A recent E-coli outbreak linked to romaine lettuce from Yuma appears to have been caused by infected water canals in the area, states public officials.

About the E. Coli Outbreak

According to the WSB-TV, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) stated Thursday that the current outbreak is the largest E. coli outbreak in over a decade.

Since the initial announcement of the multistate outbreak on April 10, the bacteria infected 210 people across 36 states. The outbreak caused five deaths and 96 hospitalizations, including 27 people who developed a type of kidney failure.

Both federal and state officials had originally traced the outbreak to farms in the Yuma, Arizona region. On Thursday it was announced that they had taken samples from the water, soil and manure in the area. The report read that “CDC laboratory testing identified the outbreak strain of E. coli O157:H7 in water samples taken from a canal in the Yuma growing region.”

A Long-Term Problem for Yuma Farmers?

A food-safety expert, Bill Marler, says he expects the finding will cause long-term challenges for Yuma.

Given this strain of E. coli is nearly always linked to cattle, Marler states he assumes there are feedlots or cattle farms upstream that caused the canal to become infected.

The CDC and the FDA are continuing to test other environmental samples to learn more about how the E. coli bacteria could have entered the water and ways this water could have contaminated romaine lettuce in the region.

Tips to Avoid E. Coli Infection

Here are a few helpful tips to avoid E-coli infections:

1. Thoroughly cook all of your food especially meat
2. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and juices
3. Do not swallow the water when swimming
4. Wash your hands regularly

E. Coli Facts and Statistics

1. Anywhere from 11 to 28 percent of the U.S. population is estimated to consume ground beef raw or uncooked.
   CDC counted at least 75 outbreaks associated with beef over the five-year period between 2009 and 2013. Of those, 35 percent were caused by E. coli.
2. E. coli O157:H7, the pathogen most commonly associated with ground beef, causes an estimated 96,000 illnesses, 3,200 hospitalizations and 31 deaths in the U.S. each year.
3. CDC tracked 391 E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks in the 10 years between 2003 and 2012. Between those outbreaks, the agency confirmed 4,930 cases of illness, with 1,274 (26 percent) hospitalizations, 300 (6 percent) cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and 34 deaths.
4. Food is by far the most common source of E. coli O157:H7, accounting for 65 percent of cases. The other major sources of E. coli are animal contact (10 percent) and person-to-person transmission (10 percent).
5. The most common food source for E. coli turns out to be beef, which has been implicated in 55 percent of E. coli outbreaks.
6. CDC also tracked more E. coli outbreaks from 2003-2012 than in the previous 20 years.

Contact an Experienced Product Recall Attorney

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury or illness due to a defective or dangerous product, contact Thomas J. Henry. Over two decades of experience handling a multitude of defective product cases and extensive legal and financial resources allow us to provide our clients with truly dynamic legal representation. Thomas J. Henry has a proven track record of achieving real results for clients devastated by recalled products.

Let us help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Contact us today for a free case review.

Lexus has announced a recall of 115,000 vehicles in the United States that are a possible risk of fuel leaks and vehicle fires.

About the Lexus Vehicle Fire Recall

According to CNET, Lexus stated is that “the diaphragm material in the fuel pulsation dampers in this engine (3.5-Liter V6 engine) may harden over time and crack, causing fuel to leak. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase the risk of a vehicle fire.”

The company states that it’ll fix the affected vehicles by replacing the fuel delivery pipe with a new one that contains “improved pulsation dampers.” The service will be performed free of charge.

Owners should expect to receive notification via mail beginning in early August.

Vehicles Affected by the Lexus Vehicle Fire Recall

Vehicles Included in the Lexus fuel leak and vehicle fire recall include:

• 2006-2013 350 sedans
• 2010-2014 350C convertibles
• 2007-2011 GS 350 sedans
• 2077-2011 GS 450h sedans

Contact an Experienced Vehicle Defect Attorney

Drivers have enough to worry about while traversing the roadways on a daily basis. When a person gets behind the wheel of a car, there is a reasonable expectation that the car is going to perform in a matter that would not put the operator’s life in jeopardy. Unfortunately there are hundreds of vehicle recalls each year due to manufacturer defects, from the tires to the ignition switches, that can cause catastrophic injuries and in some cases death. If you or a loved one have been injured due to a defective part in a vehicle, contact Thomas J. Henry.

