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Foodborne Illness - Food Poisoning

Foodborne Illness - Food Poisoning Effects, Symptoms and Bacteria

The CDC’s webpage on foodborne germs and illnesses offers critical insights into the impact and prevention of food-related illnesses in the United States. Annually, about 48 million Americans suffer from foodborne illnesses, leading to 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths.

The top five germs responsible for these illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths include Norovirus, non-typhoidal Salmonella, Clostridium perfringens, Campylobacter, and Staphylococcus aureus. Other significant pathogens include Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Hepatitis A, Shigella, and Yersinia.

A concerning aspect highlighted is the increasing antimicrobial resistance in foodborne germs, which makes them resilient to conventional drugs, leading to more severe health issues and limited treatment options. However, it’s noted that mild food poisoning cases often resolve without antibiotics.

For prevention, the CDC advises four basic food safety practices:

  • Cleaning
  • Separating
  • Cooking
  • And chilling food properly to reduce the risk of foodborne diseases

The CDC is a resourceful guide, providing additional information on food safety, symptoms, high-risk groups, and safer food choices. It emphasizes the CDC’s role in addressing challenges in food safety and offers updates and educational materials for the public and health professionals. The information reflects the CDC’s dedication to improving food safety and public health, last reviewed in August 2023.

An experienced and highly skilled California food poisoning lawyer and legal staff at Bisnar Chase are here to help if you have suffered serious side effects due to a foodborne illness. Food poisoning can be severe, causing extreme symptoms.

If you believe that you became ill after eating a particular food, don’t hesitate to contact your local health department, which can be found on this Directory of Local Health Departments, file a report, and be ready to answer any questions officials may ask.

You should also make sure that you protect your legal rights by calling an experienced California personal injury lawyer who has successfully handled food poisoning cases in your area.

Foodborne Illness - Food Poisoning

Food-Borne Illnesses is Common

Food poisoning is a common and sometimes life-threatening problem for millions of people in the United States, which occurs as a result of consuming contaminated food. People infected with pathogens may be symptom-free or may have food poisoning symptoms ranging from mild intestinal discomfort to severe dehydration and bloody diarrhea.

Depending on the type and severity of the infection, individuals could even suffer internal organ damage or die as a result of food poisoning. Some of the most common food-borne illnesses are infections caused by bacteria such as E. coli, salmonella, listeria, and botulism.

A Foodborne Illness Begins When?

A foodborne illness begins when?

A foodborne illness outbreak begins when two or more people get the same illness from the same contaminated food or drink. According to the California Department of Public Health, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, this is the defining criterion for a foodborne illness outbreak.

  1. Detection: The CDC monitors reported illnesses nationwide to detect possible outbreaks.
  2. Identification: Health authorities define the outbreak’s scope and identify additional affected individuals.
  3. Hypothesis Generation: Investigators interview affected individuals to generate potential explanations for the source of the illness.
  4. Hypothesis Testing: This involves comparing affected individuals’ food consumption with that of non-affected individuals to test the generated hypotheses.
  5. Confirmation and Containment: Through epidemiological, laboratory, and traceback information, the contaminated food is confirmed, and the point of contamination is identified. Subsequently, measures such as food recalls, facility cleaning, and providing advice are implemented to contain the outbreak.
  6. Resolution: The outbreak is considered over when the illnesses cease, and the contaminated food is no longer available.

Healthcare professionals report suspected foodborne illnesses to public health authorities. The FDA’s CORE Network manages outbreak investigations and post-response activities. The CDC lists multistate foodborne outbreak notices to inform the public and help control outbreaks.

Pathogens and Infections in Foodborne Illnesses

Foodborne illnesses are often caused by various pathogens, each with unique characteristics and health implications. Understanding these pathogens is crucial for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

Norovirus

Norovirus is highly contagious and a leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide. It spreads rapidly through contaminated food, water, and surfaces. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps, usually appearing within 12 to 48 hours after exposure.

