Health Officials Still Working to Connect a Supplier, Distributor or Brand Source

Injuries from food borne illnesses continue to plague our food supply. On April 12, 2019, health officials announced that ground beef is the likely source of an E. coli food poisoning outbreak that has sickened more than 100 people in six states. Kentucky is the current epicenter of the outbreak where fifty-four people have fallen ill alone, according to the CDC. The states where people have fallen ill also include Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee and Virginia.

Public health officials have found that many, but not all, of the cases in Kentucky are linked to “children and teenagers with an extensive exposure to fast food.” Seventeen people have been hospitalized with ages of victims ranging from 1 to 83 years old. Symptoms of E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. Those infected get sick an average of 3 to 4 days after exposure to the bacteria. As with many foodborne illnesses, individuals most at risk are young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. For these individuals, E. coli can result in a life threatening kidney disease called hemolytic uremic syndrome.

To help prevent transmission of E. coli, eat food that is appropriately prepared. When cooking ground beef, the meat should be cooked thoroughly, to at least 160 degrees to kill dangerous bacteria. Use food thermometers to ensure the food is cooked all the way through. When you order a burger at a restaurant, make sure it is cooked thoroughly, and send back undercooked meat for more cooking. Other preventative measures include thorough hand washing and keeping kitchen and food preparation areas clean.

You May Be Entitled to Compensation

Over the last twenty years, the lawyers of Wagner Reese have gained a national reputation for powerful legal representation in cases where liability is difficult to prove. Food distributors and handlers have a responsibility to test their products and observe basic food safety. If you became ill after consuming ground beef, contact Wagner Reese for a free consultation. We fight to hold food distributors and producers accountable and win you the fullest compensation under the law.

Contact Wagner Reese today at (888) 204-8440 to learn more.