeriosis in the country each year, and that 500 die from the infection. 

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Posted on May 3, 2010 by Bryan Fears

FDA food plant inspections woefully inadequate

A recent report reveals that less than 25% of FDA-regulated food plants were inspected annually, and more than half of the plants were not inspected at all, during a five year period from 2004 through 2008.  Inspections at plants considered high risk also dropped off.  At the same time, consumers were seriously injured and even died from tainted peanut butter, vegetables and other food products. 

Like many government agencies, the FDA is stretched thin, having experienced a staff decrease of 18% since 2003.  Fortunately for consumers, Congress has recently authorized filling a number of vacant positions.  However, even after these additions, the FDA will still have 145 fewer inspectors on staff than it did in 2004. 

Consumer groups have reported that they are alarmed, but not surprised, by the report.  Many groups continue to take issue with what they describe as serious deficiencies in the country's food inspection system. 

If you believe you have been injured or made ill by tainted food, contact the attorneys of Fears | Nachawati to see whether you are entitled to compensation for your illness or injury.  We would be happy to speak with you at 1-866-705-7584 at your convenience. 

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