Marler Clark has represented victims in several high-profile E. coli outbreaks linked to contaminated cheese. The firm’s history with these cases primarily involves raw-milk cheeses, but its broader work covers many foods.
Key lawsuits involving cheese
- Bravo Farms Gouda Cheese (2010):Marler Clark represented multiple individuals sickened in a 2010 E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to Bravo Farms Dutch Style Gouda.
- The contaminated cheese was sold at Costco stores, with at least 38 people in five states confirmed ill.
- The firm filed multiple lawsuits against Bravo Farms on behalf of the victims, some of whom were seriously sickened after attending a Costco “cheese road show”.
- Raw Farm Cheddar Cheese (2024): In 2024, Marler Clark filed a lawsuit on behalf of victims in a multistate E. coli O157:H7 outbreak linked to Raw Farm brand Raw Cheddar cheese.
- The outbreak, which ended in March 2024, included 11 confirmed illnesses and five hospitalizations across multiple states. Two people developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening form of kidney failure.
- While product tests by health officials were negative, epidemiological evidence strongly implicated the Raw Cheddar cheese as the source.
- Canadian Raw Milk Cheese (2013): Marler Clark reported on an E. coli outbreak and death in Canada linked to raw milk cheese.
- The recall included raw milk Gouda, Parmesan, and other cheeses from a manufacturer in British Columbia.
- While the victims were in Canada, Marler Clark is experienced in cross-border foodborne illness litigation and covered the case through its blog.
Related raw dairy cases
The firm’s work on E. coli illnesses from raw cheese is part of a larger focus on unpasteurized dairy products. Other similar cases include:
- Organic Pastures Raw Milk (2008): In 2008, Marler Clark filed E. coli lawsuits against Organic Pastures on behalf of children who developed HUS after drinking its raw milk products.
- Dee Creek Farms Raw Milk (2005): The firm represented families of children who were severely injured by E. coli from unpasteurized milk from Dee Creek Farm in Washington State.
- Cozy Valley Creamery Raw Milk (2012): Marler Clark filed a lawsuit on behalf of a child hospitalized with HUS after consuming raw milk from Cozy Valley Creamery in Washington.
Broader context of Marler Clark’s work
Since its founding, the firm has represented victims in most major foodborne illness outbreaks in the United States. Its notable history includes:
- 1993 Jack in the Box E. coli Outbreak: The firm gained national prominence representing victims, including a record $15.6 million settlement for a young survivor.
- 1996 Odwalla E. coli Outbreak: The firm represented most victims of the E. coli outbreak linked to unpasteurized apple juice.
- Work with various food types: The firm has litigated E. coli cases involving ground beef, lettuce, spinach, and sprouts, alongside its numerous raw dairy cases.