Cell Tech sued over death

"Mark Thorson" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

This is an interesting development. The timing
is also interesting, as it comes at the same time
that new management (Bob Underwood and Wynn Weeks)
is taking over at Cell Tech.

Quoting from:
http://www.heraldandnews.com/articles/2006/01/26/news/local_news/local2.txt

Most interesting that Mark only quoted the part that suited him.

<snip>

Quoting properly:

Published January 26, 2006

By LAURA McVICKER

H&N Staff Writer

The family of a deceased Klamath Falls woman has filed a wrongful death
lawsuit against Cell Tech International, alleging she died after the company
supplied her dietary supplements with toxic levels of microcystins.

But Cell Tech's attorney Erick Haynie said Wednesday that there has been no
evidence provided by doctors that Melissa Blake died due to repeated
exposure to the naturally occurring toxin.

Blake, who worked as a receptionist for Cell Tech in Klamath Falls, was 34
when she died April 18, 2003, from severe liver and kidney failure. She left
behind a young son. In the civil suit, filed in Multnomah County Circuit
Court, the family is asking for $500,000 in economic damages for medical and
funeral and burial costs and $1.5 million in damages for the emotional loss
of Blake as a daughter and mother.

The suit was filed for the estate of Melissa Kay Blake through her mother,
Susan Blake of Klamath Falls. Susan Blake told the Herald and News that her
attorney advised her not to comment on the case.

A trial date is scheduled for April, but may be postponed until fall at the
request of both sides, Haynie said.

Blake developed liver and kidney failure in February 2003, and despite
medical treatment, her condition worsened, court records state.

Doctors at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland performed an
autopsy of Blake several days after her death. According to complaint filed
with the suit, the results indicated that "observable liver and kidney
damage to Ms. Blake were suggestive of exposure to toxins which occur with
blue green algae called microcystins." Microcystins are a group of amino
acids and liver toxins found in natural bodies of water.

OSHU lab experts also tested algae products found in Blake's home, and
results of those tests indicated that they had high amounts of microcystins
in them. The products were supplied to Blake by Cell Tech, the complaint
alleged.

But Haynie said that testing of microcystins in Blake's liver during the
autopsy did not show exposure. Further, Haynie said that Cell Tech carefully
tests its products to ensure that no high levels of the toxins exist.

"There is no evidence of anyone being harmed of the company's product, let
alone dying," he said.

According to the complaint, Cell Tech's product contains "dangerously high
levels of contaminants" and the corporation did not "adequately warn of the
dangers associated with continued ingestion or consumption of the product."

The complaint also alleges that Cell Tech did not warn consumers of the
dangers of microcystins in the dietary supplement, and says that Blake
consumed numerous dietary supplement products, "as intended and encouraged
by Cell Tech."

Cell Tech harvests blue-green algae from Upper Klamath Lake for use as food
supplements. In 2004, the company had an average of 31,195 distributors and
net sales of $14.8 million. At its peak in the 1990s, Cell Tech employed
about 600 people in Klamath Falls.

In 1996, Cell Tech officials faced a toxic scare after microcystins was
found in Upper Klamath Lake. Though Cell Tech then tested its harvest to
ensure consumers that their product was toxin-free, their sales plummeted
from $200 million to $14.8 in 2004.

JanD said:

"Mark Thorson" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

This is an interesting development. The timing
is also interesting, as it comes at the same time
that new management (Bob Underwood and Wynn Weeks)
is taking over at Cell Tech.

Quoting from:
http://www.heraldandnews.com/articles/2006/01/26/news/local_news/local2.txt

Most interesting that Mark only quoted the part that suited him.

Thanks for posting the whole article. I looked on Toxnet, which,
interestingly, Debeeeee had recommended, and found that the toxin,
microcystin, is highly hepato- and nephrotoxic.

The woman died from kidney and liver failure, and, there is no other
explanation as to the cause of her condition other than the demonstrated
presence of the toxin in her supplement.

You can check this out for yourself, by checking Toxnet:

http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/index.html

Most assuredly, this is something I would not wish on anyone.

Quoted message said:

<snip>

Quoting properly:

Published January 26, 2006

By LAURA McVICKER

H&N Staff Writer

The family of a deceased Klamath Falls woman has filed a wrongful death
lawsuit against Cell Tech International, alleging she died after the company
supplied her dietary supplements with toxic levels of microcystins.

