Food Poisoning E. Coli In New Jersey
New Jersey Food Poisoning Attorney for Injury Victims
When a food poisoning outbreak occurs, often the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, as well as federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), will become involved in an investigation of cases of illness potentially related to the outbreak of E. coli 0157 infection. An outbreak of E. coli is significant. E. Coli infection can cause serious health problems now and in the future, including a form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). E. coli outbreaks are often linked to rare and undercooked meats and unsanitary working conditions. Symptoms of E. coli infection could include bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps or vomiting.
Information about Hiring an Attorney or Lawyer Concerning E. Coli Outbreak
Our New Jersey food poisoning injury victim attorneys are experienced in investigating food poisoning and E. coli cases in the New Jersey area. Our law firm has lawyers licensed to practice in both New Jersey and New York.
Food poisoning lawsuits arising from E. coli outbreak will involve an area of the law called negligence and products liability. The law provides that where an item of food or drink intended for human consumption is sold, an implied warranty is imposed on the seller that the item is fit for human consumption and free from any harmful or unwholesome substances, when it leaves the seller’s control. UCC 2-314; Hohn v. South Shore Services, Inc., 529 N.Y.S.2d 129 (2d Dep’t 1988); 86 NYJur2d Products Liability 129 at 517; 90 ALR4th 12 Foreign Substance in Beverage 2[a] at 22; see also England v. Sanford, 561 N.Y.S.2d 228 (1st Dep’t 1990), aff’d 78 N.Y.2d 928, 573 N.Y.S.2d 639 (1991).
A seller is under a duty adequately to prepare, inspect and package its food product, and failure to take these precautions establishes a prima facie case of negligence. Bissonette v. National Biscuit Co., 100 F.2d 1003, 1004 (2d Cir.1939). In certain situations, independent proof of its unfitness for human consumption is not even required. Vamos v. Coca-Cola Bottling Company, 627 N.Y.S.2d 265, 269 (N.Y.Civ.Ct.1995) (batteries in soft drink bottle); Ryan v. Progressive Grocery Stores, 255 N.Y. 388 (1931) (pin in bread); Barrington v. Hotel Astor, 171 N.Y.S. 840 (1st Dep’t 1918) (mouse in meat); Stark v. Chock Full O’Nuts, 356 N.Y.S.2d 403 (App.Term, 1st Dep’t 1974) (walnut shell in cheese); Gay v. A & P Food Stores, 240 N.Y.S.2d 809 (Civ.Ct., Bronx Co.1963) (worm in corn); Trembley v. Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Inc., 138 N.Y.S.2d 332 (3rd Dep’t 1955) (mouse in Coke); Mitchell v. Coca-Cola Bottling Co., 200 N.Y.S.2d 478 (3rd Dep’t 1960) (insect in Coke); Perez v. Glens Falls Coca-Cola Bottling Co., Inc., 291 N.Y.S.2d 198 (3rd Dep’t 1968) (thread-like leafy substance in Coke); Lore v. De Simone Bros., 172 N.Y.S.2d 829 (Sup.Ct., Richmond Co.1958) (bone in salami); see also Chysky v. Drake Brothers Co., 235 N.Y. 468, 472 (1923) (nail in cake). Our New Jersey law firm has successfully handled a number of products liability and negligence lawsuits on behalf of people injured by defective and unsafe products.
The service of food in a restaurant is a sale. And a restaurant which sells the food to its customers warrants that the food will not be foul, including absent of E. coli infection. The sale of food in a restaurant fits within the definition of the implied warranty of merchantability. A restaurant serving or a store or market selling E. coli infected food may be found strictly liable under the law to E. coli infected patrons. The buying, selling and distribution of food to the public, is a highly regulated field. New Jersey’s Food and Drug Act, N.J.S.A. 24:1 1 to 24:21 53, sets forth the standards and guidelines governing the sale and distribution of food. N.J.S.A. 24:5 1 provides: “No person shall distribute or sell, … any food, … which under any of the provisions of this subtitle is adulterated….” It further defines adulterated food as follows: “If it bears or contains any poisonous or deleterious substance which may render it injurious to health … If it falls below the standard of purity, quality or strength which it purports or is represented to possess.” The sale of food is also considered the sale of a product and a restaurant or store that serves E. coli infected food can also be held strictly liable under New Jersey’s Product Liability Act.
Our New Jersey admitted attorneys are ready to meet with you for a free consultation concerning your possible E.coli infection or other possible food poisoning lawsuit case. If you feel you have been a victim of a food poisoning, E.Coli outbreak, or other food contact issue, please call one of our New Jersey lawyers at (866) 575-5000.
