The Adley Law Firm is committed to assisting individuals in Alvin, Texas who have experienced injuries or injustices. If you or a loved one has suffered from food poisoning due to a recalled product, you should contact our attorneys as soon as possible. You may be eligible for compensation by filing a lawsuit in Alvin, Texas.
Common Food Poisoning Causes
Food poisoning can result from various factors, including improper food handling, preparation, and storage. Some of the most common causes of food poisoning include:
- Cross-contamination: Occurs when harmful bacteria from raw food, such as meat or poultry, come into contact with other foods, like vegetables and fruits, during preparation, cooking, or storage. This can be prevented through proper handwashing, using separate cutting boards, and storing raw and cooked foods separately.
- Inadequate cooking: Some foods, particularly meats, need to be cooked to a specific temperature to kill harmful bacteria. Consuming undercooked food can lead to food poisoning.
- Improper food storage: Food should be stored at the correct temperature to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. Refrigerators should be kept at or below 40°F, and freezers should be kept at or below 0°F.
- Contaminated water: Consuming water contaminated by harmful bacteria or parasites can lead to food poisoning. This can happen when drinking untreated water, using contaminated water for food preparation, or when contaminated water comes into contact with food during irrigation or washing.
- Infected food handlers: Individuals who handle food while they are sick with a contagious illness, such as norovirus or Hepatitis A, can spread the infection to the food they prepare, causing food poisoning.
Food Recalls & Contamination Incidents
While food poisoning can affect any type of food, certain food categories have a higher risk. Doctors often advise pregnant women to avoid raw sprouts, sushi, and soft cheeses due to the increased likelihood of food poisoning. Below is a partial list of food recalls and contamination incidents in recent years:
- Ahi poke
- Infant food
- Infant formula
- Sprouts
- Ice cream products
- Caramel-covered apples
- Cheeses
- Popular fast-food chains
- Nutritional shakes
- Coffee products
- Ground meat
- Dairy products
- Hummus
- Tropical fruits
- Nut butter
- Seafood items
- Smoothie products
- Soy-based spreads
- Tea concentrates
- And more
Understanding Food Poisoning
Food poisoning occurs when an individual consumes food contaminated by bacteria, viruses, or toxins that cause illness. The most prevalent bacteria responsible for food poisoning include: E. coli, salmonella, listeria, shigella, campylobacter, and botulism.
E. coli is a common bacterium found in the intestines of humans and animals. It can contaminate food through contact with infected feces, contaminated water, or by handling food with unwashed hands. The most severe E. coli infections can lead to kidney failure and even death.
Salmonella is another common cause of food poisoning, typically associated with contaminated poultry, eggs, and raw milk. Symptoms of salmonella infection include diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever.
Listeria is a bacterium that can contaminate a variety of foods, including deli meats, soft cheeses, and raw produce. It can cause severe illness, particularly in pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
Shigella is a group of bacteria that can cause food poisoning through contaminated food and water. It is commonly associated with poor sanitation and hygiene practices.
Campylobacter is a bacterium that can cause food poisoning, typically from consuming undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated water. It can lead to severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever.
Botulism is a rare but serious form of food poisoning caused by the toxin produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. It can be found in improperly canned foods, home-canned vegetables, and contaminated honey.
Signs and Symptoms
Gastrointestinal issues are typical when a person experiences food poisoning. The specific symptoms and the severity of the illness depend on the bacteria responsible for the food poisoning. Some common signs and symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain or cramps
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Muscle aches
These symptoms can begin within hours of consuming contaminated food or may take days to appear. The duration of the illness can range from a few hours to several days, depending on the severity of the infection.
Consult with Our Lawyers for Free
If you or a loved one has suffered from food poisoning and believe it is due to a recalled or contaminated product, don’t hesitate to reach out for legal assistance. Our experienced Alvin food poisoning lawyers at the Adley Law Firm are here to help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that food poisoning can take on individuals and their families. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized, compassionate legal representation to ensure you receive the justice you deserve.
Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. Don’t suffer in silence – let our Alvin food poisoning lawyers help you hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the financial compensation you need to recover from your ordeal.
