Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is a national concern. Major outbreaks of Salmonella, E. coli, Clostridium botulinum, and other foodborne bacteria have gained increasing attention in the press. Some foodborne illnesses come from improper food manufacturing, storage, or packaging techniques. Examples of contaminated foods include beef, peanut butter, fruits and vegetables, and canned soups. Other outbreaks of food poisoning come from improper storage, handling, or preparation techniques in restaurants and fast-food chains. Some restaurants have even faced repeated violations of critical safety inspections by state health departments. Regardless of how food becomes contaminated, the unsuspecting public suffers the consequences. Those consequences can be severe.

Common symptoms of food poisoning can include vomiting, diarrhea, severe stomach pain, cramping, sweating, and dehydration. These symptoms generally occur hours or days after eating a contaminated meal. For example, E. coli 0157:H7 has an incubation period of 1 to 10 days; meaning symptoms generally occur between 1 and 10 days after consuming contaminated food. Salmonella acts even quicker: symptoms generally occur between 6 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. One of the quickest-acting bacteria is Staphylococcus aureus, which can produce symptoms within 1 to 8 hours after eating a contaminated meal. On the longer end, the potentially deadly virus, Hepatitis A, does not typically produce symptoms until 15 to 50 days after eating contaminated food. The results of food poisoning can include prolonged hospital stays; permanent kidney, liver, or brain damage; or even death. Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a particularly dangerous illness caused by food poisoning.

Robert E. Sweeney Co., LPA, has successfully helped to bring justice to the victims of food poisoning. Working with recognized co-counsel, we have investigated outbreaks of foodborne illnesses, and have uncovered failed health inspections, improper food handling, and poor preparation techniques among restaurants and fast-food chains. As a result, our firm has brought the victims of food poisoning the compensation they deserve.