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Possible E. coli Contamination Forces General Mills to Recall Totino’s and Jeno’s Frozen Pizzas

Posted by: euser
November 06, 2007
Topic: Minnesota Personal Injury

On November 1, 2007, General Mills announced a recall of Totino's and Jeno's frozen pizzas with pepperoni toppings because the pepperoni may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.

The potential E. coli contamination was uncovered by state and federal authorities investigating 21 E. coli-related illnesses in 10 states. Nine of the 21 people reported having eaten Totino's or Jeno's pizza with pepperoni topping at some point before becoming ill. The first reported case occurred on July 20, with the latest case being reported on October 10.

The recall affects approximately 414,000 cases of pizza products currently in stores and similar products in consumer's freezers. Each case contains 12 pizzas, meaning that close to 5 million individual pizzas are subject to the recall. The recall includes eight types of Totino's brand frozen pizza and three types of Jeno's brand frozen pizza with pepperoni topping, or pepperoni in combination with other toppings.

E. coli O157:H7 is a potentially deadly bacteria that can cause hemorrhagic colitis, which is the sudden onset of stomach pain and severe cramps, followed by bloody diarrhea and dehydration. The symptoms of E. coli poisoning usually occur within 3 to 9 days after a victim eats contaminated foods and the illness lasts for approximately one week. Those most vulnerable to this disease include the very young, seniors, and persons with compromised immune systems.

If you or a loved one became infected with E. coli after eating contaminated Totino's or Jeno's frozen pizzas with pepperoni toppings, please contact the attorneys of Milavetz, Gallop & Milavetz, P.A.