The dangers of poorly cooked foods

Undercooked food is one of the most common ways that food-borne illnesses are spread. Most raw foods, particularly animal products should be cooked thoroughly to kill bacteria that may be present. Meat, for example, has an ideal temperature so they must be cooked to minimize the risk of disease. When bacteria in foods are not completely eliminated, there is a chance that they could infect and cause a serious illness. Restaurants and other places that prepare foods have the responsibility to serve clean, fully cooked food to their customers. When unable to cook foods to proper temperatures, may be liable for any resulting diseases.

Food borne illness and infection sources

The Center for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that about 76 million cases of food poisoning occur every year in the United States, affecting approximately 20-25% of the population annually. Of these cases, an estimated 5000 people die from food borne illness each year. Some of the most common sources of infection are products of animal origin, including Turkey, beef, chicken, pork, eggs and seafood. These products may be infected with bacteria while they are being processed. In the United States, two types of bacteria that often cause infection are e. coli and Salmonella. The whole process of cooking destroys the bacteria that may have colonized in food, making it safe to eat.

Recommended internal cooking temperatures

Each type of product has a different ideal temperature to kill bacteria dormant. The United States Department of agriculture (USDA) lists the following internal temperatures as the threshold to be safe to consume:

Chicken: 165 F Egg products: 160 F Fish: 145 F Ground beef: 160 F Pork: 160 F Steaks: 145 F
Effects of food poisoning

Food poisoning is incredibly unpleasant for most people, but usually lasts only 1-2 days. However, for some a more severe case of food poisoning can cause a serious illness or even death. Children, elderly and other people with weaker immune systems are more likely to develop serious food borne illness. Symptoms of food poisoning include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and fever. An individual who falls ill seriously can be overloaded with extensive treatment costs, hospital stays, rehabilitation, medication, lost wages of time off work and pain and suffering.

If you or someone you love has fallen ill or suffered a wrongful death of a food borne diseases caused by poorly cooked foods, a food establishment can be responsible and his family may be entitled to compensation for their injuries and damage.

For more information

To learn more about the risks associated with poorly cooked foods and poisoning by responsibility, visit the website of Waukesha experienced attorneys personal injury Habush, Habush & Rottier, S.C. today .