Our experienced defective vehicle lawyers have handled a multitude of injury claims caused by recalled vehicles. We continue to handle cases involving faulty and dangerous GM ignition switches and Takata airbags. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free legal consultation — our attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends.

Audi has issued a recall for 139,249 sedans for faulty sensors that may prevent front passenger airbags from deploying in the event of a crash.

About the Audi Airbag Recall

According to Consumer Reports, the issue is caused by wear to the passenger occupant detection system, which is responsible for determining whether someone is sitting in the front passenger seat. If the sensor becomes worn, it may prevent the front passenger airbag from deploying during a crash.

The recall affects vehicles with standard seats. Vehicles that are equipped with upgraded seats are not affected.

The automaker says an airbag warning light will illuminate if a malfunction occurs. Additionally, the passenger airbag indicator light will show the airbag is turned off.

The following vehicles are affected by the Audi airbag recall:

• 2012 to 2015 A6 sedans built from April 4, 2011, through Dec. 23, 2014
• 2016 to 2018 A6 sedans built from Oct. 29, 2014, through April 30, 2018
• 2012 to 2015 A7 sedans built from Jan. 27, 2011, through Jan. 31, 2015
• 2016 to 2018 A7 sedans built from Oct. 31, 2014, through April 6, 2018
• 2013 to 2015 S6 sedans built from June 25, 2012, through Dec. 18, 2014
• 2016 to 2018 S6 sedans built from Feb. 6, 2015, through April 26, 2018
• 2016 to 2018 S7 sedans built from Feb. 7, 2015, through March 23, 2018
• 2013 to 2015 S7 sedans built from June 27, 2012, through Feb. 12, 2015
• 2014 to 2018 RS7 sedans built from July 25, 2013, through April 4, 2018

Common Injuries Caused by Airbag Failure

Injuries caused by a defective airbag include:

• Cuts and lacerations
• Fractures and broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck and spinal cord injuries
• Hearing loss
• Blindness
• Death

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 576 people were killed in automobile crashes where a front airbag did not deploy between 2001 and 2006. Of these victims, 360 would have benefited from frontal airbag protection.

Why Does Airbag Failure Occur?

There are many different causes of airbag failure, and unfortunately, airbag defects are usually only detected after an auto accident.

Airbag malfunctions can be caused by:

• Design defect
• Faulty wiring
• Loss of power prior to collision
• Manufacturing flaw
• Sensor failure

Contact an Experienced Defective Airbag Attorney

If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to a defective or faulty airbag, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced vehicle recall lawyers are available 24/7, nights and weekends to provide you with a free case review. If an airbag or vehicle manufacturer’s negligence caused your airbag injury, you may be entitled to recover damages to cover medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Contact us today for a free legal consultation.

Volkswagen has announced a recall for 54,537 of its 2018 Atlas SUVs noting that wide child car-seat bases could interfere with and ultimately damage seat-belt buckles in the vehicles second row, resulting in the belts releasing unexpectedly.

About the 2018 Volkswagen Atlas Recall

According to Consumer Reports, if a car seat with a base wider than 12.6 inches is installed in the second-row center seating position of the recalled vehicles, the base may damage the center and adjacent outboard seat-belt buckles.

Once damaged, the seat-belt buckles can release unexpectedly and may fail to secure occupants in the event of a collision, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that Volkswagen dealers will inspect the center and left outboard seat-belt buckles in recalled vehicles and replace them if necessary. Inspections and replacements will be completed free of charge.

Volkswagen will also be providing an owner’s manual supplement that addresses the child safety and child restraint issues.

Has My Vehicle Been Recalled?

The recall is currently limited to 2018 Volkswagen SUVs equipped with second-row bench seats. Vehicles equipped with captain’s chairs in the second row are not affected.

All recalled vehicles were built between November 17, 2016 and June 5, 2018.

Affected owners can expect to be notified by Volkswagen beginning Aug. 3, 2018. Owners can also call 1-800-893-5298 to see if their vehicle has been recalled, or they can visiting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s website.

Contact an Experienced Vehicle Attorney

Drivers have enough to worry about while traversing the roadways on a daily basis. When a person gets behind the wheel of a car, there is a reasonable expectation that the car is going to perform in a matter that would not put the operator’s life in jeopardy. Unfortunately there are hundreds of vehicle recalls each year due to manufacturer defects, from the tires to the ignition switches, that can cause catastrophic injuries and in some cases death. If you or a loved one have been injured due to a defective part in a vehicle, contact Thomas J. Henry.

