Massachusetts Consumers: Take Care in the Deli Department–Rhode Island Company Recalls Salami Products Due to Salmonella Risk

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) has announced that Daniele International, with operations in Rhode Island, has recalled 1,240,000 lbs of ready-to-eat Italian sausage products currently in commerce due to risk of salmonella contamination. The recalled products include salami coated with black pepper.

The recall is the result of a multi-agency investigation into a salmonella breakout in several states. While searching for the defective food agent causing the outbreak, FSIS discovered a strain of salmonella in a Daniele International sample product.  The tested product is similar to what people reported eating prior to becoming ill, but a direct link has not been established. 

The strain of salmonella found in the tested product does not match the strain being investigated.   In addition to recalling the ready-to-eat products, Daniele International presented information to FSIS and voluntarily recalled all products in commerce associated with black pepper, which the company believes is a possible source of contamination. 

Eating products contaminated with salmonella can cause salmonellosis, one of the most common bacterial foodborne illnesses.  The symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, abdominable cramps, and fever within 8 to 72 hours of comsumption.  Additional symptoms may be chills, headache, nausea, and vomiting for up to a week.  Salmonella infections can be life-threatening to those with weak immune systems, such as infants, the elderly, and persons with HIV infection or undergoing chemotherapy.

The specific products recalled all carry a USDA mark of inspection bearing establishment numbers “EST. 9992” or “EST. 54.”.  The following products can be returned to the retailer for a full refund:

  • 10-ounce packages of “DANIELE NATURALE SALAME COATED WITH COARSE BLACK PEPPER.”
  • Catch weight packages of “DANIELE PEPPER SALAME.”
  • 9-ounce packages of “BLACK BEAR OF THE BLACK FOREST BABY GENOA PEPPER SALAME.”
  • 20-ounce packages of “DANIELE DELI SELECTION, GENOA SALAME, SMOKED SALAME, PEPPERED SALAME, RUSTIC SALAME.”
  • 340- and 454-gram packages of “DANIELE SURTIDO FINO ITALIANO, SALAMI GENOA CON PIMIENTA, LOMO CAPOCOLLO, SALAMI CALABRESE.”
  • 16-ounce packages of “DANIELE ITALIAN BRAND GOURMET PACK, HOT CALABRESE, PEPPER SALAME, HOT CAPOCOLLO.”
  • 8-ounce packages of “DIETZ & WATSON ARTISAN COLLECTION PARTY PLATTER PACK, HOT CALABRESE, PEPPER SALAME, HOT CAPOCOLLO.”
  • 8-ounce packages of “DANIELE ITALIAN BRAND GOURMET PACK, HOT CALABRESE, PEPPER SALAME, HOT CAPOCOLLO.”
  • 16-ounce packages of “DANIELE GOURMET COMBO PACK, PEPPER SALAME, CAPOCOLLO, CALABRESE.”
  • 500-gram packages of “DANIELE ITALIAN BRAND GOURMET PACK EMBALLAGE ASSORTI GOURMET ITALIEN, HOT CALABRESE, PEPPER SALAME, CALABRESE PIQUANT, SALAMI AU POIVRE, HOT CAPOCOLLO, CAPOCOLLO PIQUANT.”
  • 8-ounce packages of “BOAR’S HEAD BRAND ALL NATURAL SALAME COATED WITH COARSE BLACK PEPPER.”
  • Catch weight packages of “DIETZ & WATSON ARTISAN COLLECTION, BABY GENOA PEPPER SALAME, MADE WITH 100% PORK COATED WITH BLACK PEPPER AND PORK FAT.”
  • 20-ounce variety packages of “DANIELE DELI SELECTION, GENOA SALAME, SWEET SOPRESSATA, PEPPERED GENOA, MILANO SALAME.”
  • 21-ounce variety packages of “DANIELE GOURMET ITALIAN DELI SELECTION, SWEET SOPRESSATA SALAMI, PEPPERED GENOA SALAMI, HOT SOPRESSATA SALAMI, MILANO SALAMI, SALAMI SOPRESSATA DOUX, SALAMI GENOA POIVRÉ, SALAMI SOPRESSATA PIQUANT, SALAMI MILANO.”
  • 7-ounce packages of “DANIELE SALAME BITES PEPPER SALAME.”
  • 14-ounce packages of “DANIELE GOURMET ITALIAN DELI SELECTION ASSORTMENT DE FINES CHARCUTERIE ITALIENNE, SWEET SOPRESSATA SALAMI, MILANO SALAMI, SALAMI SOPRESSATA DOUX, SALAMI MILANO.”
  • Catch weight packages of “DANIELE NATURALE SALAME COATED WITH COARSE BLACK PEPPER.”
  • 32-ounce variety packages of “DANIELE DELI SELECTION, GENOA SALAME, SWEET SOPRESSATA, PEPPERED GENOA, MILANO SALAME.”
  •  

