image for food allergy articleSalmonella and E. coli have become well known culprits of ]]>foodborne illness]]> in the US. It is the responsibility of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to try to determine and contain the source of the illnesses.

A search is a complicated process. Food is tracked from its garden routes through processing, packaging, store life, and finally to individual homes or restaurants. Salmonella and E. coli are popular scapegoats. There are in fact many different types of bacteria, parasites, or viruses that cause illness. They can and have been picked up all along the food supply route. In addition, poisonous chemicals or agents can also get into foods causing illness. So can we trust any food?

Why Worry?

Perhaps you have had a food-related illness in the past. While unpleasant, you survived. For many people, food illness causes minor sickness and usually only lasts a couple of days. The illness may cause ]]>diarrhea]]> , vomiting, cramping, and perhaps a strong desire to avoid certain foods in the future. However, some cases can be much more serious and cause disabilities or death. Pregnant women are at risk for having a baby with birth defects or having a ]]>miscarriage]]>. People with immune system problems are also more likely to have serious complications.

There are several methods to help decrease the chance of getting these illnesses. Many of the processes started over a hundred years ago. Pasteurization and safety standards in food preparation and canning are just a few examples. Other processes like food ]]>irradiation]]> are newer methods. But the nature of the infectious agents and food processing may not allow total safety. People also need to be aware of and play their role in decreasing their risks.

Food Watch

Efforts from agencies, such as the CDC, are in place. They are constantly working to identify and contain sources of foodborne illnesses. Meanwhile bacteria, viruses, and parasites are evolving and finding new ways to thrive. As foods arrive from new areas and new packaging and processing methods are tried, the chance for new illness can arise. To add to the problem, different countries have different food care standards and enforcements. The US has seen serious problems from foods imported from other countries.

In the US, the public health departments monitor cases of foodborne illness. Similarities in cause of infection are noted. An outbreak of similar illnesses may indicate a more systemic problem. By tracing outbreaks, any new infectious agents can be tracked. Ideally, the problem will be found before it infects more people. Recalls of foods or closing of restaurants are often the first steps.

Researchers will look for the particular bacteria, virus, or parasite causing the illnesses. The offender will have a specific DNA signature. This will help researchers match up common links even if the food were distributed all over the US. Once a particular culprit is found a possible food link is identified. The food will be followed back through preparation, distribution, and growth until the contamination is found. This process can take some time and become very complex.

Where It All Begins

The infection may begin at the farm. Contamination of food can start through irrigation with contaminated water. Diseases are also passed on through sick animals. Seafood can become contaminated by bacteria in the water infected through pollution. Animals housed in cramped quarters can easily spread contaminants.

Food processing can also be a hotbed for infections. Again, water used to process foods may be contaminated. When water is used to wash food it can contaminate large amounts of food. Meats and poultry can become contaminated through the slaughter process. One sick animal can contaminate large batches when the meat is mixed.

Human contact during processing of the food can also introduce infection. If a food handler has a virus or bacteria, they can pass on the illness by not washing their hands. Surfaces and kitchen tools also present an easy opportunity for food to become contaminated. If surfaces or tools are not washed in between food preparation, infectious materials can be spread through a whole meal. While some foods are cooked enough to kill infectious material, others exposed to the infectious materials may be served raw.

Finally to make you ill, the bacteria needs to multiply. For instance, when food is left out for long periods of time, it creates an ideal situation for bacteria to flourish. The food provides the infectious material with “food” and the warm temperatures let it multiply readily. Refrigeration will keep most infectious material at bay.

Hot, Cold, and Clean

There are a number of steps that are out of your control and in fact happen long before you even touch your food. What is a person to do? There are in fact some basics steps that can help you significantly lower your risk of foodborne illness:

  • Cook food thoroughly particularly eggs, meat, and poultry.
    • Eggs should be cooked until the yolk is firm.
    • Use a thermometer to make sure meat and poultry are cooked well.
    • Look on packaging or on most thermometers for recommended temperatures.
  • Keep leftovers refrigerated.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables before eating.
  • Wash your hands before preparing a meal.
  • Avoid activities like changing a baby’s diaper while preparing food.
  • Keep food separate while preparing the meal.
  • Wash kitchen utensils and surfaces between foods.
  • When dining out, check to see the health department rating of your restaurant.
  • Also when dining out, ask that your food be cooked properly.
  • Check if food with eggs, like omelets, is made from pasteurized eggs.

Food for Thought

Government agencies and food suppliers are working on ways to decrease the amount of contamination. Newer technologies, such as irradiation, have had some promising results but have created other concerns.

If you have a chronic disease, know what foods pose higher risks and be conscientious of safe food preparation. If you are pregnant, there are certain foods that are best to stay away from. If you are more susceptible, it is best to avoid these foods that may have infectious material:

  • Sushi and other raw fish, especially shellfish
  • Unpasteurized milks and juices
  • Ready to eat meats—hot dogs or luncheon meats
  • Soft cheeses, unless they are labeled as made from pasteurized milk
  • Refrigerated pates or meat spreads
  • Refrigerated smoked seafood (safe if it is cooked)
  • Raw eggs
  • Unwashed fruits and vegetables

While not every piece of food listed above causes illness, they present higher risks than other foods.