Foodborne Illnesses

Food and drink companies have a duty to keep their products free from bacteria and contaminates. When food and drink products cause illness to people because of bacteria such as e-coli or salmonella, the company may be liable. As the nation’s consciousness about foodborne illnesses continues to increase, the safety of our food supply and its production creates duties to manufacturers to use safe practices, testing and procedures.

Related Case Histories

• $1,300,000 settlement for the estate of a 3-year-old boy who died after he developed E. Coli poisoning from drinking unpasteurized Odwalla apple juice. Co-counsel: Ralph Brindley.
• Confidential settlement for a 3 1/2-year-old girl and her family, after the girl developed E. Coli poisoning from drinking unpasteurized Odwalla apple juice. The girl suffered permanent kidney damage from the poisoning.
• $650,000 settlement for a 5-year-old girl and her family, after the girl developed E. Coli poisoning from drinking unpasteurized Odwalla apple juice. The girl sustained permanent kidney damage from the poisoning.

Resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
  “The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is one of the 13 major operating components of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which is principal agency in the United States government for protecting the health and safety of all Americans and for providing essential human services, especially for those people who are least able to help themselves. CDC has remained at the forefront of public health efforts to prevent and control infectious and chronic diseases, injuries, workplace hazards, disabilities, and environmental health threats.”
  www.cdc.gov
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
  “The FDA is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation’s food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation. The FDA is also responsible for advancing the public health by helping to speed innovations that make medicines and foods more effective, safer, and more affordable; and helping the public get the accurate, science-based information they need to use medicines and foods to improve their health.”
  www.fda.gov