A Closer Look at Food Safety

Foodborne illness occurs when disease-causing bacteria, viruses, or parasites contaminate food, causing up to 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths in the US annually. The US food supply is among the safest in the world, but it can still be a source of infection.

Format: Hardback
Length: 292 pages
Publication date: 14 July 2021
Publisher: Nova Science Publishers Inc

Foodborne illness occurs when disease-causing bacteria, viruses, or parasites contaminate food. While the food supply in the United States is among the safest in the world, it can still be a source of infection. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), foodborne pathogens cause up to 48 million illnesses, 128,000 hospitalizations, and 3,000 deaths in the United States each year.

These illnesses can range from mild to severe, and some may even be life-threatening. Common foodborne pathogens include Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter. These pathogens can be found in a wide variety of foods, including raw and processed meats, poultry, seafood, fruits, vegetables, and dairy products.

Preventing foodborne illness is essential to protecting public health. This can be done by practicing good food hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly before handling food, cooking food to the proper temperature, and storing food at the right temperature. It is also important to avoid cross-contamination by keeping raw meat, poultry, and seafood separate from other foods and using separate utensils and surfaces.

If you suspect that you have foodborne illness, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the illness from spreading and reduce the severity of symptoms. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary to treat severe illness.

In conclusion, foodborne illness is a serious public health concern that can affect anyone. By practicing good food hygiene and being aware of the risks associated with foodborne pathogens, we can help protect ourselves and our loved ones from this potentially life-threatening illness.

ISBN-13: 9781536198454