- Why Learn About Food Safety?

I. THE IMPORTANCE OF FOOD SAFETY

A. Food safety education        

Why the fuss about Food Safety? It is estimated in the United States annually: -76 million people are affected (graphic)
-325,000 people are hospitalized
-5,000 people die Source: Centers for Disease Control, 2006 FOOD SAFETY...WHY ALL THE FUSS?

Help your clients, volunteers, and staff stay healthy.
Less risk for your agency, medical problems, legal action lawsuits, and bad feelings. SAFE FOOD PRACTICES ADD UP TO LESS RISK! Who recommends a basic knowledge of food safety?

  • Food & Drug Administration (FDA)
  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
  • State and Local Health Departments

Why gamble with your health? You can become ill within ½ an hour to 6 weeks after eating unsafe food. Potentially hazardous foods are high moisture, high-protein, low-acid foods, and cut fruits and vegetables. Some common foodborne pathogens are:

  • E. coli 0157:H7
  • Salmonella  
  • Clostridium botulinum, which causes botulism
  • Hepatitus A
E. coli 0157:H7 is most often found in meats, such as ground beef. Recently, E. coli 0157:H7 has also been found in produce, including melons and leafy vegetables such as lettuce and spinach.  Salmonella is often present on chicken, so using proper food safety procedures when preparing chicken is critical. Salmonella has also been found in eggs and uncooked foods, such as bean sprouts. The most likely source of botulism is home canned foods.  Hepatitis A is a potentially serious viral illness that can be spread by someone who has the disease and is handling food. 
  

B. What are the symptoms of foodborne illness? 

-upset stomach  
-diarrhea 
-fever 
-vomiting  

More possible severe conditions 

-Dehydration (sometimes severe) 
-Meningitis
-Paralysis 
 
What is Foodborne Illness Outbreak?

It is an incident in which two or more people experience a similar illness after eating a common food.  

C. People with a higher risk of foodborne illness 

What populations are especially vulnerable because their immune systems are compromised or not yet fully developed? 

-Infants 
-Young children and older adults 
-People with impaired immune systems and some chronic diseases
-People undergoing chemotherapy

Click on this link for the next section:
-Foodborne Illness  

Symptoms of foodborne illness