    For more information on the on-going investigation into the multi-state salmonella investigation, see the Center for Disease Control’s website.  For a list of retailers that sold recalled products, see the FSIS recall website.  Consumers with questions about food safety can ask a virtual FSIS representative on the Ask Karen website.  Live chat services are available Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time (except Federal Holidays).

    Read More

    New Law Against Texting Intended to Reduce Distracted Driving and Truck Accidents–Rule Should Improve Safety for Massachusetts Drivers

    The Federal Government is taking a firm stand against the dangers caused by texting drivers. U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood announced Tuesday that, effective immediately, commercial bus and truck drivers are prohibited from texting while driving. Texting truck and bus drivers face civil or criminal penalties of up to $2,750.

    The goal of the new law is to reduce truck accidents and motor vehicle accidents caused by distracted driving.  According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, drivers take their eyes off the road for an average of 4.6 seconds out of every six seconds while texting.  This means drivers who text are more than 20 times more likely to get in an accident than non-distracted drivers.

    This is not the first move that the government has made to reduce the dangers of texting drivers.  Nineteen states have passed laws banning texting while driving.  President Obama has also signed an executive order requiring federal employees not to text while driving government-owned vehicles or with government-owned equipment.

    The attention on texting comes after several high profile accidents caused by texting motor vehicle operators.  In September 2008, a California commuter train engineer missed a stop signal while trading text messages with a friend, leading to a train accident resulting in the wrongful death of 25 people.  In May 2009, 62 people suffered personal injury after a Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority trolley driver collided with another trolley while texting.

    For more information about the dangers of distracted driving, see the Transportation Department’s website www.distraction.gov.

    If you need assistance with a personal injury or wrongful death resulting from a car accident, truck accident, or train accident, please contact the attorneys at the Boston firm Breakstone, White and Gluck.  An experienced motor vehicle accident attorney is available for a free consultation by calling 800-379-1244. You can also contact us online.

    Massachusetts Consumers Should Take Care If Using Certain Antibiotics–FDA Warns of Tendon Trouble

    A commonly prescribed class of antibiotics have been issued the strongest available warning by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) due to the risk of potentially debilitating personal injury. Levaquin (levofloxicin) and Cipro (ciprofloxacin) are in the class of antibiotics, called fluoroquinolones, and are used to treat illnesses like sinus infections, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, kidney infections and several types of skin infections. People using Levaquin and other fluoroquinolones are at increased risk for tendonitis and tendon ruptures, especially those over 50 years of age, those taking steroids, or people that have had a lung, kidney or heart transplant.  Tendonitis and tendon ruptures have also been reported in people without elevated risk factors, and can even occur months after discontinuing the drug.

    The most commonly reported tendon injuries have occured in the Achilles tendon, but ruptures have also occurred in the rotator cuff, hand, and tendons in other parts of the body. Tendon injuries can be extremely painful, are potentially debilitating, and may require surgery to correct. People using fluoroquinolones should seek medical attention if they have bruising in the tendon area after a possible injury, hear or feel a pop or snap, are unable to put weight on an injured area, or have other reason to believe that a tendon is not functioning properly. 

    Flouroquinolones have also been linked to other serious side effects and personal injuries, such as renal failure, and users have reported side effects that feel like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome.  Some people experience an alleviation of side effects shortly after stopping use of the antibiotic.  Others experience long-term or even permanent side effects.  While sometimes the use of fluoroquinolones cannot be avoided, patients should inquire into alternative medications. 

