Chipotle – best known for providing high-quality, fresh ingredients in its nation-wide burrito chain stores – was linked to several food-borne illness cases in 2015. According to a BuzzFeed news report, the problems occurred in its California and Minnesota stores in addition to those located in Washington and Oregon. Chipotle has experienced as many as three outbreaks over the course of a few months.

Chipotle is not alone in experiencing food-borne illness problems. Indeed, the strain of e. coli affecting its Pacific Northwest stores is the same one that affected Jimmy John’s restaurants in 2012. Furthermore, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the number of foodborne outbreaks has been steadily increasing since 2011.

If you or someone you know believes he or she has been contaminated with a food-borne illness as a result of the wrongdoing of another, contact a seasoned Brooklyn personal injury attorney right away.

Top Food-borne Illnesses

There are several types of food-borne illnesses, commonly referred to as “food poisoning,” which can make a person sick. The most common, however, are E.coli, norovirus, salmonella, shigella, and hepatitis A. The first three are the top food-borne illnesses, according to research.

• E.coli – this is a bacterium that produces a deadly toxin and is found in undercooked or raw meat (particularly hamburger meat) produce, and raw milk. E.coli is responsible for about 73,000 cases of foodborne illnesses annually in the U.S. Symptoms include cramping, dehydration and severe diarrhea.
• Norovirus – the leading cause of diarrhea in the nation, this highly infectious virus transfers to any type of food if it is handled by someone who has norovirus. Symptoms include nausea, fever, vomiting and cramps.
• Salmonella – the most common cause of foodborne deaths, salmonella causes millions of cases of foodborne illnesses and can be found in raw or undercooked eggs, seafood, dairy products, undercooked meat or poultry, as well as fruits and vegetables. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, cramps and fever.
• Shigella – poor hygiene allows shigella to be easily passed from person to person, and accounts for approximately 300,000 cases of diarrhea. Sources of shigella consist of unclean water, milk and dairy products as well as salads. Symptoms beyond diarrhea include fever, chills and dehydration.
• Hepatitis A – a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus, which can affect anyone and can consist of isolated cases or a widespread epidemic. Symptoms include jaundice, loss of appetite, cramps, diarrhea, fever and fatigue.

Personal Injury Attorneys & Help in New York

Foodborne illnesses are a costly, yet preventable, public health risk. The CDC estimates that each year 1 in 6 Americans get sick from food poisoning. As many as 250 different foodborne illnesses have been recognized. If you or someone you know is experiencing any or all of the symptoms listed above and resides in New York, food poisoning may be the cause. Accordingly, an experienced Brooklyn personal injury attorney should be contacted immediately. The legal professionals at the Law Office of Jeffrey K. Kestenbaum serves all of New York, including Brooklyn and the Bronx. Call (718) 237-5586 or click here today for your initial case evaluation.