Salmonella

Food-born illness

Food-borne illnesses: Salmonella

The salmonella bacterium is one of the most well-known and well-publicized health threats in the U.S. "Salmonella germs have been known to cause illness for over 100 years" (What is Salmonellosis, 2010, CDC). Salmonella bacteria can be present in the intestines of humans, and can be transmitted through consumption of tainted foods, water, or animal matter. Infections can be difficult to trace in the early stages, because "contaminated foods usually look and smell normal" (Diagnosis and treatment, 2010, CDC). While animal-based products tend to be more associated with salmonella in the public imagination, any food can be contaminated.

If someone with salmonella does not wash his or her hands with soap prior to using the bathroom, the food he or she subsequently touches can become contaminated. Thus, one of the best precautions against transmitting salmonella is frequent hand-washing. When preparing food, cross-contamination should be...
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