Ready-to-Eat Salads, Sandwiches Recalled Over E. Coli Fears
A California catering company has recalled more than 180,000 pounds of ready-to-eat salads and sandwich wraps with chicken and ham that may be contaminated. Glass Onion Catering company products that were shipped to distribution centers all over the country may contain strands of E. coli, the Associated Press reports.
The recall lists Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Walgreens as companies that may have carried the affected items.
How do you know if you've been affected, and what should you do if you suspect you're ill?
Products Affected
At least 26 people in three states have contracted E. coli related to these products. Of those affected, 15 persons have reported consuming products in the recall. The affected products were produced between September 23 and November 6 and shipped to distribution centers in California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Texas.
The products subject to recall bear the establishment number "P-34221" inside the USDA mark of inspection. This includes Atherstone Fine Foods style wraps and certain Trader Joe's ready-made salads. For a full list of affected products involved in the recall, check the USDA website.
Consumers Affected
If you've purchased any of the above-listed products, what can you do? Consumers who may have these products in their fridges are urged to discard them or return them to the place of purchase for a full refund.
E. coli can lead to diarrhea and even kidney failure in some cases. If you believed that you've consumed an affected product, you may have a potential food poisoning claim on your hands. Food poisoning generally applies under a product liability theory, in which the consumer would need to prove that the manufacturer or seller is liable for the defective product (in this case, the salads and sandwich wraps).
There are a number of product liability theories that may apply to you if you've been affected. If you fear you've come into contact with any of these products, consider contacting a qualified attorney who can discuss these with you and how to protect your rights and seek proper compensation.
Consumers with questions regarding the recall can also use the online Electronic Consumer Complaint Monitoring System.
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