A lawsuit has been filed against JBS Swift Beef Co. in connection with the company’s current recall of products contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.


The recall has been linked to 23 E. coli illnesses in California, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and Wisconsin.


The suit was filed yesterday (6 July) on behalf of an 14-year-old Alex Roerick who was infected with E. coli after eating kabobs on 10 May.


The suit was filed by William Marler of the Seattle-based foodborne illness law firm Marler Clark and Kara Knowles of the Denver firm Montgomery, Little, Soran, & Murray.


“JBS Swift and the FSIS were much too slow about releasing information on where the beef was distributed,” said Marler.

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“Even with widespread consumer pressure, the information was only released a day before the 4th of July holiday, not nearly enough time to get the word out to families that might have the contaminated meat in their homes. Our government agencies need to work faster in recall situations to prevent more people from suffering what Alex and his family have experienced.”


When contacted by just-food, JBS declined to comment on the news. However, a spokesperson for the company defended its food safety record.


“We follow very strict food safety procedures at our manufacturing facility and the safety of consumers is of utmost importance,” the spokesperson said.


 

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