Free Essay

Foodborne Illnesses

In:

Submitted By tamara79
Words 917
Pages 4
Imagine yourself spending the night out with your friends. You all decide to visit this new restaurant that everyone has been talking about. The atmosphere is nice and the food tastes great. Everything goes well that is at least until you get home. Your stomach doesn’t feel quite right. Over the next few days you find yourself feeling really sick. You just can’t seem to keep any food down. You think to yourself maybe it’s just a stomach bug and it will go away in a day or two. A few days has now turned into a few weeks. To make matters worse your friends who you went out to dinner with have been feeling just as sick as you are. It is quite possible that you and your friends have all been stricken with a foodborne illness. A foodborne illness also known as food poisoning as it’s most often called is caused by eating or drinking any type of food or beverage that has been contaminated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) it is estimated that almost 76 million cases of foodborne illnesses occur in the United States every year. This total amounts to one in four Americans becoming sick with a foodborne illness by eating foods that has been contaminated with such pathogens or bacteria such a E. Coli, Salmonella and Listeria just to name a few. Approximately 325,000 people a year are hospitalized because of food poisoning. Out of that number 5,000 people have died from contracting a foodborne illness. Harmful bacteria such as salmonella, Ê. Coli and Campylobacter which are found in raw poultry and meat are the most common cause of foodborne illnesses. Such foods are most likely to have been contaminated while being slaughtered in the farm in which they were raised. Fruits and vegetables can also be contaminated depending on the type of soil used and the process in which they have been harvested. Other organisms that cause foodborne illnesses are fungal such as poisonous mushrooms, Contamination also occurs in the way that the food is prepared and handled in a kitchen or restaurant. The Norwalk virus is the most common virus caused from the contamination of improperly handled foods. That is why it is very important you handle food properly by washing your hands or wearing gloves and try not to cross contaminate the surface where you are handling or cooking food. The most common symptoms of foodborne illnesses often mimic the stomach flu and include diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, stomach cramps and fever. These symptoms can last from a few days to a few weeks depending on the severity of the illness. If you develop any of these symptoms and notice that you are not improving after a week or the symptoms get worse it is recommended that you seek medical attention. A doctor can most often determine what kind of illness you have by what you have eaten and also by running certain types of tests. If a sample of what was eaten happens to be available in certain cases it is sent to the lab to be tested to see if any bacteria, toxins or parasites are visible. This scenario is rarely used because it has been found not to give accurate results. Elderly people, young children and pregnant women are at a greater risk of developing complications from a foodborne illness because of their weakened immune systems. In severe cases lab tests are often done on a person infected to determine what kind of bacteria they have been infected with. A stool sample is often taken, sent to the lab and cultured to correctly identify what organism is present. Most cases of foodborne illnesses can be treated by simply increasing a person’s intake due to dehydration either orally or through I.V. depending on the severity of the case. In more severe cases a person may have to be hospitalized and monitored to make sure that their fluid intake is balanced, that they are receiving the proper nutrients in their body and to also make sure that their blood pressure is regulated. There are a number of ways in which foodborne illnesses can be prevented. The most important is to make sure that food is properly cooked to kill off bacteria. Also it is very important that once food is prepared that you refrigerate it as soon as possible and don’t leave it out for a long period of time. Bacteria can spread not only from food but from utensils, counter tops, sponges, cutting boards that have come in contact with raw meat and poultry. This is called cross-contamination. To prevent this keep uncooked food away from other foods that have already been cooked. The most important way to prevent foodborne illnesses from occurring is to wash your hands. This is the especially the case before touching food such raw meat, eggs, poultry, and fish. Also always remember to clean surfaces before and after preparing food. By practicing food safety you don’t only eliminate the risk of illness to yourself but also to others.

REFERENCES

1. FOODBORNE ILLNESS: FOOD POISONING. (2005-2011). Foodborne Illness. Retrieved January 21, 2011 from http://www.foodborneillness.com/

2. MEDLINEPLUS. (2011). Foodborne Illness. Retrieved January 21, 2011 from http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/foodborneillness.html

3. NDDIC. (2007). Bacteria and Foodborne Illness. Retrieved January 24, 2011 from http://digestive.niddk.nih/gov/ddiseases/pubs/bacteria/

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Foodborne Illnesses: Shigellosis In America Today

...Foodborne Illnesses: Shigellosis Imagine, your guardian forgot to wash their hands before preparing your dinner, now you are not feeling so well. You may have contracted a foodborne illness. A common foodborne illness in America today is shigellosis. Shigellosis is a problematic foodborne illness, luckily it is easy to prevent, but can be hard to get rid of. Shigella is starting to become a worry in the United States. “In the United States, most Shigella is already resistant to the antibiotics ampicillin and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole,” (Berger, Sherri). If shigella becomes resistant to more antibiotics, it will be a harder illness to stop, and there will be more outbreaks throughout America. “Washing your hands with soap and water is...

