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Listeria-contaminated Cheese Leads to Premature Birth; Family Sues Distributor

Food Safety News

By News Desk | October 4, 2012

A California couple has filed suit against the importer, distributor and retailer of the ricotta cheese that’s been linked to a multistate Listeria outbreak. The couple’s son was born prematurely after his pregnant mother contracted a Listeria infection from eating the cheese.

Joanna Valentine and Laurie Sorenson filed a lawsuit Thursday against Forever Cheese, Inc., which imports the Marte brand Ricotta Salata Frescolina that’s been named as the outbreak source. Other defendants named in the complaint include The Aniata Cheese Co., a distributor of the ricotta, and Cookbook Los Angeles, the store where the cheese was purchased.

Continue reading, "Listeria-contaminated Cheese Leads to Premature Birth; Family Sues Distributor" at Food Safety News.

Update: Since this story was originally published, the infant born prematurely to Joanna Valentine and Laurie Sorenson died, and a wrongful death suit was filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court on behalf of the family. His name was Felix.

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