According to Federal health officials at the U.S. Food & Drug Administration as well as the Food Safety and Inspection Service, an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture, there are approximately 48 million people sickened with food poisoning each year in the United States alone!
Most consumers know to be careful with raw meats such as chicken, beef and pork products, however many do not practice proper safety measures when it comes to the fruits and vegetables they eat.
At Johnson//Becker we know all too well how devastating it can be to a family stricken with a severe case of food poisoning. In recent years, the United States has had several large outbreaks of illness caused by contaminated fruits and vegetables—including spinach, cantaloupe, tomatoes, and lettuce. The most common forms of food poisoning outbreaks include salmonella, e. coli, and listeria.
What The Experts Say …
Fresh produce can be contaminated in many ways.
During the growing phase at the farm, fruits or vegetables can be contaminated by sick animals, bad soil or water, and poor hygiene practices among workers. After the food is harvested it can also be contaminated in transit or while being processed at your local restaurant or grocery store.
10 Tips to Keep Your Family Safe
1. Buy fruits or vegetables that have not been bruised or damaged in any way.
2. Try to avoid buying precut fruits or vegetables, as these have a higher chance of becoming contaminated during the processing phase.
3. Wash your hands thoroughly before handling fruits or vegetables.
4. If the produce is bruised or damaged, attempBe sure to rinse t to remove that part by cutting it away.
5. Be sure to rinse fruits or vegetables before you peel them so that if the product is contaminated, you won’t accidentally push the contamination from the peel into the inside of the produce.
6. Gently rub the produce while rinsing it under clean running water.
7. If you have one, use a vegetable brush to scrub “firm produce” such as melons, cucumbers, apples, etc.
8. Dry the produce with a clean paper towel or reusable cloth to further wipe away and reduce any potential bacteria from remaining.
9. Remove and discard the outermost leaves of vegetables such as lettuce and cabbage.
10. If in doubt, throw it out!
Questions About a Food Poisoning Lawsuit? Contact a Johnson//Becker Lawyer for a Free Case Review.
If you or a loved one has become sickened with food poisoning, you may want to speak with the lawyers at Johnson//Becker. We are currently accepting new food poisoning lawsuits across the country, and you may be entitled to financial compensation.
We offer a Free Case Evaluation. Please contact us using the form below or by calling us at (800) 279-6386.
We would be honored to speak with you and respond promptly to every inquiry we receive.
Free Case Evaluation
To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: (800) 279-6386.