Food Poisoning Laclede Jimmy Johns?

Multiple reports of possible food poisoning from the Laclede Jimmy Johns led to the restaurant’s temporary closure during the weekend of January 25^th.  According to The University News, at least 15 St. Louis University students reported food poisoning and two students have been hospitalized after eating food from the Laclede Jimmy Johns.  The Jimmy Johns is located at 3822 Laclede Avenue across from St. Louis University’s Vandeventer soccer fields.  Jack Johnston of The University News broke the story.

Reports of Laclede Jimmy Johns Food Poisoning

Multiple SLU students reported having food poisoning after eating food from the Laclede Jimmy Johns.  On January 18^th, Jimmy Johns catered a campus retreat for an SLU student organization.  15 students who attended the event later reported getting ill after eating food from the Laclede Jimmy Johns.

At least 2 SLU students were hospitalized.  Baker Mitchell was hospitalized after “From 7 p.m. on Sunday until about 11:30 p.m. on Sunday I threw up twelve times.” Mitchell’s roommate had to take him to the emergency room.  Mitchell and another SLU student who attended the event were both hospitalized on the evening of January 19^th.

Another SLU student, Nandini Fonseca, says “I will never eat Jimmy John’s again in my life.”  Fonseca got sick on January 19^th, one day after eating a tuna sandwich from Jimmy Johns.

Laclede Jimmy Johns Temporarily Closes

The St. Louis City Health Department temporarily closed the Laclede Jimmy Johns during the weekend of January 25^th.    “A City of St. Louis Health Department sign was soon posted on the door claiming an ‘Order of Cessation’ for the restaurant,” according to The University News.

Why Did Laclede Jimmy Johns Really Close?

During the weekend someone took down the Health Department’s “Order of Cessation” sign.  The Health Department’s sign was swapped out for a sign claiming that a “water main break” led to the Laclede Jimmy Johns closing.

Jimmy Johns restaurant manager Jeff Lewis told The University News that a water main break had led to the restaurant’s closing.  “Lewis stated the water main break did not affect the quality of food at that time, and he especially pointed out that the City Health Department sign was only posted to make the water main break ‘official.’”  One wonders why a water main break would need to be made “official.”

Kim Vanden Berg of the St. Louis City Department of Health confirmed to The University News that the Laclede Jimmy Johns closed because they “received complaints of persons experiencing gastrointestinal illness following dining from the establishment.”  The City Health Department says that the location reopened “after it was determined there was no risk to the public.”

Water Main Break or Food Poisoning Outbreak?

If the Laclede Jimmy Johns did cause a food poisoning outbreak among St. Louis University Students, what could the food poisoning pathogen have been?

In investigating food poisoning outbreaks, the timing of the onset of symptoms can be a major clue.  Nandini Fonseca reported getting sick the day after she ate Jimmy Johns.  Similarly, Baker Mitchell reported that his vomiting began at 7:00pm the day after eating Jimmy Johns.  Symptoms beginning one day after consuming the tainted food point to three potential food poisoning pathogens, E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella, and Norovirus.

Ecoli O157:H7

Symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 typically begin 1 to 8 days after consuming the tainted food.  Symptoms include severe (often bloody) diarrhea, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

Salmonella

Salmonella symptoms typically begin 6-48 hours after consuming contaminated food.  Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and vomiting.

Norovirus

Norovirus symptoms typically begin within 12 to 48 hours.  Norovirus symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fever, and headache.  Diarrhea is more common in adults.

Restaurants Are a Primary Source of Foodborne Outbreaks (And Sick Food Workers are Usually the Cause)

The CDC estimates 48 million people become ill in the United States each year from food poisoning.  Over half (65% actually) of all foodborne outbreaks reported to the CDC are linked back to eating in restaurants or delicatessens.

In one study, a group of investigators gathered data from FoodNet.  In a study analyzing 457 foodborne disease outbreaks, 300 were restaurant related.  98% of the 300 had only one contributing factor causing the outbreak.  The most common contributing factor resulting in 137 outbreaks was “handling by an infected person or carrier of pathogen.”  This is a significant number considering one lapse can have such high statistical repercussions.

The purpose of the study was to identify the contributing factors in restaurant-linked foodborne disease outbreaks. 75% of the outbreaks investigated were linked to Norovirus and Salmonella. These infections were predominately linked back to transmission by food workers.  Significant resources are devoted to preventing contamination of food products before they make it to the point of service.  Restaurants must ensure that staff have adequate training and understanding for how to handle the food once it becomes in their custody.  Food worker health and hygiene were primary factors in contributing to foodborne illness.

How The Lange Law Firm Can Help

Our mission is to help families who have been harmed by contaminated food or water.  When restaurants or corporations cause food poisoning outbreaks, we use the law to hold them accountable.  This is all we do.

If you got food poisoning from a restaurant and are interested in making a legal claim for compensation, we can help.  Our food poisoning lawyer  can help you pursue compensation for your food poisoning.  Call us for a free no obligation legal consultation at (833) 330-3663 or send us an e-mail here.

By: Jory D. Lange, Jr.