Medical Malpractice Lawyers in New York

A New York food company, Gourmet Boutique, is recalling 143 tons of poultry and meat products, found to be possibly contaminated with the Listeria monocytogenes bacterium. Florida agricultural officials and federal food safety inspectors found the problem, and Gourmet Boutique is voluntarily recalling specific products. They are listed on the USDA website, along with recommendations for what to do if you think you may have ingested any of these products.

There are so far no reports of any illness resulting from ingestion of these products. The Listeria monocytogenes bacterium causes Listeriosis, a bacterial infection. It is a rare condition and during 2004 and 2005, occurred only about 3 times per million people in the U.S. About 30% of those cases occurred in pregnant women, and the remaining 70% occurred in people whose immune system was compromised, such as:

• HIV or AIDS sufferers
• Those with a blood cancer
• Chemotherapy patients
• Elderly people
• Some who have a hereditary condition

Listeriosis Symptoms

The Listeria monocytogenes bacterium usually enters the body through ingested food. In the past it has been found in seafood, vegetables and dairy products, besides poultry and meat. After one or two days, the symptoms appearing would be:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Headaches
• Fever
• Sore muscles
• Confusion
• Trouble with balance
• Convulsions

If you suspect you may have used any of the contaminated products, do not delay in seeing your doctor. Antibiotics are used for treating Listeriosis – most often ampicillin or gentamicin or both. Please also feel free to call or email us for a free consultation. We would be glad to give you information about your legal rights and options.