The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed that at least 767 victims have been identified in the largest Salmonella outbreak of 2015. Unofficial estimates place the number of possible illnesses at more than 20,000. The confirmed cases come from at least 36 states, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which is assisting the CDC and state and local health agencies in the investigation. The confirmed cases are all victims of Salmonella Poona, a relatively rare strain of Salmonella that has been traced back to Mexico’s Baja region where the tainted cucumbers were grown and harvested. The trace back investigation has been confirmed through epidemiological and laboratory testing, all of which establish beyond any reasonable doubt that the origin of the outbreak is “American” style cucumbers imported from Mexico by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce.
The CDC, relying in large part on the work done on the ground by local and state health agencies, has collected information from as many of the 767 victims as possible, and has identified 157 victims so far who have required hospitalization. It has also identified four deaths attributed to the Salmonella Poona outbreak, including one victim in each of these states: Arizona, California, Oklahoma, and Texas. The national food poisoning law firm of Ron Simon & Associates has filed a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the family of one of the decedents in California.
The outbreak has also disproportionately affected children, with over one-half of the victims being minors. “These children are especially vulnerable,” says Ron Simon, who represents a number of these victims, “and I advise every parent who suspects their child might have contracted Salmonella Poona to seek medical attention.”
Andrew & Williamson Issues Recall
September 4, 2015: Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce ISSUES A RECALL of all cucumbers sold as “Limited Edition” from August 1, 2015 through September 3, 2015. These “Limited Edition” cucumbers were sold in bulk, and often redistributed, so identification by consumers is very difficult.
September 11, 2015: Custom Produce Sales ISSUES A RECALL of all cucumbers sold as “Fat Boy” sold on or after August 1, 2015. The RECALL included unlabeled cucumbers sold in black, reusable plastic container. These cucumbers originated from Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce.
According to Andrew & Williamson, the RECALLED cucumbers were distributed directly to Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, and Utah. But the company admits many were redistributed to additional states, a fact confirmed as there are victims in 36 states.
If you or a loved one becomes ill, you may call the Cucumber Salmonella Claim Center: 1-888-335-4901 to speak directly to an attorney about your possible claim.
