We have all been there. In the hours after a good meal—or maybe the next day—you might start feeling a little off. Maybe your stomach begins to bother you, or you are feeling dizzy and cannot explain why. You might wonder if you are coming down with a gastrointestinal bug, and you might even start trying to figure out if anyone around you seemed sick in the last couple of days. At some point, you might start wondering if you are feeling ill because of something you ate.

The reality is that thousands of people are affected by food poisoning or a foodborne illness in the United States each year. The vast majority of victims suffer at home, as their symptoms are not serious enough to warrant a trip to the doctor. However, it is important to recognize when you should seek medical attention to ensure that your health and your right to compensation, in certain cases, are fully protected.

The Most Common Food Poisoning Symptoms

Generally, food poisoning is caused by consuming food that is contaminated with pathogens, such as E. coli, salmonella, and listeria. While the illnesses associated with each pathogen are different, they tend to share many of the same symptoms. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common symptoms of food poisoning include:

Continue Reading...

The season of Lent is upon us, which means that practicing Christians have started their religious preparations for Easter. For many, this includes abstaining from eating meat on Fridays. However, even those who do not observe the religious nature of the season may be affected by it, especially from a culinary perspective.

Throughout Lent, many restaurants and bars, and even volunteer fire departments, church social clubs, and community organizations offer “fish fries.” In fact, you can find a fish fry just about any time of year in the Midwest, but things really ramp up during Lent. As with any food-related celebration, it is important to be wary of foodborne illness as you tuck in for your Friday fish fry this year.

What Types of Contamination Are Possible?

A basic fish fry plate generally consists of a large, battered fish filet—usually cod or haddock—served with French fries, but there are regional traditions that often include other sides. For example, it is not uncommon in the Chicago area to see fish and French fries accompanied by coleslaw, macaroni salad, and other cold salads.

Continue Reading...

A popular producer of pre-packaged salads is under intense scrutiny, as an outbreak of listeria has been linked to two deaths. According to reports, an outbreak of listeria was traced to packaged salads produced by Dole, and the outbreak has now been linked to at least two deaths.

Outbreak Is One of Two Under Investigation

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, some 17 cases of foodborne illness that have led to at least 13 hospitalizations were traced to Dole-produced products. These include garden salads, mixed greens, Caesar salad kits, and other kinds of salads sold in clamshells or bags.

The affected products were recalled beginning in late December, and they were sold under a number of brand names, including:

Continue Reading...

On Sunday, February 13, 2022, the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams will square off in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. According to estimates, some 13 million Americans will gather in homes and establishments around the country to watch the game, and it just simply is not a Super Bowl party without food. Super Bowl Sunday has become a uniquely American experience—and a tradition—over the last half-century, but it is also a potential source for foodborne illness. With this in mind, the United States Department of Agriculture has issued a press release that offers food safety tips for keeping your Super Bowl celebration from taking a turn for the worst.

The Dangers of Day-Long Food Parties

Other holidays with food-related traditions are fairly likely to be centered around mealtimes, such as Thanksgiving dinner. Most of the food involved is only left out for a relatively short amount of time. On Super Bowl Sunday, however, the food table is often set up a few hours before the game, and fans continue to graze and snack for as long as the game lasts. This means that food might be left sitting out for as many as six or eight hours.

Perishable foods, including cut fruits and vegetables, deli wraps, and chicken wings, can only be left at room temperature for a maximum of two hours before the risk of bacteria increases to unacceptably dangerous levels.

Continue Reading...

While people may be careful to avoid eating foods that could potentially be harmful, there are a variety of situations where food poisoning may occur. Because foodborne illnesses can cause a great deal of pain and discomfort and have long-lasting effects, those who have contracted these illnesses will want to understand who was responsible, and they may be able to pursue financial compensation for their injuries and damages. Our firm works to keep people informed about issues related to food poisoning, and we regularly answer questions about these matters, including:

How Common Is Food Poisoning?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around one out of every six people in the United States contract foodborne illnesses every year. Out of the people who are affected, around 128,000 become severely ill and require hospitalization, and around 3,000 illnesses are fatal.

How Can Food Poisoning Be Prevented?

When preparing and storing food, there are multiple steps that can be taken to ensure that people do not consume dangerous germs. People should always wash their hands before preparing food, and cross-contamination can be prevented by cleaning utensils and food preparation surfaces and storing foods in a way that prevents germs from spreading. Food should always be cooked to the proper temperature, and perishable foods should be refrigerated or frozen.

Continue Reading...