Parker Waichman LLP

Food Poisoning From Lettuce, Spinach, Other Leafy Greens on the Rise

Leafy greens have become one of the most common sources of food poisoning outbreaks in the US, a new study says.  What’s more, research suggests the growing number of food borne illnesses associated with lettuce, spinach and other greens cannot simply be attributed to Americans’ growing love of salads. In the past several years, outbreaks […]

Leafy greens have become one of the most common sources of <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/food_poisoning">food poisoning outbreaks in the US, a new study says.  What’s more, research suggests the growing number of food borne illnesses associated with lettuce, spinach and other greens cannot simply be attributed to Americans’ growing love of salads.

In the past several years, outbreaks of E. coli and Salmonella from fresh vegetables have become an increasing problem.  In fact, one of the biggest E. coli outbreaks in recent years was attributed to fresh spinach.  In September 2006, bagged fresh baby spinach sold by the Dole Food Company was linked to an E. coli outbreak that was blamed for the deaths of three people and illness in 200 others. Since then, several other recalls of E. coli contaminated lettuce and other greens have made headlines.

Such outbreaks have prompted the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to study the frequency of leafy green-related food poisoning incidents.  To that end, the CDC analyzed data from its food borne disease outbreak surveillance system reported between 1973 and 2006.  The CDC findings were reported earlier this week at the International Conference on Emerging Infectious Diseases in Atlanta.

According to the CDC, of the 10,421 food borne disease outbreaks reported during the 13-year period, 502 (4.8 percent) were associated to leafy greens. Most of these outbreaks (58.3 percent) involved Norovirus, followed by Salmonella (10.4 percent) and E. coli (8.9 percent).

The increase in food poisoning incidents tracked back to leafy greens was well ahead of the increase in the consumption of such vegetables seen during the same 13 year period.  According to the study’s abstract, “during 1986-1995, US leafy green consumption increased 17.2 percent from the previous decade. During the same period, the proportion of all food borne disease outbreaks due to leafy greens increased 59.6 percent.  Likewise, during 1996-2005 leafy green consumption increased 9.0 percent and leafy-green associated outbreaks increased 38.6 percent.” The CDC researchers said that these numbers indicate that the rise in such food poisoning incidents can’t be seen as a consequence of Americans consuming more greens.

What this means is that pathogens like E. coli and Salmonella are contaminating lettuce, spinach and other greens either while they are still in fields or at processing plants. The 2006 Dole spinach outbreak, for example,  was traced to a cattle ranch adjacent to the California field where the spinach was grown. It is believed that runoff from the ranch that was contaminated with cattle feces made its way into the spinach field.   The CDC’s research is yet more evidence that growers and processors have to take stronger measures to protect the public from tainted produce.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
I would like to thank and recommend Parker Waichman LLP to anyone who has a loved one in a nursing home and is not satisfied with the poor inr care and neglect most of them provide, I was assigned a paralegal named Cindy Custodio who has been there every step of the way to answer any questions I have, she's very knowledgeable and patient, and makes sure I have all the info I need..she also went out of her way to give me advice on how to obtain all the proper paperwork I needed for the lawyer but also advised me on how to get the best care for my elderly father after being put through a very traumatic experience..... She's a truly good person and very caring also, I'm thankful for all of her help and just wanted to let Parker Waichman know what a valuable asset she is to your firm! Thank you for everything Cindy!!!
Scott
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I'd like to say a few words about Joanne Stevens, NP. From the first phone call she answered ALL my questions and set me at ease with her knowledge and empathy. She calls me frequently and anytime I call her and get her VM, she returns my call within 24 hrs. without fail. I gave her 5 stars but she deserves 10. Thank you Joanne Stevens, just THANK YOU. Tina Schlobohm
Tina Schlobohm
4 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Thank you Michelle Josama at Parker and waichman for being so great from day one with my family and myself! It was a pleasure meeting and working with you! Thank you for your care and professionalism.
bfst6611 st
4 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038