Basic Food Flavors has instituted a recall on thousands of types of processed foods that contain an ingredient contaminated with the Salmonella bacteria. The Washington Post reported that the recall might grow to be one of the largest food recalls ever issued in the United States.
The recall involves foods containing hydrolyzed vegetable protein (HVP), which is used to give foods a meaty or savory flavor. Officials suspect millions of pounds of HVP have been contaminated. So far, 56 food products are included in the recall, though this number is expected to grow substantially in the coming weeks.
No instances of illness due to infection have been reported, and officials say the risk of contracting the illness is low. Most of the foods containing HVP require cooking at high enough temperatures to kill the bacteria. However, ready-to-eat products are included in the recall and carry a higher risk of potential infection.
Salmonella infection manifests in three different ways: gastroenteritis, typhoid fever and bacteremia. Symptoms of these infections include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever, nausea and vomiting. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and suspect you have consumed a food product containing contaminated HVP, seek medical attention immediately.
Although curable with antibiotics, Salmonella infection can be serious, resulting in large medical bills and preventing a patient from working. If you have contracted an illness from a contaminated food product, you may be entitled to compensation for any financial losses you suffer as a result. Call the experienced Los Angeles product liability attorneys at Panish Shea and Boyle LLP today at (877) 800-1700 for a free consultation of your potential case.
In concurrence with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, General Electric has announced the recall of 181,000 front-load washing machines because of potential fire and shock hazards.
CNN Money reports that the dangerous machines have defective wires that may catch fire. While no reported injuries have been connected to the faulty equipment, there have been seven incidents of minor smoke damage from flames escaping the devices.
Consumers are being asked to immediately stop use of the recalled washing machines, unplug them from electrical outlets, and get in touch with GE for a free repair. Washing machines included in the recall begin with model number WBVH5 and were sold throughout the United States from December 2006 to May 2010. Consumers can reach GE at 1-888-345-4124 to find out if their washing machine is included in the recall.
American Burn Association statistics reveal that approximately 3,500 people die each year due to residential fires in the United States. In addition, about 60,000 individuals nationwide require medical attention and care at burn centers to help treat severe burn injuries. Defective and poorly designed products are sometimes responsible for fires, burns and shock injuries. As consumers, we trust that the products we purchase are safe for use and free of any defect that would inflict harm. However, not every product manufacturer upholds this trust.
If a product malfunctions and causes an individual to sustain a burn injury, shock injury, or any other kind of personal injury, he or she may be able to hold the manufacturer legally responsible for pain and suffering, medical bills, and other damages associated with the injury. The knowledgeable California product injury lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle understand the many challenges an injury victim may face after being injured by a defective product. Call us today at 877-800-1700 for a free consultation and to find out more about how we can protect your rights.