Salmonella

Salmonella bacteria are commonly associated with raw poultry, eggs, beef, and sometimes fruits and vegetables. Infection can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps, and in severe cases, it can lead to hospitalization or more serious complications.

Clostridium perfringens

This bacterium is often found in meat and poultry dishes that are not kept at the correct temperature. It produces toxins causing abdominal cramps and diarrhea. Clostridium perfringens infection is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness.

Campylobacter

Often found in raw or undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated water, Campylobacter infection can lead to symptoms like diarrhea (often bloody), fever, and abdominal cramps.

Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus can produce a toxin in improperly stored or handled food, leading to nausea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. It is particularly associated with foods that require hand contact and no further cooking, like sandwiches and salads.

Cryptosporidium

This parasite causes cryptosporidiosis, which leads to watery diarrhea. It’s typically spread through water contaminated with feces, including drinking and recreational water.

Cyclospora

Cyclospora is a parasite that causes an intestinal infection called cyclosporiasis. It’s often linked to consuming fresh produce and can result in prolonged, watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, and fatigue.

Hepatitis A

A viral infection affecting the liver, Hepatitis A is transmitted through food or water contaminated by fecal matter. Symptoms include jaundice, stomach discomfort, fever, and fatigue.

Shigella

Shigella bacteria, spread through contaminated food or water, cause shigellosis. Symptoms include diarrhea (often bloody), fever, and stomach pain.

Yersinia

Found in pork, raw milk, and contaminated water, Yersinia bacteria can cause yersiniosis, leading to diarrhea, fever, and abdominal pain, often mistaken for appendicitis.

E. coli

Certain strains of E. coli are harmful and can be found in undercooked beef, raw milk, and fresh produce. They can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting.

Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes can be found in deli meats, hot dogs, and unpasteurized dairy products. It’s particularly dangerous for pregnant women, newborns, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems, leading to a life-threatening infection called listeriosis.

Botulism

Caused by a toxin produced by Clostridium botulinum bacteria, botulism is rare but can be fatal. It’s often linked to improperly canned or preserved foods and causes symptoms including muscle paralysis and breathing difficulties.

Each of these pathogens requires specific preventive measures, such as proper food handling, cooking, and storage, to reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Awareness and education about these pathogens are vital for public health safety.

How Can We Prevent Food Poisoning?

Foodborne outbreaks are diagnosed and confirmed through specimen collection, lab testing, and epidemiological investigation.

Outbreaks are confirmed when two or more people experience similar illnesses after consuming a common food or drink and can be classified based on laboratory evidence or epidemiological and clinical evidence.

Healthcare professionals are urged to report suspected foodborne illnesses to public health authorities to improve food safety practices. The investigation process for foodborne outbreaks includes detection, finding additional cases, testing hypotheses, confirming the source of contamination, and controlling the outbreak.

Food Poisoning Statistics in the United States

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly one in six Americans suffer from food poisoning each year. Of the 48 million people who become sick every year, about 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die. Other findings include:

  • Salmonella was the leading cause of estimated hospitalizations and deaths, responsible for about 28 percent of deaths and 35 percent of hospitalizations due to known pathogens transmitted by food.
  • About 90 percent of estimated illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths were due to seven pathogens: Salmonella, norovirus, campylobacter, toxoplasma, E. coli O157, listeria, and Clostridium perfringens.
  • The norovirus is believed to be the cause of nearly 60% of illnesses.
  • In a January 2024 study, they found that tomato juice, specifically Bloody Marys, can help with food poisoning symptoms.

Food Poisoning Symptoms

Food poisoning can be very serious. Symptoms of food poisoning can leave an individual debilitated and stuck between the bed and the bathroom for days. Dehydration is a very serious risk of food poisoning, and if hydration is unable to take place, hospitalization might be necessary.

