The Food Poisoning Lawyers bring you Food Poisoning Frequently Asked Questions
The Food Poisoning Lawyers at the Law Firm, we believe we have a duty not only to diligently represent our clients, but also to share the information we have gained regarding food poisoning in the United States. Below are some answers our food poisoning lawyers have uncovered to our clients’ most frequently asked questions about food poisoning. This page is updated regularly by our food poisoning lawyers, so check back if your question is not answered. Feel free to let us know how we are doing and what questions you have that remain unanswered…below are the most common food poisoning frequently asked questions our food poisoning lawyers typically see.
FAQ 1: Do I have a Food Poisoning case?
This is, by far, the most frequently asked question. While every case is different, there are some factors that are essential to make a claim to recover your expenses related to food poisoning.
First, did you go to the doctor? If not, unfortunately, you probably cannot prove your case.
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FAQ 2: What Constitutes a Food Poisoning Outbreak?
A singular instance of foodborne illness, unconnected to any others, is deemed “sporadic.” Sporadic cases make up the large majority of foodborne illnesses. However, such sporadic cases may often signify single occurrences of an undiscovered widespread outbreak.
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FAQ 3: How Food Poisoning Outbreaks are Identified
When a food poisoning outbreak occurs, the agencies responsible for regulating the food industry conduct an investigation into the specific illness and food product that caused the outbreak. Investigations are conducted by interdisciplinary teams consisting of epidemiologists, microbiologists, sanitarians, veterinarians, food scientists and various individuals from the food industry.
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FAQ 4: History of Food Poisoning Outbreaks in America
Illness-causing pathogens and microbes have been affecting humans since the beginning of our history. Outbreaks of food poisoning can be traced as far back as the Stone Age. The only difference between now and then is that, now, the causes of illness are identifiable and knowledge of how to protect against and prevent illness has been acquired.
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FAQ 5: How to Avoid Cross Contamination at Home?
The Merman Law Firm has compiled some tips for avoiding food poisoning at home. The key is to avoid cross-contamination by following these simple steps:
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FAQ 6: What are the Challenges in Responding to and Preventing Outbreaks?
There are a number of problems that must be overcome in responding to outbreaks of foodborne illness. Public health officials continue to work on perfecting the surveillance systems that link illnesses and determine their causes.
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FAQ 7: Are there Chronic Health Problems Associated with Food Poisoning?
The list of chronic, long-term health problems caused by food poisoning illustrate how dangerous food poisoning can be. These health problems arise and persist far beyond the time that initial symptoms of infection have subsided.
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FAQ 8: What is Contamination/Cross-Contamination? Where and When Can Contamination Occur?
Contamination occurs when a food is exposed to toxins or pathogens that are harmful to humans when ingested. There are a number of ways that a food can become contaminated. Food products go through multiple steps and exchanges in the food chain before they are consumed – production, processing, distribution, preparation and presentation – and contamination can occur at any or all of these steps in the process as a result of mishandling.
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FAQ 9: What is the Extent of the Food Poisoning Problem in the United States?
Food poisoning in the United States is a huge problem. The estimated annual number of food poisoning cases occurring in the United States is 48 million, or 1 in 6 people. Of that number, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that 9.4 million are attributable to the 31 pathogens that are known to cause such illness.
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FAQ 10: Who are the Major Players in Food Poisoning Outbreak Response?
Because food poisoning is so widespread and dangerous, all levels of government participate in a food poisoning response. The level of agency involvement and response to a food poisoning outbreak depends on its severity and how widespread it is.
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FAQ 11: What is the CDC? What is its Function?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) constitutes a major part of the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. government’s main agency that addresses issues concerning the health of U.S. citizens.
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FAQ 12: What is the FDA? What is its Function?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA has a much more direct affect on food poisoning outbreaks than the CDC – the FDA’s role in food poisoning is not limited to merely collecting information.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is a federal agency, organized under the United States Department of Health and Human Services, the U.S. government’s main agency that addresses issues concerning the health of U.S. citizens.
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FAQ 13: What is the Role of Healthcare Providers in Detecting Outbreaks?
The Food Poisoning Lawyers are dedicated to protecting and defending consumers from food poisoning. Our food poisoning lawyers believe that consumers should be able to trust the food they buy at restaurants and stores. The food poisoning lawyers at the Merman Law Firm believe that there is no excuse for poisoning an innocent consumer and our food poisoning lawyers work diligently to protect, defend and inform consumers about the dangers of food poisoning.