But Cell Tech's attorney Erick Haynie said Wednesday that there has been no
evidence provided by doctors that Melissa Blake died due to repeated
exposure to the naturally occurring toxin.

Blake, who worked as a receptionist for Cell Tech in Klamath Falls, was 34
when she died April 18, 2003, from severe liver and kidney failure. She left
behind a young son. In the civil suit, filed in Multnomah County Circuit
Court, the family is asking for $500,000 in economic damages for medical and
funeral and burial costs and $1.5 million in damages for the emotional loss
of Blake as a daughter and mother.

The suit was filed for the estate of Melissa Kay Blake through her mother,
Susan Blake of Klamath Falls. Susan Blake told the Herald and News that her
attorney advised her not to comment on the case.

A trial date is scheduled for April, but may be postponed until fall at the
request of both sides, Haynie said.

Blake developed liver and kidney failure in February 2003, and despite
medical treatment, her condition worsened, court records state.

Doctors at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland performed an
autopsy of Blake several days after her death. According to complaint filed
with the suit, the results indicated that "observable liver and kidney
damage to Ms. Blake were suggestive of exposure to toxins which occur with
blue green algae called microcystins." Microcystins are a group of amino
acids and liver toxins found in natural bodies of water.

OSHU lab experts also tested algae products found in Blake's home, and
results of those tests indicated that they had high amounts of microcystins
in them. The products were supplied to Blake by Cell Tech, the complaint
alleged.

But Haynie said that testing of microcystins in Blake's liver during the
autopsy did not show exposure. Further, Haynie said that Cell Tech carefully
tests its products to ensure that no high levels of the toxins exist.

"There is no evidence of anyone being harmed of the company's product, let
alone dying," he said.

According to the complaint, Cell Tech's product contains "dangerously high
levels of contaminants" and the corporation did not "adequately warn of the
dangers associated with continued ingestion or consumption of the product."

The complaint also alleges that Cell Tech did not warn consumers of the
dangers of microcystins in the dietary supplement, and says that Blake
consumed numerous dietary supplement products, "as intended and encouraged
by Cell Tech."

Cell Tech harvests blue-green algae from Upper Klamath Lake for use as food
supplements. In 2004, the company had an average of 31,195 distributors and
net sales of $14.8 million. At its peak in the 1990s, Cell Tech employed
about 600 people in Klamath Falls.

In 1996, Cell Tech officials faced a toxic scare after microcystins was
found in Upper Klamath Lake. Though Cell Tech then tested its harvest to
ensure consumers that their product was toxin-free, their sales plummeted
from $200 million to $14.8 in 2004.

"Mark Probert" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

JanD said:

"Mark Thorson" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

This is an interesting development. The timing
is also interesting, as it comes at the same time
that new management (Bob Underwood and Wynn Weeks)
is taking over at Cell Tech.

Quoting from:
http://www.heraldandnews.com/articles/2006/01/26/news/local_news/local2.txt

Most interesting that Mark only quoted the part that suited him.

Thanks for posting the whole article. I looked on Toxnet, which,
interestingly, Debeeeee

There never was any such person.

had recommended, and found that the toxin,

Quoted message said:

microcystin, is highly hepato- and nephrotoxic.

The woman died from kidney and liver failure, and, there is no other
explanation as to the cause of her condition other than the demonstrated
presence of the toxin in her supplement.

That would be wrong. Do some more research.

Quoted message said:

You can check this out for yourself, by checking Toxnet:

http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/index.html

Most assuredly, this is something I would not wish on anyone.

Quoted message said:

<snip>

Quoting properly:

Published January 26, 2006

By LAURA McVICKER

H&N Staff Writer

The family of a deceased Klamath Falls woman has filed a wrongful death
lawsuit against Cell Tech International, alleging she died after the
company supplied her dietary supplements with toxic levels of
microcystins.

But Cell Tech's attorney Erick Haynie said Wednesday that there has been
no evidence provided by doctors that Melissa Blake died due to repeated
exposure to the naturally occurring toxin.

