Question

The biggest cause of foodborne illness is:*

Answer 1

The biggest cause of foodborne illness is:*

Answer 2

1) Camplyobacter is the second most common bacterial cause of diarrhea in the U.S. Sources include raw and undercooked poultry, other meat products, raw milk and untreated water.


2) Clostridium botulinum produces a toxin that causes botulism, a life-threatening illness that can prevent breathing muscles from moving air in and out of the lungs. Sources include improperly prepared home-canned foods and honey, which should not be fed to children less than 12 months old.


3) E.coli O157:H7 is a bacterium capable of producing a deadly toxin. It’s been associated with beef, undercooked hamburger, fresh produce, raw milk and unpasteurized juices (cider is an example), and causes about 73,000 cases of foodborne illnesses in the U.S. each year.


4) Listeria monocytogenes causes listeriosis, a serious disease for pregnant women, newborns and adults with weakened immune systems. It is associated with unpasteurized dairy products, including soft cheeses; sliced deli meats; smoked fish; hot dogs; paté; and deli-prepared salads, such as egg, ham, seafood or chicken salads.


5) Norovirus is the leading viral cause of diarrhea in the U.S. It is associated with poor hygiene and easily passed from person to person or from an infected person to food items.


6) Salmonella is the most common bacterial cause of diarrhea in the U.S. It is responsible for 1.4 million cases of foodborne illness a year and is the most common cause of deaths from foodborne illness. It is attributed to raw or undercooked eggs, undercooked poultry and meats, fresh fruits and vegetables and unpasteurized dairy products.


7) Staphylococcus aureus produces a toxin that causes vomiting shortly after being ingested. Sources include cooked foods that are high in protein such as cooked ham, salads, bakery or dairy products held too long at room temperature.


8) Shigella is caused by poor hygiene and is easily passed from person to person and from infected individuals to food items. It causes an estimated 448,000 cases of diarrhea a year; sources include salads, unclean water and any food handled by someone who is infected with the bacterium.


9) Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite that causes toxoplasmosis, which is a very severe disease capable of producing disorders in the central nervous system and particularly mental retardation and visual impairment in children. Pregnant women and others with weakened immune systems are at a high risk. Sources are raw or undercooked pork.


10) Vibro vulnificus causes gastroenteritis, wound infection and severe bloodstream infections. People with liver diseases are especially at high risk. Sources include raw or undercooked seafood, particularly shellfish