Study Finds More Falling Sick Due to Unsafe Food

Unsafe food is causing more illnesses in the U.S. despite sweeping safety reforms meant to protect the public. Contaminated food has increased the rate of illness by 44 percent since last year and annually around 48 million Americans are sickened by unsafe foods, says a new study.

According to CNN, a report from the U.S. Public Interest Research Group said that there were 718 illnesses reported in 2011 due to food-borne diseases and the number went up to 1,035 in just nine months in 2012. These illnesses were linked with numerous food recalls this year involving bacteria-tainted products such as beef, peanut butter, mangoes, popcorn, and cantaloupes.

Meanwhile, major reforms from the Food Safety Modernization Act enacted two years ago have yet to see the day of light as they undergo review with the White House’s Office of Management and Budget (OMB), according to CNN. OMB says some reforms have been put in place and it is working to expedite others.

The report also points to cuts in funding for the Food and Drug Administration and too little inspection of imported foods as part of the reason the nation’s food supply remains at risk.

The U.S. Public Interest Research Group emphasizes that a lot more has to be done to control the food-borne illnesses and the outbreaks.

If you or a loved one has been harmed by an unsafe food product, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation and to find out if a product liability lawyer may be able to help you.

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