Diced onions, cookie dough, flour, alfalfa sprouts, peanut butter – what do these very different foods have in common?
They all have been contaminated by salmonella, which sickens an estimated 1.35 million people in the United States each year. Infections from the bacteria – the most frequently reported cause of food-borne illness, according to the Department of Agriculture – can lead to symptoms such as fever, diarrhoea and abdominal pain that may last for days.
People often get sick with salmonellosis, the infection caused by the bacteria, after eating undercooked meat or other contaminated foods, but the microbes can lurk in many other places, too. There’s all these different pathways that can lead to human illness, said Dr Louise Francois Watkins, a physician with the Enteric Diseases Epidemiology Branch of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Here’s what you need to know about these sneaky bacteria, and how to keep yourself and your family safe.
Salmonella: The Culprit Behind Frequent Food-borne Illnesses
Salmonella, responsible for an alarming number of food-borne illnesses, affects millions of people in the United States annually. The bacteria can infiltrate various food items, including diced onions, cookie dough, flour, alfalfa sprouts, and even peanut butter. Consuming contaminated food can result in salmonellosis, an infection characterized by symptoms like fever, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain that can persist for several days.
Dr Louise Francois Watkins from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Enteric Diseases Epidemiology Branch explained that while the most common source of salmonella is undercooked meat, the bacteria can also be found in multiple other locations. There’s all these different pathways that can lead to human illness, Dr Watkins stated.
Preventing Salmonella Infections: What You Need to Know
To protect yourself and your family from salmonella infections, it is crucial to understand the best preventive measures. Proper cooking and handling of food are essential to minimize the risk of contamination. It is important to cook meat, including poultry and eggs, thoroughly to kill any bacteria present. Additionally, washing hands before and after handling raw food is crucial, as well as regularly cleaning and sanitizing kitchen surfaces and utensils.
Drinking pasteurized milk and avoiding consuming raw or unpasteurized eggs can significantly reduce the risk of salmonella infection. Furthermore, it is advisable to avoid cross-contamination by separating raw meat and poultry from other food items and using different cutting boards and utensils to avoid the transfer of bacteria.
The Diverse Pathways to Salmonella Contamination
Salmonella contamination can occur through various pathways, making it imperative to be cautious while handling different food items. Let’s look at some common sources of salmonella contamination:
1. Raw Meat and Poultry: Undercooked meats, especially chicken and other poultry products, can be a breeding ground for salmonella. It is essential to cook these foods thoroughly to eliminate any harmful bacteria.
2. Eggs: Raw or undercooked eggs are common carriers of salmonella. By opting for pasteurized eggs in recipes that call for raw eggs, the risk of contamination can be significantly reduced.
3. Unpasteurized Dairy Products: Milk and other dairy products that have not undergone the pasteurization process may contain salmonella. Choosing pasteurized alternatives ensures safety.
4. Cross-Contamination: When handling raw meat and poultry, it is vital to prevent cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards, utensils, and countertops for raw and ready-to-eat food.
5. Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh produce, such as alfalfa sprouts and diced onions, can also be contaminated with salmonella. Thoroughly washing fruits and vegetables before consuming them can help reduce the risk.
6. Pet Reptiles: Surprisingly, pet reptiles, such as turtles and lizards, can carry salmonella. Avoiding contact with these animals, especially for children, can prevent infections.
Staying Informed and Staying Safe
With salmonella contamination being a widespread concern, it is vital to stay informed and take necessary precautions. Keeping food safety practices in mind, such as cooking food thoroughly, practicing proper hygiene, and preventing cross-contamination, can significantly reduce the risk of salmonella infections.
By being vigilant and proactive in our approach to food safety, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from the unpleasant effects of salmonella contamination. So next time you’re preparing a meal or enjoying a snack, remember the importance of safe handling and preparation to keep yourself healthy and illness-free.
