On April 20, 2015, Blue Bell Creameries released a voluntary recall of all of its ice cream, frozen yogurt, sherbet, and other frozen snacks in connections with a Listeria monocytogenes contamination. On April 24, 2015, another ice cream company, Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, also discovered the presence of listeria in their frozen ice cream products, prompting an additional recall.
If you or a loved one have purchased any of these products and have developed symptoms of listeriosis, get medical care as soon as possible and inform a doctor about eating products that may have contained listeria. Once you have been treated, contact a Chicago product liability attorney to discuss your legal rights in a free consultation.
What is listeriosis and what are its symptoms?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), listeria is a deadly infection that is caused by eating products contaminated with Listeria monocytogene. Pregnant women, those over the age of 65, newborns, and anyone with a compromised immune system is considered to be highly at risk of developing listeriosis. Usually showing symptoms within a few days, it can take up to two months for symptoms to appear.
Listeriosis can cause:
- Miscarriage
- Premature labor
- Stillbirth
- Fever
- Muscle aches
- Gastrointestinal distress
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Stiff neck
- Confusion
Listeria is commonly found in processed meat and unpasteurized cheese and milk. It is found in soil and water and can be carried by animals or employees that do not use proper sanitation practices.
What should I do if I have purchased these products?
The CDC recommends that everyone stop eating Blue Bell and Jeni’s brand products, and retailers cease serving these products to consumers. If anyone has these products located in their freezers, they should be discarded or returned to the store they were purchased out. Many of these products have a shelf life up to two years and have been linked to items purchased from January 2010 to March 2015.
While Blue Bell and Jeni’s Ice Cream have both taken steps to shutter their doors and investigate what may have caused the unlikely listeria outbreak in their factories, it is important that they fully recognize the extent they must protect their consumers.
If you or a loved one have consumed these ice cream products and developed symptoms of listeriosis, contact the experienced attorneys at the Chicago-based Duncan Law Group. Our Chicago injury lawyers can help you take the steps to recover compensation for your medical bills and pain and suffering resulting from this illness!
