Do Not Eat These Foods, Warns Food Poisoning Expert

 Posted on February 17, 2016 in Food poisoning attorney

We all know that certain types of foods are more likely to carry dangerous bacteria than others. This is why we take certain food preparation and storage rules so seriously, such as cooking chicken until it is well done and washing leafy vegetables like spinach and kale thoroughly before using them. A recent piece published on you.co.az contained an interview with food safety advocate Bill Marler, who listed the foods he refuses to eat because of the risk of food poisoning they pose. His list of foods to avoid included the following:

Raw Meat

A rare, juicy steak can be delicious, but it can also be dangerous. Marler said that he does not eat steak that has not been cooked to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit because below this temperature, steak can contain dangerous bacteria like E.coli.

Raw Shellfish

Oysters and clams are basically natural water filters. They take in the water around them, extract nutrients for themselves, then push it back out. This means that whatever toxins are in the water around a shellfish get into the shellfish itself.

Raw Sprouts

There has been a significant number of food poisoning outbreaks linked to raw sprouts over the past 20 years. Numerous types of sprouts have been linked to food poisoning, including mung bean sprouts, alfalfa, clover, and radish.

Raw Milk or Unpasteurized Dairy Products

Unpasteurized milk, also known as raw milk, has become popular with certain segments of the consumer population. But Marler said in the article that he does not touch raw milk or similarly unpasteurized dairy products because it can contain dangerous bacteria and parasites. Pasteurization is a process that kills harmful bacteria through heating, making dairy products safe to consume.

Raw Eggs

Eggs, like other food products listed above, can contain viruses, parasites, and bacteria that can make a consumer become ill. Cook eggs thoroughly to avoid the risk of becoming infected with food poisoning.

Pre-cut and Pre-washed Lettuce

Lettuce and salads that come in bags can make dinner preparation so much easier than having to wash and slice a head of lettuce yourself, but Marler warns that these packaged vegetables can easily become tainted because of all the handling they go through from farm to packaging plant. The best way to avoid vegetable-based food poisoning is to buy uncut, unwashed vegetables and slice and wash them yourself. Eat them within a few days to ensure that you consume the freshest product possible.

Work with an Illinois Food Poisoning Attorney

If you or your child have fallen ill after eating one of the foods listed above or any other type of food that you think could have been contaminated with a dangerous type of bacteria like Listeria or Salmonella, you could have grounds for a food poisoning claim. Contact our team of experienced personal injury attorneys at Newland & Newland, LLP today to discuss your options with us during your free legal consultation. We can help you determine if you have a case and if so, represent your interests to help you get the money you deserve.