Foodborne Illness in Arkansas

The Arkansas Department of Health investigates and compiles information about foodborne illnesses in Arkansas. The goal of the Arkansas Department of Health is to protect the health and well-being of all Arkansans.

Many different microbes, as well as chemicals and pesticides, can contaminate foods. Common symptoms of foodborne illness and food poisoning include diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, headache, vomiting, severe exhaustion and sometimes bloody stools. Over half of foodborne illnesses are due to improper food temperatures or poor personal hygiene.

The foodborne illness attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault promote food safety through legal advocacy, information outreach and analysis of food poisoning outbreaks. For nearly three decades, the food poisoning lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have helped people harmed by contaminated foods or beverages in Arkansas and throughout the country.

If you or a loved one has suffered complications from a foodborne illness, please call Neblett, Beard & Arsenault for a free evaluation of your case. Contact our firm by calling 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contact form.

Among the foodborne illnesses and pathogens that the Arkansas Department of Health tracks are Campylobacteriosis, Hepatitis A, Salmonellosis, Shigellosis, and E. coli 0157:H7. Salmonellosis, which is caused by Salmonella bacteria, is the most prevalent foodborne illness in Arkansas, with 791 cases reported in 2008, the most recent year of complete data. Shigellosis, which is caused by Shigella bacteria, ranked as the second most common foodborne illness in the state of AK in 2008, with 581 cases, according to state health data.

Arkansas law requires that specific information about certain diseases that may be of public significance be provided to the Arkansas Department of Health.

To learn four simple steps recommended by the Arkansas Department of Health to prevent foodborne illness and to find contact information about regional health offices, see our Arkansas Food Safety Resources page.

Everyone is susceptible to foodborne illnesses so be careful in your food purchases, storage and preparation. Please continue to browse our website for information on reported outbreaks of foodborne illness in Arkansas.

Advocates for Food Safety

If you or a loved one has suffered serious complications from a foodborne illness, please contact Neblett, Beard & Arsenault for a free evaluation of your case. Contact our firm by calling 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contact form.