How Can I Protect Myself Against Recalled Foods?

 Posted on August 26, 2020 in Foodborne illness

Many food products are recalled in the U.S. each year because of the risk of food poisoning related to the products. Unfortunately, the recalls often do not occur until after at least several people become sick from eating the food. For instance, Wawona Packing Company recalled packages of peaches in August because of suspected salmonella contamination after 68 confirmed cases and 14 hospitalizations. The peaches are sold in Aldi stores in nine states, including Illinois. Despite efforts to warn the public, some people become sick from eating a contaminated product even after a recall. To protect yourself, you need to know where to find information on food recalls and what to do if you have a recalled product.

How Do I Learn About Food Recalls?

Food recall orders often originate from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which are the government organizations that investigate outbreaks of foodborne illness. Sometimes, the producer will issue a voluntary recall of the product after it learns of possible contamination. National and local media will often report prominent food recalls, and the FDA and CDC can also communicate directly with the public through social media. If you want to be proactive in learning about food recalls, you can sign up for food safety alerts from the FDA and CDC or check their websites, where they post details about recent recalls.

What Should I Do If I Have a Recalled Product?

The recall notice will give instructions on how to identify a recalled product and possible health risks related to the product. If you find a recalled food product at your home, you should:

• Check the recall notice to see whether you can return the product for a refund if it is unopened
• Dispose of the product immediately if the package has been opened
• Disinfect objects and surfaces that the product may have been in contact with
• Confirm whether anyone in your household consumed the product
• Monitor yourself and others living with you for food poisoning symptoms

If you experience symptoms of food poisoning, you should immediately seek medical attention for your own safety, as well as to confirm the cause of your illness.

Contact an Illinois Foodborne Illness Lawyer

If you become sick after eating a recalled food product, you have the right to seek compensation from the party that produced or distributed the food. An Illinois food poisoning attorney at Newland & Newland, LLP, helps victims of food poisoning recover monetary compensation for their illnesses. Schedule a free consultation by calling 312-981-0409.

Source:

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

https://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/enteritidis-08-20/index.html