By Tim Tomasik

In the United States, we expect the food purchased at restaurants and grocery stores to be safe to eat. Unfortunately, incidents in which people contract foodborne illnesses are all too common. This was demonstrated recently when a large number of people became ill after consuming ground beef. People who have experienced a food poisoning injury should contact an attorney to determine their options for pursuing compensation from the parties responsible.

E. Coli Illnesses Reported in Six States

In March of 2019, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) began receiving reports of E. Coli infections in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, Virginia, and Georgia. As of April 12, 2019, 109 cases have been reported, and 17 of the victims have been hospitalized. The CDC believes that ground beef is the source of the infections, but it has not identified a supplier, distributor, retailer or brand of meat which may be responsible. 

By Lindsay Proskey

In its third warning since 2017, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) told people not to eat romaine lettuce, which is linked to a multi-state E. coli outbreak. Along with the CDC, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Canadian officials are investigating the outbreak, which has sickened 50 people across the United States and Canada. No deaths have been reported, but 13 people in the U.S. and six in Canada have been hospitalized. 

Unlike the previous warnings directed at specific brands or growing regions, this blanket warning is directed at any and all types of romaine lettuce, including salad mixes containing romaine. Officials believe that contaminated lettuce is still on the market and need more information about the outbreak’s source before suppliers can be asked for a recall, said FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb. In the meantime, retailers and restaurants should discontinue supplying romaine lettuce to the public, and everyone should throw away any romaine lettuce at home.  

By Lindsay Proskey 

Recently, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”) warned that 149 individuals across 29 states have been infected with E. coli after consuming contaminated romaine lettuce. Of those infected, 64 people were hospitalized including 17 individuals who developed hemolytic uremic syndrome, a potentially life-threatening kidney failure caused by the abnormal destruction of red blood cells. Tragically, one death has been reported.

What You Need to Know About Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli

E. coli are bacteria commonly found in the environment, foods, and intestines of people and animals. Although mostly harmless, E. coli can cause illness or death once escaped outside the intestinal tract. Symptoms such as abdominal cramping, bloody diarrhea, fever, or vomiting appear approximately two to eight days after consuming the bacteria. The most common mode of transmission to individuals is through consumption of contaminated foods, such as undercooked meat or through cross-contamination during food preparation. However, unhygienic person-to-person contact can also transmit the bacteria through the oral-fecal route.

By Timothy Tomsik

Norovirus, an extremely contagious virus, is generally caused by poor hygiene and then spread through food or drink sources. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 50 percent of the approximately two million cases each year are contracted through food. This and other possible factors are thought to be responsible for the recent outbreak at Michigan State University’s Kellogg Center.

Norovirus Illness

By Timothy Tomasik

Chipotle, well-known for their fresh, often locally sourced foods, is one of the most popular fast food chains in the United States. Unfortunately, the restaurants have started making headlines for a completely different reason; now associated with nearly 500 food poisoning incidents, they are currently in the midst of their second official outbreak, and officials are still uncertain of the cause.

First Wave of Incidents