Our experienced defective vehicle lawyers have handled a multitude of injury claims caused by recalled vehicles. We continue to handle cases involving faulty and dangerous GM ignition switches and Takata airbags. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free legal consultation — our attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends.

Allergan has issued a nationwide recall for 170,000 sample packs of its birth control Taytulla, saying packaging errors could result in unintended pregnancies.

Details of the Taytulla Birth Control Recall

According to the Washington Post, botched packs of Taytulla contain pills that are placed in the wrong order.

The 28-pill packs should have 24 pink pills with hormones followed by four maroon placebo capsules; however, in the recalled packs, the placebos are placed at the beginning of the treatment. The reversing of the order may not be apparent to new users or previous users.

Mayo Clinic warns that for birth control pills to be effective, the must be taken in the correct order, every day, at the same time. Even missing one day of an oral contraceptive like Taytulla significanlty increases the chances of a woman getting pregnant.

The recalled packs were sent to health-care providers across the United States, and sample packs have been circulating since August 2017. Affected consumers will be notified of the recall by letter.

What Should I Do If I Received a Defective Pack of Taytulla?

Women who have received a faulty pack of Taytulla are urged to contact their physician. Your physician can advise additional step you may want to take as well as return the faulty product.

Adverse events or quality problems experienced with the use of this product may be reported to the FDA’s MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting Program either online, by regular mail or by fax.

Consumers with questions may also contact Allergan by phone at 800-678-1605, 8am-8pm EST Monday through Friday.

Contact an Experienced Dangerous Drug Attorney

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dangerous pharmaceutical drug or medical device, you may be entitled to compensation. You deserve dynamic representation from a law firm with the resources necessary to take on the pharmaceutical companies. Thomas J. Henry has a track record of helping clients receive record-breaking verdicts, settlements, and judgments.

Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Call us today for a free case review — attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends.

Kellogg Co. has announced a major recall affecting an estimated 1.3 million cases of its Honey Smacks, citing concerns of Salmonella contamination. Illnesses have been reported across more than 30 states.

Details of the Kellogg’s Honey Smacks Recall

According to reports, the recall was issued Thursday after preliminary evidence linked the cereal to a Salmonella outbreak. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says there have been more than 70 injuries reported across 31 states, including 24 reports of hospitalization.

No deaths have been reported in connection with the recalled Honey Smacks cereal, but the FDA is working with Kellogg’s to get potentially contaminated cereal removed from the market immediately. The FDA is also inspecting the third-party manufacturer that produces Honey Smacks for other potential hazards.

The recall affects 15.3-ounce and 23-ounce packages of Honey Smacks with “use by” dates of June 14, 2018 through June 14, 2019. At this time, no other Kellogg products are impacted by the recall.

Salmonella Symptoms and Statistics

• According to the CDC, Salmonella causes in one million food borne illnesses every year, resulting in 19,000 hospitalizations and 380 deaths.
• Common symptoms include:
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Abdominal cramps
• Symptoms appear 12 to 72 hours after infection and usually persist for four to seven days.
• Infections and illness tend to be more serious in young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.

Contact an Experienced Product Liability Attorney

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury or illness due to a defective or dangerous product, contact Thomas J. Henry. Over two decades of experience handling a multitude of defective product cases and extensive legal and financial resources allow us to provide our clients with truly dynamic legal representation. Thomas J. Henry has a proven track record of achieving real results for clients devastated by recalled products.

Let us help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Contact us today for a free case review.

According to an alert to healthcare providers issued by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on Monday, five additional patient deaths have been linked to two liquid-filled intragastric-balloon systems used to treat obesity.

Latest Report Indicated 12 Deaths Linked to Intragastric-Balloon Systems

According to Medscape, the updated stated that four of the deaths, three using the Orbera Intragastric Balloon System by Apollo Endosurgery and one using the ReShape Integrated Dual Balloon System by ReShape Lifesciences, had occurred after the gastric perforation, from one day to three and a half weeks after the balloon placement. The fifth death report did not cite any gastric perforation, but the patient did have the Orbera Intragastric Balloon System.

There have been a report of a total of twelve deaths linked to intragastric-balloon systems, seven of which were patients in the United States. Just last week, the FDA had approved labeling changes to warn people about the possibilities of death with these particular devices.

The FDA is still continuing with their efforts to work with the companies that manufacture these products to better understand the complications associated with the devices and to ensure that proper labeling adequately addresses the risks.

FDA Issues New Guidelines for Intragastric-Balloon Systems

In light of the recent deaths of patients the FDA urges healthcare providers to do the following things in order to prevent this from happening:

1. Educate patients regarding symptoms of complications that could be life-threatening, such as balloon deflation, gastrointestinal obstruction, ulceration, and gastric and esophageal perforation, and what to do if they experience them.
2. Monitor patients closely during the entire term of treatment.
3. Report any adverse events through MedWatch, the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting program.

Hurt By a Defective Medical Device? Contact Thomas J. Henry

Defective and faulty medical devices have the potential to cause long-lasting and permanent damage in patients seeking treatment for their injuries and illnesses. In some cases, defective medical devices have caused fatal injuries, causing devastation to the victim’s family. At Thomas J. Henry, we will fight vigorously on you and your family’s behalf. We have the legal and financial resources necessary to properly develop your case and take on the large pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers.

If you or a loved one have been injured by a medical device, call us today — attorneys are available 24/7, nights and weekends. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide.

GMC has issued a recall for more than 88,000 Terrain SUVs from the 2018 model year for faulty software that can prevent airbags from deploying in a crash.

About the GMC Terrain Airbag Recall

According to Consumer Reports, a defect in a software module can cause airbag sensors to not power down properly when the vehicle is shut off. As a result, the airbag may not function properly when the vehicle is restarted, possibly preventing airbags from deploying in the event of a collision.

GMC says they are not aware of any accidents, injuries, or deaths related to the defect.

GMC dealers will perform a software update free of charge and will provide a loaner to owners whose vehicles are still under warranty.

The recall is limited to 88,129 2018 GMC Terrain SUVs built between March 14, 2017 and May 22, 2018.

What Kinds Of Injuries Can Happen When an Airbag Fails?

Injuries caused by a defective airbag include:

• Cuts and lacerations
• Fractures and broken bones
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Neck and spinal cord injuries
• Hearing loss
• Blindness
• Death

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 576 people were killed in automobile crashes where a front airbag did not deploy between 2001 and 2006. Of these victims, 360 would have benefited from frontal airbag protection.

Major Airbag Recalls in the United States

Over the past decade, there have been multiple widespread recalls on vehicles containing defective and dangerous airbags.

• Takata Corp. (2013 – present) — 21 deaths have been attributed to airbags manufactured by Takata, which are present in 42 million vehicles across 19 different brands
• Hyundai and Kia (2018 to present) — Four deaths have been linked to airbag failures in 425,000 Hyundai and Kia vehicles, including the popular Sonata and Forte models.
• Fiat Chrysler (2016) — Several deaths and injuries were linked to a software defect, causing airbag deployment and seatbelt failure
• GM Chevy Cruze (2014) — Thousands of vehicles were recalled due to a manufacturing flaw that could prevent airbags from deploying in an accident
• GM SUV (2014) — More than one million GM SUVs were recalled after faulty wiring could keep side airbags from deploying in the event of a collision

Contact an Experienced Defective Airbag Injury Attorney

If you or a loved one suffered an injury due to a defective or faulty airbag, contact Thomas J. Henry. Our experienced vehicle recall lawyers are available 24/7, nights and weekends to provide you with a free case review. If an airbag or vehicle manufacturer’s negligence caused your airbag injury, you may be entitled to recover damages to cover medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages.

Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Contact us today for a free legal consultation.

On Friday, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that an additional 25 people have become ill from eating romaine lettuce contaminated with E. coli. Since the beginning of the E. coli outbreak in March of this year, five people have died and 197 people have been ill.

About the Deadly E. Coli Outbreak

According to CNN, E. coli is a bacterium commonly found in the intestines of humans and other animals, where it usually causes no harm. Some strains can cause severe food poisoning, especially in old people and children.

The symptoms of E. coli generally occur about three to four days after a person first consumes the bacteria. The symptoms can include, but are not limited to watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting. The CDC reports that people generally get better within five to seven days after their symptoms begin.

Although there were 197 reports, only 187 of them had any information on what happened to the patients while they were sick. 48 percent of those that fell ill had been hospitalized, including 26 individuals who had developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure.

Symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome include, fever, abdominal pain, fatigue, small unexplained bruises or bleeding, and pallor. Most people recover within a few weeks, but some suffer permanent damage or die.

