Food Safety FAQ

by fwwuser — last modified 2007-01-08 11:07

How common is food poisoning?

It is hard to get good numbers on the rates of food borne illness because so much of it goes unreported. But the most commonly used statistic, according to the Centers for Disease Control, is that 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths are caused by food borne illness in the U.S. every year.

What foods are most likely to carry bacteria that cause food poisoning?

E. Coli is primarily found in beef. The most dangerous form of E. coli, 0157:h7, is particularly dangerous for children. The elderly, children, and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk for all food-borne illnesses.Salmonella can be found in beef, pork or poultry, but is most commonly found in poultry. Listeria is usually found in packaged foods, such as lunch meats, soft cheeses, and other processed foods. Fruits and vegetables can also be contaminated with these pathogens, usually from contaminated water used to irrigate or process them. Listeria is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, because it can cause miscarriages. Heat is the best weapon consumers have against food borne illness. The USDA has guidelines for proper cooking temperatures at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/IsItDoneYet_Magnet_0605.pdf.

What is avian bird flu?

Avian bird flu is an infection caused by bird influenza viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them.

Infected birds shed influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when come into contact with these secretions. Domesticated birds may become infected with avian flu through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry, or through contact with surfaces (such as dirt or cages) or materials (such as water or feed) that have been contaminated with the virus. There are two forms of the disease. The highly pathogenic form spreads more rapidly through flocks of poultry. This form may cause disease that affects multiple internal organs and has a mortality rate that can reach 90-100% often within 48 hours.

Can humans get avian bird flu?

Yes. The reports I have seen indicate that the people who have contracted avian flu have had close contact with birds. If poultry is infected, thorough cooking should kill the virus.

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Take Action Don't let U.S. food aid force GE crops on developing countries! Explore Further Food Safety Meat Inspection Mad Cow Disease Bovine Growth Hormone Questionable Technologies Seafood Factory Farms Agricultural Policy Irradiation School Milk Consumer Labels Reports Newsletters The Global Grocer Press In The News Ohio Elections Commission Pursues Frivolous Case Against Consumer Group Issue 2 PAC Tries to Distract Ohio Voters By Stifling Ads Conditions Met, Congress Approves Chinese Chicken Imports Food & Water Watch Hands Petition to Members of Congress Calling for Continued Ban on Chinese Chicken More >> See all headlines >> See all headlines >> Find Factory Farms in Your State Help Us Grow	Food Safety FAQ by fwwuser — last modified 2007-01-08 11:07 How common is food poisoning? It is hard to get good numbers on the rates of food borne illness because so much of it goes unreported. But the most commonly used statistic, according to the Centers for Disease Control, is that 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths are caused by food borne illness in the U.S. every year. What foods are most likely to carry bacteria that cause food poisoning? E. Coli is primarily found in beef. The most dangerous form of E. coli, 0157:h7, is particularly dangerous for children. The elderly, children, and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk for all food-borne illnesses.Salmonella can be found in beef, pork or poultry, but is most commonly found in poultry. Listeria is usually found in packaged foods, such as lunch meats, soft cheeses, and other processed foods. Fruits and vegetables can also be contaminated with these pathogens, usually from contaminated water used to irrigate or process them. Listeria is particularly dangerous for pregnant women, because it can cause miscarriages. Heat is the best weapon consumers have against food borne illness. The USDA has guidelines for proper cooking temperatures at http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/IsItDoneYet_Magnet_0605.pdf. What is avian bird flu? Avian bird flu is an infection caused by bird influenza viruses. These flu viruses occur naturally among birds. Wild birds worldwide carry the viruses in their intestines, but usually do not get sick from them. However, avian flu is very contagious among birds and can make some domesticated birds, including chickens, ducks, and turkeys, very sick and kill them. Infected birds shed influenza virus in their saliva, nasal secretions, and feces. Susceptible birds become infected when come into contact with these secretions. Domesticated birds may become infected with avian flu through direct contact with infected waterfowl or other infected poultry, or through contact with surfaces (such as dirt or cages) or materials (such as water or feed) that have been contaminated with the virus. There are two forms of the disease. The highly pathogenic form spreads more rapidly through flocks of poultry. This form may cause disease that affects multiple internal organs and has a mortality rate that can reach 90-100% often within 48 hours. Can humans get avian bird flu? Yes. The reports I have seen indicate that the people who have contracted avian flu have had close contact with birds. If poultry is infected, thorough cooking should kill the virus. Fact Sheets The Bad Seeds: The Broken Promises of Agricultural Biotechnology Animal Identification Does Not Equal Food Safety Chinese Imports Standards Needed for Organic Aquaculture The Risks of Nanotechnology more... Reports Unseen Hazards: from Nanotechnology to Nanotoxicity — Nanotechnology—engineering extremely small parti ... Bridging the GAPs — Although the vast majority of produce-related food ... rBGH: How Artificial Hormones Damage the Dairy Industry and Endanger Public Health — Recombinant bovine growth hormone (rBGH), also cal ... Where's the Local Beef? — Local beef. Sustainable sausage. They’re what a ... The Poisoned Fruit of American Trade Policy — Food & Water Watch Report - Poison Fruit of Ameri ... more...