A law firm is calling on Canadians to get in touch as it investigates whether it should launch a class action lawsuit in connection with an outbreak of salmonella poisoning traced back to tainted cantaloupes.
By the first week of December, Health Canada said the outbreak had already killed at least five Canadians and sickened 129 more, including 15 in B.C.
This week, Siskinds LLP said it was investigating potential injury claims connected to the contaminated "Malichita" and "Rudy" brand cantaloupes.
In an email, Moran said the firm is “hoping to provide a remedy to Canadians who became ill from consuming the affected cantaloupes or had to dispose of recalled produce.”
“Food safety is important to Canadians,” she said. “We are interested in speaking with any impacted consumers.”
Anyone who has consumed or bought the recalled cantaloupe products is encouraged to contact Moran at [email protected] or 519-660-7842.
Those interested in updates on the prospective class action lawsuit can sign up on the firm's website.
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency warns people to contact their health-care provider if they have become sick from eating the recalled products.
“Food contaminated with salmonella may not look or smell spoiled but can still make you sick,” notes the CFIA.
Serious and sometimes deadly infections can occur in young children, pregnant and older people, and those with weakened immune systems.
Healthy people could experience fever, headache, vomiting, nausea, abdominal cramps and diarrhea. But long-term complications may also occur, such as severe arthritis.
