July 19, 2024
Posted by: OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers
Food safety is crucial in every household. Each year, millions of people get sick from food poisoning, which can range from a mild inconvenience to a severe health issue. Knowing how to handle food properly can help prevent food poisoning and keep your family safe.
Food poisoning is more than just an upset stomach; it can have serious health consequences.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 48 million people in the United States get sick from foodborne illnesses each year.
Of these, 128,000 are hospitalized, and around 3,000 die. Understanding the risks and taking preventive measures is essential to protect your health.
There are many types of foodborne illnesses which can result in food poisoning cases.
They include:
To minimize the risk of food poisoning at home, follow these four essential practices: Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill.
Keeping everything clean is the first step in preventing foodborne illnesses. It’s important to wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces often.
Always wash your hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
Use hot, soapy water to clean cutting boards, dishes, and countertops.
Fruits and vegetables should be washed thoroughly under running water to remove any dirt or potential contaminants.
Cross-contamination can occur when raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs come into contact with ready-to-eat foods.
To avoid spreading germs, keep these items separate. In your shopping cart and refrigerator, use separate bags for raw meat and keep them away from other items.
During food preparation, use different cutting boards and utensils for raw meats and other foods.
Additionally, store raw meats in sealed containers on the bottom shelf of the fridge to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods.
Cooking food to the right temperature kills harmful bacteria.
To ensure your food reaches a safe temperature, use a food thermometer.
Here’s a quick temperature guide:
Remember, you can’t always judge doneness by color alone. A food thermometer is the best way to know if your food is safe to eat.
Refrigeration slows the growth of harmful bacteria, so it’s crucial to refrigerate or freeze food promptly.
Follow the two-hour rule: refrigerate or freeze perishable foods within two hours of cooking or purchasing them.
If the temperature is above 90°F, refrigerate within one hour.
Never thaw food on the counter; instead, thaw it in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave.
Some foods are more likely to cause food poisoning than others. Knowing what to watch out for can help you make safer choices.
High-risk foods include raw or undercooked seafood, eggs, and meats, which can contain harmful bacteria or parasites.
Unpasteurized dairy products and juices can harbor dangerous pathogens that pasteurization would normally kill.
Pre-cut fruits and vegetables are also more likely to be contaminated because they have been handled more.
When shopping, always check the expiration dates on perishable items. Ensure packaging is intact and not damaged, as leaking or bulging packages can indicate contamination.
Use separate bags for raw meat to avoid cross-contamination with other items in your cart.
Handling and storing food correctly at home is essential to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Store perishable foods in the refrigerator or freezer and label and date leftovers to keep track of their age.
When reheating leftovers, make sure they reach at least 165°F to ensure safety.
If you’re unsure how long something has been in the fridge, it’s better to be safe than sorry and throw it out.
Knowing the signs of food poisoning can help you take the right steps if you or someone in your family gets sick.
Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
If you experience severe symptoms such as high fever, blood in your stool or vomit, dehydration, or symptoms lasting more than three days, seek medical attention immediately.
If you suspect that your food poisoning was caused by negligence, contacting a food poisoning lawyer is an essential step. There’s a chance you could be entitled to compensation for the damages their negligence caused.
A personal injury lawyer experienced in food poisoning cases can help you understand your rights and gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case.
They can assist in obtaining compensation for your losses, including your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Knowing who can be held accountable and how to prove their liability is critical in food poisoning damages claims. Finding the right attorney who understands your needs and your situation is crucial to getting the justice you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been affected by food poisoning, reach out to OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers to speak to our team.
Our experienced team is here to help you navigate the complexities of food poisoning claims and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today to learn more about your rights and how we can assist you. Call 888-828-7087 or fill out our online form to get started today.
