Common Causes of Food Poisoning

 Posted on September 25, 2025 in Food Poisoning

Food poisoning can happen virtually anywhere. Even the foods you might expect to be safe from germs can end up contaminated, resulting in painful, debilitating symptoms. An Illinois food poisoning lawyer can help you identify the cause of your illness and take steps to hold the food provider accountable for your damages.

It is not easy to prove that you were served bad food. When confronted with a claim for compensation, food providers may deny that they were responsible or pass the blame to another party. At Newland & Newland, LLP, our attorneys will work closely with you to build your case, as we have for many clients in successful settlements and verdicts.

Three Common Causes of Foodborne Illness

Undercooked Meat

Many infectious bacteria live inside the organs of livestock like cows, pigs, and chickens. However, the bacteria can be killed simply by cooking the meat to a high enough temperature, avoiding the risk of illness. Undercooked meat is one of the leading causes of salmonella, which may present with symptoms like fever, diarrhea, nausea, and abdominal cramps.

If a restaurant served you undercooked meat that then resulted in illness, you may be able to file a claim to get compensation for your damages, which can include your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering (735 ILCS 5/2-1115.2). Keep in mind that the responsibility is on you to establish the link between your sickness and the food that you were served.

Contact With Contaminated Surfaces

Just because a surface appears clean does not mean that it is completely safe. Germs can spread through the air from fecal matter and other contaminants, which can stick to people as well as food preparation surfaces like cutting boards or plates. One of the most common foodborne illnesses, norovirus, is frequently caused by food coming into contact with a contaminated surface.

When a food provider fails to implement basic hygiene practices like using hand sanitizer or thoroughly washing dishes, patrons can get sick. A lawyer can investigate a restaurant’s safety precautions and document proof of negligence.

Unsafe Food Storage

Proper preservation is critical for avoiding food poisoning. Storing food at the wrong temperature or failing to dispose of spoiled ingredients can create the conditions for harmful bacteria, leading to serious illnesses. For example, conditions like botulism can arise from spore growth in canned goods.

Visible mold on your food should always be treated as a warning sign for food poisoning. If you start experiencing symptoms of food poisoning after eating spoiled food, do not delay in seeking out a doctor. Our firm can cite the doctor’s report as evidence in your claim, lending credibility to your case.

Contact an Illinois Food Contamination Lawyer

There is only so much you can do to avoid contaminated food. Through no fault of your own, you could end up catching a foodborne illness due to negligence in preparation, storage, or cleaning. When the worst comes to pass, our Illinois food poisoning attorneys at Newland & Newland, LLP can help you pursue full compensation for your losses with aggressive advocacy. Call our offices at 312-981-0409 to arrange your free consultation.