The popular produce distributor Dole has recently announced a voluntary recall on several of its romaine heart products due to a possible E. coli contamination. If you have purchased romaine hearts from Dole in the last few weeks, then you should check the product immediately to see if it is part of the recall.
Two Dole romaine heart products have been recalled:
- Dole™ Organic Romaine Hearts 3-Pack:
- UPC #0-71430-90061-1
- Harvest dates of 10-23-20 or 10-26-20
- Wild Harvest Organic Romaine Hearts:
- UPC #7-11535-50201-2
- Harvest dates of 10-23-20 or 10-26-20
If you have any of these products in your home, do not consume it for any reason. Discard the romaine hearts at once but store the product packaging in a sealed bag or container away from children, pets, and other food. You may need the packaging if a class action forms against Dole for distributing the unsafe vegetable products.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notes that there should be no more contaminated romaine heart products on shelves due to the late October harvest dates, though. Dole also reports that the products should have only been sent to distributors in 15 states. It is unclear if retailers and grocers could have shipped the products to stores in other states, though, so consumers across the country should be aware of this recall.
How Dangerous is E. Coli?
E. coli is a bacterium notorious for causing widespread food recalls each year. The commonality of E. coli is only surpassed by its danger. Consuming even a small amount of E. coli can cause severe illnesses in most people.
E. coli poisoning symptoms can last for a week and often include:
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Intense stomach pain
- Fever
- Full-body fatigue
Anyone who is exhibiting E. coli poisoning symptoms should see a medical professional as soon as possible. Brief hospitalizations are not uncommon for patients who have consumed E. coli. In severe cases, extended hospitalization might be required. E. coli poisoning can also be fatal to people with compromised immune systems or a bacterial allergy.
Will Dole Face Lawsuits Over the E. Coli Recall?
It is not clear at this time if Dole will be met with consumer class actions due to this most-recent E. coli produce recall. The company has stated that no one yet has filed a complaint about becoming sick after eating the romaine heart products in question. But that does not mean that no one has fallen ill or that consumers had not purchased a dangerous product. As with most food product recalls, time will tell if enough people are affected by the potentially contaminated romaine hearts to warrant a class action against Dole.
Golomb Legalin Philadelphia is looking into the Dole romaine heart recall to see if claimants should be bringing lawsuits or class actions against the produce distributor. If you live in Pennsylvania, purchased a Dole product, and got sick after eating it, then please call our law firm at (215) 278-4449. However, you might have a valid claim even if you never ate the contaminated product. Get more information about your options by contacting us now.