Family: Meatloaf dinner killed parents

• Lawsuit claims tainted meatloaf caused elderly couple's death


• Bob Evans Restaurants says suit is "entirely without merit"


• The case will be heard in federal court in West Virginia early next year

(CNN) -- The children of an elderly West Virginia couple who passed away months apart in late 2012 and early 2013 are blaming their deaths on a restaurant chain's meatloaf.

Mark and Ann Starcher say a tainted meal that their parents shared from a local Bob Evans restaurant in October 2012 made them so "violently ill" that it ultimately led to their deaths, according to a lawsuit they've filed against the Ohio-based chain.

According to the complaint, about nine hours after consuming a meal of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, broccoli and a roll, Virginia Starcher -- who went by "Ginny" -- "fell violently ill" shortly before Harold Starcher "also became violently ill but was able to call 911 for ambulance transport for both."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 48 million people suffer from foodborne illnesses each year in the United States. Stay safe by following these steps outlined by the Food and Drug Administration:

Clean properly: Wash all produce thoroughly with water and/or a vinegar solution before eating. Make sure also to wash your hands and everything else that comes into contact with food. This includes kitchen utensils, cutting boards, countertops, tableware and cookware. Wash your hands thoroughly with warm water for at least 20 seconds before touching food, after handling uncooked meat or produce, and after eating. Make sure you also wash your hands between preparing each type of food.

Separate your food: Keep uncooked food from contaminating other food with dangerous bacteria. Separate raw meat, poultry, fish and produce from one another and other foods. Use separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables, or thoroughly clean the cutting board before using it to prepare a different food.

Separate your utensils: Be careful not to use the same utensils to prepare different foods without first cleaning the utensils. Finally, don't use the same utensils or dishware for both uncooked and cooked food without cleaning them first.

Cook food properly: Keep food out of the danger zone by cooking it thoroughly. The danger zone is where germs thrive, between 40 degrees and 140 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure you cook food to at least 140 degrees to kill harmful microorganisms.

Check the temperature: Check your food's internal temperature with a food thermometer, but be careful not to contaminate food with a dirty thermometer. Make sure you clean the thermometer as you check each item. A food thermometer is the only way to know if your food is cooked enough. Simply cooking meat until it turns brown may not be an accurate indication of whether your food contains harmful bacteria. If you plan to keep food warm after cooking, make sure the internal temperature doesn't drop below 140 degrees Fahrenheit.

Chill: Keep foods cold and chill leftovers quickly. Check your refrigerator with a refrigerator/freezer thermometer to make sure the temperature is 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below, and make sure your freezer is 0 degrees or below. If you have leftovers or perishable foods, refrigerate or freeze them within two hours (only one hour if the surrounding temperature is above 90 degrees F). If you thaw frozen food, don't leave the food out at room temperature. Thaw the food in the refrigerator. If you need to thaw food quickly, place the food under cold running water or in the microwave. Then cook the food immediately.

Photos: How to keep your food safe

Each year one out of every six Americans is sickened by a foodborne illness, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Here are some of the biggest foodborne illness outbreaks since 2001. Click here for tips on how to keep your food safe.

In 2013, Foster Farms chicken infected 634 people in 29 states with a multidrug-resistant strain of Salmonella, according to the CDC. Of the 634 cases, 38% involved hospitalization.

A salad mix and fresh cilantro from Mexico ended up infecting 631 people with the parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis in summer 2013. The parasite triggers watery diarrhea, nausea, bloating and cramping.

A hepatitis A outbreak was attributed to Townsend Farms Organic Antioxidant Blend frozen berries in September 2013. A total of 162 cases were reported, and 71 people were hospitalized, according to the CDC. Severe hepatitis cases can cause liver damage. The blend's pomegranate seeds came from a company in Turkey, which was the source of contamination.

Cantaloupes tainted with salmonella infected more than 260 people across 24 states in October 2012. Three people in Kentucky died and 94 were hospitalized. Investigators determined Chamberlain Farms Produce Inc. of Owensville, Indiana, was the source of this outbreak.