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Dizziness
What To Do If You Have Food Poisoning

What To Do If You Have Food Poisoning

There are several steps you would be well advised to take if you suspect food poisoning.

  • Seek medical attention: If you are experiencing symptoms such as abdominal cramping, nausea, and bloody diarrhea, it is important to get medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor should run diagnostic tests to determine the type of infection and administer the necessary treatment.
  • Document what you ate: If possible, write down everything you ate or drank for at least three or four days before your symptoms surfaced. Write down what you ate and where you ate it. Remember, food poisoning symptoms can take several days to develop.
  • Preserve leftovers: If you believe that a certain food made you ill, make sure that it is isolated and preserved so it can be tested in a lab for pathogens. It is also important that you preserve the product’s packaging, if possible, with the bar code, which can help trace the product.
  • Proof of purchase: If possible, keep your original receipt or credit card records as proof of when and where you bought the food that made you ill.
  • Contact your local health department: File a report with your county or local health department. This way, you are likely to find out about other incidents similar to yours. The department may also initiate an investigation if they receive several similar reports.
  • Maintain a record of your losses: Save all receipts of doctor visits, tests, medication purchases, insurance statements, and credit card bills. Also, document the number of days of work you missed and lost wages.

Liability and Damages in Food Poisoning Cases

Food poisoning victims can pursue financial compensation from the party or parties responsible for the contamination. Potentially liable parties in food poisoning cases include food distributors, restaurants, suppliers, growers, and processors.

Food contamination can occur if the food is not prepared or stored properly, or if the place where the food is made or processed is unsanitary. Victims in such cases can pursue compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, hospitalization, diagnostic testing, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Legal and Liability Aspects

  • Foodborne Illness Legal Representation
  • Liability in Food Poisoning Cases
  • Food Contamination and Accountability

Individuals suffering from foodborne illnesses may seek legal representation to address the harm they’ve endured. Legal professionals specializing in this area assist clients in navigating the complexities of food safety laws and regulations.

These attorneys work to establish the link between the consumed food and the illness, often requiring collaboration with medical experts and epidemiologists. The goal is to ensure that victims receive fair compensation for their suffering, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Legal representation in these cases plays a crucial role in seeking justice for the affected individuals and holding negligent parties accountable, thereby promoting better food safety practices.

Determining liability in food poisoning cases can be intricate. The responsibility may fall on various entities in the food supply chain, including producers, suppliers, retailers, and restaurants. The crux of establishing liability lies in proving negligence or breach of duty in maintaining food safety standards.

This could involve showing that the food was contaminated due to improper handling, storage, or cooking methods. In some cases, liability may be established under strict product liability laws, where the focus is on the contaminated product rather than the provider’s negligence.

The legal process in these cases often involves extensive investigation, including tracing the food back to its source and analyzing food handling processes. 

How Long Does It Take for Food Poisoning Symptoms to Appear?

The time it takes for food poisoning symptoms to appear can vary depending on the cause. Symptoms of food poisoning can start within a few hours to a few days after consuming contaminated food.

The onset of symptoms is often within 2 to 6 hours for the most common types of food poisoning, but it can range from 30 minutes to 3 days, depending on the specific bacteria or virus involved.

Each person’s symptoms may vary, and the duration of symptoms can range from a few hours to several days. If you suspect food poisoning, staying hydrated and seeking medical attention if symptoms are severe or persistent is essential.

What Are Some Home Remedies for Food Poisoning?

According to WebMD, here are the most common home remedies for contracting food poisoning:

1. Rest: Allow your body to rest and avoid eating or drinking for a few hours after the onset of symptoms. Once you start eating and drinking again, opt for gentle and bland foods like crackers, and consider sucking on ice chips to stay hydrated.

2. Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids, including water, sports drinks, and other hydrating liquids, to prevent dehydration. Electrolyte solutions can also help replace lost minerals.

3. Ginger or Mint Tea: These can help relieve nausea and settle the stomach. Ginger, in particular, has been shown to alleviate nausea in many cases.

