The Salinas, California-based salad company, Fresh Express, is recalling some of its products because of food poisoning concerns. According to a CBS news report, the company, along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, has announced a voluntary recall of 2,825 cases of Veggie Lovers Salad because random testing revealed the presence of the bacteria in their products. Just last month, the company pulled some of its salads from stores because of E. coli contamination. Fresh Express also recalled several types of ready-to-eat salads in May after salmonella was found in a package tested by federal officials.

Were Food Safety Standards Violated?

It is cause for concern that the products made and distributed by the same company tested positive for three different strains of lethal bacteria that are transmitted through food – all within a space of three months. There are several important questions to be asked here. Is there a breakdown in food safety and handling procedures at this company's manufacturing and processing facilities? How often are these facilities being inspected? How many violations have FDA officials found at these facilities? Are they being allowed to function in spite of various violations? If that is the case, what is the point of food safety inspections?

Deadly Food-Borne Illnesses

E.coli and salmonella are food-borne illnesses, which could result in serious personal injuries including organ damage or even death. Listeria is a type of bacterium, which can cause an infection known as Listeriosis, which can also result in serious and long-term adverse health problems.

The most common symptoms of Listeriosis are fever, muscle aches, nausea and diarrhea. Symptoms may begin a few days after you have eaten the contaminated food. But it may take as a long as two months before signs and symptoms begin. If the infection spreads to the nervous system, you may experience symptoms such as headache, stiffness, confusion, loss of balance and convulsions. Listeria infection can have devastating consequences for pregnant women. The baby may die unexpectedly before birth or experience a life-threatening infection within the first few days of birth.

Liability Issues

Please remember that if negligence on the part of the food manufacturer or distributor causes your illness, then they could be held liable for any injuries or damages caused. Those affected by these food-borne illnesses can seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, cost of hospitalization, diagnostic tests, pain and suffering, emotional distress and other damages. An experienced California personal injury lawyer will be able to advise victims and their families in such cases about their legal rights and options.

Have you ever suffered any type of food poisoning? We would like to hear about your experiences.

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