New Law Blogs

Addressing Lettuce E. coli Outbreaks Through Grants

By PritzkerLaw

Lettuce E. coli outbreaks have been a documented health hazard for more than 15 years and the leafy green vegetable industry has provided at least lip service for the need to diminish the threat of human disease coming from its crops.

The latest pronouncement is a "Partners in Research'' grant program awarding a total of $500,000 to seven scientific projects with the stated goal of lowering the risk and producing a safer product throughout the food chain. Five of the seven winning grants specifically target E coli O157:H7.

It is being called the first collaboration between the Center for Produce Safety and the California Leafy Grean Research Program.

Improving food safety for leafy greens to reduce the number of people who are killed or injured by E. coli O157:H7 and other serotypes of the organism is an important subject at national food safety law firm Pritzker Olsen Attorneys. Founder and president Fred Pritzker has been a critic of the industry's attempt at self-policing. What's needed are stronger laws and regulations that would carry heavy economic sanctions for violations.

If you or someone you know has recently been diagnosed with an E. coli infection -- possibly from eating bagged lettuce, head lettuce, spinach or other leafy greens -- contact Pritzker Olsen as soon as possible. The toll-free number is 1-888-377-8900.

 E. coli 0157:H7 is a serious health threat, especially to young children, the elderly and other with weakened immune systems. Infections in these populations can lead to hospitalization and renal failure. And some patients develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), the leading cause of E. coli deaths.

Other health risks of E. coli O157:H7 poisoning include abnormal kidney function, blindness, Hemorrhagic Colitis, high blood pressure, paralysis, seizures and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, a disease in adults that carries the risk of stroke, seizures and central nervous system deterioration.

Pritzker Olsen has years of experience representing E. coli victims and their families. The firm has recovered millions of dollars for its food poisoning clients and is dedicated to educating the public about food safety issues, while lobbying for more effective legislation to protect the U.S. food supply from deadly pathogens. It is one of the few law firms in the country that practices extensively in the area of foodborne illness litigation.

For a free case consultation, contact us online.

Full post as published by Food Poisoning Law Blog on May 17, 2009 (boomark / email).