Kentucky woman sues Arizona beef plant

Filing of suit comes after JBS recall; plaintiff was hospitalized for five days

A Kentucky woman on Friday filed the first lawsuit against Arizona-based JBS Tolleson and JBS USA after the company’s multimillion-pound beef recall.

Dana Raab, from Florence, Kentucky, was diagnosed with salmonella infection after eating ground beef produced by JBS, according to the lawsuit filed in Maricopa County Superior Court.

Raab was admitted to the hospital for five days in September after being diagnosed with severe dehydration and a blocked bile duct.

A test came back positive for Salmonella Newport, a strain of the bacteria that is a common cause of food poisoning, according to the lawsuit.

Raab bought ground beef from a Sam’s Club on Sept. 9 and used it to make meatloaf on Sept. 11, according to the lawsuit. The next day, she experienced diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal pain.

She is represented by the Marler Clark law firm in Seattle and O’Steen & Harrison of Arizona.

The suit alleges product liability, negligence and a breach of warranty.

Raab is seeking compensation for costs, attorneys’ fees and a judgment “in an amount to be proven at trial.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture on Thursday announced the recall of more than 6.5 million pounds of raw beef products after an investigation found 57 people in 16 states fell ill with salmonella.

The investigation identified JBS as the common supplier.

On Friday, the amount of beef recalled increased to more than 6.9 million pounds, according to the agency’s website.

JBS USA did not respond to a request for comment.

The plant near 91st Avenue and Buckeye Road employs 1,650 people and is Tolleson’s largest employer, according to the city’s annual financial report.