Marler Clark Files First Lawsuit in Fresh Express Cyclospora Outbreak

News provided by

Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm

Aug 06, 2018, 16:54 ET

SIOUX CITY, Iowa, Aug. 6, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The first lawsuit was filed today against Fresh Express Incorporated, the produce supplier for McDonald's, on behalf of Kellie McCall, who developed a Cyclospora infection after consuming a McDonald's salad. Ms. McCall is represented by Marler Clark, the food safety law firm, and Wandro and Associates, a respected Iowa law firm.

On June 26, 2018, Ms. McCall began experiencing symptoms of diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever, and severe gas. The symptom onset was within 14 days of purchasing and consuming a McDonald's salad on or about June 18, 2018. On June 26, her symptoms became so severe that she was forced to see emergency medical attention at Burgess Hospital in Onawa, Iowa. Medical professionals preformed a stool test that tested positive for Cyclospora. Ms. McCall continues to suffer from fatigue and stomach cramps and has missed a significant amount of work as a result of her Cyclospora infection.

Cyclospora is a parasite composed of one cell, too small to be seen without a microscope. The first Cyclospora outbreak in North America occurred in 1990 in contaminated water. Recently, Cyclospora outbreaks have been associated with imported fresh fruit and vegetables. For more information on Cyclospora, visit Food Poison Journal.

"Although not all Cyclospora outbreaks have been linked to imported fresh fruit and vegetables, most have been," said Marler Clark managing partner, William Marler. "Importers and manufacturers of imported produce must take precautions against introducing parasites like Cyclospora into the stream of commerce."

On July 13, the CDC announced an investigation into a multistate outbreak of Cyclospora infections. To date, there are 395 confirmed cases across 15 states. 16 people have been hospitalized. The FDA has linked the outbreak to packaged romaine lettuce and carrot mix distributed to McDonald's by Fresh Express. Most cases have been reported in Illinois with 202 and Iowa comes in second with 87. On July 26, 2018, the FDA completed analysis of an unused package of romaine lettuce and carrot mix distributed to McDonald's by the Fresh Express processor in Streamwood, IL. The analysis confirmed the presence of Cyclospora in that mix.

Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation's leading law firm representing victims of Cyclospora outbreaks. The Cyclospora attorneys Marler Clark have represented Cyclospora victims and victims of other foodborne illness outbreaks and have recovered over $650 million for clients. Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation. Our Cyclospora lawyers have litigated Cyclospora cases stemming from outbreaks traced to a number of food products and restaurants.

If you or a family member became ill with Cyclospora after consuming food and you're interested in pursuing a legal claim, contact the Marler Clark Cyclospora attorneys for a free case evaluation.

SOURCE Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm