Still, because it’s impossible to keep track of every alert that dances across your phone or desktop screen, your best bet is to stay on top of expiration dates and learn how to prepare and store food safely. "Consumers need to know about the risks, but they also need to know we have the safest food supply in the world," Blake says. “This program coordinates the research, inspection, outbreak response, and educational activities of the various government agencies to safeguard our foods,” she says. And it helps alert the public if an outbreak arises, reducing the number of people who get sick. These facts may be alarming to hear, but don't panic about every food you eat: The food system in the United States is relatively safe, thanks to the Food Safety Initiative, which began in 1997, says Joan Salge Blake, RDN, a clinical professor in the department of health sciences at Boston University. Prolonged diarrhea (lasting more than three days).Symptoms that could indicate dehydration, such as little or no urination, dry mouth and throat, or dizziness when standing.Frequent vomiting, which may cause dehydration.A high fever (with a temperature higher than 102 degrees F).Since food poisoning can be fatal, the CDC recommends that you immediately see a doctor or healthcare provider if your symptoms include: Symptoms of E.coli include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (which may be bloody), vomiting, and a fever (usually under 101 degrees F). Meanwhile, E. coli can affect not only fruits and veggies that are eaten raw, but also water, soft cheeses made from raw milk, and undercooked ground beef, per the CDC. Symptoms typically include diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. This infection is often associated with poultry and eggs, but contamination can turn up in a variety of foods, including fruit, vegetables, beef, pork, and seafood. Salmonella contamination in food is responsible for 1.35 million foodborne illnesses in the United States each year, sending an estimated 26,500 people to the hospital and causing hundreds of deaths, according to the CDC. Protecting yourself and your family from contaminated-food diseases is particularly important if pregnant women, young children, adults older than 65, or people with a compromised immune system live in your home.Īccording to , a clearinghouse for food safety information compiled by the FDA, the CDC, and other government agencies, salmonella and E. coli are among the most common foodborne diseases that cause illness and death, along with norovirus, Clostridium perfringens, campylobacter, and listeria. Department of Agriculture (USDA) monitors animal products - such as eggs, cheese, and raw meat - that can carry other foodborne illnesses. The FDA regulates those foods, and the U.S. And while most people know to practice extra caution when handling foods such as raw meat, poultry, and eggs, recent outbreaks have occurred in unexpected places, underscoring the need to follow good food hygiene practices at all times.Īccording to the Center for Science in the Public Interest, some of the most common culprits of foodborne illness in general include raw fruits and vegetables that are washed or irrigated with contaminated water, or those that aren't washed thoroughly before being eaten. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that one in six Americans get sick from consuming contaminated foods or beverages each year. Flour, fresh papayas, and romaine lettuce are only a few examples of affected foods. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued recalls for more than a dozen contaminated food items across the United States. Have you ever rushed to your fridge after hearing about the latest food recall, checking batch numbers and “best by” dates to make sure you’re in the clear?
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