NCDA&CS - Kid's World - Food Safety


The following is a condensed version of FDA's "Bad Bug Book". For more details on any of the organisms listed, or to find out about other organisms, you may want to go to FDA's Bad Bug Book at: http://vm.cfsan.fda.gov/~mow/intro.html.
VIRUSES

		Foods Associated with Hepatitis A: Sandwiches, shellfish, salads, vegetables and water. Transmission of this illness via foods is most often associated with contamination of food by infected food handlers.
Characteristics of Illness: Sudden onset of fever, malaise, nausea and abdominal pain, followed by several days of jaundice. Onset: Illness may not occur until anywhere from a week to a month after consuming contaminated food. Duration: Illness may last for 1 to 2 weeks.
		Prevention of Illness: Always wash hands well when preparing foods. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water. Avoid eating raw shellfish. Do not let ill workers handle or prepare food.


		Foods Associated with Norwalk virus group: Water, shellfish and salad items.
Characteristics of Illness: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain. These symptoms may be accompanied by headache and low-grade fever. Onset: Symptoms may appear between 24 to 48 hrs after consuming contaminated food or water. Duration: Illness may last from 1 to 3 days.
		Prevention of Illness: Always wash hands well when preparing foods. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly under running water. Avoid eating raw shellfish. Do not let ill workers handle or prepare food.

PARASITES

		Foods Associated with Cryptosporidium: Generally contaminated water supplies. Possibly on produce that has come in contact with contaminated water or manure.
Characteristics of Illness: Severe watery diarrhea. Individuals who are immunosuppressed are especially susceptible to Cryptosporidium and may experience complications due to the resulting dehydration from the watery diarrhea. Onset: Symptoms do not normally occur until about a week after consuming contaminated food or water. Duration: Symptoms may last for 2 to 4 days in otherwise healthy individuals, but may persist for much longer in the immunocomprimised.
		Prevention of Illness: Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly may prevent illness if the produce has come in contact with contaminated water or manure.


		Foods Associated with Cyclospora: This parasite had historically been associated with contaminated water, but has recently been associated with a number of outbreaks due to foods such as raspberries, salad greens and fresh basil. It is suspected that these produce items may have come in contact with contaminated water during their production.
Characteristics of Illness: Prolonged watery diarrhea, loss of appetite, gas and stomach cramps, possibly accompanied by nausea, low grade fever, muscle aches and fatigue. Some individuals who are infected do not show any symptoms. Onset: Symptoms of illness do not normally occur until about a week after consuming contaminated food or water. Duration: Symptoms often last a few days to as much as a month or longer. It is not uncommon for symptoms to reappear.
		Prevention of Illness: Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly may prevent illness if the produce has come in contact with contaminated water or manure.


		Foods Associated with Giardia: Contaminated water, possibly contaminated food handlers or produce that has been in contact with contaminated water.
Characteristics of Illness: Diarrhea. Onset: Illness generally occurs within one week of consuming contaminated food or water. Duration: Diarrheal symptoms usually last 1 to 2 weeks.
		Prevention of Illness: Washing fruits and vegetables thoroughly may prevent illness if the produce has come in contact with contaminated water or manure. Do not let ill workers handle or prepare food.

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