Chipotle E. coli Cases Lead to Tighter Food Safety Standards

 Chipotle, which owns a chain of Mexican restaurants nationwide, is now saying it is tightening its food safety standards after its eateries, including those in New York, were linked to dozens of cases of E. coli. According to an Associated Press news report, Chipotle said it hired a Seattle-based company to improve its system after reports in late October linked an E. coli outbreak to its restaurants in Oregon and Washington. Since then, additional food poisoning cases have been reported in New York, California Minnesota and Ohio.

Heightened Safety Procedures
Chipotle has said that its new procedures will include the testing of all its produce before it is shipped to restaurants and testing to ensure quality throughout shelf life. The company has also promised to enhance employee training for food safety and handling. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 45 people had been infected with the strain of E. coli in six states and 43 of them reported eating at Chipotle.
The ingredient responsible for the illnesses has not yet been determined. The CDC said that it is aware of illnesses starting between Oct. 19 and Nov. 8. Chipotle has said none of the ingredients that are likely to have been linked to the incident remain in its restaurants or supply system.
Dangers of E. coli
E. coli causes about 73,000 illnesses in the United States annually. A person becomes infected with E. coli bacteria by swallowing it through food or water that is contaminated. The symptoms of E. coli may vary. Symptoms may include severe or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting. Usually there is little or no fever. A small number of patients develop complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome or HUS, which may lead to kidney damage.
Such complications may even lead to death. HUS is a serious complication of an E. coli infection particularly in children under 5. It is characterized by kidney failure or loss of kidney function. Many patients affected by it also develop anemia or bleeding problems. Hospitalization and dialysis is usually necessary until kidney function recovers. Many patients suffer long-term issues such as permanent or partial loss of kidney function even after they have recovered.
What Steps Can You Take?
If you are experiencing symptoms of an E. coli infection or any signs of food poisoning, there are several steps you should take:
• Seek prompt medical attention. Serious food poisoning cases can lead to long-term health effects or even death.
• Report your illness including the restaurant you ate at to your local health department. This might help initiate an investigation. They may look into whether the restaurant violated health or safety codes. Also, be sure to report the matter to the restaurant. This will help create a report and document your complaint.
• Save your receipt or credit card records from the restaurant. This will serve as your proof of purchase.
• If possible, do get the names and contact information for others who may have also consumed the same food or gotten sick from it.
• Document all your losses relating to the illness including emergency room costs, hospitalization and other medical expenses, and lost income.
• Contact an experienced New York food poisoning lawyer who will help protect your rights and look out for your best interests.
Compensation for Victims
The restaurant where you pay money to eat is legally obligated to provide you with food that is clean and safe for its patrons. When customers fall ill because of the restaurant’s negligence in failing to uphold proper food safety standards, they can seek compensation for their losses. Affected customers can seek compensation for damages including, but not limited to, medical expenses, lost income and benefits, hospitalization, permanent injuries, disabilities, past and future pain and suffering, etc.
If you or a loved one has suffered health complications as a result of food poisoning, the experienced New York personal injury attorneys at the Law Offices of Kenneth A. Wilhelm can help you better understand your legal rights and options. For over 49 years, our skilled accident attorneys have a proven track record of helping injured victims get fair compensation for their losses.
Please contact us TOLL FREE 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-800-WORK-4-YOU (1-800-967-5496). WE CAN EVEN COME TO YOU. There is no attorneys’ fee unless we recover money for you. We can also help with personal injury cases in New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, or Florida. If you have been seriously injured in any of the 50 U.S. states, please call us and we will try to help you with your case.
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1-800-RADIO-LAW, 1-888-WYPADEK, OR 1-800-LAS-LEYES
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Source: NBC New York