Foodborne Illnesses Research Paper

Foodborne illnesses cost the United States billions of dollars each year. There are five major bacterial pathogens that cost the United States the most, which are: campylobacter. E-coli 0157:H7, E-coli non-0157:H7 STEC, Salmonella, and Listeria monocytogenes.According to fightbac.org, salmonella is the most costly, coming to a total of around 2.65 billion dollars each year in the United States. Campylobacter costs the US around 1.2 billion each year as well. People and/or the government spend money on medical bills, on the death of victim, and miss time from work. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention says, “48 million people acquire foodborne illnesses each year, 120,000 are hospitalized, and around 3,000 die each.” With foodborne …show more content…
Bacteria such as campylobacter, salmonella, and e-coli are the most common bacterial pathogens that cause foodborne illnesses. Not all bacteria are bad for humans (National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases), in fact, most are beneficial for us, and we have many bacteria inside of us right now. Norovirus and Hepatitis A are the most common viruses that cause foodborne illnesses. Norovirus causes the inflammation of the stomach and intestines and Hepatitis A causes the inflammation of your liver(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases). Parasites such as worms, cryptosporidium parvum, and Giardia intestinalis, are common parasites that can be in food if not prepared correctly(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases). Contamination can occur if food comes in contact with feces or water that contains feces. Harmful chemicals such as pesticides and toxins can cause foodborne illness as well. Fish and shellfish that eat algae can be contaminated, algae releases toxins that may be harmful for human ingestion. In addition, pesticides can contaminate the fruits and vegetables they are used on; if consumed, it may cause a foodborne illness. To prevent consumption of pesticides, wash your fruits and vegetables. Also, beware of mushrooms grown in the wild, many have dangerous toxins and should not be consumed. Being aware of …show more content…
Animal meat can be contaminated through the slightest contact with an animal’s intestines, where many foodborne pathogens thrive. If one cow’s meat is contaminated in a slaughterhouse, it is easy for much of the other meat to become infected as well. Fruits and vegetables can be contaminated through a water source that contains feces from humans or animals, as well as pesticides. Washing your fruits and vegetables before eating and storing them correctly is the best way to protect yourself against foodborne illnesses. If food is left out, one bacteria can multiply and contaminate the food within hours. Make sure to keep food in a refrigerator, bacteria thrive in warm, moist environments. Bacteria can infect meat products by harvesting the animal and preparing the food incorrectly. Viruses contaminate food if the food is in contact with an infected person or contaminated water source. Parasites come from uncooked or raw meat and wild animals. Make sure that when preparing food, always wash it thoroughly and make sure you wash your hands before contact with the food and after you go to the bathroom. Food that is perishable, if left out for more than two hours is unsafe to eat and should be thrown out(National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases). Make sure to cook meats at the right temperatures. Any raw meat, poultry, or seafood should not encounter other food. The most common