Posts Tagged ‘Boston lawyer’

A food poisoning outbreak has closed a Massachusetts restaurant in the middle of the summer season, raising concerns for diners.

A North Reading restaurant has been closed indefinitely after 39 diners filed complaints related to a salmonella outbreak. The source may be the antipasto salad, but the local board of health is still investigating.

The North Reading Board of Health shutdown Kitty’s Restaurant on Main Street on July 3. The board investigated the food poisoning, which may have initially occurred on June 23. After a thorough cleaning, the restaurant was allowed to re-open – though not for long. The restaurant has been closed again following a new report, this time from a June 25th visit.

According to a Boston 25 News report, the board’s investigation is focused on antipasto salad served at the restaurant. Nine complaints have been linked to salmonella poisoning on June 23. The other 30 cases from June 23 have not been confirmed yet. After the latest complaint from June 25th, the board has recommended testing for 46 workers and another full cleaning.

What is Salmonella Food Poisoning?

Salmonella poisoning is one of the most common types of food poisoning in the United States, according to FoodSafety.gov. The onset of symptoms can come within 12 hours or may take up to three days. Possible symptoms include nausea, stomach cramping, fever, abdominal cramping and vomiting. Fever and chills are also common. Expect symptoms to last 4-7 days.

Salmonella is not usually fatal in adults, according to the Mayo Clinic. With weakened immune systems, the elderly, young children and pregnant women are at risk for complications. Individuals who suffer from AIDS, malaria and other illnesses are also at a heightened risk, as are people taking anti-rejection drugs after organ transplants.

Causes of Salmonella Poisoning

There are many sources for salmonella poisoning. One is when eggs, meat and poultry are not properly cooked, then consumed. This can happen during processing and distribution before the food reaches consumers and businesses such as restaurants.

Failure to wash one’s hands can also lead to poisoning. If a restaurant worker doesn’t wash their hands, then handles food, they can pass along Salmonella contamination.

It can also be passed along by touch from pets and animals. Always wash your hands after contact with any animal, but most of all with birds and reptiles. You can be exposed in certain countries overseas. Do your research before international travel.

How to Report a Food Poisoning Case in Massachusetts

When suffering food poisoning symptoms after eating at a restaurant, always contact your community’s local board of health. The board will notify the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Do the same if you consumed food at a local business.

These venues likely served other people on the same day you visited. The contamination may not be an isolated incident and needs to be investigated to protect others.

Can I File a Lawsuit in Massachusetts if I Suffer Food Poisoning?

Every food poisoning case is unique and should be explored with an experienced Boston food poisoning lawyer who can advise you of your legal rights. Not everyone exposed to food poisoning suffers illness, but others are left with long-term complications. Contacting a lawyer is an important step to preserve your legal rights.

Free Legal Consultation in Massachusetts Food Poisoning Cases

With over 100 years combined experience, the Boston personal injury lawyers at Breakstone, White & Gluck specialize in handling food poisoning cases. These cases are complex and must be investigated promptly.

For a free legal consultation, contact us at 800-379-1244 or 617-723-7676 or use our contact form.