Jimmy John’s E. coli Outbreak Lawsuit & Litigation

The Boulder County Public Helath Department (BCPH) learned that 19 confirmed and suspect cases of E. coli O157:H7 had been reported in Boulder County, Colorado, between September 16, 2008 and October 4, 2009.  Fourteen of the cases were laboratory-confirmed to have indistinguishable genetic “fingerprints” by pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and BCPH began an E. coli outbreak investigation. 

During its E. coli outbreak investigation, BCPH identified two Boulder Jimmy John’s employees as outbreak victims.  Despite being symptomatic with diarrhea, both employees continued to work in a capacity where they handled food.  By September 23, 2008, others who had consumed food from that Jimmy John’s location were beginning to experience symptoms. 

BCPH investigated Jimmy John’s locations in Boulder and Westminster, and obtained delivery information pertaining to sprouts, lettuce, and tomatoes. On September 26, 2008, BCPH issued a Health Advisory statement reporting their ongoing investigation of the outbreak. Using a cohort study, BCPH determined that the most likely initial source of the E. coli O157:H7 outbreak was sprouts.

BCPH inspected Jimmy John’s on September 29, 2008, and observed a number of critical violations, including improper hand washing. On October 7, 2008, BCPH issued a Public Health Order to close the Jimmy John’s of Boulder and required that all open and prepared food items be discarded; all food preparation and food contact surfaces be thoroughly washed, rinsed, and sanitized; and all employees be tested for E. coli O157:H7. On October 10, 2009, the Jimmy John’s of Boulder was allowed to re-open to the public.

Marler Clark’s E. coli attorneys represent several victims of the E. coli outbreak in claims against Jimmy John’s.  The firm filed an E. coli lawsuit against Jimmy John’s on October 14, 2008.

PRESS RELEASE: 
University of Colorado Student Files E. coli Lawsuit Against Jimmy John’s