Food recalls and food safety have\u00a0been a major issue for consumers across the United States lately. When we purchase food or order food at a restaurant, we are relying on countless individuals involved in the food processing and preparation chain to use reasonable care and to ensure against contaminants. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (“FDA”) is the federal agency responsible for regulating food safety, and it provides information to consumers about recalls and other emerging events that may put consumers’ health at risk.<\/p>\n
Consumers who\u00a0suffer illnesses as the result of contaminated foods can bring a claim against the parties that\u00a0may be responsible for the illness. To recover compensation from\u00a0a defendant, the plaintiff needs to prove a number of things. First, the plaintiff must show that the defendant grew or produced the food and shipped it.<\/p>\n
Next, the plaintiff must prove that he or she consumed the food and experienced illnesses diagnosed by a medical physician. The plaintiff must also show that the physician linked the illnesses to the contaminated food. The plaintiff must also illustrate that he or she consumed the food in close proximity to when the symptoms manifested. Finally, the plaintiff must show that the contamination was a direct cause of the defendant’s actions and that the defendant failed to exercise reasonable care\u00a0to protect against contamination.<\/p>\n