In August 2010, Wright County Egg of Galt, Iowa recalled 380 million shell eggs due to contamination with Salmonella. The recalled eggs were distributed nationwide under many different brand names, in 6, 12, and 18 pack cartons, as well as 15-carton cases. Hillandale Farms, another Iowa egg producer, subsequently recalled 170 million eggs, bringing the total to 550 million nationwide. The CDC ultimately reported 1,609 cases of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) tied to the contaminated eggs.
Marler Clark represented victims of the Salmonella outbreak in claims against Wright County Egg and a number of restaurants that served contaminated eggs, such as the Baker Street Restaurant and Pub in Kenosha, Wisconsin.
On August 31, the FDA issued a report detailing the findings of an investigation at the two egg farms, revealing massive violations, and at Congressional hearings into the Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farms (9/22/10) Salmonella outbreak, it was revealed that the egg producers had long-term Salmonella problems as well as a history of making people sick. Marler Clark then amended the Salmonella lawsuits against Wright County Egg to include punitive damages.
Marler Clark successfully resolved nearly all claims brought on behalf of clients against Wright County Egg in September, 2011. The firm continues to pursue one additional case.