Rhode Island <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/food_poisoning">Salmonella lawsuits are growing, and more are expected. According to WPRI, 15 more clients from 10 families are filing lawsuits on behalf of family members who range in age from three to 80 years of age and who are among 70 people who have reported falling ill in the Rhode Island Salmonella outbreak.
The outbreak has been linked to zeppoles from DeFusco’s Bakery and potentially, said the Rhode Island Department of Health, to two deaths; 29 people remain hospitalized. Those involved in the recent 15 lawsuits are seeking monetary expenses for money spent and money likely to be spent for healthcare, as well as pain, suffering, and negligence, said WPRI.
The Salmonella cases are being tracked as part of the investigation, said the Rhode Island Department of Health website. As of last count, said CNN, 53 of 56 of those interviewed reported eating a baked good from DeFusco’s, said Peter Hanney, of the health department. The bakery, has been closed since March 25 in connection with its contaminated baked goods.
A release on DeFusco’s website says, “Pastry shells from DeFusco’s had been stored in used egg crates, which could have exposed the shells to infected raw eggs.†As we’ve mentioned in earlier reports, the Rhode Island Department of Health (HEALTH) said the outbreak was likely caused by consumption of zeppole pastries that came in contact with raw eggs.
Egg crates taken from DeFusco’s bakery and tested by HEALTH contained the Salmonella bacteria. Also, unsafe food storage practices were revealed at Buono’s Bakery (Providence). Its zeppole, cream puff, and éclair shells were also stored in used egg crates, which could lead to contamination from raw eggs, said HEALTH. WPRI noted that while some egg crates tested positive for the Salmonella pathogen, some have not been definitively linked to DeFusco’s.
We continue to list the locations that sold the tainted DeFusco zeppoles as they become known. Zeppoles, cream puffs, and éclairs from Buono’s Bakery (Providence). American Bakery Supplies purchased zeppoles from DeFusco’s, distributing them to Roch’s Market (West Warwick), Meal Works (Coventry), and Touch of Class Catering (West Warwick). Meal Works, a caterer, served the zeppoles at events at West Warwick Manor Senior Center; Sts. John and Paul Church (Coventry); Sparrow Point, a West Warwick senior facility; and Crescent Park Manor (Riverside). Zeppoles from DeFusco’s Johnston store were sold at all DeFusco’s locations, Colvitto’s Bistro (Narragansett), Sal’s Bakery (Providence), and Focaccia World (Johnston). All five Crugnale Bakery locations also sold DeFusco’s zeppoles.
Salmonella-contaminated food may not look or smell spoiled; however, consumption of food contaminated with the Salmonella bacteria may cause the Foodborne Illness known as salmonellosis. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people infected with the Food Poisoning pathogen usually experience symptoms of Salmonella poisoning beginning 12 to 72 hours after consuming a contaminated food or beverages. Symptoms include fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea and usually last 4 to 7 days. Most recover without antibiotic treatment; however, the diarrhea can be severe, and hospitalization may be required. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems may have more serious illness and the infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other body sites, and can cause death unless the person is treated promptly with antibiotics. Some 40,000 cases of Salmonellosis are reported annually in the U.S.
