Christmas, New Year holiday season: How to remain safe from Salmonella infection

Christmas and New Year holiday season is nearing and it's crucial to prioritize safe food handling practices while preparing and baking meals and treats. Maintaining awareness of the best ways to minimize the risk of illnesses, such as salmonella infection, is essential whether you're in your own kitchen or dining out at a restaurant.

In the United States, approximately 1.35 million people annually experience salmonellosis, the illness caused by salmonella. Each year, around 26,500 individuals in the US require hospitalization due to salmonella-related issues, and this bacteria contributes to approximately 420 deaths annually, food safety and food science professor Martin Wiedmann told CNN.

Salmonella, a minuscule microorganism that eludes the naked eye and remains odorless, is pervasive in various environments, particularly in raw animal foods. Consumption of this pathogen can result in foodborne illnesses, and it has the potential to be transmitted through various channels, including human-to-human and animal-to-human interactions, according to Martin Wiedmann.


One noteworthy aspect of salmonella infection is its ability to manifest without apparent symptoms. This subtlety is significant, as individuals may harbor salmonella unknowingly, subsequently contaminating their hands and food, contributing to the spread of the bacteria, Wiedmann said.

Although raw poultry, pork, meat, eggs, and milk pose a heightened risk of salmonella transmission, it's essential to recognize that various foods can potentially carry this bacterium, as per Wiedmann.

To mitigate the risk of salmonella infection, it is crucial to ensure the proper cooking of raw meat and poultry. This involves reaching minimum internal temperatures, such as 145 degrees F for beef, pork, lamb, and veal; 160 F for ground meat; and 165 F for all poultry, Wiedmann said.

When engaging in grocery shopping, it's important not to presume that organic or locally sourced foods are inherently safer than their non-organic counterparts. Vigilance in handling and cooking all types of food is key to reducing the risk of salmonella contamination.

FAQs

Q1. What are symptoms of salmonellosis?
A1. One noteworthy aspect of salmonella infection is its ability to manifest without apparent symptoms. This subtlety is significant, as individuals may harbor salmonella unknowingly, subsequently contaminating their hands and food, contributing to the spread of the bacteria, according to Martin Wiedmann.

Q2. What are sources of salmonellosis?
A2. Although raw poultry, pork, meat, eggs, and milk pose a heightened risk of salmonella transmission, it's essential to recognize that various foods can potentially carry this bacterium, as per Martin Wiedmann.