Words: 547 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Sci162 Scavenger Hunt Week2.Doc

...Associate Level Material Name Sci/162 Week 7 Foodborne Illness Date [pic]Hepatitis A ? What is the infectious agent (pathogen) that causes this infectious disease? For example, the name of the bacteria, virus, or parasite.[pic] There are several types of Hepatitis. Infectious hepatitis, which is commonly referred to as Hepatitis A, infects the liver via the virus of the same name. This is commonly spread through contamination from feces. The virus is transmitted among people through direct contact with an infected person and from improper hygiene. For example, if a kitchen worker uses the restroom and does not properly wash their hands and goes directly back to preparing food the virus can be passed on. Hepatitis is a Picornavirus which means the virus non-enveloped, single stranded enclosed in a protein shell. Although there are several genotypes, only 1 serotype exists. ? [pic]How is this infectious agent transmitted through food or water? Hepatitis A[pic] can be transmitted [pic]through[pic] water [pic]and[pic] food from preparing food anywhere, whether an individual is at a restaurant, home or a friend’s house. If an individual is prepping food and he or she is infected with the hepatitis A virus it can easily spread to the next individual. Food handlers that have hepatitis can contaminate the food and water or if the use the restroom and do not wash his or her hands well can also spread the disease. [pic]Usually this type of spread is limited to family members or their...

Words: 859 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Should Corporations Be Criminally Liable for Foodborne Illness Outbreaks?

... Should Corporations Be Criminally Liable for Foodborne Illness Outbreaks? Allen Leckband Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University MGMT 533 Abstract Foodborne illnesses pose a significant risk to public safety and every year millions of Americans are sickened and many die because of improper food handling, preparation, and storage. Government agencies that are responsible for food safety are tasked with regulation and inspections are often ineffective because corporations that fail inspections are not concerned about penalties imposed on them by the USDA and FDA. Civil suits by victims of foodborne illnesses are often difficult to win and do not affect larger corporations. The Department of Justice is attempting to prosecute individuals from corporations that are responsible for foodborne illness outbreaks but there is currently no legislation holds individuals from corporations responsible for foodborne illness outbreaks to be held criminally liable. Should Corporations Be Criminally Liable for Foodborne Illness Outbreaks? Introduction Foodborne illness represents a serious threat to everyone in the United States and according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 1 in 6 or 48 million Americans are sickened each year by consuming contaminated foods or beverages resulting in an estimated 128,000 hospitalizations and 3,000 deaths. (“Foodborne Illness”, 2014). Foodborne illness or food poisoning as it is sometimes referred to, is most...

Words: 2148 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Public Service Announcement Paper

...Public Service Announcement Paper Timothy A. Owens SCI/220 June 23, 2014 Carlos J. Carmona Public Service Announcement Paper Attention consumers are you aware that foodborne issues can lead to serious illnesses or death. Foodborne illnesses effect more than 48 million people a year. Children are more susceptible to foodborne illnesses than adults are. If one is not concerned about him or herself, think of how quickly germs spread from one child to another. Storage Are you aware that perishable items should be the last items on the cart after selecting other items? This prevents spoilage. Refrigeration of perishables should take place within two hours of purchase and 1-hour of purchase if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit. A helpful hint is to check one’s refrigerator or freezer’s thermostat periodically. The temperature of one’s refrigerator should be set at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, and the freeze temperature set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit. Many American are unaware of how long products such as fish, ground meats, and poultry can remain refrigerated or uncooked before bacteria starts to build. As a consumer, are you aware? The cdc.gov website is to freeze or cook these items within two days of purchase. On the other hand beef, lamb, pork, and veal can remain refrigerated a minimum of three to five days before cooking or freezing. The best way to prevent leakage of fluids from meats are to insert them in plastic bags. Plastic bags are normally located...

