March 20, 2025
Posted by: OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers
Campylobacter is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the U.S., often linked to improperly handled food at restaurants and grocery stores. When Campylobacter contamination occurs, it can lead to severe illness, and the impact can be long-lasting.
If you or a loved one have been affected by food poisoning caused by Campylobacter, understanding your rights and the legal options available is crucial. Here’s what you need to know.
Campylobacter is a bacteria found in raw poultry, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated water. It is known to cause gastrointestinal illness and can range from mild discomfort to severe health complications. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 1.5 million cases of Campylobacter infections occur in the U.S. every year.
Many of these cases stem from food consumed at restaurants or purchased from grocery stores. You can protect yourself and reduce the risks with the proper knowledge and precautions.
Campylobacter is most commonly found in raw or undercooked poultry, but it can also be present in other foods such as dairy products and water. Infection typically results in gastroenteritis, leading to symptoms like diarrhea (often bloody), stomach cramps, fever, and vomiting.
Campylobacter is a bacterium that thrives in the intestines of animals, particularly poultry. When poultry is not properly cooked or when cross-contamination occurs, the bacteria can easily transfer to the food, causing illness. Campylobacter infections are often serious, and in some cases, they can lead to longer-term complications, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that can cause temporary paralysis.
The symptoms of a Campylobacter infection generally begin within two to five days after exposure. Common signs include:
While most cases resolve within a week, complications can occur, especially for vulnerable populations like young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
The most common way Campylobacter contaminates food is through improper handling, cooking, or storage. Contamination can occur at various points in the food preparation process, whether at a grocery store or a restaurant.
When restaurants fail to properly cook poultry or take appropriate food safety measures, Campylobacter bacteria can survive and make customers sick. Cross-contamination from raw meat to ready-to-eat foods can also lead to infection. Customers are at risk if a restaurant does not properly train staff on food safety practices.
At grocery stores, Campylobacter can contaminate raw poultry, which can then infect other foods if not properly packaged or handled. If raw poultry is left out at unsafe temperatures or stored improperly, the risk of contamination increases. If you purchase poultry and bring it home, ensure it is stored at the correct temperature until it is cooked thoroughly.
Preventing Campylobacter contamination is essential for reducing the risk of food poisoning. Both consumers and food establishments have a responsibility to follow food safety practices.
Ensure that food is properly stored and handled at restaurants and grocery stores to prevent contamination. When shopping for food, always keep raw poultry separate from other foods and refrigerate it immediately after purchasing. At home, store raw poultry at the bottom of the fridge, and always wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw meat.
Proper cooking is the best way to kill harmful bacteria like Campylobacter. To ensure safety, poultry should always be cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature to avoid undercooking, which can leave harmful bacteria behind.
Preventing cross-contamination is crucial at home or in restaurants. Use separate cutting boards for raw poultry and other foods. Wash your hands frequently, especially after handling raw meat.
If you or someone you know shows signs of Campylobacter food poisoning, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. The symptoms, including severe diarrhea and stomach cramps, are often the first indicators of an infection.
If you believe you have contracted a Campylobacter infection from food at a restaurant or grocery store, you may have legal recourse. In foodborne illness cases, a lawyer can investigate the source of the contamination, determine who is responsible, and help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering.
OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers have extensive experience in holding negligent businesses accountable for foodborne illness cases. We can help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve for your illness.
If you or a loved one has suffered from Campylobacter contamination, don’t wait to take action. Our experienced team at OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers is here to help you get the justice you deserve.
Call 888.828.7087 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. Let us help you hold negligent parties accountable and protect your right
