Stay Safe this Summer: Avoid Ice Cream Food Poisoning

 Posted on May 15, 2016 in Food Poisoning

Summer brings many different sensations. The warm wind pushing your hair aside, the tickling grass between your bare feet, the warmth of a setting sun against your back, and the various smells and tastes of summertime favorites like s'mores, grilled hot dogs, and ice cream all comfort us through these three months.

These same comfort foods can also cause us to suffer harm if they are contaminated with dangerous bacteria. Ice cream, a particular summertime favorite for millions of Americans, is susceptible to developing Staphylococcus aureus, a dangerous bacteria that can cause the individual who consumes the contaminated ice cream to become ill. The illness caused by this bacteria is also known as a staph infection. Staph infections can have serious side effects for an affected individual and require medical attention to remedy. If you or your child suffers from a staph infection or any other type of food poisoning, seek a doctor's attention as soon as possible.

How Does Ice Cream Become Contaminated?

Like other dairy products, ice cream can harbor dangerous bacteria if it is not stored below a safe temperature. Usually, ice cream is safe because it is kept at such low temperatures – unlike other dairy products, like cheese, which do not lose their consistency and appeal due to minor temperature changes, ice cream does.

Ice cream can also be cross-contaminated, which means that bacteria from another food is transferred to the ice cream via a serving utensil or the hands of the individual handling it. This is why it is so important that all food handlers thoroughly wash their hands and their utensils regularly and that they avoid using a utensil for more than one food item between washes.

Symptoms and Complications of a Staph Infection

Individuals who suffer from staph infections can face the following symptoms:

• Tender, reddened skin;
• Excessive pus from this reddened skin; and
• Boils or abscesses.

The toxins from a staph infection are what can cause an individual to suffer from complications such as the following:

• Food poisoning symptoms;
• Cellulitis;
• Impetigo; and
• Toxic shock syndrome.

Treatment for a staph infection generally requires antibiotics, which can be delivered intravenously, orally, or through a topical ointment. The method of treatment used in an individual depends on how his or her illness manifests itself.

Work with a Chicago Food Poisoning Attorney

If you or your child suffer from Staphylococcus aureus or any other type of food poisoning because of another party's failure to safely prepare or store food this summer, know that you have the right to seek compensation for your damages through a personal injury claim. Contact our team of experienced Chicago food poisoning attorneys at Newland & Newland, LLP today to learn more about this process and your rights as a claimant during your free initial consultation with a member of our firm. We are located in 161 N. Clark Street, Suite 1700 in Chicago.