A recent E.Coli outbreak that caused 17 illnesses in seven states likely got its start at Panera Bread locations in New Jersey, according to state health officials and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As of early April 2018, there were eight reported cases of E.Coli poisoning connected with Panera Bread locations in central New Jersey. Additional cases linked to this outbreak were reported in Ohio, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Missouri.

In total, the 17 reported illnesses resulted in six hospitalizations. The victims are primarily female and between the ages of 12 and 84. The illnesses reported so far occurred in March 2018. Like many other types of food poisoning, E.Coli is typically not harmful to adults with healthy immune systems, but can cause victims to suffer unpleasant symptoms.

Foods Linked to E.Coli

Currently, the La Crosse County Health Department is investigating eight reported cases of E.Coli poisoning. This specific strain is known to cause diarrhea in victims and can send young children to the hospital. It has not yet been linked to any specific food item or retailer.

Many Americans associate E.Coli with the Jack in the Box outbreak in the 1990s. It can develop in beef, as it did during that outbreak, and it can also develop in produce like spinach, kale, and sprouts as well as unpasteurized milk. Food poisoning can have severe symptoms for victims. It can also be preventable, containable, and most importantly, curable.

Ways to Prevent the Spread of E.Coli

In a recent blog post, we discussed the E.Coli outbreak that affected 12 victims in five states who had consumed nut butters and granola products produced by The SoyNut Butter Company. By the end of March 2017, the number of people impacted by the E.Coli outbreak had risen to 29. The victims were in 12 states: Oregon, California, Washington, Arizona, Maryland, New Jersey, Wisconsin, Missouri, Illinois, Florida, Virginia, and Massachusetts. The people affected ranged from 1 to 57 years of age, with a median age of 8. 59% of the people affected were male. No deaths were reported in conjunction with this outbreak, but 12 victims were hospitalized and of these individuals, nine developed hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Food poisoning can have serious repercussions for victims. Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a form of kidney failure that can result in stroke, coma, and heart problems. Other forms of food poisoning can have permanent repercussions as well, such as permanent organ damage.

FDA Halts Distribution of Potentially-Affected Nut Butter

The Centers for Disease Control recently announced an outbreak of E.Coli linked to celery grown, manufactured, and packaged by Taylor Farms. This came after 19 people reportedly became ill after eating the celery sold at a Costco in Montana. Of these victims, five were hospitalized and two suffered from a type of kidney failure known as hemolytic uremic syndrome. The majority of these individuals suffered after consuming rotisserie chicken salad from Costco, but the tainted celery has also been found to have been sold in Walmart, Target, Safeway, Albertons, King Soopers, Pantry, Savemart, 7-11, Von's, Tony's, and Starbucks stores. In most of these stores, it was packaged as part of preconstructed salads and deli sandwiches. The celery's producer, Taylor Farms Pacific, Inc., has recalled the product.

Escherichia coli O157:H7, also known as E. coli, is a group of foodborne bacteria that can cause food poisoning. In some cases, such as those listed above, E.coli poisoning can lead to severe complications. If you or a loved one have suffered from a severe illness after being infected by E.coli, you could be entitled to monetary compensation through a food poisoning claim.

What is E. Coli?