Listeria outbreak draws Seattle lawyer to battle
Associated Press writer Shannon Dininny uncovers the impact attorney Bill Marler has had on food safety.
Print / Blog Interviews
Bill Marler and other Marler Clark attorneys are often sought out as expert sources by reporters putting together stories on foodborne illness. Interviews relating to specific outbreaks are attached to the case news of each outbreak. When stories cover broader issues, they’ll be posted here.
2011
Food-Borne Illness Attorney: Top Foods to Avoid
Bill Marler sits down with ABC News’ Neal Karlinsky to discuss the recent cantaloupe Listeria outbreak, high-risk foods, and the reality of food safety and food poisoning in the United States.
How to Keep Food Free of Salmonella: Lawsuits
In an August, 2011 Atlantic post, acclaimed food writer Barry Estabrook tells why food poisoning attorney Bill Marler may be the nation’s best bet for keeping food safe
$1.1 Million Awarded in Listeria Death Lawsuit
Don Finley of the San Antonio Express News reports that Marler Clark food poisoning attorneys have won a $1.1 million judgement on behalf of he family of an 81-year-old Seguin man who died of listeriosis during an outbreak linked to celery produced by Sangar Produce & Processing Co.
Pa. prison salmonella outbreak sickened 300
Joe Mandak of the Associated Press reports that a Salmonella outbreak has sickened at least 300 has been confirmed at federal prison in Pennsylvania. The AP first learned of the outbreak from attorneys at Marler Clark.
More Stomach-Churning Facts about the E. Coli Outbreak
In his New York Times blog, famed food writer Mark Bittman talks of his a 2 A.M. safe eating conversation with food poison attorney Bill Marler.
Bill Marler: A Personal Injury Attorney and More
Writing for the Xemplar Nicole Black examines Bill Marler’s transcendentcareer as foodborne illness litigator and food safety advocate.
Good Food Hero: Bill Marler, Food Safety Attorney
In May, 2011 online publication Good Food World chose Bill Marler as its first “Good Food Hero”. In this piece Gail Nickel-Kailing talks food safety with Bill.
New Book Chronicles Islander Marler’s Work
Connie Mears of the Bainbride Island Review discusses the events that shaped BIll Marler’s life and the upcoming book Poisoned: The True Story of the Deadly E. coli Outbreak That Changed the Way Americans Eat about the landmark Jack in the Box E. coli outbreak.
Poisoned: The True Story of the Deadly E. coli Outbreak That Changed the Way Americans Eat
In his new book, investigative author Jeff Benedict gives a thrilling account of the events and people surrounding the 1993 Jack in Box E. coli outbreak. Benedict shares the point of view of the Jack in the Box executives, health officials, victims, and lawyers involved. He particularly focuses on the family of a little girl who defied all odds by surviving an incredible bout with E. coli, and her maverick attorney - a young, up and coming Bill Marler.
2010
Lawyer Bill Marler blasts Democrats Over Food Safety Legislation
Seattle Times Political Reporter Maureen O’Hagan discusses Bill Marler’s discontent with the progress of food safety legislation in late 2010.
The ‘Holy Six’ Strains of E. coli That Many Experts Fear
In this series for AOL news, investigative journalist Andrew Schneider looks into non-O157 strains of E. coli, and Bill Marler’s work to get them listed as adulterants by the USDA. (Last of three parts)
Food-Safety Lawyer Puts His Money Where Your Mouth Is
Andrew Schneider of AOL News profiles Bill Marler’s efforts to get non-O157:H7 E. coli strains added as USDA adulterants. (Second of three parts)
USDA May Be Ready to Tackle ‘Other’ E. Coli Strains
In this series for AOL news, investigative journalist Andrew Schneider looks into non-O157 strains of E. coli, and Bill Marler’s work to get them listed as adulterants by the USDA. (First of three parts)
Food Safety Overhaul Dies in Senate
Dave Thier interviews Bill Marler in his AOL News piece about the failure of the Senate to bring the Food Safety Modernization Act to a vote.
The fight to keep your burger safe from E. Coli
Mike Hughlett of the Minneapolis Star Tribune writes about the meat industry’s work to prevent E. coli from entering the food supply, and speaks to Bill Marler about his efforts to push the meat industry to higher standards.
Despite recalls, tainted food sometimes on shelves
Steve Mills of the Chicago Tribune speaks to Marler Clark client Ken Maxwell about being sickened by tainted food after a recall is initiated.