    To report an adverse effect resulting from the use of Levaquin or another fluoroquinolone antibiotic, call the FDA MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit the MedWatch website.

    Read More

    Baby Stroller Recall Affects Massachusetts Consumers

    Graco Children’s Products of Atlanta, Georgia, has recalled approximately 1.5 million baby strollers which may cause finger amputations in small children. The company is offering a free repair kit to eliminate the hazard caused by the defective product.

    graco stoller.jpg

    The defective strollers were sold throughout Massachusetts at stores such as Burlington Coat Factory, Babies “R” Us, Toys “R” Us, K-Mart, Sears, Target, Wal-mart. The defective products affected include the following stroller lines: Graco’s Passage, Alano and Spree Strollers and Travel Systems.

    The defective strollers are known to have caused at least five fingertip amputations and other personal injuries in children who got their fingers caught in the stroller’s canopy hinge mechanisms.

    Our attorneys have experience with fingertip amputations caused by defective strollers. While the industry has long been aware of these risks, defective strollers continue to be manufactured.

    Fingertip amputations often lead to permanent and disfiguring injuries. Often, attempts to reattach the affected fingertips are unsuccessful, and in most cases children are left with scarring and a loss of function. Many children suffer lasting psychological injuries, not just from the injuries themselves, but also from the taunting they often must endure in school as they grow up.

    If you need legal assistance with a personal injury caused by a defective stroller or other product liability claim, please contact us for a free consultation. Our lawyers would be pleased to help you recover any damages sustained by your child as a result of the negligence of a manufacturer.  Please call us toll free at 800 379 1244.

    In-car Electronics Create Distractions and Impair Driving

    One of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents for Massachusetts drivers may be the device in the driver’s pocket.  A recent Harvard University study concluded that 2,600 wrongful deaths and 570,000 personal injuries are caused each year by cell phone distractions. According to a Virginia Tech study, drivers using cell phones are more impaired than a legally drunk driver.  Despite the known dangers of in-car electronics, car makers are taking driver distractions one step further with in-car “infotainment” systems.

    As recently unveiled at the 2010 Consumer Electronics Show, car makers and internet companies are teaming up to equip cars with interactive screens on the dashboard that display maps, videos, and internet sites.  Safety advocates are concerned about the risk of car accidents and pedestrian accidents caused by distracted drivers watching the screen instead of the road.  A recent New York Times article on these new systems discusses how the danger of crashing dramatically increases when a motorist looks at a screen, even a GPS screen.

    Car makers assure that safety mechanisms will be in place to minimize the risk of driver distractions, such as voice controls or blocking internet use when the car is in motion.  However, some safety advocates are questioning whether car manufacturers are placing profit concerns above safety. It only takes two seconds for the likelihood of a crash to increase exponentially.

    Read More

    New Technology Prevents Pedestrian Accidents and Saves Lives In Massachusetts

    Pedestrian accidents at crosswalks cause some of the most serious personal injuries, including spinal cord injury, and wrongful death.  In 2006, pedestrian accidents accounted for 14% of roadway fatalities in Massachusetts.  Public education campaigns and strict traffic laws have not prevented the death toll from climbing.  However, new technology may be the solution for preventing many pedestrian accidents.

    Communities across the country, including some in Massachusetts, have started installing “in roadway warning light systems” or IRWLs, at dangerous crosswalks.  Flashing beacons are installed on the side of the road, in the crosswalk pavement, or in an overhead mast.  When a pedestrian activates the system, either by automatic detection or manually, lights flash outwards toward the approaching vehicle.  As an intentional design factor intended to prevent a feeling of false security, pedestrians cannot see the flashing lights.  Studies have shown these IRWL enhanced crosswalk systems are effective in reducing pedestrian accidents.

