As Chipotle restaurant stores reopen, experts remind us that one in seven Americans get sick from food every year. (Corbis)
In the wake of the announcement that the Chipotle restaurants that were temporarily closed down to an alarming E. coli outbreak in the Pacific Northwest, the above quote comes in from experts to let the public know that the chances of foodborne illnesses are actually much more frequent that the public is aware of. Around forty-eight million people are sickened with foodborne illnesses each year in the United States alone! About one hundred and five thousand of these people end up in the hospital and around two thousand cases are fatal! If you break it down, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) are telling us that about one in seven people get sick from food every single year, with some cases from eating at home, but many cases from restaurant food outbreaks as well.
Experts say there are things that can make the public proactive on an individual basis in perhaps improving the odds they will not be sick with a foodborne illness. They state that washing one’s hands prior to making or enjoying food is extremely important, as is staying away from undercooked meat, raw shellfish, or cross-contaminated raw meat. One can also be sure to wash produce very thoroughly and try to stay away from unpasteurized daily or juice products. An individual has no way of staying away from all bacteria in food, and it can be a bit scary to realize one cannot be in control of what is happening in a restaurant kitchen. Wash those hands and be sure to report any suspected foodborne illnesses and suspected sources for the benefits of everyone.
If you or someone you know has contracted a foodborne illness due to a suspected food product or restaurant meal, be sure to consult your medical provider immediately. Also, do not hesitate to contact the caring professionals at Inserra & Kelley Law Offices to see if you may be entitled to compensation.
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