Food-borne illnesses, also known as food poisoning, are conditions caused by consuming contaminated food. Unfortunately, these illnesses are common and can range from moderate discomfort to life-threatening situations. Due to the variety of food establishments, local agricultural practices, and high population density in Chicago, Arlington Heights, Libertyville, Itasca, Crystal Lake, and Joliet, knowledge of infectious illnesses is particularly important for locals.

Foodborne illness, otherwise known as a food outbreak, occurs when two or more people fall sick from consuming the same contaminated beverage or food. Food outbreaks can cause severe illness, hospitalization, and death of hundreds of people if not dealt with immediately. From all-natural vegetables and fruits to processed food and drink, food outbreaks can occur in any food product made or handled with negligence.

Foodborne illnesses are usually caused by parasites, viruses, bacteria, and toxins and can affect people of all ages. Here is a summary of recent food outbreaks.

Do you feel a sharp pain in your lower abdomen and stomach and have the urge to use the bathroom 10 to 20 times a day? You might have Shigellosis, a severe intestinal infection caused by a bacterium called Shigella. According to a report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 450,000 people are diagnosed with Shigellosis every year. Causing bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, cramps, and abdominal pain, this foodborne illness can infect anyone with poor sanitation habits. While there is no proper treatment for Shigellosis, researchers are still working on vaccines to prevent the spread of the bacteria. Keep reading to learn more about Shigella.

A Nebraska company is recalling alfalfa sprouts after 15 people experienced salmonella poisoning and two others were hospitalized. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there are more than one million cases of salmonella poisoning in the United States every year with 83 percent attributed to food. At Newland & Newland, LLP, we believe that no one's health or well-being should be put at risk by negligent safety practices.

SunSprouts Distribution

SunSprouts Enterprises recalled some 1,406 pounds of raw alfalfa sprouts that were sold at restaurants and grocery stores in Nebraska, Iowa, and Kansas between November 2022 and late December 2022, with expiration dates through January 7, 2023.

The CDC is urging people not to eat the recalled alfalfa sprouts and to throw them away. They were sold in four-ounce clamshell packaging and larger packages of 2.5 pounds. If you come into contact with these sprouts, you should clean surfaces with soap and water.

Food allergies are a growing health concern in the United States and often food labels are people’s only line of defense. But when food is not labeled properly it can have some serious health consequences. Each year some 90,000 people end up in the emergency room after having a severe food allergy. The most recent recall is for Crispy Chicken with Almonds sold exclusively at Walmart because it may contain shrimp.

Widespread Distribution

Mountain View Packaging issued the recall for the frozen entrée due to the potential risk for consumers that may have shellfish allergies. Those with a high sensitivity to shellfish can experience a life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume this product. The frozen dishes were labeled as InnovAsian Crispy Chicken with Almonds. They were distributed to retailers in 29 states, including Illinois. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service says the company took the frozen dish from shelves but it is concerned that people may still have the product in their freezers. 

Under Federal Law Shellfish is a Food Allergen

Under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act passed by Congress, eight food allergens are directly linked to 90 percent of food allergies and severe allergic reactions in the country. The immune system mistakenly responds to certain foods as if they were harmful. Shellfish is one of those known food allergens. If you are allergic to shellfish, you may develop hives or wheeze, or have more serious symptoms.  As a result, federal law requires that all packaging be clearly labeled and that the presence of any of the following allergens in food products be declared. Additional food allergens include the following: