State health officials indicate that at least seven people have been diagnosed with E. coli O157:H7 food poisoning, and three have been hospitalized, in an outbreak that state health investigators have tracked back to Baugher’s. However, the actual number of cases of food poisoning from the apple cider may be substantially higher, as many cases are often not properly reported.

On November 4, Baugher’s Orchard & Farm of Westminster, Maryland, announced a Baugher Apple Cider recall. State officials with the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DHMH) and the FDA are warning people who purchased the cider not to drink it. The recall affects Baugher’s Apple Cider in the half-gallon and gallon containers.

E. coli food poisoning typically involves symptoms such as abdominal cramps and diarrhea. For most healthy adults, E. coli symptoms resolve within a few weeks. However, more severe cases could result in hemolytic-urenia syndrome (HUS), which is associated with kidney failure and could result in death. Children, elderly and those with a weak immune system have an increased risk of HUS.

There are approximately 20 to 40 cases of Maryland E. coli O157:H7 illnesses reported each year. However, nationwide, there are about 70,000 cases of infection in the U.S. caused by all E. coli strains.

The Maryland food poisoning lawyers at Saiontz & Kirk, P.A. are investigating and reviewing claims for serious injuries sustained as a result of Baugher’s Apple Cider food poisoning. If you, a friend or family member have been diagnosed with hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS), kidney damage or other serious injury as a result of drinking Baugher’s Apple Cider, request a free claim evaluation.

Throughout the United States, there have been 654 confirmed cases of peanut butter food poisoning, giving Maryland only about 1.5% of the nationwide toll in the outbreak.

Over 650 cases of food poisoning and
9 deaths nationwide have been reported.
At least 10 cases occurred in Maryland.

Only six states have not had any citizens affected by the salmonella outbreak at all: Montana, Alaska, New Mexico, Louisiana, Delaware and South Carolina. The largest number of reports come from Ohio, who has 94 cases. In other mid-Atlantic states near Maryland, Virginia has 21 reports, New Jersey has 23 reports and Pennsylvania has 19.

The Maryland salmonella outbreak has been linked to contaminated peanut butter, peanut paste and peanuts processed by Peanut Corporation of America. Investigations have determined that Peanut Corporation was aware that their product may have been tainted with bacteria that causes food poisoning, yet continued their shipments.

The peanut products produced by Peanut Corporation of America were used as ingredients in thousands of consumer products sold throughout the United States. They were also used in large tubs of peanut butter sold to nursing homes, schools, hospitals and other food service locations, though there is no indication that these large tubs were distributed to Maryland.

Our Maryland food poisoning lawyers are reviewing potential peanut butter lawsuits for any individuals who have been diagnosed with salmonella poisoning after eating any products that contain peanut butter. This could include peanut butter crackers, peanut butter cookies, ice cream with peanut butter or a number of other products.

If you, a friend or family member have suffered symptoms of food poisoning, request a free consultation and claim evaluation. Salmonella typhimurium symptoms could include:

• Diarrhea
• Abdominal Cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever

CONTACT A MARYLAND FOOD POISONING LAWYER