Food Poisoning
When food starts to rot it develops bacteria, breeds viruses, and may be infested with parasites. These or the toxins they produce may cause food poisoning. Care in putting away leftovers and tossing out questionable food will protect you. Some of the bacteria can be quite dangerous, including salmonella and E. coli. Several years ago, e coli infections traced to improperly cleaned lettuce resulted in severe illness and forced the closure of the Chi-Chi's restaurant chain.
Recently Answered
- Q How will I know if I have contracted a food-borne illness?
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Doreen Rodo, Nutrition & DieteticsThe only way to tell for sure if you have a food-borne illness is to be tested. Unfortunately, many people who have GI symptoms do not get tested so many food-borne illnesses go undetected. An outbreak, however, is when 2 or more people have the symptoms... Full Answer
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- Q How do I avoid mercury in fish and seafood?
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the Environmental Protection Agency have issued consumer advisories on the risks of methyl mercury in fish. Pregnant women, women who might become pregnant and nursing mothers should follow these... Full Answer
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- Q How can I keep my kitchen free of Listeria?
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To help keep your kitchen free of Listeria and other pathogens, clean all spills as described below (especially juices from hot dogs, lunch meat packages, raw meat, and raw poultry). Also, wash the inside walls and shelves of the refrigerator,... Full Answer
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- Q What is ciguatera?
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Ciguatera fish poisoning (or ciguatera) is caused by eating fish that contain toxins produced by the marine dinoflagellate microalga Gambierdiscus toxicus.Ciguatera causes gastrointestinal, neurological, and cardiovascular symptoms. Signs and symptoms... Full Answer
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- Q Who is most at risk of contracting Listeria?
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Pregnant women, older adults and persons with weakened immune systems have the highest risk of suffering serious illness from Listeria infection. Persons with weakened immunity include patients with an organ transplant, cancer, and those who are... Full Answer
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- Q Are refrigerated foods safe from Listeria?
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Unlike many bacteria, Listeria can grow at refrigerator temperatures so use a refrigerator thermometer to keep the temperature below 40◦ Fahrenheit or 4◦ Celsius). The longer that ready-to-eat deli meats (such as lunch meats and hot dogs) and... Full Answer
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- Q How should I wash my hands to help prevent the spread of Listeria?
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To help prevent the spread of Listeria and other pathogens, wet your hands with clean, running water (warm or cold) and apply soap. Rub your hands together to lather and scrub them well; be sure to scrub the backs of your hands, between your... Full Answer
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- Q Can I eat processed meat if I have a high risk of illness from Listeria?
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People at a higher risk of serious illness from Listeria, especially older adults, those with a weakened immune system, and pregnant women, should not eat hot dogs, luncheon meats, cold cuts, other deli meats (such as bologna), or fermented or... Full Answer
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- Q Can people with a high Listeria risk eat pâté or meat spreads?
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Those at higher risk of Listeria infection -- older adults, pregnant women, and those with a weakened immune system -- should not eat refrigerated pâté or meat spreads from a deli or meat counter or from the refrigerated section of a... Full Answer
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- Q Can I handle meat if I have a high risk of serious illness from Listeria?
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People at higher risk of serious illness from Listeria, especially older adults, those with a weakened immune system, and pregnant women, should avoid getting fluids from hot dog and lunch meat packages on other foods, utensils, and food... Full Answer
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