Foodborne Illness in Louisiana

Foodborne illnesses are caused by consuming contaminated foods or beverages. Many different disease-causing bacteria, viruses and parasites can contaminate foods. In addition, poisonous chemicals and pesticides can be present in foods and cause serious, even life-threatening illnesses.

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 attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have helped people harmed by contaminated foods or beverages in Louisiana and across the country.

If you or a loved one has suffered 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.

In Louisiana, the Office of Public Health enforces the LA State Sanitary Code to prevent foodborne illnesses and protect public health. Sanitarians monitor water systems to make sure water is safe to drink. They also monitor restaurants and shellfish-growing areas as well as the milk and dairy industry to make sure Louisiana products are safe.

The yearly number of foodborne outbreaks in Louisiana has increased since 1980, with quite a pronounced increase since 2000. Louisiana has averaged more than 13 outbreaks a year since 2000.

Between 1980 and 2006, Louisiana had a total of 182 outbreaks of foodborne disease, according to the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Office of Public Health. The most common illness found was Norovirus infection, which accounted for one-fifth of all outbreaks. About 10 percent of the outbreaks were attributed to Salmonella bacteria.

Orleans Parish had the largest number of reported outbreaks of foodborne illness in Louisiana. About one-fourth of the outbreaks were reported there, but outbreaks of foodborne illness occurred throughout the state. The most common origin for foodborne illness outbreaks was restaurants.

Inspectors with the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals Retail Food Program investigate complaints about foodborne illness and unsanitary conditions involving restaurants and retail food establishments. Complaints should be reported to the local sanitarian office in the parish health unit, where the business is located. See our page on Louisiana Food Safety Resources page for more information.

Advocates for Food Safety

The foodborne illness lawyers 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 attorneys  at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have assisted thousands of people who suffered personal injuries including many harmed by contaminated foods or beverages or food poisoning. 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.