4. BRAT Diet: When you’re ready to eat again, consider a BRAT diet, which includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These gentle foods are easy on the stomach.

5. Over-the-Counter Medications: In some cases, over-the-counter medications like loperamide (Imodium) or bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can help treat diarrhea caused by food poisoning. However, it’s important to use these medications with caution and not give them to children without consulting a doctor.

It’s important to note that while these remedies may help alleviate symptoms, severe cases of food poisoning may require medical attention. If symptoms are persistent or severe, seeking medical care is advisable.

Preventing Food-Borne Illnesses

There are several steps you can take to prevent food poisoning and cross-contamination of foods at home:

  • Wash hands and surfaces often. Bacteria that cause food-borne illnesses can survive in many places around your kitchen including your hands, utensils, and cutting boards. Wash fruits and vegetables before cooking.
  • Separate your foods. Raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs must be kept separate from other foods such as fruits and veggies. Use separate cutting boards, plates, and utensils for raw produce and raw meat and/or eggs.
  • Cook to the right temperature: Use a food thermometer to make sure that food reaches its safe minimum cooking temperature. For example, internal temperatures for whole meats should be 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Eggs should be cooked until the yolk is firm.
  • Refrigerate leftover foods promptly.

Foodborne Illness - Food Poisoning

Foodborne illnesses can lead to serious and often permanent organ damage. Food handling is serious business, and liability can be high if negligence is determined.

A California food poisoning lawyer specializes in representing individuals who have suffered from foodborne illnesses due to the negligence of restaurants, food manufacturers, or other entities in the food supply chain. By holding responsible parties accountable, these lawyers provide justice for their clients and promote higher food safety standards across California. Call 800-561-4887 for a free personal injury consultation today.

Case Results

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    $117,500,000

    Consumer Class Action

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    $38,650,000

    Motor Vehicle Accident

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    $32,698,073

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    $30,000,000

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    $24,744,764

    Defective Seatback

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    $16,444,904

    Bicycle Accident

Client Reviews

Bisnar Chase Review - Natalie

I’m so impressed with this law firm. I lost my mother because of a seat defect when she was rear-ended in an auto accident and Bisnar Chase stepped up and took our case. The staff is wonderful and Brian Chase took his time explaining everything via phone with me. I’m honored to have the best of the best working on our family’s behalf, trying to get justice for my Mom, because of a negligent car company still manufacturing faulty seats. I look forward to working with this firm and am hopeful for a positive outcome. Thank you so much, Brian Chase. I know you will work your hardest on this case. God Bless you.

Natalie C.
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It was a pleasure working with such an amazing team. You will definitely feel welcomed and kept in the loop throughout the entire process. They do a great job making you feel like you are a part of their team which is how one should feel. The superb customer experience from finish to end. You can trust they will do all possible to promptly and efficiently handle your case.
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Queen V
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I had an attorney for my truck accident who wanted almost 60% of what my case was worth. Worse than that, he was willing to settle for $5,000.00 with the insurance company even though I was still treating for whiplash and back pain. I contacted Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys because a friend recommended them. My case was handled exceptionally well! I was being kept notified throughout the whole process and only when I was comfortable with the settlement figure, did my attorney Gavin Long, accept it. I felt like we were working together and I felt listened to. I would refer Bisnar Chase to anyone who wants quality over quantity!

Lauren B
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Great people in this office, everyone was really helpful explaining everything. I was referred by my aunt for my car accident in October and the case went pretty fast. No problems and very professional. I was kept in the loop thru the whole process and was able to get a better settlement than my insurance company said I would. I can’t really compare them to other law firms because it was the first time I had to use an attorney, but my bad experience with the car accident was handled as well as I could have hoped.

P. Montgomery

Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys, LLP

1301 Dove St. STE 120, Newport Beach, CA 92660

(800) 561-4887

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