Defective Food Products: What You Need To Know
When people think of defective products, automobile parts, and medical devices are often the first things that come to mind. But defective food products
pose a risk to consumers as well. Because a piece of food is technically a product sold to a consumer, the manufacturer is responsible for ensuring its quality. Call our
personal injury attorneys if you suspect you were seriously sickened due to food poisoning.
Some common problems with food products include:
- Foreign materials in food - Naturally, consumers have a right to expect their products to be free from foreign and harmful materials.
- Foodborne illness and food poisoning caused by bacteria such as E. coli and salmonella. If a restaurant or food manufacturer fails to meet safety standards, their food may be compromised. This can happen when employees fail to wash their hands, when bugs and rodents are present in the kitchen, or if refrigerated food stays out for too long.
Symptoms of food poisoning may not manifest themselves for days after a person consumes the defective food. So it can be hard to pinpoint precisely which food item was compromised. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and often depend on the type of food and harmful germ you consumed.
Symptoms of food poisoning from defective food products to watch for are:
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal cramping
- Exhaustion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Chills
- Sweating
These symptoms usually only last a few hours or a few days, but severe cases of food poisoning could cause nerve damage, chronic arthritis, and even death, according to the CDC.
If you believe you or a loved one became ill because of an unsafe food product, you should preserve it and its packaging and file a report with the health department. You might have a valid personal injury claim if your symptoms were severe
. Contact a New York
defective food product lawyer to discuss your situation. While these claims are often difficult to prove and compensation might not be available (or warranted) in all instances, if you become severely ill or injured, call our office at (347) 318-9604 or reach out online to discuss your legal options.