Making sure the food you select is free of bacteria will help prevent you from getting sick. According to MayoClinic.com, eating salmonella bacteria, or Salmonellosis, can make you very ill and can lead to serious conditions such as gastroenteritis and typhoid fever. Foods that can contain salmonella include eggs, peanut butter, vegetables, fruit, as well as raw or undercooked meats, seafood and poultry. Salmonella can be found in the intestinal tract of humans, animals and birds. Salmonella is untraceable to the naked eye, but there are some signs of its presence you can look out for.
Step 1
Inspect all food for expiration dates. This includes meat and eggs. Do not eat past the sell by date. Make sure all bagged vegetables are used before the sell or use-by date. Not all expired food contains salmonella, but if the food is out of date, it gives the salmonella more time to grow and spread.
Step 2
Wash everything thoroughly. Rinse poultry with cold water before cooking to wash off excess bacteria it could harbor from previous handling. Make sure that you wash all surfaces you use to prepare your meat or vegetables. Use 1 tsp. of bleach per quart of hot water. Wash after every use to avoid cross contaminating food and surfaces.
Step 3
Cook all foods completely. This is important because salmonella bacteria can easily spread once temperatures rise, but will not be killed unless the food is cooked through. Never eat raw or undercooked chicken or pork that is bloody or pink in the middle.
Step 4
Look for signs of foul odors. If chicken, meat, eggs or peanut butter has a foul or fishy smell, throw it out. Make sure that egg yolks are cooked thoroughly, as a runny yoke with salmonella bacteria could make you ill.
Tips and Warnings
- Some types of reptiles including turtles, iguanas and lizards can also carry salmonella. Always wash your hands thoroughly when handling these animals. There is no visible indication if these pets carry salmonella. Avoid dehydration from vomiting by drinking water and sports drinks that replace nutrients and electrolytes.
- According to MedlinePlus, common symptoms of salmonella poisoning include fever, abdominal pain and cramping, vomiting, headache and diarrhea. If these symptoms last for more than 7 days, seek medical attention. Salmonella poisoning that does not resolve itself within 7 days can develop into a more serious type of illness called Reiter's Syndrome. This is a long-term condition that can last for several months.
Things You'll Need
- Bleach
