Many consumers in West Virginia and throughout the United States purchase produce in grocery stores or markets that have been imported from other countries. In a recent case, hundreds of people have reportedly fallen ill, and the suspected source of their illnesses has been linked to cucumbers. A manufacturer, sales agent or other member of the consumer supply chain can be held accountable in a products liability case when a consumer who has been injured or made ill from a purchased product chooses to file a legal claim in a civil court.
In the recent cucumber case, imported produce from Mexico has been blamed for a huge outbreak of Salmonella. Several hundred people have fallen ill, and two have reportedly died. The infection has been reported in 30 different states, according to data at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. More than half of those infected are children less than 18 years of age.
Officials have advised consumers, merchants, restaurant owners and others to discard any cucumbers that they think might be part of the recall that has been issued. The samples that tested positive for Salmonella were from Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce. The vegetables in question are dark green and approximately seven to 10 inches in length. The general public has been advised not to eat any cucumber that fits the description of those that have been recalled.
People in West Virginia and across the nation fall ill every year to food poisoning caused by Salmonella. It might be of comfort to those in such circumstances to know that when the food that has caused an illness was purchased in the marketplace, a person infected by the illness can file a legal claim against any party deemed liable in the case. A personal injury lawyer with experience handling products liability claims would be able to help identity possible sources of liability and offer guidance about how best to proceed when considering legal action.
Source: NBC News, “Two Dead, 341 Sick in Salmonella Outbreak Linked to Cucumbers“, Maggie Fox, Sept. 9, 2015