A slew of defective products leaves consumers with ‘recall fatigue’
Lyndsey Layton interviews Bill Marler in her Washington Post story on the numbing effect of so many recalls.
Marler vs. Gumpert: A Raw Debate About Milk
Shari Danielson of Simple, Good and Tasty engages Bill Marler and David Gumpert in and online debate about raw milk
Regulators consider broadening testing for E. coli
Shannon Dininny writes in the The Californian about the push to require testing for non-O157:H7 shiga-toxin producing E. coli, and Bill Marler’s work to make that a reality. Mike Hornick adds the Salinas perspective.
It’s Time To Overhaul Our 100 Year-Old Food Safety Laws
New York Senator Kirsten Gillibrand praises Marlerblog in her Huffington Post article on why Food Safety Laws need to be updated.
In E. Coli Fight, Some Strains Are Largely Ignored
William Neuman of the New York Times shines a light on the threat of non-O157 E. coli, and how Bill Marler’s study is contributing to the push to have additional serotypes listed as adulterants.
Lettuce recall: Dr. Sanjay Gupta digs deeper
Dr. Sanjay Gupta sat down with Bill Marler to talk about the outbreak of E. coli O145 in lettuce.
Failure to test for six strains of E. coli leaves gaps in nation’s food safety network
Lynne Terry reports for the Oregonian on the lack of testing for toxic stains of E. coli beyond O157, and Bill Marler’s work to change that.
‘Raw milk’ advocates, health officials step up dispute
Elizabeth Weise of USA TODAY examines the raw milk debate, spotlighting Bill Marler and Marler Clark client Kalee Prue, as well as the newly launched realrawmilkfacts.com website.
A Clash Over Unpasteurized Milk Gets Raw
Laura Landro talks to Bill Marler for her story in the Wall Street Journal about the battle over unpasteurized milk.
Food recalls often unpublicized
Tom Lutey of the Billings Gazette interviews Bill Marler in his story about using shopper cards to alert customers who have bought recalled products.
Health issues are at heart of raw milk debate
Rick Barrett of the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel interviewed Bill Marler as part of his series on the raw milk debate in Wisconsin.
Portland officer advocates food safety on son’s behalf
Lynne Terry profiles Marler Clark client Peter Hurley in the Oregonian, where he describes how his son’s illness led him to food safety advocacy.
2009
After a Scary Year, will Food in 2010 be any Safer?
In this article for Sphere, Andrew Schneider talks to food safety experts - including Bill Marler - about the year to come.
Schools Could Learn Lessons on Food Safety
Elizabeth Weise and Peter Eisler of USA today continue their excellent series on the poor quality of school lunch fare, and get Bill Marler to weigh in.
Bill Marler: Taking on E.coli, BigAg, Raw Milk, Conspiracy Theorists, and the USDA
Shari Danielson’s in-depth interview with Bill Marler about…well, the title says it all! (Or most of it anyway). Published on the Simple, Good and Tasty blog.
Family’s nightmare began with secondary infection
Elizabeth Weise follows up with a family whose young child was infected with E. coli O157:H7 by playing with a child infected in the 1998 Finley Elementary outbreak in Finley, Washington. Her story profiles Marler Clark client Faith Maxwell in USA TODAY.
Food-safety lawyer’s wish: Put me out of business
Maureen O’Hagen profiles Bill Marler in the Seattle Times, including a history of how his law firm’s specialized practice came to be. Marler reveals his “do not eat” short list.
Two Things That Keep The Meat Industry Awake At Night - Food Safety and Bill Marler
Chuck Jolley writes on Cattlenetwork about why the meat industry doesn’t want to hear this phrase: “Hello, I’m Bill Marler and I’d like to ask you a few questions on behalf of my client.”
Bill giving FDA new powers to oversee food supply has wide support
Andy Zajac of the Los Angeles Times (and Chicago Tribune) speaks with Bill Marler in his story about the support behind S. 510, the food safety legislation in front of the Senate.
Marler petitions USDA to declare more strains of E. coli adulterants
Amber Healy writes about Bill Marler’s petition to the USDA in Food Chemical News. The petition is for USDA to declare additional serotypes of E. coli as adulterants.
Larry King Live: Should Americans Ban the Burger?
Bill Marler is a guest on CNN’s Larry King Live as part of a wide-ranging discussion on meat safety.
