Why does Bill Marler avoid romaine lettuce when eating out?

Bill Marler avoids romaine lettuce due to his professional experience with E. coli outbreaks linked to this leafy green.

How many Americans get sick from food each year?

An estimated 48 million Americans, or 1 in 6, get sick from foodborne illnesses annually, according to the FDA.

Home / Health / Food Lawyer's Extreme Diet: A Cautionary Tale

Food Lawyer's Extreme Diet: A Cautionary Tale

Q: What are the most common sources of foodborne illnesses today?

Today's common sources include salad products, ready-to-eat meats, and even ingredients like onions, a shift from older concerns like ground beef.

14 Dec

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Summary

Attorney avoids leafy greens and precut foods due to career experiences.
Millions get sick annually; some cases lead to hospitalization and death.
E. coli sources have shifted from ground beef to salad products.

Food Lawyer's Extreme Diet: A Cautionary Tale

Food safety attorney Bill Marler's career investigating foodborne illnesses has led him to adopt highly cautious eating habits. He deliberately avoids many foods commonly consumed, such as leafy greens, precut produce, and deli meats, due to his extensive experience with severe outbreaks. Marler's concerns are rooted in the reality that millions in the U.S. suffer foodborne illnesses annually, with thousands requiring hospitalization or succumbing to their infections.

Historically, E. coli outbreaks were often linked to ground beef, but Marler notes a significant shift. Pathogens like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria are now frequently associated with salad products, ready-to-eat meats, and even ingredients like onions. This changing landscape means that even seemingly safe food choices can carry hidden risks, prompting his personal assessment of food safety.