Posted on July 02, 2017 in Food poisoning attorney

If you think you know a lot about food poisoning, test your knowledge by trying to guess whether the following statements are true or false. If you get them all right, you are well-versed in food poisoning. If not, take some time to learn more about different types of food poisoning, how they are transmitted, their symptoms, and how to treat them. In fact, do this anyway – it never hurts to refresh your knowledge or learn something new.

Fruits with Rinds are Safe from Harmful Bacteria

False. A fruit's outer rind protects it from pests and microbes found in its environment. Although it does keep out some of the bacteria that can harm the fruit, do not assume it will keep out bacteria that can harm you. Fruits like honeydew and watermelon can harbor listeria, sometimes right on the rind. This is why you should always wash your fruit thoroughly before consuming it.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 27, 2017 in Food poisoning attorney

In June of 2017, Trader Joe's recalled a few of the granola products it carries, including one of its store brand products, due to concerns that they could potentially be contaminated with listeria. No cases of food poisoning involving these products have been reported yet, but Trader Joe's has proactively opted to recall the products and offer full refunds to any individuals who return them to a Trader Joe's store.

Which Products were Recalled?

The recalled products were:

• Trader Joe's Grainless Granola. This product was recalled in Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Washington, D.C., Delaware, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and Virginia; and
• Nationwide, Wildway recalled its Apple Cinnamon, Banana Nut grain-free granola, Coconut Cashew grain-free granola, and Vanilla Bean Espresso grain-free granola.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 23, 2017 in Food poisoning attorney

When you are suffering from food poisoning, whether it is a case of Salmonella, Listeria, or another type of illness, you can make the illness easier or more difficult for yourself through your choices. Always put your health and safety first, which can be easier said than done for many individuals with work and family obligations. Ignoring your health when you are suffering from food poisoning can make your condition worse and potentially subject you to complications like dehydration and permanent organ damage.

Ignoring Your Symptoms

Different types of food poisoning have similar symptoms. Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are typical symptoms of many different types of food poisoning. Although they can seem minor, it is important that you listen to your body and rest while you are experiencing these symptoms. Sleeping helps your immune system fight the infection, which will help you to recover more quickly.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 12, 2017 in Food poisoning attorney

The Montana Department of Health and Human Services recently reported that 14 people in the state hailing from 11 different counties have become ill with salmonella poisoning, also known as Salmonellosis. More than one third of the victims are under 10 years old. This is not uncommon with food poisoning outbreaks; children and the elderly are more susceptible to food poisoning because they have weaker immune systems than healthy adults. Individuals with compromised immune systems and pregnant women are also cautioned to be especially vigilant of food poisoning hazards because of their increased risk of becoming ill.

In total, 372 people in 47 states have reportedly become ill with salmonella poisoning this year. This data comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Although salmonella poisoning often resolves itself within a few days and rarely causes a victim to face prolonged suffering, it can have serious complications like endocarditis or meningitis if the infection spreads to these respective tissues. When salmonella poisoning is the result of an act of negligence, the victim can seek compensation for his or her damages through a personal injury claim.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on June 03, 2017 in Food poisoning attorney

The story of the man who died from contracting botulism as part of an outbreak in northern California hit the news recently, making food poisoning and safe food handling procedures a national discussion. In total, nine people were hospitalized as a result of becoming ill with botulism after consuming nacho cheese sauce purchased from a gas station near Sacramento in April 2017. After health officials removed four batches of the sauce from the gas station, the sauce tested positive for the botulinum toxin, the toxin that causes botulism.

