TL;DR (3-Minute Read)
- Foodborne illness—commonly known as food poisoning—is on the rise in the U.S.
- High-risk foods include cooked grains, raw proteins, leafy greens, and deli meats (listeria risk).
- Proper food safety practices reduce risks, but restaurant insurance provides the ultimate protection.
Food Poisoning: A Real Concern in the U.S.
Every year, about 1 in 6 Americans—around 48 million people—fall ill from foodborne diseases, resulting in 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths (Mount Sinai Today).
For restaurants, outbreaks don’t just impact health—they can damage reputations, slow business, and create liability issues.
Top Food Safety Risks for Restaurants
Recent food safety data highlights specific dangers:
- Cooked grains (rice, quinoa) may harbor Bacillus cereus if stored improperly (EatingWell).
- Raw proteins (meat, poultry, fish, eggs) can spread Salmonella and E. coli if undercooked (EatingWell).
- Prewashed leafy greens may still contain dirt and bacteria (EatingWell).
- Deli meats face increasing listeria outbreaks, with cases reported in California and Arizona (AP News).
Best Practices for Safety in Santa Ana Restaurants
To protect diners and reduce liability:
- Cool grains quickly before refrigeration.
- Separate raw and cooked foods (color-coded cutting boards help).
- Wash produce thoroughly, even if labeled “prewashed.”
- Cook proteins to safe temperatures—always use a thermometer.
- Sanitize prep areas, especially near deli meats.
These align with CDC and FDA guidelines (Verywell Health).
Why Restaurant Insurance Still Matters
Even with best practices, accidents happen. An unnoticed contaminated batch or handling mistake can result in foodborne illness claims.
Restaurant insurance covers:
- Medical expenses and liability claims
- Legal fees and settlements
- Reputational damage
- In some cases, product recalls or business interruption
For Santa Ana business owners, having the right local insurance partner ensures quick, personalized support when it matters most.
Final Thought
In Orange County’s competitive dining scene, food safety is more than compliance—it’s a reputation safeguard. Combine solid safety protocols with tailored restaurant insurance, and your business is set not only to survive—but to thrive.
At Neighborhood Insurance Agency, we help Santa Ana restaurants find affordable, customized insurance policies designed to cover risks like foodborne illness, liability claims, and more.
👉 Contact us today for a no-pressure policy review—because peace of mind is worth more than the policy itself.
Santa Ana, CA 92705
Frequently Asked Questions
High-risk foods include cooked grains, raw proteins, leafy greens, and deli meats. These can carry bacteria like Salmonella or Listeria if not handled safely.
Yes. Most policies cover liability for foodborne illness, helping with medical costs, legal fees, and claims against your restaurant.
Even with strong safety practices, accidents happen. Insurance protects your business from lawsuits, high costs, and reputational harm. Read more about it here.
Absolutely! We’re happy to review your needs and explain options without pressure. Talk to us today!
Reference
EatingWell. (2025, June 21). When it comes to food poisoning, these 3 foods are the worst offenders, experts say. Retrieved from EatingWell source (EatingWell)
Associated Press. (2025, May 12). What to know about food poisoning illnesses caused by listeria. Retrieved from AP News (AP News)
FoodSafety.gov. (n.d.). Key facts about food poisoning. Retrieved from FoodSafety.gov (FoodSafety.gov)
Mount Sinai Today. (2024, September 4). The facts about food poisoning: Most cases happen at home. Retrieved from Mount Sinai blog (Mount Sinai Today)
Verywell Health. (2023, September 5). What causes food poisoning? Retrieved from Verywell Health (Verywell Health)
Verywell Health. (2023, December 18). Foodborne illness: What does an outbreak mean? Retrieved from Verywell Health (Verywell Health)
