With the departure of winter, Nashville residents are beginning to enjoy the warmer weather. For many people, this involves outdoor activities and sharing cold treats like ice cream and popsicles. Unfortunately, instances can arise in which such foods are contaminated by bacteria, turning these treats into the source of life-threatening illness.
Three people have died as the result of eating Blue Bell Creameries ice cream. These food products were tainted with listeria monocytogenes. Consumption of this bacterium may result in a potentially fatal infection called listeriosis. The contamination is believed to have occurred in an Oklahoma production facility. In reaction to this, Blue Bell has issued recalls for several different types of its ice creams and sherbets.
Five people have also been hospitalized after eating tainted Blue Bell products. Reports do not indicate the current condition or prognosis of these five people.
In the wake of these deaths, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a warning to consumers regarding the Blue Bell outbreak. The agency’s recommendations include a total halt in the sale and consumption of Blue Bell products. The CDC has also cautioned that pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems and the elderly are at higher risk of listeriosis. Those who fall into these categories should be especially careful about consuming products potentially tainted with listeria.
Few people would suspect that the food they purchase in a store could potentially kill them. When this occurs, the family members of the deceased often seek justice through a wrongful death lawsuit. These types of litigation can result in damages to address the emotional and financial losses incurred by the product defect. If you would like to learn more about this, it may be helpful to contact an attorney.
Source: cdc.gov, “Multistate Outbreak of Listeriosis Linked to Blue Bell Creameries Products,” Apr. 8, 2015