    Pedestrians can protect themselves further by being aware of whether they or motorists have the right-of-way.  Massachusetts laws and regulations set forth the rights-of-way of pedestrians and motorists where traffic control signals are not present.  Where a pedestrian is crossing at a crosswalk where no traffic control signals are in operation, Massachusetts law requires that motorists must yield to the pedestrian.  Pedestrians crossing at a point in a road that does not have a crosswalk must yield to the right-of-way of motorists.  Further, once they being to cross, pedestrians should continue to look in the direction of on-coming or turning traffic. Pedestrians should always face the on-coming traffic when walking or running in the road.

    The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center has additional information on pedestrian and bicycle safety.

    Read More

    Massachusetts Drivers Should Take Precautions Against Winter Hazards on the Roads

    As if plummeting temperatures and shoveling aren’t reason enough to dislike winter in Massachusetts, snowy and icy weather creates hazardous road conditions. Car accidentstruck accidents, and pedestrian accidents are more likely as slippery roads increase both the distance required to stop a vehicle and the chance of sliding.  Taking certain precautions against winter hazards can reduce drivers’ and pedestrians’ risk of personal injury or wrongful death.

    First, try to avoid driving in bad winter conditions.  If driving is necessary, try to drive during daylight hours only, plan ahead to avoid rushing, and wait until snow removal crews have eased road conditions.  Check wiper blades and tires and make sure they are suited for winter driving conditions.  Also, if you are traveling far from home, equip vehicles with a winter emergency kit including blankets, food, water, matches, candles, flares, sand for traction, and jumper cables.

    Seat belts can save lives but only if they are worn properly.  A properly fitting seat belt will fit tightly across the lap, snugly across the chest, and will cross at the shoulder.  A seat belt should never cross at the neck or back  Seat belts with lap restraints only are ineffective and should be avoided.  An improperly fitting belt can actually make personal injuries worse. Heavy jackets will intefere with proper seat belt operation and should be avoided or removed once the car is warmed up.

    Pedestrians face special problems since sidewalks are not always plowed and it may be necessary to walk in the street. One should walk facing the traffic in order to be able to observe the approaching traffic–and to take evasive action if necessary. At night, lightly colored clothing is important. Motorists need to be especially aware of pedestrians and even bicyclists during the winter months. Massachusetts General Laws c. 89, Section 14 requires motorists to slow when approaching pedestrians or bicyclists, and to pass only when it is safe to do so.  

    Finally, focus on safe and strategic driving.  Stay at least nine car lengths behind the vehicle ahead to allow plenty of room to stop.  Unless you have anti-lock brakes, If brakes begin a lock, ease off the brake.  Be aware that bridges and overpasses freeze before the road.  To regain control of a vehicle if rear wheels begin to skid, ease off the gas and steer in the direction the car should go.  If the car starts to go too far in one direction, keep steering opposite ways until the vehicle is under control.  If the front wheels are skidding, ease off the gas and let the vehicle slow down until traction is regained.  If stuck in the snow, do not hit the gas.  Try to remove snow and ice from around the wheels, and use sand for traction.  Some vehicles can also be “rocked” by alternating between drive and reverse, while gently pressing the gas.

    For more information on winter safety, please see the following articles:

    State Police Issue Winter Driving Safety Tips

    Uncleared Sidewalks Imperil Pedestrians

    Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency–Tips to Ensure Safe Winter Driving

    Read More

    Breakstone, White & Gluck Earn Recognition as New England and Massachusetts Super Lawyers for Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice

    For the fifth year in a row, all of the lawyers in our Boston law firm have earned top rankings as Super Lawyers in New England. The rankings of the best attorneys in the region were posted in the New England edition of Super Lawyers 2009, published by Boston Magazine.

    Marc L. Breakstone earned recognition as one of New England’s top 100 lawyers, and again as a Super Lawyer in representing plaintiffs in medical malpractice cases.

    Ronald E. Gluck was again recognized as a Super Lawyer for his achievement as one of New England’s top plaintiff’s personal injury lawyers.

    David W. White again achieved recognition as one of New England’s top 100 lawyers, and again as a top plaintiff’s personal injury lawyer.

    The top lawyers in New England earn these recognitions as a result of an extensive polling process among their peers, as well as a check on ethical standing, and other factors.

    To learn more about the types of cases we handle, including medical malpractice, wrongful death, and other personal injury cases, please visit our website.

