Health officials have confirmed that the recent West Coast outbreak of rare Salmonella Rissen has now expanded to 5 states.  The current illness count has also risen to 79, and is distributed as follows:  California (63), Nevada (10), Oregon (4), Washington (1), and Idaho (1).   Illness onsets range from December 9, 2008 to April 29, 2009.

DNA testing has confirmed that these illnesses were caused by the consumption of Uncle Chen’s and Lian How spices manufactured by Union International Food Company of Union City, California.   The company has ceased the production and distribution of the contaminated spices as the FDA and California Department of Public Health continue to investigate the nature and full extent of the outbreak.  The contaminated spices have also been recalled. 

On May 5, Simon & Luke filed the first lawsuit in the country relating to this outbreak.  The suit was filed in Los Angeles County, California on behalf of David Navarrette, a San Pedro resident who consumed food containing the contaminated spices at a buffet at Grand Sierra Resort  in Reno, Nevada and thereafter became violently ill.  DNA testing has since confirmed that he contracted the exact strain of Salmonella Rissen isolated from Lian How white pepper collected from the restaurant.  Five other consumers who ate at the restaurant over a three month period also contracted this strain of salmonella.

“We are going to determine how these spices became contaminated to make sure it does not happen again” said attorney Ron Simon, who filed the lawsuit and represents other victims of the outbreak.

According to the Center for Disease Control, on average only 7 Salmonella Rissen cases are reported in the United States every year, making Salmonella Rissen extremely rare. 

Simon & Luke already represents several of the victims of the current Salmonella Rissen outbreak.  If you have tested positive for Salmonella Rissen, call us toll-free today at 1-888-335-4901 for a free consultation on your legal rights.