Protect Yourself From Salmonella This Spring

 Posted on March 19, 2016 in Food Poisoning

Spring is right around the corner and for many families in the United States, this means it is time to celebrate Easter. An Easter celebration would not be complete without dyed Easter eggs. Easter eggs are nearly always hard boiled, but do not think that this means they cannot carry harmful bacteria. When eggs are not cooked to a safe temperature or they are stored improperly, Salmonella can develop within them and put those who consume the eggs at risk of becoming ill.

Salmonella is a type of food poisoning that can become serious in individuals with weak immune systems, such as young children, pregnant women, and the elderly. For others, Salmonella usually resolves itself within a few days. When Salmonella symptoms appear in an at-risk individual or fail to subside in an individual with a strong immune system, it is important for that individual to receive medical attention as soon as possible. Untreated salmonella can lead to complications like dehydration, bacteremia, and reactive arthritis.

How Can I Protect My Children From Egg-borne Illness?

Hardboiled eggs are not the only type of eggs that can pose a food poisoning hazard in the springtime. Other popular foods, such as deviled eggs, potato salad, and eggs prepared various ways at Easter and Mother's Day brunches can all potentially cause consumers to become ill. Any type of food that is not cooked thoroughly, such as undercooked meat and poultry, can also pose a food poisoning risk.

One way you can reduce your chance of becoming ill from eggs this spring is to only consume fully-cooked eggs. For example, choosing eggs cooked over well or scrambled until they are dry, rather than opting for over easy or “wet” scrambled eggs can lower your chance of consuming dangerous bacteria. With hardboiled Easter eggs, be sure to refrigerate or reheat the eggs if they remain at room temperature for two hours. Often, these eggs are out for hours as young children and their parents dye and decorate them. If you host an Easter egg hunt, hide plastic eggs for the children to find instead of actual hardboiled eggs. Hardboiled eggs that are allowed to sit at room temperature can harbor dangerous bacteria. Similarly, eggs that are not kept in a sterile kitchen environment before eating can be exposed to other pathogens that can make a consumer ill.

Work With a Chicago Food Poisoning Lawyer

If you or your child suffer from food poisoning as a result of consuming Easter eggs or other springtime treats, you could be entitled to recover monetary compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim. To learn more about this right and how to recover compensation, speak with a member of our team of food poisoning attorneys at Newland & Newland, LLP. Our firm is located in the prestigious 180 North LaSalle Street building in Suite 3700. Call our firm today to schedule your free legal consultation with us.