Foodborne Illness

Bacteria, parasites, and contaminants in food represent an ongoing threat to the health of the American consumer. Approximately 76 million individuals contract illnesses from foodborne pathogens every year. Signs that you might have a foodborne illness include:

vomiting
diarrhea
high fever
meningitis
paralysis

Some of these symptoms are minor and easily treated but if left unaddressed, they can become serious and even fatal. If you feel that you have contracted an illness due to someone’s error in food preparation, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact the informed Philadelphia personal injury lawyers of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at 610-667-7511, to learn more.

How can I avoid foodborne illness?

Adhering to proper food preparation and storage standards is key to avoiding illness, whether you are cooking at home or ordering from a restaurant. When you shop for foods, be sure to keep raw foods separate from fresh or cooked foods. Also, avoid consuming any raw food products such as eggs, unpasteurized milk, juice, or sprouts. Important safety measures in food preparation include:

Cleaning areas that come in contact with the food
Washing one’s hands
Rinsing fresh produce
Cooking foods to the appropriate temperature
Refrigerate perishable food items

More vulnerable members of the population have to take extra care than others when cooking for themselves or eating at a restaurant. These individuals include:

Pregnant women
Babies and toddlers
Immunodeficient people
Senior citizens

Serious illness can and does happen when eating at reputable eateries, at home, or at a private event. Sometimes food sickness happens not because you weren’t careful enough but because other people did not observe proper sanitary standards.

Contact Us

If you or someone you care about has come down with an illness from foodborne bacteria, you should contact a knowledgeable attorney to discuss your case. Call the Philadelphia personal injury attorneys of Lowenthal & Abrams, P.C., at 610-667-7511, today.