With today’s complex food chain, it is crucial for consumers to be vigilant about what they consume. The rise in food contamination incidents underscores the importance of understanding your legal entitlements to safe food. Whether it’s due to bacteria, foreign materials, or chemical residues, food contamination can have severe health consequences, which could ultimately lead to claims and lawsuits filed in the names of consumers who unknowingly digested unsafe food products.
The Growing Risk of Food Contamination
In the U.S., stringent standards and practices are in place to ensure that the food we consume is free from harmful contaminants. Yet, despite these measures, cases of food contamination continue to be reported with alarming frequency. According to estimates by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 48 million people in the U.S. suffer an illness or injury due to foodborne contaminates (about one in six Americans) every year.
What Does Contamination Mean and What are the Health Implications?
At its core, food contamination refers to the presence of harmful agents or substances in food. The contamination may occur at any point in the food production and distribution chain – from farming and processing to transportation and retail or preparation. Consuming contaminated food can have dire consequences, with the severity of the illness or injury often depending on the contaminant.
The main four types of food contamination are:
- Microbial: These are often bacterial pathogens like E. coli or salmonella that can lead to foodborne illnesses and cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. In some severe cases, complications can arise, leading to long-term health issues or even fatalities.
- Chemical: This type of contamination can come from pesticides, cleaning agents, or other toxins that might have more subtle and long-term effects. It could lead to chronic conditions or increased risks of certain diseases like cancer.
- Physical: Foreign objects such as metal shards, plastic pieces, glass, or other non-food items can end up included in food products, which can cause broken teeth, mouth lacerations, choking, and digestive issues.
- Allergenic: Contaminants like peanuts, soy, wheat, or other common allergens can be included in foods but not found in the ingredient list. These can cause immediate or life-threatening anaphylactic allergic reactions or chronic allergic conditions.
What is a Food Recall and Why is it Important?
A food recall is an action taken by a manufacturer or distributor to protect the public from products that may cause health or safety issues. It is a clear and public acknowledgment of the contamination issue, either discovered through internal checks or reported by consumers.
Recalls can be voluntary or mandated by regulatory bodies like the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). They play a pivotal role in preventing widespread illness or injury from contaminated products. Recalls typically remove the contaminated product from stores, educate the public about the issue, and explain the best way for you to dispose of contaminated products.
Protecting Yourself from Contaminated Foods
You can help protect yourself and your family from contaminated foods by:
- Staying updated: Regularly monitor food recall notices. These are often broadcast by the FDA and the FSIS and can be invaluable in avoiding potential risks.
- Acting fast: If you believe a particular food product caused an illness or seems contaminated, report it to the FDA or FSIS. Your prompt action may start the recall process and prevent others from being affected.
- Prioritizing health: If you feel you have contracted a foodborne illness, seek medical attention immediately. A proper diagnosis is not just crucial for your health but can also support any legal claims.
- Consulting a lawyer: If contaminated food adversely affects you or your child, consider a legal consultation with an attorney. An experienced food contamination lawyer can guide you through the legal process and toward justice.
Navigating Your Legal Rights
If you or a loved one have suffered an injury or illness due to suspected food contamination, it’s essential to know that you have rights. Manufacturers, distributors, and retailers have an obligation to provide safe products to consumers, and failing that obligation can open them up to consumer lawsuits.
You might be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, suffering, or other damages. If you suspect contaminated food has impacted you or a family member, it is crucial to document everything from medical records to purchase receipts.
Attorneys skilled in food contamination cases can provide valuable guidance. Their expertise can help victims navigate the complex legal landscape, ensuring that they get the justice they deserve.
Using Legal Action to Hold Food Manufacturers Accountable
While the food industry and regulatory bodies strive to ensure safety, lapses can occur. As consumers, being proactive, informed, and aware of our legal rights is our best defense against the consequences of food contamination. Always prioritize your well-being and ensure that manufacturers remain accountable.
Schlesinger Law Offices is proud to help consumers stand up for their rights to safe food products by offering our legal counsel to those who need it the most. If you or a loved one were injured by contaminated food, we would be happy to discuss the legal options that might be available to you. With a successful food contamination lawsuit handled by our lawyers, you might be able to collect compensation through a settlement or verdict award.
Why should you choose Schlesinger Law Offices for your food contamination claim?
- We have recovered more than $165 million in recent settlements and verdicts for product liability clients.
- We have brought successful product liability claims against major defendants, including automakers and Big Tobacco.
- We are a legacy law firm with more than 70 years of practice experience handling all types of injury claims and class action lawsuits.
- We are trial attorneys who are committed to seeing every case to its conclusion, which means litigating and appealing when necessary.
Trust your food contamination case to the law firm that fights to win. Call (954) 467-8800 to ask for a FREE, confidential consultation.
