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Posted by: OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers

When suffering from food poisoning, it’s crucial to understand what caused the illness to ensure proper treatment and pursue a legal claim if necessary. Two common culprits of foodborne illness are E. coli and Salmonella.

While these bacteria can cause severe illness, they are not the same. Knowing the difference between E. coli and Salmonella can help you understand how your case may be handled and why working with an experienced food poisoning lawyer is essential.

What is E. Coli and How Does it Cause Food Poisoning?

Understanding E. Coli

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of humans and animals.

While most strains of E. coli are harmless, certain strains, particularly Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), can cause severe food poisoning.

E. coli can be found in a variety of environments, including contaminated water, animal feces, and improperly handled food products.

This bacterium is particularly concerning when found in food sources like undercooked beef or raw vegetables, as it can lead to serious illness if ingested.

How E. Coli Spreads in Food

E. coli contamination is often associated with beef, especially when the meat is undercooked.

Also, contaminated water sources can spread E. coli to crops, leading to outbreaks linked to lettuce, spinach, and other produce.

E. coli can also be found in animal products, such as eggs and dairy, if they are not handled properly.

For example, can you get E. coli from eggs? While less common than Salmonella, E. coli contamination in eggs can occur if they come into contact with the bacteria during handling or processing.

Symptoms of E. Coli Poisoning

Symptoms of E. coli food poisoning typically begin between two and five days after exposure.

Common symptoms include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. In some cases, E. coli infections can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a potentially life-threatening complication that causes kidney failure.

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately.

Symptoms like these can be caused by many foodborne pathogens, but understanding what E. coli feels like can help determine if this bacterium is the likely culprit.

What is Salmonella and How Does it Cause Food Poisoning?

Understanding Salmonella

Salmonella is another common bacteria responsible for foodborne illness.

It is most often found in animal intestines, particularly in poultry and livestock, and can contaminate food products when proper food handling practices aren’t followed.

Unlike E. coli, Salmonella is more frequently found in eggs and poultry, but it can also be present in contaminated produce.

How Salmonella Spreads in Food

Salmonella outbreaks are often associated with undercooked eggs, poultry, and contaminated vegetables like lettuce.

For instance, contaminated eggs are a leading source of Salmonella infections, which can occur even before the egg is cracked open.

Produce like lettuce has also been linked to outbreaks. Salmonella lettuce symptoms are similar to other foodborne illnesses, making it essential to track the source of contamination during a legal investigation.

Symptoms of Salmonella Poisoning

Salmonella poisoning symptoms can appear within six hours to six days after consuming contaminated food. Typical symptoms include diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, and sometimes vomiting.

The severity of the illness varies depending on the person, but those with compromised immune systems, such as young children and the elderly, are particularly vulnerable.

If you’re wondering how quickly does Salmonella hit after exposure, it can vary, but in general, symptoms begin to develop within a day or two.

Key Differences Between E. Coli and Salmonella

Comparing Sources of Contamination

One of the primary differences between E. coli and Salmonella lies in their sources. E. coli is commonly linked to undercooked beef and contaminated water.

Salmonella, on the other hand, is more often found in eggs, poultry, and some types of produce.

Understanding the difference between E. coli and Salmonella can help you identify which pathogen may have caused your food poisoning and shape your legal claim.

For example, if you became ill after eating raw vegetables or eggs, it’s more likely you’ve contracted Salmonella. An illness following the consumption of undercooked beef may suggest an E. coli infection.

E. Coli vs. Salmonella Symptoms

While both E. coli and Salmonella cause gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea and stomach cramps, there are some differences in their severity and long-term effects.

E. coli infections are often more dangerous due to the risk of developing HUS, which can lead to kidney failure. On the other hand, Salmonella typically causes less severe but still uncomfortable symptoms.

Comparing E. coli vs. Salmonella symptoms can help determine which bacteria may be responsible for your illness.

How OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers Can Help with Your Food Poisoning Case

Building a Strong Food Poisoning Case

Proving a food poisoning case can be complex. To succeed, you must trace the source of contamination, identify the responsible party, and gather solid evidence of your illness.

Both E. coli and Salmonella cases require investigating food handling processes, testing contaminated food products, and sometimes even collaborating with public health agencies to confirm the outbreak.

At OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers, we understand the intricacies of food poisoning cases and the challenges of proving liability.

Whether you’ve suffered from E. coli or Salmonella poisoning, we can help you build a strong case for compensation.

Why Work with OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers?

Food poisoning cases involving E. coli or Salmonella can lead to severe health consequences and significant medical expenses.

If you’ve been the victim of a foodborne illness, it’s critical to seek legal assistance to hold the responsible parties accountable.

OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers have the experience, knowledge, and resources to pursue your case and help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

We take on food poisoning cases across the country, ensuring that no matter where you are, you have access to top-tier legal representation.

Our goal is to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve.

Take Action if You’ve Suffered from E. Coli or Salmonella Poisoning

E. coli and Salmonella may share some similarities, but the differences between these bacteria can significantly impact your food poisoning case.

If you’ve suffered from a foodborne illness and suspect E. coli or Salmonella contamination, don’t navigate the legal process alone.

Contact OFT Food Safety & Injury Lawyers today for a consultation and let us help you pursue justice.

Notable Recoveries

$10 million

Seven infants were sickened after consuming a contaminated food product marketed to infants

$6.5 million

Verdict on behalf of a little boy who contracted a severe Salmonella infection from chicken

$7.55 million

Verdict on behalf of a little girl who contracted E. coli at a petting zoo

$2.25 million

E. coli infections contracted from a major fast food chain

$45 million

An over-the-counter medication caused severe kidney damage to multiple users

$3.4 million

A pregnant woman contracted a Listeria infection from contaminated fruit and passed the infection to her child

$3 million

Multistate Cyclospora outbreaks

$275,000

A couple contracted Salmonella from a restaurant

$525,000

A pedestrian was struck by a left-turning car, fracturing her tibia

$700,000

A semi-truck rear-ended a motorcyclist causing a collapsed lung, rib fractures and road rash