At least 11 people who ate at the Federico’s Mexican Restaurant in the West Valley outside of Phoenix, Arizona have fallen ill with E. coli infections. According to news reports, 8 of the 11 cases were hospitalized and another 4 E. coli cases have yet to be confirmed.

The Maricopa County Environmental Services Department visited Federico’s Mexican Restaurant and has collected food samples to test for pathogens, including E. coli O157:H7.

“Unfortunately, there is still much to uncover about this outbreak such as what specific food may have been contaminated, how the food was contaminated and how many people have been exposed.  As we discover this information, we will continue to share with the public,” said Dr. Bob England, director of MCDPH

E. coli O157:H7 is potentially fatal pathogen typically contracted through consumption of contaminated food or water.  Symptoms may include bloody diarrhea, dehydration or even kidney failure and death. The elderly, very young, and people with weak immune systems are especially susceptible to E. coli.

E. coli:  Marler Clark, The Food Safety Law Firm, is the nation’s leading law firm representing victims of E. coli outbreaks and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The E. coli lawyers of Marler Clark have represented thousands of victims of E. coli and other foodborne illness infections and have recovered over $600 million for clients. Marler Clark is the only law firm in the nation with a practice focused exclusively on foodborne illness litigation.  Our E. coli lawyers have litigated E. coli and HUS cases stemming from outbreaks traced to ground beef, raw milk, lettuce, spinach, sprouts, and other food products.  The law firm has brought E. coli lawsuits against such companies as Jack in the Box, Dole, ConAgra, Cargill, and Jimmy John’s.  We have proudly represented such victims as Brianne Kiner, Stephanie Smith and Linda Rivera.