Blake, who worked as a receptionist for Cell Tech in Klamath Falls, was
34 when she died April 18, 2003, from severe liver and kidney failure.
She left behind a young son. In the civil suit, filed in Multnomah County
Circuit Court, the family is asking for $500,000 in economic damages for
medical and funeral and burial costs and $1.5 million in damages for the
emotional loss of Blake as a daughter and mother.

The suit was filed for the estate of Melissa Kay Blake through her
mother, Susan Blake of Klamath Falls. Susan Blake told the Herald and
News that her attorney advised her not to comment on the case.

A trial date is scheduled for April, but may be postponed until fall at
the request of both sides, Haynie said.

Blake developed liver and kidney failure in February 2003, and despite
medical treatment, her condition worsened, court records state.

Doctors at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland performed an
autopsy of Blake several days after her death. According to complaint
filed with the suit, the results indicated that "observable liver and
kidney damage to Ms. Blake were suggestive of exposure to toxins which
occur with blue green algae called microcystins." Microcystins are a
group of amino acids and liver toxins found in natural bodies of water.

OSHU lab experts also tested algae products found in Blake's home, and
results of those tests indicated that they had high amounts of
microcystins in them. The products were supplied to Blake by Cell Tech,
the complaint alleged.

But Haynie said that testing of microcystins in Blake's liver during the
autopsy did not show exposure. Further, Haynie said that Cell Tech
carefully tests its products to ensure that no high levels of the toxins
exist.

"There is no evidence of anyone being harmed of the company's product,
let alone dying," he said.

According to the complaint, Cell Tech's product contains "dangerously
high levels of contaminants" and the corporation did not "adequately warn
of the dangers associated with continued ingestion or consumption of the
product."

The complaint also alleges that Cell Tech did not warn consumers of the
dangers of microcystins in the dietary supplement, and says that Blake
consumed numerous dietary supplement products, "as intended and
encouraged by Cell Tech."

Cell Tech harvests blue-green algae from Upper Klamath Lake for use as
food supplements. In 2004, the company had an average of 31,195
distributors and net sales of $14.8 million. At its peak in the 1990s,
Cell Tech employed about 600 people in Klamath Falls.

In 1996, Cell Tech officials faced a toxic scare after microcystins was
found in Upper Klamath Lake. Though Cell Tech then tested its harvest to
ensure consumers that their product was toxin-free, their sales plummeted
from $200 million to $14.8 in 2004.

JanD said:

"Mark Probert" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

JanD said:

"Mark Thorson" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

>This is an interesting development. The timing
>is also interesting, as it comes at the same time
>that new management (Bob Underwood and Wynn Weeks)
>is taking over at Cell Tech.
>
>Quoting from:
>http://www.heraldandnews.com/articles/2006/01/26/news/local_news/local2.txt

Most interesting that Mark only quoted the part that suited him.

Thanks for posting the whole article. I looked on Toxnet, which,
interestingly, Debeeeee

There never was any such person.

You do not recall Debbee12324, or whatever number she used?

Quoted message said:

had recommended, and found that the toxin,

Quoted message said:

microcystin, is highly hepato- and nephrotoxic.

The woman died from kidney and liver failure, and, there is no other
explanation as to the cause of her condition other than the demonstrated
presence of the toxin in her supplement.

That would be wrong. Do some more research.

Point out to me in the article any other possible source of a toxin
which could cause liver and kidney failure. The article says:

OSHU lab experts also tested algae products found in Blake's home, and
results of those tests indicated that they had high amounts of
microcystins in them. The products were supplied to Blake by Cell Tech,
the complaint alleged.

She worked for Cell Tech...why would she use anything else?

Instead of merely saying that I am wrong, show me why. Until then, I am
correct.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

You can check this out for yourself, by checking Toxnet:

http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/index.html

Most assuredly, this is something I would not wish on anyone.

Quoted message said:

<snip>

Quoting properly:

Published January 26, 2006

By LAURA McVICKER

H&N Staff Writer

The family of a deceased Klamath Falls woman has filed a wrongful death
lawsuit against Cell Tech International, alleging she died after the
company supplied her dietary supplements with toxic levels of
microcystins.

But Cell Tech's attorney Erick Haynie said Wednesday that there has been
no evidence provided by doctors that Melissa Blake died due to repeated
exposure to the naturally occurring toxin.

