10/22/2010 // WPB, FL, USA // Personal Injury Lawyers News // Nicole Howley
San Antonio, TX– The Texas Department of State Health Services has shut down a Texas plant that makes cut-fresh produce, after at least four deaths and two other illness have linked back to the plant’s chopped celery in the past eight months, as reported by USA Today.
Listeriosis has reportedly been the cause of at least five deaths and five illnesses in the state of Texas during the last eight months, reported the Texas Department of State Health Services. Officials are still trying to determine if the illnesses and fatalities are linked to the plant.
On Wednesday, October 20, 2010, the Sangar Fresh Cut Produce factory was ordered to cease operations and recall everything that has been shipped out of the plant since January. Laboratory tests concluded the presence of Listeria monocytogenes in the plant’s celery.
Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium which can cause fever, muscle aches, diarrhea and vomiting; posing the most danger in seniors, pregnant women, newborns and people with weakened immune systems.”
At this time, it appears the plant has only shipped the product within Texas. But, its products are also shipped ‘indirectly through several of our customers” into Oklahoma.
Sanitation issues were detected by Texas inspectors at the plant, leading officials to believe that Listeria may have contaminated other foods processed there. Other produce was reportedly chopped on the “same line as the celery, using the same equipment,” said Texas Department of State Health Services spokeswoman Carrie Williams.
Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for product liability attorneys.
Media Information:
Address:
Phone: 561-247-1646
Url: West Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyer News
