Fast food insurance industry experts are waiting to see if any sign of the recent E. coli outbreak occurs in restaurants and takeaways in the coming weeks.
The recent E. coli outbreak is reminding everyone that has a business based on food of the dangers associated with its preparation and service. And it is making those in the fast food insurance industry keep a careful eye open for any cases that involve restaurants, or takeaways.
The fast food insurance industry is rightly focused on the threat of food contamination and poisoning in the industry, and will be concerned that no cases crop up involving the catering sector, although it’s likely that there will be some fall out.
What worries food experts is that the E. coli breakout seemingly came out of thin air, with reports that Spanish cucumbers were to blame for the infections wide of the mark. Worryingly, although experts have pinpointed the strain – a new variant which is very resistant to anti-biotics – they were initially unable to trace it and explain why it has spread to many parts of the globe.
Although it appears to have started in north Germany, cases have been reported in most parts of mainland Europe, the UK and North America. Experts believe that those recently visiting northern Germany are in effect spreading into their own countries when returning home.
During the initial news of the outbreak, it’s uncertain whether fresh salad – namely cucumbers and tomatoes – are to blame, or whether it is home prepared meals, or restaurant prepared meals which are causing the problem.
Fast food insurance experts are constantly monitoring the problem and believe it is only a matter of time before an eating establishment is implicated and questions turn to possible legal actions and compensation.
The E. coli has killed 18 people at the time of writing and more deaths cannot be ruled out say the medical experts. Hundreds have been stricken down by the bug which is described as being extremely toxic and harmful.
The issue of whose to blame is causing great concern amongst Spanish growers who although initially blamed, were cleared of being the cause of the bug. It’s reckoned the Spanish vegetable export industry is losing over £150 million in sales a week and protests against the Germans, who initially pointed the finger, but have since backed down.
Consumers have been given advice when it comes to handling fruit and vegetables and fast food insurance industry experts hope that takeaway staff are being directed how to take precautions when preparing and serving food. Experts say that the problem is limited to uncooked vegetables and fruit, as cooking destroys the virus, although as this is a new strain, people will need to check the advice they are being given.
Washing and cooking food properly is essential, and the fast food insurance industry will want to see the country’s restaurants and takeaways taking the proper precautions.