Words: 929 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Food Borneillness

...Foodborne Illness Foodborne illness or food poisoning is any illness resulting from the consumption of contaminated food, pathogenic bacteria, viruses, or parasites that contaminate food. Foodborne illnesses or food poisoning usually arise from improper handling, preparation, or food storage. Pesticides or medicines in food and naturally toxic substances. Foodborne diseases can also be caused by a large variety of toxins that affect the environment. SymptomsSymptoms of foodborne illness depend on the cause. Symptoms can range from mild to serious and can last from a few hours to several days. Common symptoms of many foodborne illnesses include: * Vomiting * Diarrhea or bloddy diarrhea * Abdominal pain * Fever * Chills | | | | Most Common Foodborne IllnessesSalmonella | | Salmonella is a bacterium that is wide spread in the intestine of birds, reptiles, and mammals. If can spread to humans by a variety of different foods. The illness causes symptoms such as fever, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps 12 to 72 hours after being infected. Salmonellas is usually transmitted by to humans by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. The food can also become contaminated by the hands of an infected food handler who did not wash hands with soap after using restroom. | Norovirus | | Norovirus is very contagious virus that can infect anyone. You can get norovirus from an infected person, contaminated food or water, or by touching contaminated surfaces. The virus causes...

Words: 784 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Food Borne Illnesses

...Foodborne illnesses can come from a variety of sources. Foodborne illnesses are very common and are preventable. There is usually no one specific symptom of a foodborne illness, diarrhea, nausea , vomiting and abdominal cramps are the most common symptoms seen when a person has been exposed to a foodborne pathogen. Poor hand hygiene , poor sanitary conditions in the kitchen, not following the recommended guidelines for proper cooking temperatures of foods, and not washing foods before consumption are a few of the causes of foodborne illnesses. The United States treats about 48 million cases of foodborne illnesses a year according to the U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) (2016). The FDA (2016) has four safe food handling interventions for public: 1. Clean: Wash hands and surfaces often 2. Separate: Raw meat from other foods 3. Cook: Cook to the right temperature 4. Chill: Refrigerate foods promptly There are several other interventions that may need to be incorporated to protect the public. Making it mandatory that all food service workers, butchers etc were gloves. Increasing the amount of inspections from the FDA in grocery stores, food service establishments, slaughter houses etc to hopefully decrease the amount of outbreaks of foodborne illnesses by identifying potential issues before they reach the public. Continue to educate the public on food-borne illnesses and ways to prevent them. Many agencies monitor and address compliance when it comes to...

Words: 422 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Food Borne Illness

...The Center for Disease Control and Prevention “estimates that each year, roughly 1 in 6 Americans [or 48 million people] gets sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of food borne diseases” (para.1, 2012). Misinformation, lack of awareness of diseases, and unreliable information sources contribute to improper food handling habits. Common Safety Issues Keeping food safe is important to prevent food borne illnesses. Common safety procedures that help prevent illness include cleaning, separating, cooking, and chilling or storing food. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services suggests cleaning, separating, cooking, and chilling foods as measures to keep food safe (n. d.). Before handling food, it is important to wash hands to rub and wash hands for at least 20 seconds (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). Hand washing is necessary after handling garbage, using the toilet, touching animals or animal waste, or treating an open wound (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). Proper washing of utensils helps detain the spread of germs and is necessary before and after use. A solution of 1 tablespoon of bleach to a gallon of water for is good for disinfecting (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services). Washing vegetables and fruits is also important to remove bacteria. Separating foods is necessary to prevent cross contamination. The U.S. Department of Health and Human services suggest using a separate cutting board for meat, poultry, seafood...

Words: 1077 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Sci162/Week 7

...1. What is the infectious agent (pathogen) that causes this infectious disease? The foodborne illness that I chose is Salmonella. Salmonella is one of the most common types of foodborne illnesses in America. It’s been around for 100 of years and was discovered by an American Scientist by the name of Dr. Daniel Salmon. These foodborne illnesses are also known simply as “food poisoning.” Salmonella is caused by the pathogen, bacteria. The Scientific name for this particular infectious agent is “salmonella bacterium.” The bacterium comes in many different forms. In the United States there are 2 common types found: Salmonella serotype Typhimurium and Enteritidis. This type of bacteria which is classified by its shape is known as the bacilli. Under a microscope, it appears as rod-shaped and can survive in the intestinal track of humans and animals. 2. How is this infectious agent transmitted, through food or water? These living microscopic creatures are transmitted in many ways; through food consumption of contaminated eggs or poultry, eating of raw foods and unpasteurized dairy products, from feces of animals, and also by other humans. It can also be found through consumption of fruits and vegetables. Even though one of the most common ways of transmission is through food, the bacteria cannot be detected before ingestion just by looking at the food. The foods look and smell normal and there is no visibility of contamination. When the bacteria in contaminated foods are...

