Hawaiians buy things from the store on a daily basis. Clothing, medication, toys and food are all purchased in sizeable quantities. Most consumers do so without batting a lash, too, with little to no concern for their own safety. Yet, the sad reality is that dangerous products lurk on store shelves. Perhaps the scariest thing is that many people, even those who are entrusted to keep our products safe, don’t realize that these products are being sold until it’s too late.
As an example, let’s take a look at a recent recall related to eggs. According to reports, more than 30 different food brands have issued a recall due to hardboiled eggs that have spurred a listeria outbreak that has left seven people infected and one person dead. The eggs stem from a Georgia producer who supplies hardboiled egg products throughout the country. The recall affects some of the country’s biggest retailers, including Trader Joe’s, Kroger and Walmart.
Food processing plants are subject to a number of regulations that are meant to ensure consumer safety. Production methods should be periodically assessed and processing locations routinely inspected to ensure sanitary conditions. Yet, the truth of the matter is that state and federal regulators can’t catch every mistake made by product producers. This shouldn’t mean that these producers are off the hook, though. Instead, action needs to be taken to ensure that they are held accountable for their negligent actions.
This is where a product liability claim may prove beneficial. Generally speaking, to succeed on one of these claims a victim must show that the product in question was defective, and that the defect caused the victim’s injuries. In the case of food products, the presence of a dangerous bacterium like listeria may be sufficient to satisfy both elements necessary to succeed on one of these claims. Therefore, those who have been harmed by a dangerous produce, food or otherwise, should carefully consider whether legal action is justified.