E. coli in burger sparks meat industry controversy
Rebecca Ernst writes in the Minnesota Daily about the debate triggered by the NY Times story about Stephanie Smith
E. coli in burger sparks meat industry controversy
Rebecca Ernst writes in the Minnesota Daily about the debate triggered by the NY Times story about Stephanie Smith
Story of E. coli victim gets national attention
Kristin Marohn of the St. Cloud Times spoke to Bill Marler in her story about the nationwide response to the NYT story on Stephanie Smith and tainted meat.
Five Minutes With Bill Marler, Richard Raymond & The New Food Safety
Chuck Jolley asks Bill Marler and Richard Raymond about food safety in a Cattlenetwork point/counterpoint interview.
Bagged salad safety: Rising threat of food-borne illness lurks in convenient packages of leafy green
Steve Mills of the Chicago Tribune interviews Bill Marler in his in-depth story on leafy greens and foodborne illness
E. Coli Path Shows Flaws in Ground Beef Inspection
Michael Moss traces back the Cargill tainted beef that sickened dance instructor Stephanie Smith, leaving her paralyzed from the waist down after her E. coli infection. Bill Marler comments on his client, the process, and the E. coli trail.
Hungry for Change
Kristin Choo’s in-depth article on pending changes in food safety regulation for the ABA Journal quotes Bill Marler and other food safety luminaries.
The Kickass Bill Marler Says Food Safety Reform Will Lower Health Care Costs
Jill Richardson of La Vida Locavore Interviews Bill Marler on the Connection Between Health Care Reform and Food Safety
This Woman Might Die From Eating Cookie Dough: Severe Case Gives Context to Issue of Food Safety
Lyndsey Layton of the Washington Post profiles Marler Clark client Linda Rivera and her struggles to stay alive after eating E. coli-tainted cookie Dough.
College Discourse Over Food Safety, Courtesy of Bainbridge Lawyer
Tristan Baurick writes in the Kitsap Sun about Bill Marler’s contribution to bringing Michael Pollan to Washington State University.
The Science of Salmonella
Karen Kaplan of the Los Angeles Times writes about Salmonella in our environment, and quotes Bill Marler in her story.
Making Sense of Food Safety Regulation
Karen Kaplan of the Los Angeles Times reviews some of the commentary on the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009, including Bill Marler’s blog.
Two Agencies Take Steps to Improve Food Safety
William Newman of the New York Times quotes Bill Marler in his story on changes in testing at the USDA and FDA.
House OKs bill to tighten food growing, processing
Phil Brasher of the Des Moines Register writes about the Food Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 as it passed the House, with comments from Bill Marler.
Crops, Ponds Destroyed in Quest for Food Safety
Carolyn Lochhead of the San Francisco Chronicle interviews Bill Marler as part of her story on the difficult balance between food safety and environmental concerns.
Administration Urged to Boost Food Safety Efforts
Ed O’Keefe and Jane Black of the Washington Post quote Bill Marler in this article about the Food Safety Working Group’s steps toward better food safety in the US.
When Food Sickens, He Heads for Courthouse
Matt McKinney of the Minneapolis Star-Tribune writes that with outbreaks of food poisoning becoming more and more common, Bill Marler is in high demand.
Appetite Lost for “Omnivore’s Dilemma” at WSU
Jerry Large of the Seattle Times talks to Bill Marler about bringing author Michael Pollan to Washington State University
Getting the Word out to Consumers about Recalls
MSNBC‘s “Consumer Man”, Herb Weisbaum, explores how stores can do a better job getting the word out about tainted food, using Bill Marler’s experience with the Peter Pan peanut butter outbreak as an example of the broken system.
Food Companies Are Placing the Onus for Safety on Consumers
Michael Moss of the New York Times explores the ConAgra pot pie Salmonella outbreak and recall, using it as an example of how much responsibility food manufacturers expect the consumer to shoulder. The front-page story contains an interview with a Marler Clark client whose child was sickened by the pot pies.
Salmonella outbreak prompts demands for more scrutiny of food processing plants
Patricia Guthrie quotes Bill Marler in her article for the Canadian Medical Association Journal.
Outbreaks Put Worry on the Table
The New York Times’ Andrew Martin and Gardiner Harris interview food safety experts (including Bill Marler) and several Marler Clark clients who were victims of foodborne illness.
Needed: Tort Lawyers
Forbes Co-Editor William Baldwin talks to Bill Marler about Food Safety, Technology, and the role of lawsuits in getting businesses to follow the rules.
