In a case before the courts, parents of a child who suffered severe brain damage from salmonella poisoning, are seeking $10 million in damages from fast food chain, KFC.
In 2003, the Food Safety Information Council estimated that there are approximately 5 million Australians affected by food-poisoning each year. What’s more, a 2005 report found that approximately 120 people die from food borne illnesses in Australia every year.
The three most common occurrences that can disrupt the safe-food chain include:
1) Temperature abuse
2) Cross-contamination
3) Inappropriate processing methods
Common bugs causing food poisoning
1. ESCHERICHIA COLI ( E. COLI ): A bacteria that commonly causes food poisoning, most often from food products derived from cows, especially ground beef.
2. SALMONELLA: A bacteria that commonly causes food poisoning, most often from poultry, eggs, meat, and milk.
3. SHIGELLA: A bacterium that thrives in contaminated food and water, in crowded living conditions, and in areas with poor sanitation. It is transmitted by direct contact with an infected person or with food that has been contaminated by an infected person.
Most common symptoms of food poisoning
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
- Headache
How to prevent food poisoning
- Don't mix foods; don't leave cooked food with uncooked food
- Cook your food thoroughly
- Practise general good hygiene - careful hand washing
- Wash your cutting boards and knives in hot water