    Tips from Dog Bite Prevention Week to Help Keep Massachusetts Residents Safe

    While dogs have long been considered “man’s best friend,” the sad fact is that approximately 4.5 million people suffer from dog bites each year. About one in five of those bitten require medical attention for personal injury. Even seemingly friendly, mild-tempered canines can suddenly become agitated in certain situations or with certain individuals. However, there are actions you can take to decrease the odds of a serious dog bite.

    Tips for Dog Owners:

    • Don’t allow your dog to roam outside without a leash.
    • Spay or neuter your pet.
    • Never leave your dog unattended with a young child or baby.
    • Don’t play rough/aggressive games with your pup. This can inadvertently teach aggressive behaviors.
    • Plan social activities into your pet’s schedule–like walks in the park or dog play groups.
    • If your pet does develop aggressive behavior, seek professional advice immediately from a veterinarian or trainer.

    Tips for Interacting with Dogs:

    • Don’t attempt to pet a dog through its fence; seemingly friendly dogs are often territorial.
    • Always ask the owner before reaching to pet any canine.
    • If you meet an unattended dog, do not shout or run.
    • If the dog approaches you, avoid eye contact and remain motionless until the dog passes by.
    • Do not approach a dog that is eating, chewing a bone, or sleeping.
    • Teach your children appropriate dog interaction skills.

    Massachusetts has laws that make dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, as long as the person who was bitten was not teasing, tormenting or abusing the dog, or not trespassing at the time of the bite.  Ordinarily, these injuries are covered by insurance, although some insurance companies have begun to limit coverage for certain breeds of dog.  If you are a dog owner, you should make sure injuries by your pet are covered.

    Read More

    MBTA Refuses to Add Key Safety System to Prevent Injuries to Passengers

    Despite recent accidents, the MBTA continues to maintain that the automated operating systems that have been very successful at preventing accidents in other parts of the country are an unnecessary expense for the citizens of Boston. It is no secret that these systems could have prevented two serious rear end crashes on the Green Line in the last year alone. These systems would virtually eliminate driver error by automatically stopping trolleys from running red lights or getting dangerously close to other trolley cars. While some MBTA officials have argued that the safety systems would not be a good allocation of funds, recent events have made it fiscally irresponsible for these delays in adequate safety to continue.

     There have been five crashes since 2007, and the most recent crash will cost the agency more than 10 million dollars in property damage and the medical claims of the victims. The crash on May 8th near government center epitomized the need for the system upgrades as nearly 50 peoples were admitted to the hospital as a result of their injuries sustained in the crash. The accident appears to be the result of carelessness by the operator who was text messaging at the time. This is the exact type of accident that would have been avoided with this proven technology in place.

    This is hardly the first time that the safety regulations at MBTA have been brought into question. Last year, following the death of MBTA operator Ter’rese Edmonds, former MBTA engineer John Weiser could not hold back his criticisms of the way MBTA is falling behind the safety standards followed by their peers in other parts of the country. Weiser, who personally investigated more than a dozen crashes and more than 1,200 derailments during his twenty-six years of service to the MBTA, argued that the lack of modern equipment was directly responsible for the injuries sustained by its patrons. The Boston Globe quoted Weiser as saying “…from a safety point of view, had the T installed positive train stops, when the train went through the red light, the brakes would automatically be applied.”

    Implementation of the new safety measures in other cities has been very successful. One example of this is San Francisco. The Muni Metro in San Francisco was experiencing many of the same problems in 1998 that Boston is dealing with now. After a week of the new system, even initial critics of the state spending were glad to have the automated system in place. Not only were the trains safer, but they were actually able to reduce the time between trains for their customers. Instead of two minutes or more between trians the automated system was able to run them every minute. Since the inception of this safety precaution in 1998 there has not been a single rear end crash. It is past time for the MBTA to invest in the safety of its system to protect its passengers.

    For More Information

    Trolley safety system put off The Boston Globe May 25, 2009

    Safety review ordered after Boston trolley crash Associated Press May 27, 2009

    Safety Review Ordered After Boston Trolley Crash Associated Press May 26, 2009

    Read More