From the AAJ News Brief for September 2, 2015.
Washington, DC – Food manufacturers have created dangerous production systems that are sending Americans to the hospital all too often, a new report today by the American Association for Justice (AAJ) says. Because regulators have been unable to keep up with an ever-changing industry, the civil justice system has become consumers’ most important protection against unsafe food. “American consumers expect and deserve safe food. Yet, time and again, food producers have cut corners on food safety knowing full well that tainted products cause serious illness or even death. Cutting corners puts profits over people and that’s unforgivable when it comes to our food supply. Parents should never have to be worry about the safety of the peanut butter or ice cream they feed their children,” said Larry Tawwater, President of AAJ. “Because regulators are underfunded and understaffed, it is the civil justice system that provides the accountability necessary to safeguard our food supply.”
Every year, 48 million people fall sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and at least 3,000 die from food borne illness, costing the nation approximately $77 billion. Recalls in 2015 have surged compared to 2014 rates. In one of the most recent high-profile outbreaks, three people died after consuming Blue Bell ice cream contaminated with listeria. The company reportedly knew as early as 2013 that it had listeria in one of its plants. The outbreak is the most recent of the “ten worst outbreaks” chronicled in the new report. The report calls on Congress to declare multi-drug-resistant salmonella strains an official adulterant, which would force meat producers to take further steps to prevent contaminations, and to pass legislation to create a single agency to oversee food safety.
The lawyers at Liever, Hyman & Potter, P.C., are concerned for the safety of individuals and families in Reading, Berks County, PA, Pottsville, Schuylkill County, PA, and throughout Eastern and Central PA. The lawyers there handle personal injury claims, including claims for injuries or death caused by unsafe or dangerous products.
From the desk of Michael W. McGuckin, Esquire.