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.

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