FDA Joins E. Coli Investigation

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have also been investigating this outbreak alongside the CDC, and they believe that the probable cause for these outbreaks came from the winter growing areas in and around Yuma, Arizona.

The FDA stated that “The traceback investigation indicates that the illnesses associated with this outbreak cannot be explained by a single grower, harvester, processor, or distributor. While traceback continues, the FDA will focus on trying to identify factors that contributed to contamination of romaine across multiple supply chains.” The lettuce from this area is no longer available in stores, or restaurants.

This E. coli outbreak is the largest of its kind since the E. coli outbreak of 2006 where 199 people were reported to have been sick from consuming spinach. However, unlike spinach which is often cooked, romaine and lettuce are more common culprits in E. coli outbreaks because it’s eaten raw.

Tips to avoid E. coli

Here are a few helpful tips to avoid E. coli infections.

1. Thoroughly cook all of your food especially meat
2. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and juices
3. Do not swallow the water when swimming
4. Wash your hands regularly

Statistics on E. coli E. coli infections

1. Anywhere from 11 to 28 percent of the U.S. population is estimated to consume ground beef raw or uncooked.
2. CDC counted at least 75 outbreaks associated with beef over the five-year period between 2009 and 2013. Of those, 35 percent were caused by E. coli.
3. E. coli O157:H7, the pathogen most commonly associated with ground beef, causes an estimated 96,000 illnesses, 3,200 hospitalizations and 31 deaths in the U.S. each year.
4. CDC tracked 391 E. coli O157:H7 outbreaks in the 10 years between 2003 and 2012. Between those outbreaks, the agency confirmed 4,930 cases of illness, with 1,274 (26 percent) hospitalizations, 300 (6 percent) cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), and 34 deaths.
5. Food is by far the most common source of E. coli O157:H7, accounting for 65 percent of cases. The other major sources of E. coli are animal contact (10 percent) and person-to-person transmission (10 percent).
6. The most common food source for E. coli turns out to be beef, which has been implicated in 55 percent of E. coli outbreaks.
7. CDC also tracked more E. coli outbreaks from 2003-2012 than in the previous 20 years.

Contact an Experienced Food Recall Attorney

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury or illness due to a defective or dangerous product, contact Thomas J. Henry. Over two decades of experience handling a multitude of defective product cases and extensive legal and financial resources allow us to provide our clients with truly dynamic legal representation. Thomas J. Henry has a proven track record of achieving real results for clients devastated by recalled products.

Let us help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Contact us today for a free case review.

Hormel Food Corp. is recalling 228,614 pounds of canned meat products following reports of metal objects being found in the products and consumers suffering oral injuries from the fragments.

About the Spam Recall

According to Fortune, the recall affects canned meat products, including Spam, sold in the United States and Guam. Hormel has received multiple reports of consumers suffering tooth and oral injuries after eating meat containing metal objects.

Anyone who has suffered injuries or is concerned about possible injuries or illnesses resulting from consumption of the recalled products is urged to contact their healthcare provider.

Consumers should not eat the recalled products and should return the food items to their place of purchase.

Description of the Recalled Canned Meat Products

The recalled canned pork and chicken products were produced on February 8 through February 10, 2018. The following products are subject to recall:

• 12-oz. metal cans containing “SPAM Classic” with a “Best By” February 2021 date.
• Affected production codes include:
  • F020881
  • F020882
  • F020883
  • F020884
  • F020885
  • F020886
  • F020887
  • F020888
  • F020889
• These products were shipped throughout the United States.
• 12-oz. metal cans containing “Hormel Foods Black-Label Luncheon Loaf” with a “Best By” February 2021 date and production codes F02098 and F02108. These products were shipped to Guam only.

The products subject to recall bear establishment number “EST. 199N” on the bottom of the can. These items were shipped throughout the United States and to Guam.

Contact an Experienced Product Liability Attorney

If you or a loved one have suffered an injury or illness due to a defective or dangerous product, contact Thomas J. Henry. Over two decades of experience handling a multitude of defective product cases and extensive legal and financial resources allow us to provide our clients with truly dynamic legal representation. Thomas J. Henry has a proven track record of achieving real results for clients devastated by recalled products.

Let us help you recover the compensation you are entitled to. Our firm has offices in Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston, serving clients across Texas and nationwide. Contact us today for a free case review.