Tomato Salmonella Food Poisoning Lawsuits

The FDA and CDC have now linked a recent outbreak of food poisoning to raw red tomatoes contaminated with Salmonella Saintpaul. Dozens of individuals in Texas and New Mexico have been sickened after eating contaminated tomatoes. More claims in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas and Utah are also being investigated by health officials to determine if they are linked to tomatoes. All of the confirmed cases in New Mexico and Texas involved people who ate tomatoes, including raw red plum, red Roma and round red tomatoes, between April 23 and June 1, 2008.

Those who have become sick are suffering from a form of food poisoning known as salmonellosis, which was caused by the same strain of bacteria, known as Salmonella Saintpaul. Symptoms of salmonella food poisoning typically begin to surface between a few hours and a few days after eating contaminated food. While health individuals typically recover within a few days or weeks, they may experience fever, bloody diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and severe abdominal pain requiring medical treatment. For young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems, contaminated foods may lead to more severe illness, which could become life threatening if the salmonella enters the blood stream.

The FDA, CDC, Indian Health Service and state health officials are working to try to identify the source of the contaminated tomatoes and the cause. It is unclear whether the raw red tomato problems are limited to a single grower, packer or tomatoes from a specific region. However, cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, home grown tomatoes and tomatoes with the vine still attached appear to be safe, as they have not been implicated in the salmonella outbreak.

The attorneys at Carabin Shaw are investigating potential lawsuits on behalf of individuals who have been diagnosed with salmonella or required medical treatment for problems consistent with salmonella food poisoning after consuming raw red tomatoes. Potential food poisoning lawsuits are being evaluated, pending the outcome of investigations by federal and state health officials. If you, a friend or family member believe you may have a claim - call us toll free at 800-862-1260.