USA : Food Poisoning
Sick Restaurant Workers Linked to Food Poisoning Outbreaks
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report this week that found that sick restaurant workers were linked to about 40% of food poisoning outbreaks with a known cause between 2017 and 2019. The report also found that lack of paid sick leave was one reason why sick employees didn’t stay home.
The report analyzed data from 800 outbreaks of foodborne illness at U.S. restaurants in 25 states. The report found that 40% of these outbreaks were linked to sick restaurant workers. The most common cause of food poisoning outbreaks linked to sick workers was norovirus, a virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. Salmonella was the second most common cause, followed by Staphylococcus aureus (Staph), a bacteria that can cause food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
The report also found that lack of paid sick leave was a major reason why sick restaurant workers didn’t stay home. The report found that 60% of restaurant workers who got sick while working didn’t stay home because they didn’t have paid sick leave.
The CDC report highlights the importance of paid sick leave for restaurant workers. Paid sick leave allows sick workers to stay home and recover from their illness, which can help to prevent the spread of foodborne illness.
How Food Poisoning Occurs
Food poisoning occurs when people get sick after swallowing food or drink that is contaminated with germs or toxins. Germs can be transmitted through food in a number of ways, including:
- Cross-contamination: This occurs when germs from raw meat, poultry, or seafood are transferred to other foods, such as fruits and vegetables, through contact with cutting boards, utensils, or hands that have not been properly washed.
- Improper cooking: Food must be cooked to a safe temperature to kill harmful germs.
- Improper handling: Food must be handled properly to prevent the spread of germs. This includes washing hands thoroughly before and after handling food, and keeping food at safe temperatures.
Symptoms of Food Poisoning
The symptoms of food poisoning vary depending on the type of germ that caused the illness. However, some common symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach cramps
- Fever
- Headache
- Fatigue
Preventing Food Poisoning
There are a number of things that can be done to prevent food poisoning, including:
- Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
- Cooking food to a safe temperature.
- Keeping food at safe temperatures.
- Avoiding cross-contamination.
- Throwing away any food that has been left out for more than two hours.
If you think you may have food poisoning, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
Conclusion
Food poisoning is a serious issue that can cause a variety of symptoms, including vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and headache. In some cases, food poisoning can be fatal.
The CDC report highlights the importance of paid sick leave for restaurant workers. Paid sick leave allows sick workers to stay home and recover from their illness, which can help to prevent the spread of foodborne illness.
If you believe that you have contracted food poisoning after eating at a restaurant, you should contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options. A lawyer can help you to file a claim against the restaurant for damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Here are some tips for preventing food poisoning:
Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food.
Cook food to a safe temperature.
Keep food at safe temperatures.
Avoid cross-contamination.
Throw away any food that has been left out for more than two hours.If you think you may have food poisoning, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.