Blake, who worked as a receptionist for Cell Tech in Klamath Falls, was
34 when she died April 18, 2003, from severe liver and kidney failure.
She left behind a young son. In the civil suit, filed in Multnomah County
Circuit Court, the family is asking for $500,000 in economic damages for
medical and funeral and burial costs and $1.5 million in damages for the
emotional loss of Blake as a daughter and mother.

The suit was filed for the estate of Melissa Kay Blake through her
mother, Susan Blake of Klamath Falls. Susan Blake told the Herald and
News that her attorney advised her not to comment on the case.

A trial date is scheduled for April, but may be postponed until fall at
the request of both sides, Haynie said.

Blake developed liver and kidney failure in February 2003, and despite
medical treatment, her condition worsened, court records state.

Doctors at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland performed an
autopsy of Blake several days after her death. According to complaint
filed with the suit, the results indicated that "observable liver and
kidney damage to Ms. Blake were suggestive of exposure to toxins which
occur with blue green algae called microcystins." Microcystins are a
group of amino acids and liver toxins found in natural bodies of water.

OSHU lab experts also tested algae products found in Blake's home, and
results of those tests indicated that they had high amounts of
microcystins in them. The products were supplied to Blake by Cell Tech,
the complaint alleged.

But Haynie said that testing of microcystins in Blake's liver during the
autopsy did not show exposure. Further, Haynie said that Cell Tech
carefully tests its products to ensure that no high levels of the toxins
exist.

"There is no evidence of anyone being harmed of the company's product,
let alone dying," he said.

According to the complaint, Cell Tech's product contains "dangerously
high levels of contaminants" and the corporation did not "adequately warn
of the dangers associated with continued ingestion or consumption of the
product."

The complaint also alleges that Cell Tech did not warn consumers of the
dangers of microcystins in the dietary supplement, and says that Blake
consumed numerous dietary supplement products, "as intended and
encouraged by Cell Tech."

Cell Tech harvests blue-green algae from Upper Klamath Lake for use as
food supplements. In 2004, the company had an average of 31,195
distributors and net sales of $14.8 million. At its peak in the 1990s,
Cell Tech employed about 600 people in Klamath Falls.

In 1996, Cell Tech officials faced a toxic scare after microcystins was
found in Upper Klamath Lake. Though Cell Tech then tested its harvest to
ensure consumers that their product was toxin-free, their sales plummeted
from $200 million to $14.8 in 2004.

"Mark Probert" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

JanD said:

"Mark Probert" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

JanD wrote:

>"Mark Thorson" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
>news:[email hidden]...
>
>
>>This is an interesting development. The timing
>>is also interesting, as it comes at the same time
>>that new management (Bob Underwood and Wynn Weeks)
>>is taking over at Cell Tech.
>>
>>Quoting from:
>>http://www.heraldandnews.com/articles/2006/01/26/news/local_news/local2.txt
>
>
>
>Most interesting that Mark only quoted the part that suited him.

Thanks for posting the whole article. I looked on Toxnet, which,
interestingly, Debeeeee

There never was any such person.

You do not recall Debbee12324, or whatever number she used?

Yes.

There was no Debeeeee

There was a [email hidden]

Your recall is not very good.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

had recommended, and found that the toxin,

Quoted message said:

microcystin, is highly hepato- and nephrotoxic.

The woman died from kidney and liver failure, and, there is no other
explanation as to the cause of her condition other than the demonstrated
presence of the toxin in her supplement.

That would be wrong. Do some more research.

Point out to me in the article

I did not say in the article.

Do some more research.

<snip>

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

You can check this out for yourself, by checking Toxnet:

http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/index.html

Most assuredly, this is something I would not wish on anyone.

