How to Protect Against Food Poisoning Illnesses and Injuries

 Posted on April 15, 2019 in Food Poisoning

Health is one of the most important things in life, and most of us do whatever we can to stay in good physical condition. The foods we consume play a large role in our physical health, and sometimes, food poisoning can happen if certain foods are not prepared properly.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 48 million people in America become sick from various types of food poisoning every year, and 128,000 of these cases result in hospitalization. Foodborne illnesses can be fatal, and anyone who prepares food should take the following steps to avoid the risk of infection:

• Wash hands and clean cooking surfaces: Germs on an individual’s hands can spread to countertops and utensils, so it is important to wash one’s hands before cooking. Also, fruits and vegetables should be washed to remove any residual dirt or germs.
• Keep raw food separate: Several types of bacteria can be found in raw meat and vegetables, with E. Coli being the most common. When preparing food, raw meat should be fully cooked before it is incorporated with the rest of the meal.
• Cook to the correct temperature: All meats have an internal temperature they should be cooked to in order to kill the bacteria within. A meat thermometer should be used to ensure that the meat is cooked to the proper temperature.
• Keep perishable foods in a refrigerator: Meats and dairy products are examples of perishable foods that should be stored in a refrigerator before and after a meal is prepared. Keeping perishables in a room temperature environment nurtures bacteria growth and increases the risk of food poisoning.

How Can I Protect Myself When Dining Out?

Thanks to the internet, consumers are able to read reviews about a certain restaurant before dining there. Other patrons can post reviews for future diners to make sure the establishment is clean and the food is prepared properly. When at a restaurant, consumers can protect themselves by:

• Steering clear of visibly ill wait staff
• Make sure your meal is not undercooked
• At a buffet, make sure that food which is supposed to be consumed hot is actually hot
• Do not be afraid to ask your server to send the meal back to be cooked for a few more minutes

Restaurants do not want their patrons to get sick from their food. They should comply with any requests to prepare your meal appropriately to avoid food poisoning.

Should I File a Food Poisoning Lawsuit?

If you find yourself in the hospital after falling ill to food poisoning, you may be able to pursue a lawsuit against the restaurant responsible for the food that made you sick. You can seek to recover monetary compensation to pay for hospital and doctor bills, income lost during your recovery, and the pain and suffering you have experienced.

Contact a Chicago Food Poisoning Lawyer

If you have become ill as a result of food poisoning from a restaurant, the Arlington Heights personal injury attorneys at Newland & Newland, LLP can help you receive the compensation you deserve. Call our office at 312-981-0409 to schedule your free phone consultation.

Sources:

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

https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/communication/eatingout.html