The Most Common Types of Food Poisoning

 Posted on January 27, 2025 in Food Poisoning

Food poisoning can be caused by a lot of different types of bacteria and viruses. Some cases of food poisoning can also be caused by mold and spores. Most foods are not sterile - they are likely to have some bacteria or other pathogens present. These pathogens should be killed by cooking or prevented from propagating to the point where they will cause illness through safe food handling. When you become ill with food poisoning, your doctors will want to know what type of foodborne pathogen is causing your illness so that they know how to treat you. Your Illinois food poisoning attorney will also need to know which pathogen is making you sick. Knowing which virus, bacteria, or fungi is making you sick can help your attorney prove where your food poisoning likely came from.

Salmonella Spreads Through Contaminated Food Sources 

Salmonella is found in the digestive tracts of livestock and is spread when food becomes contaminated with animal feces, normally in an agricultural processing center. Vegetables, eggs, and meats are common sources of salmonella. Proper washing of produce and cooking meats to a safe temperature normally prevents the spread of salmonella.

E. Coli is Frequently Responsible For Outbreaks 

E. coli is another bacteria associated with fecal contamination. E. coli poisoning is often caused when a food handler fails to properly wash his or her hands after using the restroom or when food becomes contaminated during processing. Raw vegetables and foods containing raw eggs, such as raw cookie dough and Caesar salad dressing, are common causes of E. coli infection. E. coli is responsible for many outbreaks because the foods that commonly carry it are usually contaminated before being shipped to restaurants and grocery stores and served without cooking.

Norovirus is The Number One Cause of Food Poisoning in the U.S. 

Norovirus is responsible for around 60 percent of food poisoning cases in the U.S. It is spread when a carrier handles food or touches a food preparation surface without observing proper hand hygiene. These outbreaks are typically traced back to a restaurant.

Mold-Related Foodborne Illness Can Be Difficult to Diagnose

Mold can be very difficult to spot on some foods, especially if someone has attempted to remove the moldy portion of a food item and served the rest. In bread, if mold is visible on the outside, the entire loaf is likely contaminated, even if you cannot see any mold on the rest. This is more likely to happen at gatherings where home-prepared foods are served than in restaurants.

Contact an Illinois Food Poisoning Attorney 

Newland & Newland, LLP is dedicated to helping people who have experienced food poisoning due to improper food handling by a restaurant or contaminated food supplies recover compensation. Our experienced Illinois food poisoning lawyers will work to hold the party responsible for your illness accountable. Contact us at 312-981-0409 for a complimentary consultation.