Reports say some commercially packaged Leadbetter Cowboy Beef Burger has been the cause of five possible E. coli infections, with at least one more suspected case being investigated.
The cases have reportedly occurred at a youth camp in Ontario, Canada, and that at least one of those sickened by the tainted burgers had to be hospitalized. Although the youth has now been released -- and everyone else who was stricken by the meat has recovered - the public needs to be vigilant.
The Canadian government has reportedly warned that the strain of E. coli associated with the outbreak, 0157:H7, is the same highly dangerous strain that killed seven people in Walkerton, Ont., 10 years ago, and that it has the potential to cause severe illness, especially in younger people.
One possible complication, reports say, is extensive blood and kidney dysfunction. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency has reportedly expanded a health alert for Leadbetter Cowboy Beef Burgers, and the agency is warning consumers to avoid burgers sold in three different sizes of boxes, including: 2.27 kg 20-patty boxes with the UPC code 8 73587 00003 5; 1.13 kg 8-patty boxes with UPC code 8 73587 00078 3; and 2.04 kg 12-patty boxes with UPC code 8 73587 00030 1. The burger patties were reportedly distributed throughout Ontario by Leadbetter Foods of Orillia, Ontario, and the company is assisting the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and the Ontario Ministry of health with the recall and investigation.
During the ongoing investigation and quarantine of tainted beef, the families of the injured will likely have questions. In a tragedy like this one, victims' questions need to be addressed by experts. The Doan Law Firm P.C. has extensive experience in personal injury and accidental death cases and can assist any family suffering loss or injury. Contact the Doan Law Firm, P.C., led by Houston personal injury attorney Jimmy Doan, at 1 Riverway, Suite 1700, Houston, Texas 77056, (713) 869-4747 or (800) 910-FIRM.