Recent Salmonella Outbreak Caused by Pre-Cut Fruit
Posted Friday, December 1, 2017 by Chris Thayer
The Washington State Department of Health has linked pre-cut fruit like watermelon and cantaloupe to a recent salmonella outbreak, which has sickened at least 16 people in Washington and Oregon. (Five of the cases were in King County.) The affected fruit was sold at several grocery chains in both states, including Fred Meyer and Central Market, between October 25 and December 1.
The Department of Health is working with other government officials to determine where the fruit originated and where it was cut and packaged. This information is important for anyone interested in filing a personal injury lawsuit.
Foodborne illnesses like salmonella affect one in six Americans every year, according to the Department of Health. Symptoms include nausea, stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, vomiting, and fever and usually appear within 12 to 72 hours after eating the contaminated food. While most people recover without medical treatment, babies, the elderly, pregnant women, and people who suffer from chronic illness can become seriously ill.
Other common causes of food poisoning include:
- Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that causes inflammation of the stomach, intestines or both, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Common symptoms are vomiting, stomach pain, nausea, and diarrhea. Any symptoms usually appear 12 to 48 hours after exposure to norovirus. It often spreads quickly in places like schools and nursing homes.
- E. coli is a bacteria that lives in the intestines of humans and animals. This bacteria is normally an important part of a healthy intestinal tract, but some can cause illness, according to the CDC. Symptoms vary based on the person but may include bloody diarrhea, severe stomach cramps and vomiting. You could develop symptoms anywhere from one to 10 days after exposure to the pathogenic bacteria.
- Vibriosis, which is caused by the vibrio bacteria and can be found in raw or undercooked shellfish like oysters, according to the CDC. While most people sickened by vibriosis recover after a few days and suffer no lasting effects, more serious infections may require intensive care. Symptoms include watery diarrhea, abdominal cramping, vomiting, fever, and chills.
Can I Bring a Food Poisoning Personal Injury Lawsuit?
If you become sick from eating contaminated food, you might have a cause of action against the restaurant, food preparer, and other potentially responsible parties.
A food or beverage contamination case is essentially a products liability claim. Washington food manufacturers are held to a standard of strict liability, which means that proof of negligence is not required for an injured party to recover damages. If the food or beverage product is unsafe and makes the consumer sick, then the manufacturer will be held strictly liable. Note that restaurants may be considered “manufacturers” under the state’s products liability law.
Contact Us Today
Contact one of our personal injury attorneys today for a free consultation if you have become sick from eating contaminated food prepared by a restaurant, caterer, or other professional. Our experienced attorneys can help you receive the compensation that you deserve, including medical expenses.