The number of recalls of poultry and food products has significantly increased since the Food Safety Modernization Act was passed in 2011. High-profile recalls of food items like eggs, romaine lettuce and beef have impacted consumers in Connecticut and all over the country. A report by the Public Interest Research Groups indicated that flaws in the food safety system may have contributed to a spike in the number of recalls.
The PIRG reported that the number of recalls overall has risen by 10 percent since 2013, and the number of recalls of the most dangerous poultry and meat products has jumped by 83 percent in that time. This increase in recalls of poultry and meat that could cause health problems includes those for E. coli in beef and salmonella in poultry. The report noted that is legal to sell meat that has tested positive for certain strains of salmonella. Some recalls could be avoided, according to the report, if the law was changed.
The PIRG report said food safety standards should be upgraded across the board. Among the recommendations made by the PIRG were to test water that is used for irrigation or watering, to classify strains of salmonella that are resistant to antibiotics as adulterants and to establish penalties for companies that keep selling food products after a recall has been declared.
Individuals who suffer harm as the result of tainted food products may be entitled to recover for damages. An attorney with experience in personal injury law might be able to help by identifying potential defendants or drafting a product liability complaint for lost wages, pain and suffering, medical expenses or other damages. An attorney might gather evidence or interview witnesses in order to build a case for trial. He or she might be able to negotiate settlement with at-fault parties.
