Food Recalls and Staying Safe from Foodborne Illness

 Posted on August 04, 2022 in Foodborne illness

Each year, dozens of food products in the United States are recalled due to the food poisoning risk they present. Sadly, many recalls do not happen until a few people—or more—have already gotten sick after consuming the food product. Thankfully, many others are initiated before reports of foodborne illness start rolling in.

Despite these efforts to keep the public safe, it is not uncommon for people to continue getting sick even after a recall has been issued. To prevent this and to keep yourself protected, it is important to know where you get food recall information and what you should do if you find a recalled product in your refrigerator or pantry.

Keeping Abreast of Food Recalls

Orders for food recalls generally come from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These government entities are responsible for food safety, as well as investigations into food poisoning outbreaks. It is also possible for a food producer to issue a preemptive and voluntary recall upon learning about possible contamination.

In today’s connected world, it is not difficult to keep up with food recall news. National media outlets, as well as local outlets in the affected geographic areas, will typically report significant recalls. In addition, the FDA, USDA, and CDC have active social media accounts through which they can educate the public as well. You can even sign up for notifications about food safety concerns through the government agencies on their respective websites, which are also valuable sources of information.

What If I Bought a Recalled Product?

A recall notice almost always provides instructions on identifying recalled products, along with the potential risks of consuming the product. If you discover that you have a recalled product at home, it is important to:

• Review the recall notice regarding refunds or returning an unopened recalled product.

• If the product was opened, dispose of the recalled product.

• Clean and disinfect any surfaces or utensils that may have contacted the recalled product.

• Determine if anyone in your home consumed the recalled product.

• Monitor yourself and your family for symptoms of foodborne illness.

If you or a family member starts to show symptoms related to food poisoning, seek medical attention right away. A medical professional can help confirm what caused your illness.

Contact a Chicago Food Poisoning Lawyer

For more information about taking legal action after suffering from food poisoning related to a recalled food product, contact an experienced Illinois foodborne illness attorney at Newland & Newland, LLP. Call 312-981-0409 for a free, no-obligation consultation today.

Sources:

https://www.foodsafety.gov/recalls-and-outbreaks

https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/index.html

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/recalls