Marler Clark Sees Pattern In Malt-O-Meal Salmonella Outbreaks, USA

Main Category: Nutrition / Diet
Also Included In: Infectious Diseases / Bacteria / Viruses
Article Date: 16 Apr 2008 - 4:00 PDT

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Residents of Maine and Minnesota are confirmed infected with Salmonella Agona, the strain of Salmonella identified in the Malt-O-Meal recall, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced that at least 14 other states are reporting illnesses. Two victims have been hospitalized in Maine, and more than 23 cases are under investigation by the Federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

In 1998, Malt-O-Meal cereals were linked to multiple infections of the same Salmonella Agona serotype, and hundreds were sickened. "Not only is it the same strain of Salmonella," said Seattle attorney William Marler, who represented victims of the first Malt-O-Meal outbreak, "But it's the same genetic fingerprint, coming out of the same plant. It makes me wonder how long the contamination has been present."

On April 5, 2008 the Malt-O-Meal Company of Minnesota recalled unsweetened Puffed Rice and unsweetened Puffed Wheat Cereals produced with "Best If Used By" codes between April 8, 2008 (coded as "APR0808") and March 18, 2009 (coded as "MAR1809"). The recalled product was distributed nationally, marketed under the Malt-O-Meal brand and as some private label brands including Acme, America's Choice, Food Club, Giant, Hannaford, Jewel, Laura Lynn, Pathmark, Shaw's, ShopRite, Tops and Weis Quality.

BACKGROUND:

Marler Clark has represented thousands of victims of food borne illness outbreaks since 1993. The firm's attorneys have litigated high-profile food poisoning cases against such companies as ConAgra, Wendy's, Chili's, Chi-Chi's, and Jack in the Box. Marler Clark currently represents victims of outbreaks traced to ground beef, pot pies, spinach, and peanut butter, as well as other foods.

Marler Clark