Restaurant Food Safety: What You Need to Know to Avoid Food Poisoning

Restaurant Food Safety: What You Need to Know to Avoid Food Poisoning

Food poisoning is a significant public health concern, with the CDC estimating that roughly 1 in 6 Americans (48 million people) get sick each year from foodborne illnesses. Restaurants, while offering convenience and culinary experiences, are unfortunately a common source of these illnesses. In 2017, restaurants were associated with 489 outbreaks. Understanding restaurant food safety is crucial to protecting yourself and your loved ones from the discomfort and potential long-term health consequences of food poisoning.

Understanding the Risks: Common Causes of Food Poisoning in Restaurants

Food poisoning, also known as foodborne illness, arises from consuming food contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins. In restaurants, contamination can occur at various stages of food handling and preparation. Some of the most common causes include:

  • Improper Food Storage: Restaurants handle large volumes of perishable food, and improper storage can lead to bacterial growth. Storing raw meat above fresh salad ingredients in a refrigerator is a classic example of cross-contamination. Food stored in the temperature danger zone (between 40°F and 140°F or 5°C and 60°C) allows bacteria like Salmonella and Listeria to multiply rapidly.
  • Undercooked or Improperly Cooked Food: Serving undercooked food is a significant risk factor. For example, E. coli is often found in rare beef, Salmonella in undercooked poultry, and Vibrio in raw oysters. Rushing orders during busy periods can lead to food being served before it’s thoroughly cooked.
  • Unsafe Food Handling: Poor hygiene practices among restaurant staff can easily contaminate food. This includes inadequate handwashing after using the restroom or reusing gloves from raw meat to handle vegetables.
  • Cross-Contamination: This occurs when pathogens are transferred from one food or surface to another. It can happen through direct contact, such as when raw meat drips onto cooked food, or indirectly, such as using the same cutting board for raw chicken and salad preparation without proper cleaning and sanitizing in between.
  • Infected Food Handlers: Food handlers who are ill can contaminate food if they don’t follow proper hygiene practices. Norovirus, a highly contagious virus, is often spread by infected food workers.

Identifying Food Poisoning: Recognizing the Symptoms

Symptoms of food poisoning can vary depending on the type of germ you swallowed, ranging from mild to severe and appearing within hours or even weeks after eating contaminated food. Common symptoms include:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea (which may be bloody)
  • Stomach pain or cramps
  • Fever
  • Lack of energy and weakness
  • Loss of appetite

In some cases, food poisoning can affect the nervous system, leading to symptoms like blurred or double vision, headache, muscle weakness, and tingling or numbness.

When to Seek Medical Attention:

While most cases of food poisoning resolve on their own, it’s crucial to seek medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Bloody diarrhea
  • Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
  • High fever (temperature over 102°F or 38.9°C)
  • Frequent vomiting, making it impossible to keep liquids down
  • Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, and dizziness upon standing
  • Severe abdominal pain

Infants, young children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications from food poisoning and should seek medical advice promptly.

Protecting Yourself: Steps to Avoid Food Poisoning at Restaurants

While restaurants have a responsibility to maintain food safety standards, there are steps you can take to minimize your risk of food poisoning:

  1. Check Restaurant Inspection Scores: Many cities and counties provide online access to restaurant inspection reports. Look up the restaurant’s rating to assess its history of food safety compliance.
  2. Practice Safe Ordering Habits:
    • Order food that is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
    • Be cautious of raw or undercooked items, especially if you are in a high-risk group.
    • Ensure that hot foods are served hot and cold foods are served cold.
  3. Observe Cleanliness: Pay attention to the restaurant’s overall cleanliness, including the dining area, restrooms, and staff appearance.
  4. Inquire About Food Handling Practices: Don’t hesitate to ask your server about the restaurant’s food safety practices, such as handwashing procedures and food storage methods.
  5. Trust Your Instincts: If something seems off about the food or the restaurant’s hygiene, it’s best to err on the side of caution and choose another option.
  6. Skip Risky Raw Foods When in Doubt: Raw seafood, eggs, and meats carry higher risks, especially in places with lax hygiene. If you’re immune-compromised or traveling abroad, stick to fully cooked meals. When in doubt, avoid raw.

Restaurant Responsibilities: Ensuring Food Safety

Restaurants have a legal and ethical obligation to provide safe food to their customers. This includes:

  • Implementing a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP) Plan: HACCP is a systematic approach to identifying, evaluating, and controlling food safety hazards.
  • Following Food Safety Regulations: Restaurants must adhere to local, state, and federal food safety regulations.
  • Providing Food Safety Training for Employees: Proper training equips employees with the knowledge and skills to handle food safely.
  • Maintaining Proper Food Storage and Handling Practices: This includes storing food at safe temperatures, preventing cross-contamination, and ensuring proper hygiene.
  • Regular Cleaning and Sanitization: Kitchens, equipment, and utensils must be cleaned and sanitized regularly to eliminate pathogens.
  • Pest Control: Implementing measures to prevent and control pests is crucial for maintaining a safe food environment.
  • Certified Food Protection Manager: Verify the facility meets the requirements for a Certified Food Protection Manager, and food handler cards for food employees.

Legal Recourse: What to Do If You Suspect Food Poisoning

If you believe you’ve contracted food poisoning from a restaurant, it’s essential to take the following steps:

  1. Seek Medical Attention: Consult a doctor to diagnose your condition and document your symptoms.
  2. Report the Illness: Contact your local health department to report the suspected food poisoning incident.
  3. Preserve Evidence: If you have any leftover food, wrap it securely and refrigerate it. Save any receipts or other documentation related to your meal.
  4. Gather Information: Write down the date, time, and location of the meal, as well as the names of anyone else who ate with you.
  5. Contact a Personal Injury Attorney: If your food poisoning resulted in significant medical expenses, lost wages, or other damages, consult with a personal injury attorney to explore your legal options.

You can sue a restaurant that gave you food poisoning if you suffered damages as a result. Successfully pursuing a legal case against a restaurant requires navigating a complex web of state and local laws, gathering strong evidence to prove the restaurant’s liability, and often going up against corporate legal teams determined to avoid responsibility.

Legal Theories in Food Poisoning Cases:

  • Negligence: This applies when a restaurant’s carelessness leads to contamination, such as improper food storage or unsanitary conditions.
  • Strict Liability: In some states, food manufacturers and establishments are held accountable for selling unsafe products regardless of negligence.

Damages You Can Recover:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress

Conclusion: Prioritizing Food Safety for a Healthier Dining Experience

Restaurant food safety is a shared responsibility. By understanding the risks, taking preventive measures, and holding restaurants accountable, we can create a safer and healthier dining experience for everyone. If you or a loved one has suffered from food poisoning due to a restaurant’s negligence, remember that you have legal rights and options. Contacting a personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process and pursue the compensation you deserve.