><snip>
>
> Quoting properly:
>
>
>
>Published January 26, 2006
>
>By LAURA McVICKER
>
>H&N Staff Writer
>
>The family of a deceased Klamath Falls woman has filed a wrongful death
>lawsuit against Cell Tech International, alleging she died after the
>company supplied her dietary supplements with toxic levels of
>microcystins.
>
>But Cell Tech's attorney Erick Haynie said Wednesday that there has been
>no evidence provided by doctors that Melissa Blake died due to repeated
>exposure to the naturally occurring toxin.
>
>Blake, who worked as a receptionist for Cell Tech in Klamath Falls, was
>34 when she died April 18, 2003, from severe liver and kidney failure.
>She left behind a young son. In the civil suit, filed in Multnomah
>County Circuit Court, the family is asking for $500,000 in economic
>damages for medical and funeral and burial costs and $1.5 million in
>damages for the emotional loss of Blake as a daughter and mother.
>
>The suit was filed for the estate of Melissa Kay Blake through her
>mother, Susan Blake of Klamath Falls. Susan Blake told the Herald and
>News that her attorney advised her not to comment on the case.
>
>A trial date is scheduled for April, but may be postponed until fall at
>the request of both sides, Haynie said.
>
>Blake developed liver and kidney failure in February 2003, and despite
>medical treatment, her condition worsened, court records state.
>
>Doctors at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland performed an
>autopsy of Blake several days after her death. According to complaint
>filed with the suit, the results indicated that "observable liver and
>kidney damage to Ms. Blake were suggestive of exposure to toxins which
>occur with blue green algae called microcystins." Microcystins are a
>group of amino acids and liver toxins found in natural bodies of water.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>OSHU lab experts also tested algae products found in Blake's home, and
>results of those tests indicated that they had high amounts of
>microcystins in them. The products were supplied to Blake by Cell Tech,
>the complaint alleged.
>
>But Haynie said that testing of microcystins in Blake's liver during the
>autopsy did not show exposure. Further, Haynie said that Cell Tech
>carefully tests its products to ensure that no high levels of the toxins
>exist.
>
>"There is no evidence of anyone being harmed of the company's product,
>let alone dying," he said.
>
>According to the complaint, Cell Tech's product contains "dangerously
>high levels of contaminants" and the corporation did not "adequately
>warn of the dangers associated with continued ingestion or consumption
>of the product."
>
>The complaint also alleges that Cell Tech did not warn consumers of the
>dangers of microcystins in the dietary supplement, and says that Blake
>consumed numerous dietary supplement products, "as intended and
>encouraged by Cell Tech."
>
>Cell Tech harvests blue-green algae from Upper Klamath Lake for use as
>food supplements. In 2004, the company had an average of 31,195
>distributors and net sales of $14.8 million. At its peak in the 1990s,
>Cell Tech employed about 600 people in Klamath Falls.
>
>
>
>
>
>In 1996, Cell Tech officials faced a toxic scare after microcystins was
>found in Upper Klamath Lake. Though Cell Tech then tested its harvest to
>ensure consumers that their product was toxin-free, their sales
>plummeted from $200 million to $14.8 in 2004.
>
>

JanD said:

"Mark Probert" <[email hidden]> wrote

Quoted message said:

JanD said:

"Mark Probert" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

>JanD wrote:
>
>
>>"Mark Thorson" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
>>news:[email hidden]...
>>
>>
>>
>>>This is an interesting development. The timing
>>>is also interesting, as it comes at the same time
>>>that new management (Bob Underwood and Wynn Weeks)
>>>is taking over at Cell Tech.
>>>
>>>Quoting from:
>>>http://www.heraldandnews.com/articles/2006/01/26/news/local_news/local2.txt
>>
>>
>>
>>Most interesting that Mark only quoted the part that suited him.
>
>Thanks for posting the whole article. I looked on Toxnet, which,
>interestingly, Debeeeee

There never was any such person.

You do not recall Debbee12324, or whatever number she used?

Yes.

There was no Debeeeee

There was a [email hidden]

Your recall is not very good.

Who the Drew cares what she called herself? You knew it and decided to
play one of your stupid sand box games.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

had recommended, and found that the toxin,

>microcystin, is highly hepato- and nephrotoxic.
>
>The woman died from kidney and liver failure, and, there is no other
>explanation as to the cause of her condition other than the demonstrated
>presence of the toxin in her supplement.

That would be wrong. Do some more research.

Point out to me in the article

I did not say in the article.

Do some more research.

Sorry, toots, but you are making a claim that there is more information.
Provide it.

Quoted message said:

<snip>

Restored:

The article says:

OSHU lab experts also tested algae products found in Blake's home, and
results of those tests indicated that they had high amounts of
microcystins in them. The products were supplied to Blake by Cell Tech,
the complaint alleged.

