With the development of food technology, Food Product Liability issues
have become more prevalent in the more recent years. Food borne
illness and/or injury can result in litigation. These have been
categorized as those caused by chemical, biological, and physical
hazards. These hazards could have resulted from food products that
were mishandled, damaged, deteriorated and spoiled as a result of
processing, storage, shipping, and/or serving.
As technology has improved in the areas of food production, chemical
hazards such as insecticides and toxins have entered the food chain.
When ingested, these hazards in certain instances can result in
illness and/or death. With the handling and distribution of the food
product, biological hazards such as Salmonella and E.coli have been
discovered in both processed foods and raw food products. These
biological hazards have, in many instances, also resulted in illness
with lasting consequences and/or death. The presence of physical
hazards such as food product contaminated with metal, plastic, and
other foreign materials (e.g., stones, glass) have become more common
with the greater variety and the quantity of food produced for an
increased population. The presence of these types of physical hazards
has often resulted in physical injury, illness with lasting effects,
and psychological trauma.
A food scientist is technically trained in food product selection,
processing, quality control, storage, shipping, and serving. This
expert is also familiar with the FDA and local food regulatory
agency's safe food handling requirements.
A food scientist can in certain instances relate the nature of the
symptoms experienced to the biological organism or biological toxin.
The origin of the specific hazard can also be identified by reviewing
the Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point (HACCP) program utilized by
a food manufacturer or restaurant.
Consulting Engineers & Scientists, Inc. has the expertise and
experience to evaluate food product matters. We can provide you with
guidance and direction that is understandable, efficient, and cost
effective in this uncommon area of litigation. Please call us to
discuss your food product matter.