New FDA Food Traceability Rule to Decrease Foodborne Illnesses and Fatalities 

Food Poisoning Death Lawsuits

Food contamination affects millions of people yearly, and pinpointing the source can be challenging. A new initiative seeks to lower the occurrences of foodborne illnesses and related deaths.

Consumer Reports states that around 48 million Americans become ill annually due to foodborne bacteria and viruses. Elliot Weiler recalls his experience with salmonella as unforgettable. He described the experience as “extremely debilitating in a way I had never experienced before.”

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) aims to minimize such incidents with its Food Traceability Rule, which encompasses the entire food supply chain.

Trisha Calvo, Health Editor at Consumer Reports, explains, “The new record-keeping process will require everyone involved in the food’s journey, from the producer to the retailer and restaurant, to track the food using the same method.” This involves assigning codes to foods more susceptible to contamination—including soft cheeses, eggs, leafy greens, nut butters, and tomatoes—enabling more efficient tracking.

Calvo notes, “In some instances, this new regulation might help identify potentially hazardous food before it reaches the market and consumers.”

Meat and poultry are excluded as they fall under the jurisdiction of the USDA, not the FDA. Consumer Reports acknowledges the plan’s imperfections but asserts it’s an improvement over the current system.

Calvo clarified, “Presently, record-keeping is fragmented and inconsistent. This new system standardizes the process, making it easier to trace the food’s origins.”

The FDA’s new rule will be implemented on January 20, 2026. The final rule will also identify specific partial exemptions and exemptions from the requirements of the final rule. Those exemptions are listed in §1.1305 of the final rule. A tool has been made available to assist stakeholders in helping them find out if they qualify for an exemption. Users select a topic and then answer a few “yes or no” questions to obtain information about a potential exemption.

Food Poisoning Deaths: A Growing Concern in Modern Society

Food poisoning, a common yet dangerous ailment, is caused by consuming contaminated food or drinks. This contamination can occur through bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins that find their way into the food supply chain. While food poisoning often results in temporary gastrointestinal discomfort, in some cases, it can lead to severe consequences, including death. The rising number of food poisoning deaths is a growing concern in modern society, emphasizing the need for stricter food safety measures and public awareness.

The Scale of the Food Illness Problem

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 48 million people in the United States contract foodborne illnesses each year, resulting in 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 600 million people suffer from foodborne illnesses annually, causing 420,000 deaths. These alarming numbers underscore the urgent need for concerted action to improve food safety.

Food poisoning, a common yet dangerous ailment, is caused by consuming contaminated food or drinks. This contamination can occur through bacteria, viruses, parasites, or toxins that find their way into the food supply chain. While food poisoning often results in temporary gastrointestinal discomfort, in some cases, it can lead to severe consequences, including death. The rising number of food poisoning deaths is a growing concern in modern society, emphasizing the need for stricter food safety measures and public awareness.

The Common Causes of Food Poisoning Deaths:

1. Salmonella: A leading cause of foodborne illness deaths, salmonella is a bacterial infection often found in raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, and other animal products. Salmonella infections can lead to severe dehydration, septicemia, and even death, particularly among young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
2. Listeria: Listeria monocytogenes is a bacterium that can thrive in cold temperatures, making it particularly dangerous for refrigerated and ready-to-eat foods. Listeriosis, the infection caused by Listeria, can lead to severe complications, including meningitis and stillbirths, resulting in a high fatality rate.
3. E. coli: Escherichia coli, a common bacterium, can cause food poisoning when ingested through contaminated food or water. While most strains are harmless, some can produce harmful toxins, leading to severe illness and even death. Undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated fresh produce are common sources of E. coli infections.
4. Norovirus: Norovirus is a highly contagious virus that can spread quickly through contaminated food or surfaces, leading to outbreaks in restaurants, schools, and nursing homes. Although norovirus infections are typically short-lived, they can cause severe dehydration and death, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Food poisoning deaths are an alarming and preventable public health issue. By implementing more rigorous food safety measures, promoting education, and raising public awareness, society can work towards minimizing the devastating impact of foodborne illnesses and deaths.

If you or a loved one suffered serious harm due to consuming contaminated products, contact our national product liability lawsuit law firm today for a free case review. You or your family member could be entitled to receive significant monetary compensation for your injuries or the loss of a loved one. Time is limited, so don’t hesitate to get in touch with our firm.

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To find out if you or your loved one can file a defective eye drop lawsuit, call Parker Waichman LLP for a free legal consultation. Call 1-800-YOUR-LAWYER (1-800-968-7529) to speak with our national product liability law firm and we will explain your rights and options. If qualified, our attorneys will work hard to obtain the financial compensation you or your loved one deserves.