What’s Next: The Plaintiff’s Perspective - Bill Marler on Looming Food Supply Crises
Each week Bulletproof Blog interviews top plaintiffs’ attorneys for their perspective on the crises likely to affect businesses in the near future. In this issue, Larry Smith talks to Bill Marler.
Bill Marler, Food Safety Litigator
Culinate‘s Miriam Wolf interviews Bill Marler about food safety, raw milk, local food, and feeding a family when you know too much about what can go wrong.
A Homer Simpson Moment - CDC Says U.S. Food Safety No Longer Improving
Chuck Jolley of the Cattle Network includes Bill Marler in his story on the state of food safety in the US, challenging the statement that we “have the safest food supply in the world”.
Salmonella outbreaks lead to food-safety changes
Elizabeth Weise of USA Today quotes Bill Marler on the latest food safety recall - pistachios, and the changes coming to the nut industries.
Peanut Butter Provocateur
Jill Watanabe of Seattle Metropolitan Magazine spotlights Bill Marler’s work on the Peanut Butter salmonella outbreak in the April, 2009 issue.
Safety Rules Burden Smaller Farmers
The “Dean of Agricultural reporters”, Phil Brasher of the Des Moines Register, interviews Bill Marler in conjunction with the food safety legislation moving through Congress.
Judge Rules Almonds Must Be Pasteurized
San Francisco Chronicle writer George Raine quotes Bill Marler in his story on the legal battle around almond regulations.
Attorney: Food Producers Need More Oversight
Kirsti Marohn of the St. Cloud Times speaks to Bill Marler about what the Government can do to improve food safety oversight.
Troubled peanut firm has filed for bankruptcy
Bill Marler is quoted by Nick Miroff and Lyndsey Layton of The Washington Post in their story on the bankruptcy of Peanut Corporation of America
Five Minutes with Bill Marler, Well Known Lawyer and Food Safety Activist
Chuck Jolley of Cattlenetwork ‘prods’ Bill Marler on two topics. To quote Chuck: “1) What the hell is going on (with food safety) and 2) what will be the effects on the cattle industry?”
Truth-O-Meter: Congresswoman’s portrait of a toothless FDA is correct
PolitiFact’s Truth-O-Meter quotes Bill Marler in a piece about Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro’s (D-CT) assessment of the current state of the FDA
Peanut Product Recall Took Company Approval
In his in-depth article on the mechanism of the PCA recall, Gardiner Harris of the New York Times quotes President Obama, Representative Rosa DeLauro, the VP of Costco, one of the victims of the Salmonella outbreak, and Bill Marler.
FDA: Avoid Peanut Butter Products
Bill Marler’s call for the FDA to widen the peanut butter recalls appears in Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar’s article for the Associated Press
Looking to Obama to Bring Logic to Food Safety
Andrew Martin of the New York Times quotes Bill Marler in his article on Food Regulation Agencies
Minimum Processes, Maximum Hurdles
In a story on the difficulties of keeping minimally processed foods safe, Food Engineering Magazine Senior Editor Kevin Higgins talks to Bill Marler about Bill’s experiences with the 2006 spinach outbreak.
2008
What Raw Milk and the Economic Meltdown Have in Common
David Gumpert quotes Bill Marler in his article in The Nation, reprinted in the San Francisco Chronicle
Lettuce distributor won’t reveal supplier of E. coli-tainted greens
Bill Marler is quoted in an article in the Californian about Aunt Mid’s Produce not naming their lettuce supplier.
ABC News Beijing
Reporter Stephanie Sy interviews Bill Marler about the melamine-tainted milk crisis in China.
Seattle food contamination expert in China as tainted milk sickens thousands of kids
Patricia Guthrie’s Seattle Health Examiner article on Bill Marler in China during the Melamine crisis
Food Safety’s Dirty Little Secret
Kent Garber quotes Bill Marler in his US News & World Report article
Long-Term Ills Tied to Bad Food
Annys Shin quotes Bill Marler in her Washington Post article on long-term health issues related to food poisoning
California Closer to Raw Milk Reform
Bill Marler is quoted in the Central Valley Business Times’ article on the progress of SB201 through the California Legislature.
Irradiation step doesn’t quiet debate on FDA moves
Bill Marler is quoted in Stephen Hedges’ Chicago Tribune article on Irradiation
Food Safety Advocate wants veto of California bill
Ag Weekly‘s article on Bill Marler’s opposition to SB201, the raw milk bill in front of the California State Legislature