Sanitation and Types of Food Borne Illness

SANITATION An old-time doctor who, upon making a house call, inevitably went first to

the kitchen to thank the cook for providing him with a new patient. A grain of truth can be gleaned from this story: Anyone who chooses, prepares, and serves food influences the health of those who eat it.

James checked the chicken sizzling on the grill. “It’s done!” he called to his aunt. “I’ll bring it in.” Looking around, he spotted the platter he had used to carry the raw chicken outside. As he started to pick up the platter, his aunt stopped him. “Don’t use that!” It hasn’t been washed. I’ll get you a clean plate.”

James almost forgot an important rule of sanitation. Sanitation means following practices that help prevent disease.

Estimated 80 million Americans suffer from food-borne illness, also know as food poisoning every year. The illness may be mild - 1 - 2 days or severe to require hospitalization. Can cause death. Children, pregnant women, elderly and people with chronic illness are most at risk.

Most food-borne illness can be traced to harmful microorganisms –tiny living creatures visible only through a microscope. Poor food handling practices allow harmful microorganisms to grow and spread.

Bacteria is everywhere – carried by people, animals, insects, and objects. Sometimes the illness is not caused by the bacteria themselves, but by the toxins,

or poisons, they produce.

Sanitation in food preparation and storage involves: Keep hot food hot (above 140 degrees F)

or cold food cold (below 40 degrees F). Check the temperature in the refrigerator

and freezer periodically; the freezer should be at zero degrees or below.

Clean the refrigerator often.

Use freezer wrap; wrap meat loosely for refrigerator storage.

Sanitation in food preparation and storage continued Thaw frozen foods in the refrigerator not

on the counter. Put foods away promptly. Refrigerate desserts made with dairy

products. Never taste questionable food. Leftovers should be stored using tight

covers.

Cross ContaminationWhen food comes into contact

with anything that contains a harmful substance or micro-organisms, including other foods

What is FIFO?First IN, First Out rotation system

Chemical Hazards Pesticides Detergents Sanitizers These chemicals can make you sick if

they are in food

Biological HazardBacteria Viruses Fungus Parasites

Some FBI’s Caused by BacteriaBotulismStaphylococcus (Staph)Escherichia colic (E coli)SalmonellaPerfringensListeriaCampylobacter

What is BotulismOccurs in canned foodAnaerobic (does not grow in air)Attacks nervous system, usually

fatal, prevents breathing

Source of Bacteria: soil on vegetables or other foods

BotulismFoods Involved: home canned

low-acid vegetablesPrevention: Use commercially

canned foods without budges, damages, and odors

What is Staph?

Most common type of food poisoning

On human skin, in nose, and in throat

Spread by improper food handling

What is E Coli ?Comes from meat that has been

contaminated by feces

E Coli Foods usually involved: Raw

or undercooked red meats, unpasteurized dairy products, sometimes fish in contaminated water.

Preventions: Cook foods, including red meats

What is Salmonella ?This occurs when contaminated

raw meat, eggs, and poultry are eaten undercooked or come into contact with other food.

SalmonellaFood Involved: poultry, meat, eggs,

poultry stuffing, gravies, raw foods, and shellfish from polluted waters.

Prevention: Practice good hygiene, proper food storage and handling, and insect and rodent control. Wash hands and sanitize all equipment and cutting surfaces

Perfringens “Banquet germs” Most outbreaks happen

at picnics, restaurants, and banquets

They thrive at room temperature, common in food that has been left out for a long time

Prevention: Keep foods out of Danger Zone temperatures!!!!

Campylobacter Found in healthy cattle, chickens, birds

and even flies. Non chlorinated contaminated water,

unpasturized milk or undercooked meat or poultry.

Listeria It can be found in contaminted soil or

water. It has been found in at least 37 mammals

as well as at least 17 species of birds and possibly some species of fish and shellfish.

Ready-to-eat foods such as hotdogs,

lunchmeats, cold cuts, dry sausage, and deli style meats.

Symptoms of an FBI……..!!?! In most cases of foodborne illnesses, symptoms

resemble intestinal flu and may last a few hours or even several days. Symptoms can range from mild to serious and include:

abdominal cramps nausea vomiting diarrhea, which is sometimes bloody fever dehydration

What causes or increases food spoilage rates?

Heat Air Moisture Light Dirt Damage to food packaging