Odwalla Says It Has Settled 5 of 9 Lawsuits

Odwalla Inc. said it has settled five of nine lawsuits filed against it after E. coli bacteria linked to its products killed one person and made 60 others sick last year, forcing it to recall its products. Insurance covered the settlements, Odwalla Chief Executive Stephen Williamson told investors. Half Moon Bay, Calif.-based Odwalla still faces two class-action suits and two personal-injury suits stemming from the October outbreak. Odwalla executives said the firm has recovered more than 80% of its sales lost after the Oct. 30 recall. Odwalla shares lost 12.5 cents to close at $13.625 on Nasdaq.