What Kinds of Infections Can Bad Meat Cause?

 Posted on September 10, 2025 in Food Poisoning

Beef, pork, and chicken products make up a significant chunk of many people’s diets, serving as a rich source of protein. However, careful preparation of these foods is a strict necessity. If you have experienced symptoms of food poisoning after eating meat from a grocery store, restaurant, or other provider, you may be able to take legal action.

At Newland & Newland, LLP, our Illinois food poisoning lawyers can help you file a claim for compensation in cases involving bad meat. We provide aggressive representation to victims of food poisoning, including victims who went to the hospital but did not suffer any long-term damage.

Common Food Poisoning Germs from Bad Meat

Salmonella

According to estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over a million salmonella cases across the U.S. every year. The CDC also estimates that the vast majority of these cases can be traced back to food poisoning. Victims may experience a variety of unpleasant symptoms like fever, abdominal cramps, and an inability to keep food down.

Salmonella is a bacterium that originates in the intestines of certain animals like pigs and cows. When meat is not cooked thoroughly enough to kill the harmful bacteria, restaurant patrons may be put at risk. Similarly, failure to keep food prep surfaces properly sanitized could increase the risk of a salmonella infection.

E. Coli

Much like salmonella, E. coli bacteria can be found in the intestines of warm-blooded animals. The U.S. only sees roughly 265,000 E. coli cases per year, and an infection may cause stomach pain, vomiting, and bloody stools. Some strains are also known to cause more severe damage, like kidney failure and respiratory illnesses.

E. coli infections can be prevented through simple sanitation measures, like separating raw meats from other foods. In addition to restaurants and deli counters, meat distributors could also be held liable for negligence in processing. If you want to take legal action for an E. coli infection or any other food poisoning case, you generally have two years to file a claim against the liable party (735 ILCS 5/13-202). 

Listeria

Cases of listeria are comparatively rare compared to other infections. However, they carry a significant fatality risk for victims with weakened immune systems. Listeria can be transmitted through deli meats and cold cuts, with symptoms including muscle aches, convulsions, and confusion. Pregnant women in particular should be especially wary of listeria, as listeriosis can cause a stillbirth or miscarriage.

Though listeria cases have dropped off since the 1990s, some outbreaks still occur. Notably, a major meat provider was accused of negligent practices that allegedly led to a listeria outbreak in 2024. 

Contact an Illinois Food Poisoning Attorney Today

If you have concerning symptoms after eating beef, pork, chicken, or other meats, our Illinois food contamination lawyers can help you file a claim for compensation. We will do everything we can to make things right for you, fighting for a full payout for your damages. Call 312-981-0409 to schedule a free consultation with Newland & Newland, LLP today.