Words: 423 - Pages: 2

Free Essay

Food Born Illnesses - Clostridium Perfringens

...Clostridium Perfringens (C. Perfringens) are an amazingly tenacious spore-forming bacterium which is found naturally in the intestines of humans and animals, as well as other environmental sources which cause foodborne illness or food poisoning. This bacterium is anaerobic, meaning it requires little to no oxygen to thrive. C Perfrngens releases toxins and when consumed in large quantities, cause illness. They are classified into five types based on the ability to produce one or more type of toxins. Types A, most common, and C are pathogenic to humans and animals. (PHAoC, 2011) C. Perfringes has two stages; dormant and vegetative, or live. The stages indicate the whether or not the bacterium is growing and causing greater illness risk. Clostridium Perfringens are the third most common pathogen leading to domestically acquired foodborne illnesses at almost one million cases each year (CDC, Food Safety, 2011) . Clostridium Perfringens which lead to illness are commonly found in food sources such as gravies, dried or precooked foods, beef, and poultry. Food prepared in large quantities and kept warm for long periods of time before serving are more likely to cause an outbreak. Locations at risk include schools, prisons, hospitals, and even catering events. While Clostridium Perfringens are not transferred between humans, there are transmission risks between humans and animals for types A & C. Due to the nature and existing C. Perfringens in the intestines, everyone is susceptible...

Words: 835 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Food and Nutrition Study Paper: Cultural Food Detailing of Carcar City, Cebu

...MANAGEMENT Submitted to: Prof. Israel N. Abarratigue Course Adviser Submitted by: Tisha Marie R. Ongcoy MBA- HRM – 1 ASSIGNED TOPIC OUTPUT AND COMPILATION TOPIC : Maintenance of Health through Good Nutrition and Safety Food Practices CONTENTS: 1. Food Related Illness and Allergies 2. Hygiene, Sanitation and Safety Control in Food REFERRENCES: * US NRA ServSafe® Food Manager Certification Course 2011 Module 1. FOOD RELATED ILLNESS AND ALLERGIES 2.1 CLASSIFYING FOODBORNE ILLNESS a. Foodborne Infections * Results when a person eats food contaminating pathogens, which then grow in the intestines and cause illness b. Foodborne Intoxications * Results when a person eats food containing toxins that cause illness c. Foodborne Toxin-Mediated Infections * Result when a person eats food containing pathogens, which then produce illness-causing toxins in the intestines 2.2 BACTERIA THAT CAUSE FOODBORNE ILLNESS a. Bacteria: Basic Characteristic * Living, single-celled organism * Can be carried by food, water, soil, animals, humans or insects * Can be reproduced very rapidly under favorable conditions * Some survive freezing * Some change into a different from called spores to protect themselves * Some spoil food; others cause illness * Some produce toxins that cause illness b. Spores * Certain bacteria can change into...

Words: 7547 - Pages: 31

Premium Essay

Food's Dirty Little Secret

...family and someone died because of it (Donley 1999). It is unsuccessful governmental regulations and corporate greed that allows food to be contaminated and lets the consumer pick-up the tab, in the way of our health. It is important to educate ourselves and others on proper food handing and how to prevent foodborne illness. Foodborne illness comes from biological and chemical hazards that can be prevented by antibiotic free meat, organic food and establishing good habits when handling and preparing food. Foodborne illness starts from biological contamination such as organisms and pathogens. Our current problems with food safety are defiantly not something new, but compared to ten years ago it has changed (Nestle, 2010). As our food has become more dangerous from field to fork, the producers have resisted the attempts to enforce safer standards and methods of food safety. This puts more consumers at risk of contracting a foodborne illness. With the Government more concerned about filling their pockets, America is feeling the wrath with un-healthy antibiotic resistant food that has the potential to kill. Donya Currie, a health specialist pointed out, “the risk for foodborne illness is just one part of the...

