Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health - April 2023

Bill Marler, a foodborne illness attorney, taught masters and PHD students in the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. He emphasized the role of the legal system as a control measure for foodborne illness outbreaks. In the class he questioned whether the fear of legal consequences or negative publicity can impact safety measures in the food industry. During class, Bill offered examples of how foodborne illness outbreaks have made restaurants accountable for food safety practices and the resultant economic consequences and legal action taken to compensate victims.