Chicken Wing Food Poisoning: Cody Bellinger’s Cautionary Tale

Food poisoning is a serious public health concern, affecting millions annually. According to the CDC, approximately 1 million people in the United States contract illnesses from contaminated poultry each year. While some cases result in mild discomfort, others lead to severe health complications, long-term medical issues, and even death. Recently, New York Yankees outfielder Cody Bellinger became a high-profile example of the potential dangers lurking in a seemingly harmless meal, highlighting the importance of food safety and the potential legal recourse available to those affected.

Bellinger’s Brush with Food Poisoning

On April 8, 2025, Cody Bellinger was scratched from the Yankees’ lineup against the Detroit Tigers due to a suspected case of food poisoning. Yankees manager Aaron Boone suggested that wings might have been the cause. Bellinger later confirmed that he had consumed room-service chicken wings at the team hotel while watching the NCAA men’s basketball championship game. The incident was severe enough to sideline the former MVP, prompting him to swear off wings for the next five years.

Bellinger’s case, though unfortunate, serves as a stark reminder that food poisoning can strike anyone, regardless of their status or profession. It also underscores the potential consequences of consuming contaminated food, ranging from temporary discomfort to more serious health issues.

The Risks of Chicken Wings

Chicken wings, a popular appetizer and game-day staple, can be a breeding ground for bacteria if not handled and cooked properly. Raw chicken is often contaminated with pathogens like Campylobacter, Salmonella, and Clostridium perfringens. These bacteria can cause a range of symptoms, including:

Diarrhea (which may be bloody)
Fever
Stomach cramps
Nausea
Vomiting
Headaches

The USDA recommends cooking chicken wings to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C), measured with a food thermometer, to kill harmful bacteria. It’s also crucial to prevent cross-contamination by keeping raw chicken and its juices away from other foods and surfaces.

Preventing Chicken Wing Food Poisoning

Several steps can be taken to minimize the risk of contracting food poisoning from chicken wings:

Safe Handling: Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling raw chicken.
Avoid Washing Raw Chicken: Washing raw chicken can spread bacteria around your kitchen. Instead, pat it dry with paper towels.
Prevent Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw chicken and other foods. Clean and sanitize all surfaces that come into contact with raw chicken.
Cook Thoroughly: Use a food thermometer to ensure chicken wings reach an internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the wing, avoiding the bone.
Proper Storage: Refrigerate raw chicken promptly and store it properly in sealed containers on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator to prevent juices from dripping onto other foods. Cooked chicken should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking.
Be Wary of Buffets: When purchasing fully cooked rotisserie or fast food chicken, be sure it is hot at the time of purchase. Use it within 2 hours or cut it into several pieces and refrigerate in shallow, covered containers.

Legal Recourse for Food Poisoning

While most cases of food poisoning resolve on their own, severe cases can lead to hospitalization, long-term health problems, and significant financial losses. In such instances, victims may have legal recourse to seek compensation for their damages.

Proving Liability

To pursue a food poisoning claim, it’s essential to establish liability. There are two primary legal theories used in food poisoning cases:

Negligence: This involves demonstrating that the defendant (e.g., a restaurant, grocery store, or manufacturer) owed a duty of care to the plaintiff (the person who got sick) and breached that duty, causing them harm. For example, a restaurant has a duty to serve food that is safe to eat.
Strict Liability: In many jurisdictions, strict liability laws apply to food poisoning claims. This means that companies are responsible for injuries resulting from contaminated food, even if they were not negligent.

Gathering Evidence

Gathering evidence is crucial to support a food poisoning claim. Important evidence includes:

Medical records documenting the diagnosis, treatment, and impact of the illness.
Receipts or other proof of purchase showing the food product and seller.
Testing records confirming the food was contaminated.
Documentation of improper food handling, storage, or preparation.
Records of other incidents linked to the same food source.
Photographic evidence of contaminated or spoiled food.

Types of Compensation

If a food poisoning claim is successful, the types of damages that may be recovered include:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages (from time off work)
Reduced earning capacity (if there are lasting impacts)
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

When to Contact a Lawyer

Not every case of food poisoning warrants legal action. However, it’s advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney if:

The illness is severe, requiring hospitalization or extended medical treatment.
There are multiple victims, suggesting a larger negligence problem.
The responsible party (or their insurer) denies liability or offers inadequate compensation.
The case involves complex evidence or requires expert testimony.

Conclusion

Cody Bellinger’s experience with chicken wing food poisoning serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of food safety and the potential consequences of consuming contaminated food. By following safe food handling and preparation practices, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting food poisoning. However, if food poisoning does occur due to negligence or recklessness, victims have legal rights and may be entitled to compensation for their damages. If you or a loved one has suffered from food poisoning, consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.