Ground Beef and E. Coli Contamination by Texas Food Contamination Lawyer Justin Hill
Americans eat a lot of ground beef. The food has become something of a staple in households and restaurants all over the country. But when the average American family buys ground beef from the supermarket, or consumes a hamburger or taco from their local fast food restaurant, they do so for nourishment. They don’t expect the food to make them sick. Sometimes, however, because of inappropriate handling somewhere in the supply chain, people do get sick as a result of contamination by E. coli O157:H7 bacteria.
Recalls of ground beef products because of possible contamination with E. coli O157:H7 are not uncommon these days. For example, in October 2012, the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) recalled 2310 pounds of ground beef from Utah and another 4100 pounds from Hawaii that had been distributed to restaurants. The recall was triggered by the discovery of E. coli O157:H7 contamination, after several people became ill. And in January 2013, FSIS announced that a Wisconsin distributor had recalled more than 2500 pounds of ground beef for possible E. coli O157:H7 contamination after three people became ill, and that illness was traced back to their potentially contaminated ground beef. By the time a product is recalled, however, often the damage has been done.
What is 0157:H7 E. Coli Bacteria?
Ground beef is often the source of the O157:H7 strain of E. coli bacteria, a well-known cause of serious food poisoning cases. E. coli O157:H7 can cause illness in people of all ages, although the effects tend to be worse for young children, the elderly and people with impaired immune systems. Infection with E. coli O157:H7 can often lead to serious complications, including dehydration, bloody diarrhea and possible kidney failure.
What Should You Do if You Experience Food Poisoning?
If you think you or someone you know may have been made sick by consuming ground beef products, especially those recalled for contamination with E. coli O157:H7, you need a lawyer who’s experienced with food poisoning cases. If a subsequent investigation confirms your suspicions, victims may be entitled to adequate compensation for any injuries and harm determined to have been caused by the ground beef contaminated with E. coli O157:H7.
The San Antonio Food Poisoning Lawyer at Hill Law Firm work hard to protect clients from harmful food products, such as ground beef contaminated with E. coli O157:H7. If you or someone you know may have consumed such products, you may have a legal claim. Contact the San Antonio, Texas Food Poisoning Attorney at Hill Law Firm to discuss your legal options.