Big Y Sandwich Salmonella Illness & Wrongful Death Lawsuit Lawyers

National Representation for Victims of Salmonella Illness or Wrongful Death Linked to Big Y Deli Products

Thousands of unsuspecting customers who purchased made-to-order sandwiches from Big Y supermarkets in Connecticut and Massachusetts may have been exposed to salmonella—a dangerous bacterium that can cause severe gastrointestinal illness and, in some cases, death. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a Class I recall, the most serious level of warning, for sandwiches prepared at Big Y deli counters on May 20 and May 21, 2025.

This recall was prompted by the discovery that sliced cucumbers used in Big Y’s subs, wraps, and paninis were potentially contaminated. The cucumbers were traced back to Bedner Growers Inc., and the alert followed an ongoing outbreak investigation that identified these vegetables as the contamination source.

With over 6,400 units sold, the threat to public health is significant. If you or a family member became seriously ill—or if a loved one died—after consuming one of these products, you may be entitled to financial compensation through a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Our national law firm is now accepting cases related to salmonella food poisoning tied to this outbreak. We are prepared to pursue accountability and justice for victims affected by Big Y’s contaminated deli products.

Understanding the Serious Health Risks of Salmonella Infection

Salmonella is not a minor inconvenience—it is a dangerous foodborne pathogen that causes intense and sometimes life-threatening illness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms often begin within 12 to 72 hours after consuming contaminated food. These symptoms can include:

• Severe diarrhea (sometimes bloody)
• High fever and chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stomach cramps
• Headaches and muscle pain
• Rash or skin changes
• Blood in urine or stool
• Fatigue or confusion

While many people recover within a week without needing hospitalization, others experience far more serious complications. In vulnerable populations—including infants, older adults, pregnant women, and those with compromised immune systems—salmonella can spread beyond the digestive tract into the bloodstream and other organs. This condition, known as invasive salmonellosis, can require intensive medical care and may result in death.

Each year, the CDC estimates approximately 450 deaths in the United States are linked to salmonella. When a grocery store or food supplier distributes products contaminated with this pathogen, they can be held legally responsible for any injuries or fatalities that result.

The FDA’s Class I Recall and What It Means for Consumers

The FDA issued a Class I recall, its highest risk designation, which signals “a reasonable probability that the use of or exposure to a violative product will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.” This classification reflects the severity of the salmonella threat present in Big Y’s made-to-order sandwiches.

Unlike other types of product recalls that may address labeling or allergens, a Class I recall means public health is at immediate risk. Big Y sandwiches containing contaminated cucumbers were sold at multiple locations and consumed by potentially thousands of people before the recall was enacted.

Big Y Foods responded by halting operations at affected stores, discarding food, and sanitizing its deli lines. However, these measures came only after the contaminated sandwiches were purchased and possibly consumed. That delay could result in numerous preventable illnesses.

Victims of salmonella food poisoning deserve answers and accountability. If you were diagnosed with salmonellosis or a family member became seriously ill after eating one of these sandwiches, legal action may be your only opportunity to recover the damages you’ve suffered.

Legal Options for Victims of Food Poisoning and Wrongful Death

Food suppliers and grocery stores have a legal duty to ensure the safety of the products they serve to the public. When they fail in that duty and contaminated food causes harm, victims have the right to pursue compensation under product liability and negligence laws.

Whether your case involves hospitalization, permanent injury, or the wrongful death of a loved one, your claim may include compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
• Funeral costs in wrongful death cases
• Loss of consortium or companionship
• Punitive damages if gross negligence is proven

Even if your symptoms have resolved, long-term health complications or ongoing costs could emerge. Consulting an experienced food poisoning attorney will allow you to understand your rights and evaluate the full impact of your injuries.

These cases often require medical documentation, lab test results, hospital records, and proof of food purchase. Acting quickly is essential to preserving your evidence and meeting legal deadlines.

How Contaminated Cucumbers Entered Big Y’s Sandwich Supply Chain

The outbreak was traced to cucumbers supplied by Bedner Growers Inc. and distributed to Big Y Foods through a company called Smartcuts. These cucumbers were used in sandwiches made fresh at Big Y’s deli counters—items like subs, wraps, and paninis that many customers purchase for quick meals.

The supply chain failed at a critical point. A contaminated agricultural product was introduced into a high-volume consumer environment without detection. The result: thousands of people unknowingly consumed a high-risk product that had the potential to send them to the hospital or worse.

Although Big Y Foods eventually pulled the sandwiches and sanitized its equipment, that action was reactive, not preventive. Companies handling food at this level must maintain rigorous oversight, and when they don’t, they can be held liable for the consequences of that failure.

National Legal Representation for Foodborne Illness Victims

Our firm represents individuals and families across the country who have been harmed by unsafe food products. Whether the contamination came from a supermarket, restaurant, or food distributor, we work to hold those responsible accountable and secure meaningful compensation for our clients.

We have extensive experience handling serious foodborne illness cases—including salmonella, E. coli, and listeria outbreaks—and understand how to investigate supply chains, obtain lab results, work with medical experts, and litigate claims against powerful corporations.

You deserve to be compensated for your suffering and losses. If you were injured by a Big Y made-to-order sandwich or lost a loved one due to salmonella-related complications, don’t wait. Contact Parker Waichman LLP today. We are accepting claims nationwide and offer free consultations.

Contact Parker Waichman LLP For a Free Case Review

If you or someone in your family suffered from severe food poisoning, was hospitalized, or passed away after consuming a made-to-order sandwich from Big Y, you may have a claim for significant compensation.

Parker Waichman LLP is now reviewing cases nationwide related to this serious salmonella outbreak. We are committed to helping victims hold food suppliers and grocery chains accountable for selling contaminated products that put public health at risk.

Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) today to speak with a food poisoning attorney about your potential case. The consultation is free, and you owe nothing unless we recover for you. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our nationwide product injury law firm is ready to assist you.