US-CA-KNBC News-NorCal Raw Milk Producer Sued Over E. Coli Outbreak

FRESNO, Calif. — The families of two children sickened by the E. coli bacteria are suing a Fresno dairy. The lawsuits filed Thursday in Fresno County Superior Court accuse Organic Pastures Dairy Co. of shipping raw milk tainted with the bacteria to stores in September 2006.

That’s when at least five children fell ill after consuming the dairy’s products. Testing at Organic Pastures did not detect the strain of E. coli that sickened some of the children, but a government report last February said the dairy was likely responsible.

The lawsuits, filed by the families of 11-year-old Laura Herzog of Rancho Cucamonga and 9-year-old Chris Martin of Murrieta, allege Martin has incurred more than $450,000, and Herzog more than $250,000 in hospital bills. The dairy’s owner Mark McAfee was traveling and not immediately available for comment.

US-MN-West Central Tribune-Consumers told to avoid bratwurst from J&B Meats of Barnesville

ST. PAUL (AP) – State officials say consumers should avoid consuming smoked pork and beef bratwurst made by J&B Meats, of Barnesville, because it may be contaminated with Listeria bacteria.The Minnesota Department of Agriculture says there are no reports of illnesses from the product. The contamination was found through routine testing…more..