Whole Foods Market Recalls Pecorino Cheese Products After Positive Test for Listeria

Food recalls and food safety have been a major issue for consumers across the United States lately. When we purchase food or order food at a restaurant, we are relying on countless individuals involved in the food processing and preparation chain to use reasonable care and to ensure against contaminants. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) is the federal agency responsible for regulating food safety, and it provides information to consumers about recalls and other emerging events that may put consumers’ health at risk.

Consumers who suffer illnesses as the result of contaminated foods can bring a claim against the parties that may be responsible for the illness. To recover compensation from a defendant, the plaintiff needs to prove a number of things. First, the plaintiff must show that the defendant grew or produced the food and shipped it.

Next, the plaintiff must prove that he or she consumed the food and experienced illnesses diagnosed by a medical physician. The plaintiff must also show that the physician linked the illnesses to the contaminated food. The plaintiff must also illustrate that he or she consumed the food in close proximity to when the symptoms manifested. Finally, the plaintiff must show that the contamination was a direct cause of the defendant’s actions and that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care to protect against contamination.

Recently, two Whole Foods Market locations in Austin, Texas initiated a recall of some imported cheese products that tested positive for listeria. This pathogen is an organism that can cause severe illnesses and can even result in fatalities when young children, the elderly, or individuals with a delicate condition come into contact with it. Symptoms of listeria include severe nausea, abdominal cramping, headache, high fever, stiffness, and diarrhea. In pregnant women, listeria can result in complications including stillbirths and miscarriages.

The two locations that have initiated recalls of the imported Italian pecorino cheese products are located in West Palm Beach, Florida, and in the Bowery neighborhood in New York City. Potentially contaminated products bear sell-by dates ranging from February 29, 2016, to March 8, 2016. The products are predominately labeled “Pecorino Aged in Walnut Leaves.”

If you or someone you love has suffered injuries as the result of contaminated food, you may be entitled to compensation. At Moll Law Group, our dedicated team of food contamination lawyers knows just how difficult this experience can be for you and your family, especially if a child or elderly relative becomes ill. We can help you collect evidence and determine the likely sources of your food contamination illness while ensuring that your rights are fully asserted at each step of the process. We proudly represent clients across the United States, including in Illinois, California, New York, and Florida. Calls us at 312-462-1700 or contact us online to set up your free, confidential consultation.

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