This summer, health officials across the U.S. are busy investigating multiple outbreaks of illness caused by foods contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. So far, Salmonella tainted foods include papayas, peanut butter, cantaloupes, cucumbers and ground turkey. More information on these outbreaks and guidelines you can use for preventing a Salmonella Summer
In the 1970,s and 80's, it was common to find more than fifty percent of poultry products in meat markets harboring Salmonella. Today, it's surprising to find Salmonella contamination of poultry products in the meat market above five percent.
In the U.S., it's another "Salmonella Summer." So far, this summer, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recalled food products ranging from papayas and peanut butter to cantaloupes and ground turkey contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. Officials at the FDA have linked ground turkey, contaminated with Salmonella to at least one death. Seventy-six individuals ill have become ill with the same strain of Salmonella that has been found to be resistant to many of the commonly prescribed antibiotics. This outbreak has spread across the U.S. and has been found in twenty-six states. The states reporting the highest number of cases have been Michigan, Ohio, Texas, Illinois, California and Pennsylvania.
Most individuals who become ill after consuming food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria experience diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps within 12 to 72 hours . The illness may last from four to seven days. The vast majority of those becoming ill experience mild symptoms and recover without needing hospital treatment.
For older individuals, infants, and persons with impaired immune systems, Salmonella can be deadly. Diarrhea may be so severe that the infected individual needs to be hospitalized to maintain adequate fluid levels. In a few of these patients, the infection may spread from the intestines to the blood stream, and then to other sites in the body. In these cases, Salmonella may cause death unless the person is treated promptly with the right antibiotic.
Finding Salmonella bacteria in ground turkey and other poultry products should not be surprising. Salmonella bacteria living inside the intestines can be easily spread during the slaughtering process. Prior to the mid 1980's, it was common to find fifty percent, or more, of poultry products in meat markets harboring this culprit. In those days recalls were the exception, since the public was aware of the need to thoroughly cook all poultry products. Thanks to the efforts of FDA and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) the rate of Salmonella contamination of poultry has significantly dropped. Today, it is not surprising to find Salmonella contamination of poultry products in the meat market below five percent.
Fruits, vegetables and other produce items are another story. These products may only be slightly grilled or sautéed; and in most cases are eaten raw. Finding Salmonella bacteria on these products is cause for alarm and normally results in a voluntarily or mandatory recall. Unfortunately, sampling of these products usually occurs only during the investigation of an illness outbreak suggesting a possible source.
An outbreak of salmonella was shown to be caused by papayas distributed by a SW Texas produce firm. Sampling of the papayas, imported from Mexico, confirmed the source; only after more than ninety people became ill with the same strain of Salmonella bacteria in twenty-three states. A North Carolina firm had to recall more than one thousand cases of cucumbers that had been shipped to nine states, after samples collected by the FDA tested positive for Salmonella. So far, no one has become ill for consuming the contaminated cucumbers.
The best advice for the general public is to assume raw meats and vegetables are contaminated. Always cook meats to temperatures recommended on the label and thoroughly wash all raw fruits, vegetables and produce prior to preparing or eating. The FDA has prepared a guideline for prevention of Salmonella. If you want to avoid a "Salmonella Summer" download a copy of this FDA guide at the following Website:
http://healthmad.com/conditions-and-diseases/salmonella-summer/
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