Salmonella in a frozen raw yellowfin tuna product, known as Nakaochi Scrape, sickened 425 people and hospitalized 55 in the spring and summer of 2012. The product was used most often to make "spicy tuna" sushi, according to the CDC.

Twenty-two cases were reported of a Listeria monocytogenes infection from the Frescolina Marte brand of ricotta salata cheese in 2012, but 90% of those people were hospitalized, and four people died, according to the CDC.

In September 2011, listeria in cantaloupes left 30 people dead in what was the deadliest U.S. outbreak of a food borne illness since the CDC started keeping track of listeria cases in 1973, according to the agency.

Between February and August 2011, the Cargill Meat Solutions Corp. recalled more than 36 million pounds of ground turkey after tests revealed a strain of salmonella. The outbreak killed one person and sickened more than 130.

In summer 2010, more than 1,900 people were reportedly sickened by salmonella found in eggs produced by Iowa's Hillandale Farms, which voluntarily recalled about a half-billion eggs nationwide.

Authorities shut down a processing plant in Texas in October 2010 after four deaths were tied to listeria-infected celery produced at the site. The Texas Department of State Health Services ordered SanGar Fresh Cut Produce to recall all products shipped from its San Antonio plant.

Between April and August 2008, 1,442 people in 43 states were infected with salmonella from Mexico-grown jalapeño and serrano peppers. At least 300 people were hospitalized, and the infection may have contributed to two deaths, according to the CDC. Walmart stores in four states recalled jars of serrano peppers as a result.

Nine people died from salmonella-infected peanut butter between September 2008 and April 2009. The Peanut Corp. of America had sold the tainted peanut butter in bulk to King Nut, which recalled its products. More than 700 people were infected and 166 hospitalized.

In the summer of 2006, more than 200 people became infected with E. coli from spinach grown on a single California field. Investigators traced the prepackaged spinach back to Natural Selection Foods and baby spinach sold under the Dole brand name. Five deaths were linked to the outbreak.

During 2005 and 2006, four large outbreaks of salmonella infections hit 21 states in the United States. Tainted tomatoes being served in restaurants were found to be the cause. Investigators linked the produce to fields in Florida, Ohio and Virginia.

Pre-sliced Roma tomatoes purchased at deli counters in Sheetz gas stations infected more than 400 people in the summer of 2004. Two other smaller outbreaks in the United States and Canada also occurred that summer and were linked back to a tomato-packing house in Florida.

Listeria-infected sliced turkey killed eight and infected 46 others in 2002. Three pregnant women had fetal deaths. Two processing plants recalled 30 million pounds of meat following the outbreak.

In 2001, cantaloupe was again the culprit. Salmonella tainted the fruit that killed two, hospitalized nine and infected 50 in an outbreak that started in Mexico.

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Photos: Worst food-borne illness outbreaks

Both were told by emergency room staff at Jackson General Hospital in Ripley, West Virginia, that they had suffered from food poisoning "from consuming the tainted meal from Bob Evans."

The next day, the children allege that their dad -- who went by the nickname "Punk" -- "suffered a stroke after becoming violently ill from consuming the tainted meal from Bob Evans," resulting in both parents being moved into a rehabilitation facility.

Neither would return home.

About two months later, Ginny, who served in the West Virginia Legislature in the 1980s, died in hospice care. Punk -- who was healthy, active and still operating his business at the time of the Bob Evans meal, according to the suit -- deteriorated rapidly thereafter. The next few months of his life would be spent in an intensive care unit before he, too, passed away.

Protect yourself from food poisoning

Mark and Ann Starcher want $250,000 for medical expenses from Bob Evans Restaurants, as well as an unspecified amount for the "pain, suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish and the loss of ability to enjoy life" that were caused by their parents' deaths.

A spokesman for the restaurant chain, which has 600 locations in 19 states, said that while it's the company's policy not to comment on pending litigation, "we believe this is an appropriate and important exception to the rule."

"Bob Evans is committed to serving the safest, highest-quality foods for our guests -- that is our responsibility and our priority," said Scott Taggart, who added that the company "sympathize(s) with this family for the loss of their loved ones." However, Taggart said that the company had done "a thorough review of the alleged claims in this matter, and quite simply, there is no basis to the allegations contained in the complaint and the suit is entirely without merit."

