The Adley Law Firm is committed to assisting individuals in Pearland, Texas who have been affected by food poisoning. If you or a loved one has suffered from a food poisoning outbreak linked to a recalled item, you should contact our attorneys promptly. You may be eligible for compensation by filing a lawsuit in Pearland, Texas.
Common Food Poisoning Causes
There are several factors that contribute to food poisoning, including:
- Improper food handling and storage: This is one of the most common causes of food poisoning. When food is not stored at the correct temperature or is left out for too long, harmful bacteria can grow and multiply. This includes leaving perishable items out of the refrigerator for too long or not cooking meats to the proper internal temperature.
- Cross-contamination: When bacteria from one food item come into contact with another food item, it can cause cross-contamination. This often occurs when one uses the same cutting board or knife for raw meats and fresh produce without proper cleaning in between.
- Contaminated water: When water is contaminated with harmful bacteria, it can lead to food poisoning. This can happen when produce is irrigated with contaminated water or when food is washed with contaminated water.
- Contaminated soil: Produce can become contaminated when grown in soil that has been contaminated with harmful bacteria. This can occur through the use of contaminated manure or when animals carrying harmful bacteria come into contact with the soil.
- Infected food handlers: Sometimes, food poisoning can occur when a food handler is infected with a harmful bacteria and contaminates the food they are preparing. This can happen when food handlers do not wash their hands properly or when they work while sick.
Food Recalls and Illness Outbreaks
While food poisoning can occur with any type of food, some foods have a higher risk than others. Pregnant women are often advised to avoid raw sprouts, sushi, and soft cheeses due to the increased risk of food poisoning. Below is a partial list of recent food recalls and outbreaks:
- Alfalfa sprouts
- Baby spinach
- Bagged salads
- Beef jerky
- Canned vegetables
- Catering events
- Chicken products
- Coconut milk powder
- Deli meats
- Fresh basil
- Frozen berries
- Ground turkey
- Hot dogs
- Imported seafood
- Lettuce
- Melons
- Pre-packaged sandwiches
- Queso fresco
- Raw oysters
- Romaine lettuce
- Salami
- Shrimp
- Sunflower seeds
- Taquitos
- Turkey products
- And more
Understanding Food Poisoning
Food poisoning occurs when someone consumes food that has been contaminated with a harmful bacteria, virus, or toxin. The most common types of bacteria responsible for food poisoning include: E. coli, salmonella, listeria, shigella, campylobacter, and botulism.
Signs and Symptoms
Gastrointestinal illness is a common symptom of food poisoning. The specific symptoms and severity of the illness depend on the bacteria responsible for the food poisoning. Some common signs and symptoms include:
- Nausea and vomiting: These are often the first signs of food poisoning and can occur within hours of consuming contaminated food. Vomiting can help to expel the harmful bacteria from the body, but it can also lead to dehydration if not managed properly.
- Diarrhea: Diarrhea is another common symptom of food poisoning and can also occur within hours of consuming contaminated food. Like vomiting, diarrhea can help to expel harmful bacteria from the body, but it can also lead to dehydration.
- Fever: A fever is the body’s natural response to fighting off an infection, and it is common for people with food poisoning to develop a fever as their body attempts to combat the harmful bacteria.
- Abdominal pain and cramps: Abdominal pain and cramps are common symptoms of food poisoning as the body tries to expel the harmful bacteria from the gastrointestinal tract.
- Headaches and muscle aches: Headaches and muscle aches can occur as a result of dehydration and electrolyte imbalances caused by vomiting and diarrhea.
- Fatigue: Fatigue is a common symptom of food poisoning as the body expends energy to fight off the harmful bacteria and recover from the illness.
Consult with a Pearland Attorney for Free
If you or a loved one has suffered from food poisoning in Pearland, Texas, it is essential to consult with a knowledgeable and experienced attorney. The Adley Law Firm is dedicated to helping victims of food poisoning receive the compensation they deserve. Contact our attorneys today for a free consultation to discuss your case and determine if you have a valid food poisoning claim.
