{"id":353266,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:44","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/injury\/product-liability\/food-poisoning-in-the-news.html"},"modified":"2025-09-10T14:08:00","modified_gmt":"2025-09-10T19:08:00","slug":"food-poisoning-in-the-news","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/injury\/product-liability\/food-poisoning-in-the-news.html","title":{"rendered":"The Food Recall Process and Notable Food Poisoning Outbreaks"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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The Food Recall Process and Notable Food Poisoning Outbreaks<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Christie Nicholson, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last reviewed\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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The food recall<\/span> process involves manufacturers and government agencies responding to food safety<\/span> concerns such as contamination, mislabeling, or undeclared allergens<\/span>. Newsworthy food poisoning<\/span> cases have led to widespread illness and legal consequences. Recalls can range from targeted incidents affecting specific stores to broader actions impacting entire product lines.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention<\/span> (CDC<\/span>) tracks foodborne illness<\/span> outbreaks across the United States. It informs consumers and health agencies about salmonella<\/span> and other foodborne illnesses<\/span>. Other agencies, such as the U.S. <\/span>Food and Drug Administration<\/span> (FDA<\/span>), and the U.S. <\/span>Department of Agriculture<\/span> (USDA<\/span>), do the same. Together, these agencies monitor and protect different aspects of the food supply<\/span>.<\/p>\n

The government takes food poisoning<\/span> outbreaks very seriously. Consumers can also hold companies accountable<\/a> for their illness or the death of a loved one from a foodborne illness<\/span>.<\/p>\n

This section highlights some of the most prominent food recalls<\/span> and food poisoning<\/span> outbreaks. It also outlines the food\u00a0recall<\/span> process and the various agencies involved.<\/p>\n

If you\u2019ve contracted an illness after eating contaminated food<\/span>, you may have a legal claim. A personal injury lawyer<\/a> in your area can assess your situation and recommend next steps. If you have a valid case, your attorney will advocate for you throughout the process, including gathering evidence and fighting for fair compensation.<\/p>\n

Common Causes of Food Poisoning<\/span> Outbreaks<\/h2>\n

Most\u00a0food poisoning<\/span> outbreaks in the United States involve Listeria<\/span>, hepatitis A, E. coli<\/span>, and Salmonella<\/span><\/a> pathogens<\/span>. It\u2019s challenging for public health<\/span> officials to determine the cause of these outbreaks.<\/p>\n

Typically, local health departments demand that a restaurant close while conducting their investigations. They will also notify the FDA<\/span> and the CDC<\/span> to ensure they are aware of the outbreak.<\/p>\n

Some of the more common causes of these outbreaks include the following:<\/p>\n