The case will be heard in federal court in West Virginia early next year.

Caramel apples linked to fatal listeria outbreak

Best Christmas lights in the U.S.

It takes 15,000 hours and 1,500 volunteers to put together the Trail of Lights in Austin, Texas. The 1.25-mile walking circuit features more than 100 lighted trees.

An Old Time Christmas in Branson, Missouri, is home to the 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree that features 350,000 LEDs synchronized with Christmas music.

Walking through Denver Botanic Gardens, visitors see thousands of lights on trees and plants. A pair of Holospex turn the lights into 3D candy canes, snowflakes and other shapes.

With five million lights, The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida requires more than 10 miles of rope lighting and 30 miles of extension cords.

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosts Glittering Lights, a 2.5-mile circuit that gives car-bound visitors the opportunity to see more than 400 animated displays.

In Washington, D.C., Zoolights turns Smithsonian's National Zoo into a 500,000-LED-light winter wonderland.

Macy's Christmas Light Show in Philadelphia has a Magic Christmas Tree and 100,000+ LEDs behind a four-story velvet curtain that tell a story with reindeer, toy soldiers and ballerinas.

For the last eight years, residents of North Pole, Alaska, have hosted the six-week Christmas on Ice festival, combining lights with intricate ice sculptures.

• Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida has 5 million lights


• A 2.5-mile circuit in Las Vegas shows off more than 400 animated displays


• A five-story Christmas tree in Branson, Missouri, features 350,000 LEDs

(CNN) -- Christmas in the United States is a combination of traditions from around the world.

Evergreen trees inside homes were popularized in Germany during the 16th century.

Decorating with poinsettias? That idea came from Mexico (and the name of the plant came from Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first U.S. Minister to Mexico).

And 18th-century England helped to change mistletoe's image from a poisonous plant to a poisonous plant that's also a festive kissing trap.

However, there's one favorite tradition with an All-American origin: electric Christmas tree lights.

It started when Edward H. Johnson, a friend and business partner of Thomas Edison, put a string of 80 hand-wired red, white and blue electric lights on a Christmas tree in 1882.

Since the majority of Americans didn't have access to electric power until the 1930s, it took about 50 years for Johnson's creation to become popular.

Since then, it's become an essential part of American Christmas celebrations, whether that means a couple of strings of "tasteful" white lights around the family tree or a pulsating public display synchronized to "Jingle Bell Rock" that can be seen from low orbit.

With a nod to Mr. Johnson's first tree, here are eight of the best locations in the United States where the electric light tradition continues to shine brightly.

Though some of his neighbors didn't care for Jennings Osborne's Christmas lights, his show wound up at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida.

Disney's Hollywood Studios (Lake Buena Vista, Florida)

Back in 1986, Arkansas businessman Jennings Osborne started decorating his Little Rock home for his daughter during the holidays.

What began with 1,000 lights snowballed into three million lights and numerous court challenges to turn the lights off (though the U.S. Supreme Court refused to hear the case).

Eventually, Osborne agreed to move his display, now known as The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, to Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida.

With five million lights, the show requires more than 10 miles of rope lighting and another 30 miles in extension cords.

Visitors can even don a special Made with Magic ear hat, a version of the classic Mickey Mouse ears that flashes colors along with the music.

November 7, 2014 to January 4, 2015

Disney's Hollywood Studios , 351 South Studio Drive, Lake Buena Vista, Florida

Las Vegas Motor Speedway (Las Vegas)

It may seem counterproductive to leave the Las Vegas Strip to look at bright lights, but to find Christmas lights in the Nevada desert, visitors can drive down to the racetrack.

The Las Vegas Motor Speedway hosts Glittering Lights, a 2.5-mile circuit that gives car-bound visitors the opportunity to see more than 400 animated displays.

It should be noted that while Glittering Lights is hosted at the speedway, the event doesn't have visitors drive on the superspeedway track, so crash helmets and lead feet aren't required.

For the upcoming holiday season, up to 30,000 vehicles are expected to make the circuit.

