Salmonella in Sushi Sickens Women for 6 Weeks
The sushi-linked Salmonella outbreak that led to a nationwide recall has spawned its first lawsuit, which details two victims' slow and painful road to recovery.
Two Wisconsin women, 22 and 33, claim they were victims of Salmonella poisoning when they ate tuna rolls at a local restaurant, MSNBC reports.
The rolls were distributed by California-based Moon Marine USA, which has recalled 59,000 pounds of ground yellowfin tuna allegedly linked to a nationwide Salmonella outbreak. The outbreak has sickened more than 140 people in 20 states and the District of Columbia, according to MSNBC.
At least a dozen people have sought treatment at hospitals, including the Wisconsin women who filed suit against Moon Marine last week. The company did not respond to MSNBC's request for a comment.
The women claim they ate Salmonella-contaminated sushi about six to nine weeks ago. One victim complained of pain "from head to toe," along with bloody diarrhea; a hospital exam also revealed an ulcerated colon, she told MSNBC.
Scientific tests show the victims were sickened by a rare type of bacteria called Salmonella Bareilly, which is not usually associated with fish, the women's lawyer said. Investigations are underway to determine where bacteria came from.
The women's Salmonella sushi lawsuit focuses on a product called "Nakaochi Scrape" -- meat that's taken off fish bones and later added to raw, ground yellowfin tuna, MSNBC reports.
"The problem is this product got repackaged and resold," one of the women's lawyers said. "There are sushi restaurants that may not even know they're serving this tuna."
Salmonella infections generally lead to diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps within 72 hours, according to the FDA. Victims usually recover after about a week, but severe cases may require medical treatment.
Consumers who may be affected by the Salmonella sushi outbreak should consult a doctor, the FDA advises. Medical bills and treatment can also be used to prove damages in a food-poisoning lawsuit; such cases generally fall under product liability laws.
Related Resources:
- Women sue firm over salmonella outbreak (Milwaukee Journal Sentinel)
- Types of Food Poisoning: Salmonella (FindLaw)
- Food Poisoning Illness FAQ (FindLaw)
- Food Poisoning: What Are Your Rights? (FindLaw's Injured)