Organic food choices have come to be seen by some as a healthier, more eco-friendly way to eat. However, it would be incorrect to believe that food is safe to eat merely because it has been certified as organic. In fact, according to one recent New York Times article, the amount of organic food that has been recalled because it is not safe to consume has more than tripled since last year. The Organic Trade Association takes issue with these numbers and counters that, according to their data, the percentage of recalled organic food accounts for about 4.9% of all recalled food products.
According to the article, thus far in 2015 organic food has accounted for approximately 7 percent of all recalls. Last year that figure was just 2 percent of the total number of recalls. In 2012 and 2013, respectively, the figures were just one percent.
Why the Increase in Recalled Organic Food Products?
One of the reasons cited by experts for the increase in recalled organic food products is that organic food has become much more prevalent in American diets over the past few years. In fact, since 2012, there has been an increase of 25% in the total amount of organic food sold in the United States.
Another potential reason for the increase in recalls is the implementation of better food safety mechanisms, which can catch contaminated products more efficiently and earlier in the distribution chain. Of course, this is an explanation as to why all recalls increased over recent history, rather than an organic-food specific factor.
Food Safety and Manufacturer Liability
In most cases of food recalls, a person who ingests the contaminated food is sick for a few hours or days and then recovers. Thankfully, most often no one is seriously hurt or killed as a result. However, in some of the more serious cases of food-borne bacteria, such as E.coli and Salmonella, serious injury or death can result, especially in weaker populations such as the elderly, young, or chronically ill.
When a food manufacturer releases a product to consumers, they are making a representation that the product is safe for human consumption. When that is not the case, they may be held liable for any illness or death that resulted from the consumption of the contaminated food. Of course, these cases can be difficult to prove, since it must be shown that the illness was caused by the ingestion of the contaminated food. To learn more, contact an experienced Washington D.C. products liability attorney.
Have You Consumed Contaminated Food and Suffered As a Result?
If you or a loved one have been seriously injured as a result of consuming contaminated food, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. The skilled advocates at Lebowitz & Mzhen Personal Injury Lawyers, have ample experience bringing cases against negligent food manufacturers, and we know what it takes to be successful in Washington courts. Due to the nature of the laws surrounding these types of cases, any company in the chain of distribution may be held liable for your injuries. To learn more, and to speak with an attorney about your case, call 410-654-3600 today to set up a free consultation.
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