On behalf of Weisman, Kennedy & Berris Co., L.P.A. posted in Products Liability on Wednesday, June 26, 2013.

When Ohioans purchase food at their local grocery store, they’re often vulnerable. Although most produce suppliers promise that the risk of contracting illnesses has been eliminated, sometimes even the healthiest people can be harmed by a dangerous product.

When several workers handle the food that we buy in grocery stores, the likelihood of contamination increases. One 51-year-old woman kept herself in good health by eating yogurt mixed with frozen berries from Costco. Instead, the woman said she has never felt worse, and she alleges that the tainted berries from Costco are to blame for her illness. The woman, who in normal circumstances leads a healthy, active lifestyle, was hospitalized soon after she consumed the berries.

The woman is not alone in her suffering. The tainted berries have affected 30 people, and they could cause more illnesses in Ohio and the rest of the country. The 51-year-old woman has filed lawsuits against the produce company and Costco; however, it is unclear whether all of the other people affected have filed lawsuits as well. It is unknown whether the produce company has taken any action to correct the problem that allegedly spread hepatitis A to consumers.

When several workers handle the food that we buy in grocery stores, the likelihood of contamination increases. In large national chains like Costco, contaminated food has the potential to reach vast numbers of consumers. People who have fallen ill after consuming food that may have been contaminated may be entitled to compensation. Working with attorney can be helpful in these circumstances.

Source: Press-Telegram, “Lakewood woman sues Costco after contracting hepatitis A,” Greg Mellen, June 4, 2013