Botulism can have deadly effects on victims. Know the types of food that can be contaminated with botulism and how you can protect yourself and your children from this risk. Knowing the symptoms of botulism and when to seek medical treatment are also critical to overcoming this illness if you or your children become sick.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 17, 2017 in Food borne illness

For many, falling ill briefly is just an expected part of traveling abroad. These short bouts of gastrointestinal difficulties are often referred to as “Delhi belly” or “Montezuma's revenge” and are frequently blamed on adverse reactions to new foods or water sources. This is not correct. According to Richard Conroy, a travel sickness researcher and food scientist from the United Kingdom, issues like diarrhea and vomiting while traveling are always caused by food poisoning. Harmful bacteria in food and water cause these issues just like it can cause them at home.

Food poisoning can have a lasting, harmful effect on a victim's body. If you encounter this issue while traveling, do not downplay it. Take time to help yourself recover and if necessary, seek medical care.

Water Can Transport Pathogens that Cause Food Poisoning

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 14, 2017 in Food poisoning attorney

The voluntary recall The SoyNut Butter Company issued for its I.M. Healthy SoyNut butter products in March of 2017 raised awareness of the potential E.coli contamination in these butters and likely pushed many consumers to throw out any remaining containers of the product in their homes, thereby protecting them and their families from contracting food poisoning illness. But the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that illnesses stemming from this outbreak can continue to be reported for months to come because these butters will likely remain in individual's homes and on kitchen shelves in schools and office buildings because of their long shelf life.

Nut Butter Products Have Long Shelf Lives

Unlike fresh produce and meat, nut butters can remain fresh for months, even years or longer if stored properly. Individuals who missed the initial recall for I.M. Healthy SoyNut Butters might continue to consume open containers of these butters, putting themselves at risk of contracting E.coli poisoning.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on May 06, 2017 in Botulism

Two residents of Orange County have become ill with botulism, a potentially deadly illness linked to the consumption of canned and fermented goods. One of the residents was confirmed to be suffering from botulism by the Orange County Health Care Agency. The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health suspects the two cases are linked to the consumption of deer antler tea obtained in March of 2017 and urge all individuals who have this tea in their possession to dispose of it.

Botulism and other types of food poisoning can have long-lasting repercussions for victims. Individuals who suffer from these repercussions may seek compensation for their damages from the parties responsible for their illnesses.

Botulism Symptoms

Botulism poisoning can have the following symptoms:

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 29, 2017 in Food borne illness

Salmonella was once the most common cause of food poisoning in the United States. It has recently been dethroned by Campylobacter, a parasite frequently found in unpasteurized dairy products and chicken. According to a recent report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Salmonella reigned for 20 years as the most common food poisoning cause in the nation. The report also noted other common causes of food poisoning, such as Listeria and E.Coli. It reported that overall, there has not been a change to the number of food poisoning cases reported in the United States and that there has been a decrease in Salmonella cases because of tighter regulations on the food industry and new vaccination requirements for chickens.

Foods that Harbor Campylobacter

The most common way for humans to become ill with Campylobacteriosis is to consume contaminated chicken. Campylobacter can be found in many types of meat, including pork and beef. It can also be transmitted through the consumption of unpasteurized dairy products, specifically raw milk and products made with raw milk. It can also be transmitted through drinking water supplies.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 23, 2017 in Food Poisoning

Giardiasis illness, also known as Giardia infection, is an illness that occurs when an individual consumes food or water that has been contaminated with Giardia, a microscopic parasite. Generally, Giardia contaminates food and water through the feces of animals harboring the parasite. When a human comes into contact with Giardia, he or she can become very ill and suffer numerous symptoms.

Giardiasis illness is one of the most common waterborne illnesses in the United States. When Giardiasis illness is contracted through eating contaminated food or drinking contaminated water, it can be considered a case of food poisoning.

How is Giardiasis Illness Contracted?

Giardiasis illness is contracted by coming into contact with contaminated water or food. It can be spread through person-to-person contact if one of the people involved has been infected. Generally, it is contracted in areas with dirty water and poor sanitation. When it is spread through food, the food is typically contaminated by handlers who have not washed their hands thoroughly or through produce that was washed in contaminated water.

Continue Reading ››