The 5 Worst Food Poisoning Outbreaks in US History
These days, it seems that a food product is being recalled due to adulteration or contamination. Over the past 25 years, food poisoning has garnered lots of attention, particularly in the United States. In many cases, disasters in food safety caused by contamination by fecal matter can lead to serious illnesses and even death.
Food safety is extremely important, so it’s extremely important for the food industry to learn from past missteps that can be devastating and data. Here are five of the most horrific food poisoning instances in the history of the United States.
1. E.coli on Jack In the Box Burgers, 1993
When E.coli was found on burgers served at Jack In the Box, this dangerous pathogen gained more attention and caused people to watch out for it. More than 500 people were affected by eating the burgers in 1993, and four people lost their lives as a result of the outbreak. The chain restaurant’s Monster Burger was allegedly served undercooked, which increased the chances for E.coli to develop. The particular strain of E.coli is known to cause Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS) which can lead to kidney failure. The Monster Burger is no longer on the menu at Jack In the Box but the restaurant is still associated with this outbreak.
2. Listeria on Hot Dogs, 1998-1999
Several hot dog brands, including Sara Lee Deli Meat and Ball Park, were responsible for the Listeria outbreak that infected 108 individuals and claimed the lives of 14 people. This outbreak also led to four miscarriages. All the hot dogs that were involved in the Listeria incident were traced to a Sara Lee-owned Bill Mar Foods plant. Sara Lee issued a recall that stopped the outbreak right away. Sara Lee also paid a $4.4 million settlement to cover criminal and civil charges.
3. Hepatitis Outbreak on Scallions, 2003
Chi-Chi’s, a restaurant in Pennsylvania that is no longer in business, was the source of a hepatitis A outbreak that affected more than 500 customers. The outbreak came from scallions imported from Mexico that were contaminated with Hepatitis A, and the green onions were added to the chili con queso and salsa. People who consumed these products suffered from vomiting and jaundice, a condition of the liver that leads to yellowing eyes and skin. Unfortunately, three people passed away as a result of the outbreak, presumably from liver failure. This outbreak is, to date, the largest Hepatitis A outbreak in the US.
4. Listeria in Cantaloupes, 2011
Rocky Mountain Cantaloupe was distributed in no less than 28 states and was found to be contaminated with Listeria after 147 people were infected in the latter part of 2011. Thirty-three of those individuals passed away and there was one confirmed miscarriage due to listeriosis which is caused by Listeria. After FDA and CDC investigations, Jensen Family Farm, the entity responsible for the outbreak, pleaded guilty to distributing tainted food, which is a misdemeanor. Jensen Family Farm was forced into bankruptcy because of the outbreak, which is one of the deadliest in the history of the United States.
5. Salmonella on Cucumbers, 2015
Cucumbers imported from Mexico in 2015 carried a Salmonella strain. The cucumbers were sold in 38 states and as many as 767 people were affected. Of those infected, 157 individuals were hospitalized and four died. The cucumbers were brought into the US by Andrew & Williamson Fresh Produce and were recalled. However, the recall occurred after the damage was already done.
Bottom Line
Contact a food poisoning lawyer if you’ve been a victim of food poisoning and need to know if you are eligible for compensation. An experience with reviewing your case, including whether the food manufacturer is completely or partially liable so you can get the settlement you deserve.
About the author:
Wilma Wiliams is a law school graduate and a part-time freelance blogger, focused on various legal topics such as personal injury, and bankruptcy. She’s passionate about educating the public on fighting for their rights, which is why she’s currently collaborating with Ask LLP: Lawyers for Justice, whilst actively sharing a part of her experience as a former lawyer.
