Food safety is not a new issue, it has caused problems with humankind since the beginning of time. So while modern refrigeration and transportation methods have contributed to less exposure to foodborne illnesses, the fact that we area "world-marketplace" has increased our exposure to all the nasty bugs. As additional critical control points are inserted into to the supply chain, it becomes more and more important to know where your food has come from, who has touched it and how it got to you.
Symptoms can vary from stomach cramps, vomiting and diarrhea to a paralysis of the respiratory system leasing to death. The most commonly reported illnesses are caused by Salmonella and E.coli O157:H7, and while contracting either of these can be deadly in young children and older adults most victims attribute their symptoms to the "stomach flu".
That being said, what exactly is food borne illness and what can you do to help protect yourself against it?
- Go here to find out the names of bacteria and viruses that cause illness: Bacteria
- Go here to get tips on washing your fruits and vegetables: Fruit and Vegetable Washing
- Go here for FDA tips to help prevent food borne illnesses: Tips to avoid Food Borne Illness