She worked for Cell Tech...why would she use anything else?

Instead of merely saying that I am wrong, show me why. Until then, I am
correct.

Show why I am wrong. You cannot, twit.

Google searches:

Your search - "Melissa Blake" Microcystins - did not match any documents.

Your search - "Melissa Blake" "Cell tech" - did not match any documents.

Your search - "Erick Haynie" "cell tech" - did not match any documents.

Likewise, there is no link between Haynie and Blake.

Haynie is Cell Tech's Attorney.

So, you claim there is something else:

PROVE IT!

However, I expect you to play your usual stupid games.

BTW, a check of the Cell Tech website does not mention it. I wonder why? 😉

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

>You can check this out for yourself, by checking Toxnet:
>
>http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/index.html
>
>Most assuredly, this is something I would not wish on anyone.
>
>
>
>><snip>
>>
>>Quoting properly:
>>
>>
>>
>>Published January 26, 2006
>>
>>By LAURA McVICKER
>>
>>H&N Staff Writer
>>
>>The family of a deceased Klamath Falls woman has filed a wrongful death
>>lawsuit against Cell Tech International, alleging she died after the
>>company supplied her dietary supplements with toxic levels of
>>microcystins.
>>
>>But Cell Tech's attorney Erick Haynie said Wednesday that there has been
>>no evidence provided by doctors that Melissa Blake died due to repeated
>>exposure to the naturally occurring toxin.
>>
>>Blake, who worked as a receptionist for Cell Tech in Klamath Falls, was
>>34 when she died April 18, 2003, from severe liver and kidney failure.
>>She left behind a young son. In the civil suit, filed in Multnomah
>>County Circuit Court, the family is asking for $500,000 in economic
>>damages for medical and funeral and burial costs and $1.5 million in
>>damages for the emotional loss of Blake as a daughter and mother.
>>
>>The suit was filed for the estate of Melissa Kay Blake through her
>>mother, Susan Blake of Klamath Falls. Susan Blake told the Herald and
>>News that her attorney advised her not to comment on the case.
>>
>>A trial date is scheduled for April, but may be postponed until fall at
>>the request of both sides, Haynie said.
>>
>>Blake developed liver and kidney failure in February 2003, and despite
>>medical treatment, her condition worsened, court records state.
>>
>>Doctors at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland performed an
>>autopsy of Blake several days after her death. According to complaint
>>filed with the suit, the results indicated that "observable liver and
>>kidney damage to Ms. Blake were suggestive of exposure to toxins which
>>occur with blue green algae called microcystins." Microcystins are a
>>group of amino acids and liver toxins found in natural bodies of water.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>OSHU lab experts also tested algae products found in Blake's home, and
>>results of those tests indicated that they had high amounts of
>>microcystins in them. The products were supplied to Blake by Cell Tech,
>>the complaint alleged.
>>
>>But Haynie said that testing of microcystins in Blake's liver during the
>>autopsy did not show exposure. Further, Haynie said that Cell Tech
>>carefully tests its products to ensure that no high levels of the toxins
>>exist.
>>
>>"There is no evidence of anyone being harmed of the company's product,
>>let alone dying," he said.
>>
>>According to the complaint, Cell Tech's product contains "dangerously
>>high levels of contaminants" and the corporation did not "adequately
>>warn of the dangers associated with continued ingestion or consumption
>>of the product."
>>
>>The complaint also alleges that Cell Tech did not warn consumers of the
>>dangers of microcystins in the dietary supplement, and says that Blake
>>consumed numerous dietary supplement products, "as intended and
>>encouraged by Cell Tech."
>>
>>Cell Tech harvests blue-green algae from Upper Klamath Lake for use as
>>food supplements. In 2004, the company had an average of 31,195
>>distributors and net sales of $14.8 million. At its peak in the 1990s,
>>Cell Tech employed about 600 people in Klamath Falls.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>In 1996, Cell Tech officials faced a toxic scare after microcystins was
>>found in Upper Klamath Lake. Though Cell Tech then tested its harvest to
>>ensure consumers that their product was toxin-free, their sales
>>plummeted from $200 million to $14.8 in 2004.
>>
>>