November 14, 2014 to January 4, 2015

Las Vegas Motor Speedway , 7000 Las Vegas Blvd. N., Las Vegas

Smithsonian's National Zoo (Washington, D.C.)

During the holidays, the nation's capitol is home to a unique event that manages to combine sparkling Christmas light displays with animals that prefer the dark.

Zoolights turns Smithsonian's National Zoo into a 500,000-LED-light winter wonderland.

At this free event, families can take a spin on the solar-powered Speedwell Conservation Carousel, which features custom-carved figures of 58 species of animals, including a clouded leopard and a sloth bear.

The zoo's Small Mammal House, Great Ape House and Reptile Discovery Center are open, so visitors can warm up and see some of the zoo's nocturnal animals.

November 28, 2014 to January 1, 2015, except for December 24, 25, and 31

Smithsonian's National Zoo , 3001 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, D.C.

There are more than 5 million lights and 1,000 decorated trees at Silver Dollar City, along with nightly parades.

Silver Dollar City (Branson, Missouri)

While Branson, Missouri, has grown by leaps and celebrity theaters over the last several decades, Silver Dollar City has been here since 1960.

The theme park is a celebration of Ozark Mountains culture and, for more than two decades, host to An Old Time Christmas festival.

With more than 5 million lights and 1,000 decorated trees, along with nightly parades and two musical productions, An Old Time Christmas is home to the 5-Story Special Effects Christmas Tree that features 350,000 LED lights and, synchronized with Christmas music, can make up to 100 light changes per second.

November 1, 2014 to December 30, 2014

Silver Dollar City , 399 Silver Dollar City Railroad, Branson, Missouri

Denver Botanic Gardens (Denver, Colorado)

For those who want to see Christmas lights dazzle in a Rocky Mountain setting, there's "Blossoms of Light" at the Denver Botanic Gardens.

Following a half-mile path through the Gardens' 24 acres, visitors see thousands of colorful lights highlight the winter beauty of Ponderosa pines, cottonwoods and other native Western plants.

December 5, 2014 to January 1, 2015

Denver Botanic Gardens , 1007 York St., Denver, Colorado

Macy's at Center City (Philadelphia)

Since 1956, parents have brought their children to Philadelphia's Center City to marvel at a department store's resident light display during the holidays.

Macy's (formerly Wanamaker's) Christmas Light Show has a Magic Christmas Tree and more than 100,000 LEDs arranged behind a four-story velvet curtain that tell a story with reindeer, toy soldiers and ballerinas.

At the end of the show, the 287-ton Wanamaker Organ, the largest operational pipe organ in the world, plays "O Tannenbaum."

Julie Andrews is the narrator of the light show, though it was formerly narrated by baritone John Facenda, known as the "Voice of God" from NFL Films.

November 28, 2014 to December 31, 2014

Macy's at Center City , 1300 Market St., Philadelphia

This year, Austin's popular Trail of Lights show celebrates its 50th anniversary.

Zilker Park (Austin, Texas)

It takes an estimated 15,000 hours and 1,500 volunteers to put together Austin's Trail of Lights.

Located in the Texas capital's Zilker Park, the popular light show is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary.

The 1.25-mile walking circuit features more than 50 light displays, 100 lighted trees, a nightly Yule Log and a 90-foot Ferris wheel.

Standing above it all is the Zilker Tree, at 155 feet it's the tallest man-made free-standing Christmas tree in the world.

December 7, 2014 to December 21, 2014

Zilker Park , 2100 Barton Springs Road, Austin, Texas

Santa Claus House (North Pole, Alaska)

North Pole, Alaska's, name comes from an attempt to convince a toy company to move to town.

The toymaker never materialized, but residents of this Fairbanks suburb did embrace the Christmas spirit and for the last eight years have hosted the six-week Christmas on Ice festival that combines festive Christmas lights with intricately carved ice sculptures.

And despite the fact that this is Alaska in winter, there are outdoor activities for kids, including ice slides and massive ice bowl "twirlers" where kids can sit and be spun until the colorful lights become a nauseating blur.

November 29, 2014 to January 6, 2014

Santa Claus House , 101 Saint Nicholas Drive, North Pole, Alaska

David Johnston is a freelance writer and editor based in Seattle.