The country’s issues with food poisoning outbreaks continue. But as reporters focus on Chipotle’s E. coli outbreaks and Washingtonians recover after one of the most concerning Salmonella outbreaks linked to pork meat in recent history, a new report shows that when it comes to Salmonella, Florida residents have a much harder time than any other state resident in the union.
The report comes from the United Health Foundation. According to the organization, Florida has the highest incidence of Salmonella.
In most cases, products like spinach and other vegetables are to blame for carrying the bacteria. According to local experts who make a living training food handlers and other service industry professionals claim that this report is accurate. To the head of Fort Lauderdale’s Safe Food Systems, Salmonella is everywhere. It’s easy to see why Florida would have a problem with the bacteria.
But to food safety advocates, this explanation isn’t good enough.
Salmonella has more than 2,000 varieties. When food isn’t properly prepared or refrigerated or heated, it could spread. People who don’t wash their hands may also spread the organism.
Some of the symptoms include severe dehydration and diarrhea. Consumers who are exposed to the bacteria often begin feeling the symptoms about 24 to 48 hours after consuming contaminated products. Symptoms usually last between 5 and 7 days.
According to the Florida Health Department, Florida registers 6,000 cases of salmonellosis each year. Since the government is often incapable of interviewing others who do not reach out, there may be more cases of Salmonella-related illnesses that fall through the cracks.
Consumers anywhere who are concerned about being exposed to Salmonella or who are afraid of falling ill with salmonellosis are urged to follow the safety tips shared by health officials.
According to experts, consumers should always cook poultry, meats, and eggs thoroughly. Having a meat thermometer at hand is useful.
Also, avoid consuming foods or drinks that contain raw eggs or unpasteurized milk. Many consumers fall ill after being exposed to Salmonella-tainted dairy products.
When eating at a restaurant, send the food back to the kitchen if it’s undercooked. That may help to prevent illnesses.
Other steps you should take to protect yourself include washing your hands with warm water and soap after handling any kind of reptile or bird. Baby chicks and turtles usually carry Salmonella, and children are highly vulnerable.
For more information on how to stay safe, follow this link for the full article.
