How do you know you have Clostridium botulinum food poisoning? This very serious illness is caused when the Clostridium botulinum bacteria produces the botulism toxin and someone eats it. A very tiny amount of this toxin is enough to kill an adult; it is one of the most deadly toxins known to man. It's important that you know these symptoms so you can seek help as soon as possible for the best outcome. Foods that can be contaminated with this toxin include canned foods, especially low acid foods (higher pH) that are home canned, although there have been botulism outbreaks linked to industry produced food items. In addition, fish, if not properly eviscerated, can harbor this pathogen. Honey can contain low levels of the Clostridium botulinum spores, which is why honey should never be … [Read more...]
When Should You Call the Doctor If You Have Food Poisoning?
We talk about food poisoning all the time on this site. We have told you about the different pathogens such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Listeria monocytogenes, what foods they are likely to contaminate, and the symptoms of the infections those pathogens cause. But there's one question that needs to be answered: When should you call the doctor if you have food poisoning? Of course, call your doctor if you are worried about anything pertaining to your health. But there are specific symptoms that the government says you should look for when you have food poisoning that should trigger an immediate call. First of all, there are certain groups that should always call if they contract a food poisoning infection. They include adults over the age of 65, pregnant women, parents … [Read more...]
Long Term Effects of Food Poisoning Illnesses Can Be Significant
Food Poisoning Bulletin reports about food poisoning outbreaks all the time. We do warn that many pathogens can not only make you sick in the short term, but can cause significant problems for months or years to come. The long term effects of food poisoning illnesses can be significant. While any bout of food poisoning can be uncomfortable and distressing, most people recover from these infections without medical attention. But for some pathogens, and for some people, permeant disability and chronic disease can be the end result, even after what seems like full recovery. One of the conditions that can be caused by Salmonella or Campylobacter infections is reactive arthritis. This is a type of joint inflammation that develops within a few weeks of recovery. This condition, which … [Read more...]
Who Are High Risk Populations in Food Poisoning Outbreaks?
When Food Poisoning Bulletin writes about outbreaks, we always mention how some groups are more likely to suffer serious illness and complications if they get sick. Who are high risk populations? And why are they high risk in the first place? The main groups that are at higher risk for problems if they contract a food poisoning infection include: The elderly Pregnant women Very young children Anyone with a chronic illness Anyone who has a compromised immune system These groups are more susceptible to hospitalization for different reasons. Anyone who has a family member in one of these groups should take extra care in cooking food safely and should keep up with food recalls and outbreak notices. Elderly people are more susceptible to serious problems from food … [Read more...]
Michigan National Guard Sickened After Being Served Undercooked Food
About 50 members of the Michigan National Guard have been sickened with what may be food poisoning after they were allegedly served undercooked chicken and food that is "raw and moldy" while deployed in Washington, D.C. Some were sent to the hospital. Some troops were hospitalized, according to a letter from the state's House delegation that was sent to CBS News, although the National Guard denies that. The troops were served food by private contractors hired by the National Guard Bureau. Pictures of undercooked chicken have been circulating on social media. An unidentified sergeant told WXYZ.com that "there were 74 meals found with raw beef in them. Just yesterday, the lunches were, soldiers had found metal shavings in their food." Senator Gary Peters (D-MI) has asked that the … [Read more...]
Gastrointestinal Outbreak at Saigon Vietnam Deli in Seattle
King County Health Department is investigating a gastrointestinal outbreak at Saigon Vietnam Deli, which is located at 1200 South Jackson Street in Seattle, Washington. Eight people are sick with symptoms of diarrhea, vomiting, body aches, headaches, and fevers. The illnesses are associated with a takeout meal from Saigon Vietnam Deli that was eaten on July 25, 2020. Officials have not identified a specific food or drink item that may have caused these illnesses. No specific pathogen has been identified. There are no lab results for people who got sick. Symptoms suggest a bacterial illness. The eight patients ate takeout food together from Saigon Vietnam Deli. Other food was also ordered for takeout from another food establishment, but since only half of the ill people ate the … [Read more...]
Beginning Cooks: Learn About Potentially Hazardous Foods
As the coronavirus pandemic has closed many restaurants and is forcing more people to cook at home, we are starting a new series helping beginning cooks learn about potentially hazardous foods. It is unfortunately true that many foods are inherently risky for foodborne illness. If you know how to handle and cook these foods you can help keep your family safe and reduce the risk of a doctor's visit or hospitalization during the pandemic. And there are general food safety tips and cooking tips that are important during this time. Learn about safe minimum temperatures, who is at risk for food poisoning complications, and learn the common symptoms of food poisoning. This list will be expanded over the next days and weeks. If you have a question about avoiding food poisoning, handling … [Read more...]
Consumer Reports on How To Clean Reusable Bags To Avoid Illness
Reusable bags are getting more popular as many cities and state are restricting single use plastic and paper bags. There is no doubt that these bags are better for the environment. But they can pose another hazard: food poisoning. So Consumer Reports is publishing information on how to clean reusable bags to protect yourself against foodborne illness and coronavirus. Consumer Reports has offered information on how to shop for food and receive delivered food safety. But they have not addressed reusable bags until now. These bags can get pretty dirty, especially if they are used to transport raw meats, poultry, shellfish, and eggs. And most people don't even think about the possibility of getting sick from a bag. This is a classic case of cross-contamination potential. Your … [Read more...]
Common Symptoms of All of the Food Poisoning Pathogens
Food poisoning outbreaks occur every year in the United States. These outbreaks can be caused by bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria Monocytogenes, Clostridium botulinum, Campylobacter, Shigella, Staphylococcus aureus, Brucella, Vibrio, and Bacillus cereus; and viruses such as norovirus and hepatitis A. At least 48,000,000 Americans are sickened with food poisoning every year. Do you know the common symptoms of all of the food poisoning pathogens? We've collected articles about all of these symptoms, which includes the foods most likely to be contaminated, in one place for easy reference. If someone in your family is sick with these symptoms, you'll be able to get help more quickly if you understand the pathogens. It's worth noting that it's wise for all consumers to … [Read more...]
Wash Your Hands to Prevent Food Poisoning and Coronavirus
Coronavirus is the big news these days: the virus is circling the globe, infecting thousands of people and may expand to pandemic proportions. Experts are giving great advice on how to avoid the virus. So what does that have to do with a site that focuses on food poisoning? There is one thing that prevention of coronavirus and food poisoning have in common: Wash your hands! There is no vaccine to prevent a COVID-19 infection. And there are no vaccines to prevent infection from Salmonella, Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus. The best advice from experts is to wash your hands thoroughly and frequently to prevent transfer of viruses and bacteria to others. So do you know how to wash your hands properly? Here's the gist: Wet your hands under … [Read more...]
