When strolling through the grocery store gathering ingredients for dinner, it is highly unlikely that superbugs are on the shopping list, but many Americans are bringing them home unknowingly. Superbugs, or antibiotic resistant bacteria, are becoming a major public health threat in the United States. Certain varieties of these antibiotic resistant bacteria can be found in our commercialized meat products, such as chicken, beef, and pork, and even on our
Bugs, fried in Thailand by Paul Esson fresh fruits and vegetables. The superbugs in our food products have the ability to
If only you could see them so plainly. cause illness in humans that can no longer be treated or cured with the use of antibiotics. This article will discuss the mechanisms …show more content…
One way of preventing superbugs is by purchasing antibiotic free meat at the grocery store. This can be achieved by buying organic meats because they are required by the USDA to have not been fed any antibiotics (McEwen & Fedorka-Cray, 2002). Another way to decrease the likelihood of getting a superbug is by following recommended food handling guidelines. The CDC recommends washing produce adequately, separating meat and produce, washing ones hands, as well as ensuring meat is cooked to recommended temperatures (CDC, 2015b). When washing ones hands, the CDC recommends washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, and making sure to scrub your fingers and fingernails (CDC, 2015b). This should be done before cooking, and after touching any raw meat or eggs. It is recommended to keep the utensils for preparing and cooking raw meat and vegetables separate to avoid intermixing bacteria from the meat to the vegetables (CDC, 2015b). When it comes to correct temperatures, it is recommended to use a food thermometer and ensure that, “internal temperatures be 145°F for whole meats,160°F for ground meats, and 165°F for all poultry” (CDC, 2015b, para. 3). If these practices are followed correctly, the risk of developing a superbug is
Bugs, fried in Thailand by Paul Esson fresh fruits and vegetables. The superbugs in our food products have the ability to
If only you could see them so plainly. cause illness in humans that can no longer be treated or cured with the use of antibiotics. This article will discuss the mechanisms …show more content…
One way of preventing superbugs is by purchasing antibiotic free meat at the grocery store. This can be achieved by buying organic meats because they are required by the USDA to have not been fed any antibiotics (McEwen & Fedorka-Cray, 2002). Another way to decrease the likelihood of getting a superbug is by following recommended food handling guidelines. The CDC recommends washing produce adequately, separating meat and produce, washing ones hands, as well as ensuring meat is cooked to recommended temperatures (CDC, 2015b). When washing ones hands, the CDC recommends washing with soap and water for 20 seconds or more, and making sure to scrub your fingers and fingernails (CDC, 2015b). This should be done before cooking, and after touching any raw meat or eggs. It is recommended to keep the utensils for preparing and cooking raw meat and vegetables separate to avoid intermixing bacteria from the meat to the vegetables (CDC, 2015b). When it comes to correct temperatures, it is recommended to use a food thermometer and ensure that, “internal temperatures be 145°F for whole meats,160°F for ground meats, and 165°F for all poultry” (CDC, 2015b, para. 3). If these practices are followed correctly, the risk of developing a superbug is