Unmasking America's Leading Food Safety Advocate
Meet the pioneering food safety attorney who has become a force to be reckoned with in America and across the globe. For the past three decades, this renowned lawyer has represented thousands of individuals who have suffered severe injuries and even death due to food contamination.
His journey in the field of foodborne illness litigation began in 1993, when he represented a survivor of a tragic E. coli outbreak. His client was the most seriously injured survivor, and her case ended with a significant $15.6 million settlement. This landmark case, along with his subsequent rise as a food safety attorney, was chronicled in a best-selling book, which later inspired an award-winning documentary.
A Champion for the Victims
Over the last 30 years, this tireless advocate has represented victims in every major foodborne illness outbreak in the United States and has provided consultation on cases as far away as Europe, Asia, and Africa. He has taken on multiple big-name companies in the food industry and has secured over $850,000,000 for victims of E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, Hepatitis, and other foodborne illnesses.
Two of his most significant cases involved a young dancer who was left brain-damaged and paralyzed due to an E. coli-contaminated hamburger, and a 57-year-old mother of six who was hospitalized for more than two years with a severe multi-organ case of E. coli. Their stories were so impactful that they not only made national headlines but also played an instrumental role in advancing food safety laws.
More Than Just a Lawyer
His tireless advocacy goes beyond the courtroom. He has petitioned the United States Department of Agriculture for better regulation of E. coli, collaborated with nonprofit food safety organizations, and played a pivotal role in the passage of the FDA Food Safety Modernization Act. His efforts have earned him invitations to speak at local, national, and international gatherings on food safety, including testifying before the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Energy and Commerce.
He frequently travels to educate food industry groups, fair associations, and public health groups about the litigation of claims resulting from outbreaks of pathogenic bacteria and viruses. He also generously donates to promote improved food safety and has established numerous collegiate science scholarships across the nation.
Sharing His Knowledge
As a frequent writer on topics related to foodborne illness, his articles offer insights on how to document a food poisoning case, how to determine the strength of a claim, and how to maintain a focus on food safety. His award-winning blog and online news site are popular reads among the food safety and legal communities, and his expertise is often sought after by various media outlets.
His dedication and contribution to food safety have earned him several awards, including the NSF Food Safety Leadership Award for Education and the Outstanding Lawyer Award by a prominent county Bar Association. He also received the Public Justice Award from a state Trial Lawyers Association.
Completing his law degree from a well-known university in 1987, he returned in 1998 as the Law School’s “Lawyer in Residence.” In 2011, he was honored with the university's Professional Achievement Award.
His commitment to food safety, combined with his passion for justice, has solidified his place as a leading figure in the fight against foodborne illnesses. His work has not only brought justice for countless victims but also sparked significant changes in the way food safety is approached in America and around the world.