Anytime you purchase a food product that is not properly labeled by the manufacturer, you have become the victim of food fraud. There are currently more than a dozen European nations that have discovered that horse meat is being mixed into beef and pork products, and this problem has impacted a wide range of consumers because the tainted meat was sold in grocery stores and fast food restaurants.
Burger King locations in the U.K. were receiving meat from Silvercrest, a supplier from Ireland that was found mixing horse meat into beef. After initially denying reports, Burger King eventually admitted that they may have received tainted meat, but insisted they did not sell it. At this time, it is impossible to know whether or not that claim is true. However, Burger King officials also announced that the Food Safety Authority of Ireland assured them that the horse tainted meat did not present any health concerns for consumers.
Is My Family Safe?
Even with the assurances that have been provided by groups such as the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, it is difficult for consumers to feel safe with the knowledge that they might not actually know what they are eating. If the product has been properly prepared and is then cooked at the right temperature, the risk to consumers is probably minimal. However, in some cases, food has been tainted by something more dangerous such as the E. coli virus. For example, there was at least one case of a consumer contracting the deadly virus after he ate ground beef that was purchased at a Publix grocery store in Fort Myers, Florida. Although the food that the victim ate was most likely all beef, it is still the manufacturer’s responsibility to test their products before they are sent out for consumption.
Dealing with Food Fraud
Depending on which ingredients are used, it is possible for consumers to face health risks. With the trend of contaminated products and food allergies on the rise, the likelihood of adverse physical effects is more and more certain. Individuals suffering from the effects of food contamination will often seek legal counsel to resolve claims against negligent manufacturers. With the help of a personal injury attorney West Palm Beach FL victims can move forward with recouping damages inflicted upon them by the laxity of others. Keep in mind that it is illegal for a manufacturer to label something with the wrong information.
The rising cases of mislabeled products and food contamination has struck fear in the hearts of consumers around the globe. Fortunately, we are no longer in the dark about the unscrupulous business practices of the industry responsible for the food we feed our families. Hopefully, this enlightenment will empower the global community to force the much needed improvement of industry integrity and wholesome food
Jamica Bell is a parent and consumer advocate who contributes this article to promote food safety. Steinger, Iscoe & Green is a personal injury law firm that is dedicated to defending victims who have been injured by the negligence of others. Michael S. Steinger is a co-partner and is highly recognized as a personal injury attorney West Palm Beach FL can look to when protecting the rights of actual people and not big firms and businesses. He has made a commitment and vow to represent real people and has worked hard to keep this promise.
Leave a comment