Who Regulates Food Safety? Food safety in the US is regulated by the following government agencies: - Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- US Department of Agriculture (USDA)
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
- Federal Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)
- Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS)
- State agencies in every state
Who Decides to Recall Food, and Why? Food recalls are done voluntarily by food manufacturers or distributors when there is reason to believe the food is contaminated or mislabeled. If the manufacturers and distributors refuse to initiate a voluntary recall, the Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) can detain suspicious meat and poultry products. What Foods Have Been Recalled? Thousands of food products have been recalled. Recently, these have included: - Frozen Dumplings (contained glass)
- Beef Jerky (possible Listeria contamination)
- Ground Beef (possible E. Coli contamination)
- Fruit & Nut Trail Mix Granola Bars (possible Salmonella contamination)
- Dried Potatoes (containing undeclared sulfites)
If a Recalled Food Made Me Sick, Can I Sue? If you have been the victim of food poisoning or injury due to a recalled food, you may be able to sue the food manufacturer or distributor. You may be able to seek compensation for medical bills, wages lost during your illness and recovery, pain and suffering and, in extreme cases, wrongful death. Do I Need a Lawyer for my Food Recall Issue? If you wish to pursue a lawsuit for injuries and illnesses resulting from a recalled food product, you may wish to speak with a personal injury lawyer. An experienced lawyer will be able to help you understand your rights and options, as well as help you deal with the complicated legal system. |