Food Poisoning Sickens Millions, Kills Thousands in the U.S. Each Year

Food poisoning is a leading cause of injury in the United States, blamed for sickening about 76 million people and the deaths of about 5,000 people each year. Recent outbreaks of contaminated ground beef, peanuts and pistachios, lettuce, tomatoes, and other foods have caused thousands of people to become sick or die from food poisoning complications.

While the Food and Drug Administration and other agencies charged with insuring the safety of the nation’s food supply may institute recalls of foods that are found to be tainted by bacteria or other forms of contamination, in many cases, the recalls come too late and not until after many consumers have been sickened.

Young children, the frail and elderly, and those with weakened immune systems due to cancer treatments, HIV/AIDS or other conditions are most at risk of suffering severe health complications from food poisoning.

Unsanitary conditions on farms and in food processing plants where foods are grown, manufactured, or packaged often are to blame for bacterial contamination. Also, insufficient hand washing and improper handling of food in restaurants and other food-service locations can lead to food poisoning.

Food companies, restaurant owners, and other parties may be held legally responsible in both criminal and civil courts for failure to sufficiently protect consumers from food poisoning.

Food Poisoning Symptoms

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Abdominal cramps

• Diarrhea

• Dehydration

• Bloody stool

• Retching

• Weakness

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Headache

Common Types of Food Poisoning

• E-Coli

• Hepatitis A

• Salmonella

• Shigella

• Listeria

• Botulism

• Campylobacter

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