Words: 2345 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Critique Paper

...Exploring open kitchens’ impact on restaurateurs’ cleanliness perceptions SUMMARY Food safety is an important health issue. Consuming contaminated food or beverages can result in illness or death. Approximately 5,000 deaths occur from food-borne illnesses every year. There are many preventative measures that can be taken at home and in restaurants to avoid potentially hazardous foods. It is a discipline describing handling, preparation, and storage of food in ways that prevent foodborne illness. This includes a number of routines that should be followed to avoid potentially severe health hazards. The tracks within this line of thought are safety between industry and the market and then between the market and the consumer. In considering industry to market practices, food safety considerations include the origins of food including the practices relating to food labelling, food hygiene, food additives and pesticide residues, as well as guidelines for the management of governmental import and export inspection and certification systems for foods. In considering market to consumer practices, the usual thought is that food ought to be safe in the market and the concern is safe delivery and preparation of the food for the consumer. This study seeks to add knowledge in this area, studying restaurant operators’ perceptions of open and closed kitchens. Using semi-structured, face-to-face interviews, 20 restaurant managers and...

Words: 1124 - Pages: 5

Free Essay

Foodborne Nfections

...The Threat of Foodborne Infections The Threat of Foodborne Infections Foodborne infections pose a threat to everyone. Although the United States has one of the safest food supplies in the world, foodborne infections are relatively prominent in this nation. For example, there has recently been some contaminated produce, such as spinach and lettuce, which was distributed to numerous states that has caused a variety of unwanted symptoms and even resulted in death. This was widely reported in the news and had many individuals worried about what they were eating. Although the United States has many ways to combat the contamination of our food supply, it is still a threat to the nation. Foodborne infections can result from unsafe handling of food in the home, at the grocery store, at restaurants, as well as in many other places. Because foodborne infections are so easily transmitted, we need to be aware of how to protect ourselves and others from their harmful effects. Foodborne infections result from many different pathogens in our foods. These pathogens include bacteria, viruses, and parasites. It is estimated that there are 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths in the United States each year due to foodborne infections. Montana statistics from 2005 reveal that there were 16 incidents and 693 cases of foodborne infections. (Mead et al., 2000). It is suspected that many cases of foodborne infections are not reported, either due to severity...

Words: 1231 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Food Borne Illness

...States. Food-borne illnesses are contracted by ingesting contaminated food or water with parasitic or bacterial agents. Last year millions of people were exposed to food borne illnesses and many died. Identify the infectious agent (pathogen)? A pathogen or infectious agent in colloquial terms means germ, a microorganism in the widest sense. There are six kinds of infectious agents such as a virus, bacterium, prion, protizoa or fungus that causes disease in its host. The host can be an animal (including humans), a plant, or even another microorganism. Explain how the pathogen is transmitted through food or water? Pathogen transmission involves three steps: escape from the host, travel, and infection of the new host. This infectious agent is commonly transmitted through food, water and air. Traveling outside the country where diseases are common can also increase your risk of being exposed to infectious disease. You can be exposed to certain pathogens when eating foods that have been prepared by an unsanitary person. For example, a person preparing your food after using the bathroom but didn't wash his or her hands. Provide an example of a real life outbreak in the USA? Last year in the fall of 2011, The United States had one of the deadliest foodborne illnesses in the United States. Traces of Listeria were found in cantaloupes from Jensen Farms in Colorado. The outbreak grew into one of the deadliest in U.S. history, causing at least 146 illnesses and 32 deaths. The...

Words: 610 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Industrial Contamination

...local agencies work together in order to create a source, reason, actions necessary to control and prevent foodborne illnesses from reoccurring. Increase in the number of food related illnesses have people wondering if meat and processed food will ever be safe to eat. Cattle contaminated with bacteria such as E-Coli get their way to grocery stores due to improper management of the food production system. Change in food safety policies and assessment guidelines prompted state and local health officials to inform Americans on the dangers of contaminated meat products and other foods. President Obama has proposed new guidelines in the Food Safety Act; more stringent measures taken in the investigation of meat production, factory farming and facilities by the USDA and the FDA. Opposing entities dispute that animals need protection from parasites and bacteria as well also and should be proven that antibiotic use in animals is harmful to humans. There is not enough concrete evidence to prove that use of antibiotics or hormones in meat products are a threat to humans if consumed. So enlighten by the present debate the government has permitted use of chemicals, and other substances in production and processing of meat and processed foods, not for just animal health and welfare but the health and safety of the consumer. There continues to be an increase in food borne illnesses, and though the government has an action plan to control the outbreaks, we are no closer to resolution than...

Words: 1207 - Pages: 5