First Lawsuit Filed Today Against Grande Produce In National Outbreak Of Salmonella-Contaminated Papayas

HOUSTON, July 27, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- The law firms of Robins Cloud LLP and The Burnett Law Firm today filed a lawsuit on behalf of Plaintiff Gabriel Colon against Grande Produce, alleging that he was infected with Salmonella after eating a contaminated papaya.

This is believed to be the first lawsuit stemming from the national Salmonella outbreak this month that health officials have tied to Yellow Maradol papayas distributed by Grande Produce from Mexico. The complaint, filed in United States District Court of New Jersey seeks compensatory damages. More lawsuits are expected to be filed.

The lawsuit alleges that 47 people are confirmed to be infected with the outbreak strain of Salmonella in 12 states. Of those ill, 12 cases are from New Jersey. The other states and illness counts are: New York (13), Virginia (6), Maryland (5), Pennsylvania (4), and one person is sick in each state of Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Texas, and Utah. At least twelve people have been hospitalized and one person has died.

The lawsuit also alleges that Grande Produce "distributed and/or sold the adulterated food products that injured Plaintiff."

"Salmonella is a dangerous foodborne pathogen, and can be deadly," according to food safety lawyer Jory D. Lange, Jr. "As this investigation continues, we will learn how the papayas became contaminated with Salmonella bacteria and the supply chain related to these products. By learning what went wrong in this outbreak, we hope to prevent future food poisoning outbreaks."

"Defendant owed a duty to all persons who purchased and consumed its products, including Plaintiff, to prepare, and sell food products that were safe to eat, that were not adulterated with deadly pathogens, like Salmonella, and that were not in violation of the standard of care in proper food handling and preparation. Defendant breached this duty," according to the suit.

A copy of the complaint is attached.

About Robins Cloud LLP

Robins Cloud LLP is a national law firm dedicated to helping families who have been harmed by large corporations. For over 25 years, we have helped families who have been harmed by defective products and foodborne illnesses.

Contact: Candess Zona-Mendola
346-234-6237
cmendola@robinscloud.com
(For Robins Cloud)

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SOURCE Robins Cloud LLP