Article Written By: Katie Farrell, Staff Writer

Causes of Food Contamination

There are over 250 food borne illnesses in the United States, the most common include: E. coli, salmonella, hepatitis A, and listeria. Each of these serious sicknesses can be found and contracted through the consumption of contaminated food or beverages from restaurants or grocery stores. Food poisoning is almost always the result of improper growing, processing, distribution, or preparation of food while produce, meat and eggs are usually the most common items contaminated by such poor handling. Furthermore, cooked food that is left unrefrigerated for more than two hours invites bacteria growth and may cause serious illness.

A restaurant, factory, farm, or any other place where food is handled may be responsible for food contamination by neglecting standard health procedures. When sanitation and proper food preparation procedures are ignored, food poisoning is inevitable. The contaminated food may cause viruses and parasites, which in turn lead to serious health problems. If you feel you have suffered because of food contamination that could have been prevented with appropriate health measures, it is important to be informed and know your legal rights. Victims of food poisoning may be entitled to compensation.

Symptoms of Food Poisoning

Most cases of food poisoning are marked by symptoms similar to those of the intestinal flu. Food poisoning can range from mild to serious depending on many factors, including the level of contamination and the health of the victim. Beginning symptoms of food poisoning should be treated with the utmost severity since leaving them untreated could lead to long lasting health risked. Early symptoms may include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Dehydration
• Shock

How to Prove a Food Contamination Claim

An individual injured by food poisoning has to prove three things in order to make a successful claim:

•  Fault - that the food seller or processor did something wrong with regard to food processing, preparation, storage or handling.
• Causation - the fault of the seller or processor caused the food to become contaminated and that the contaminated food actually caused the illness.
• Damages - the harms and losses suffered by the victim as a result of consuming the contaminated food.

Contact an Attorney

The long-term effects that result from untreated food poisoning could be devastating, and as as a result, those responsible for making you ill should be held responsible. If you or a loved one believe you have be susceptible to negligently treated food and someone is at fault, contact an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your legal rights.