A Look at How Restaurants Protect Against Food Poisoning

Restaurants prevent foodborne illness using a variety of state and federally approved methods for storage, cooking and serving. Despite efforts to prevent food poisoning, it is a common occurrence in Salt Lake City and across the U.S.

Most food poisoning illness is minor and only lasts a short period of time. However, certain types of foodborne illnesses are severe enough to cause wrongful death and require legal action with the help of lawyer.

Food Poisoning in the U.S.

FoodSafety, an online resource for government information of safe food handling practices and foodborne illness, says “One in six Americans will get sick from food poisoning this year. That’s about 48 million people.”

Severe consequences of food poisoning include kidney failure (from E. coli), the development of chronic arthritis (from Shigella or Salmonella), brain and nerve damage (from Listeria) or wrongful death. All of which can be prevented through proper food storage, handling and preparation says FoodSafety.

Individuals who have suffered any of these extreme or devastating effects of food poisoning should contact a lawyer.

Safe Food Storage, Handling and Preparation

Restaurants in Salt Lake City and nationwide are to maintain potentially hazardous foods outside of the “danger zone” to prevent foodborne illness. The Salt Lake County Health Department says that means 135°F or higher for hot foods, and 41°F or lower for cold foods.

Cooked food must be cooled properly. The Salt Lake County Health Department says, “Within the First 2 Hours cool to 70°F AND in a total of 6 Hours cool to 41°F… [potentially hazardous foods] that are prepared at room temperature, such as canned meats, must be cooled to 41°F within 4 hours.”

Thermometers should be used to check the temperature of foods at intervals. The only acceptable methods of cooling are in shallow pans, in refrigeration equipment or ice baths. Hot foods should be kept hot under heat lamps or temperature-controlled containers.

In Salt Lake City and across the U.S. 3,000 people die from food poisoning annually. If you or a loved one is a victim of a foodborne illness or wrongful death stemming from food poisoning, contact a lawyer to evaluate your claim.

Nicole Donaldson is a legal writer for Fusion 360, an SEO and content marketing agency. Information provided by Robert J Debry. Follow on Twitter.