SAN DIEGO (CNS) - A woman filed suit in San Diego today against an Oregon fruit farm, alleging that frozen berries it sold gave her hepatitis as part of an outbreak of the disease in seven U.S. states.
The plaintiff, whose name was not released, contends that she fell ill last month after eating Townsend Farms Organic Anti-oxidant Blend berries, which have been linked to about 50 cases of hepatitis A, according to the Seattle law firm of Marler Clark, which is representing her.
Costco officials warned the public last week about the tainted fruit, which the warehouse-store chain had sold between late February and May.
According to the lawsuit, the woman, a San Diego-area resident, suffered headaches and fatigue for three days before seeking medical treatment May 21, then subsequently learned from county health officials that she was part of the rash of liver-disease cases linked to the brand of berries.
The plaintiff contends that her condition worsened to the point that she was unable to care for her children for a time and had to cancel vacation plans.
The woman's lawyers did not disclose what type of damages she was seeking from Townsend Farms.
