Food Poisoning Suspected in Summer Camp Death of Bergen County Boy

0605565001617669627.jpgAn 11-year-old Bergen County boy who had been attending a summer camp in Milford, Pennsylvania died at Bon Secours Hospital in Port Jervis, N.Y. after his gastrointestinal symptoms worsened suddenly. According to a story in NorthJersey.com, three other campers staying in the same cabin were taken to the hospital as a precaution after complaining of stomach pain and nausea and were later released. Authorities suspect food poisoning or a viral infection, and they have ruled out carbon monoxide poisoning and physical trauma. At this writing, police are awaiting the results of an autopsy on the dead boy.

Food poisoning is a greater danger in the summer months, because bacteria multiply faster in warm weather and high humidity, and outdoor food preparation is inherently risky. The Food Safety Inspection Service of the U.S. Department of Agriculture suggests four steps for safe food preparation during the summer:

  • Clean — Wash your hands often before and after handling food, before eating, and after handling any type of refuse.
  • Separate — The goal is to avoid cross-contamination from raw to cooked food. Keep uncooked food such as meat and fish wrapped, and do not allow its juices to come into contact with food you’ll eat raw. Don’t place cooked food on a plate or surface that previously held raw food.
  • Cook — Use a meat thermometer to make sure you have cooked meat and poultry sufficiently to kill bacteria.
  • Chill — Keep your cold food cold, especially perishable items and those made with mayonnaise. Replenish the ice in coolers frequently.

Following these protocols can help keep your family safe throughout the summer months.

If you suspect you’ve suffered food poisoning after a visit to a restaurant or a County Fair, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical expenses, economic losses, and pain and suffering. Food vendors have a duty to protect customers from foodborne illnesses. But you must act quickly. Evidence of the conditions that give rise to food poisoning can disappear quickly. By contacting an attorney immediately, you improve your chances of assembling the evidence necessary to make your case.

If you are injured by someone’s negligence in Bergen County or anywhere in New Jersey, consult an experienced personal injury lawyer at Seigel Law as soon as possible. Contact us online or call 201.444.4000 today for a free case evaluation.

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