Contaminated food and water can cause germs to inhabit the food and infect the consumer, causing illness that can be mild or severe. This occurrence is known as common-vehicle transmission and can result in many illnesses due to a single food source. One example of a bacterium is E. coli, which results from undercooked meats and unwashed produce. Pregnant women, elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems can become extremely ill if infected.
Identification
Food poisoning is also referred to as food-borne illness. The illness occurs when contaminated food is eaten. According to the Mayo Clinic, the most common cause of food poisoning results from infectious organisms, bacteria, viruses and parasites. One example of a parasite is Cryptosporidium, which can cause gastrointestinal disease and can be contracted by touching anything that has also touched contaminated feces.
Potential
Infectious organisms can potentially contaminate food at any time during processing or production. Any food that is handled improperly, poorly cooked, or unsuitably stored has the potential to cause contamination; however, illness is not always a result--depending upon the degree of contamination and the health of the individual who has consumed it.
Symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, the symptoms of food contamination can include, fatigue, abdominal pain and cramping, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and fever. These symptoms can occur within hours of consumption and last from 1 to 10 days.
Treatment
For those who have become dehydrated as a result of consuming contaminated foods, treatment can include replacing lost fluids intravenously and antibiotics that are administered in a hospital. In less severe cases, the condition can resolve on its own in a matter of days.
Prevention
Preventing food contamination requires safe handling of food, washing your hands and cooking utensils before preparing a meal, separating raw food from cooked items, and cooking food thoroughly, as well as storing it properly.
