Salmonella what is it

Do not leave food at room temperature for longer than two hours. Use only pasteurized milk and milk products. Thoroughly cook eggs.

Do not consume raw eggs or inadequately cooked eggs over easy, or sunny side up. Do not use an egg if it appears that the shell has been broken or damaged before you handle it. Avoid eating raw eggs as in homemade ice cream or eggnog. Commercially manufactured ice cream and eggnog are made with pasteurized eggs. Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables before eating them. When buying, preparing and storing food, keep raw meats separate from fruits, vegetables, cooked foods and ready-to-eat foods.

Reptiles have been associated with Salmonellosis; always wash your hands after handling them. Reptiles, including turtles, are not appropriate pets for children. See also : Preparing fresh or frozen raw breaded chicken Salmonella Fact Sheet Did you know that contact with amphibians, reptiles and feeder rodents can make you sick with Salmonella?

Keeping your family healthy with backyard poultry, including chicks and ducklings E. For More Information. Most healthy people recover within a few days without specific treatment. In some cases, the diarrhea associated with salmonella infection can be so dehydrating as to require prompt medical attention. Life-threatening complications also may develop if the infection spreads beyond your intestines. Your risk of acquiring salmonella infection is higher if you travel to countries with poor sanitation.

Salmonella infection is usually caused by eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, eggs or egg products. The incubation period ranges from several hours to two days. Most salmonella infections can be classified as stomach flu gastroenteritis. Possible signs and symptoms include:. Signs and symptoms of salmonella infection generally last two to seven days.

Diarrhea may last up to 10 days, although it may take several months before bowels return to normal. A few varieties of salmonella bacteria result in typhoid fever, a sometimes deadly disease that is more common in developing countries. Salmonella bacteria live in the intestines of people, animals and birds.

Most people are infected with salmonella by eating foods that have been contaminated by feces. Commonly infected foods include:. The Food and Drug Administration also indicates that some salmonella outbreaks have been traced to contaminants in spices. The agency is seeking ways to increase the safety of spices.

Many foods become contaminated when prepared by people who don't wash their hands thoroughly after using the toilet or changing a diaper. Infection also can occur if you touch something that is contaminated, including pets, especially birds and reptiles, and then put your fingers in your mouth. Factors that may increase your risk of salmonella infection include activities that may bring you into closer contact with salmonella bacteria and health problems that may weaken your resistance to infection in general.

Your body has many natural defenses against salmonella infection. For example, strong stomach acid can kill many types of salmonella bacteria. Many raw foods of animal origin are frequently contaminated, but fortunately, thorough cooking kills Salmonella. Food may also become contaminated by the unwashed hands of an infected food handler, who did not wash his or her hands adequately after using the bathroom. Salmonella may also be found in the feces of some pets, and people can become infected if they do not wash their hands after contact with animals.

Do you suspect that you have a foodborne or waterborne illness? Complete this free online training and the Minnesota Department of Health will provide certification that your venue has learned about these issues. Turkey: Safe Thawing and Cooking Food safety tips for handling, thawing, roasting, storing, and reheating turkey. Cooking for Groups Consumer information about preparing and serving food for large groups.

Information to help volunteers prepare and serve food safely for large groups such as family reunions, church dinners, and community gatherings.