How can food poisoning be prevented?
Two rules: “more is better” and “seafood is healthy” are not always right when it comes to eating
products contaminated with various bacteria. Inappropriate farm practices may be largely responsible for
making fruits and vegetables one of the top causes of poisoning illnesses. Seafood, fruits and
vegetables are the leading sources of Food Poisoning!
Typhoid fever, rare in the U.S., is caused by a particular strain designated Salmonella typhi. But illness due to other Salmonella
strains, called salmonellosis.
Symptoms. Diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after being infected.
Treatment. The illness usually lasts four to seven days and most people recover without treatment.
body sites, causing severe illness and, in vulnerable people, death. In cases of severe illness, patients may be
treated with antibiotics. However, some Salmonella bacteria have become resistant to many commonly used
antibiotics.
Major Sources of Salmonella. Contaminated foods, such as raw meat, poultry and eggs that have not been
cooked properly, are the most common source of the disease.
And Also. Not washed fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as not thoroughly cleaning work surfaces used to
prepare raw meat and other foods in the kitchen.
And Also. Food handlers who do not thoroughly wash their hands with soap after handling raw meat or after
using the bathroom.
And Also. Salmonella can be found in the feces of some pets, especially those with diarrhea. Exotic pets, such
as snakes, turtles and reptiles, may carry Salmonella even when healthy. People can become infected if they do
not wash their hands after contact.
Rule Number One. Remember - there is no vaccine to prevent food poisoning, but you can minimize your
chances of contracting it by following these steps.
Rule Number Two. Thoroughly cook foods to destroy the bacteria.
Rule Number Three. Do not eat raw or undercooked eggs, poultry or meat.
Rule Number Four. Do not eat homemade hollandaise sauce, caesar and other salad dressings, tiramisu,
homemade ice cream, homemade mayonnaise.
Rule Number Five. Poultry and meat, including hamburgers, should be well-cooked, not pink in the middle.
Rule Number Six. If you are served undercooked food in a restaurant, send it back.
Rule Number Seven. Avoid raw or unpasteurized milk and other dairy products.
Rule Number Eight. Mother's milk is the safest food for infants. Breast feeding prevents salmonellosis.
Rule Number Nine. Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
Rule Number Ten. When buying and storing groceries, keep meats separate from fruits, vegetables, cooked foods
and ready-to-eat foods.
Rule Number Eleven. Go directly home from grocery shopping and refrigerate or freeze food immediately.
Rule Number Twelve. Always defrost food in the refrigerator, in cold water or in the microwave, never at room
temperature.
Rule Number Thirteen. Wash your hands before handling any food.
Rule Number Fourteen. Wash your hands after contact with animal feces, for example, after changing the kitty
litter or scooping up after your dog.
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Copyrights 2006 Food Poisoning
