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