Food poisoning is an infection caused by microbes ingested from contaminated foods. Bacteria, viruses and parasites can contaminate fast food during any stage of their collection, processing or distribution. If this food is eaten raw or undercooked, it can result in food poisoning. The degree of illness depends on the type of microbe involved and the health and age of the individual ingesting the food.
Causes
Many microorganisms can cause food poisoning. According to MayoClinic.com, common bacterial causes include Escherichia coli, or E. coli, which contaminates beef in fast food burgers; Salmonella, which contaminates meat, poultry, milk and egg yolks, especially in establishments that serve breakfast food, and Shigella, which affects raw, ready-to-eat produce such as fruits and vegetables. Viruses include noroviruses, which infect people eating raw shellfish, and Vibrio vulnificus, which comes from raw or undercooked seafood.
Symptoms
The symptoms of food poisoning can resemble the stomach flu and include abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea and fever. In some cases, the watery stools can contain blood. These symptoms can lead to dehydration, with dried lips and skin, decreased urine output, rapid heart rate and listlessness. In severe cases, confusion, loss of consciousness and other changes in mental status can result.
Prevention
Proper handling and processing of food usually kills any potential causes of food poisoning. According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, fast food restaurants can avoid food poisoning by refrigerating food promptly; cooking food to the appropriate internal temperature; handling food properly; washing surfaces, utensils and dish towels; and washing all unpackaged fruits and vegetables.
Complications
Several of the microbes that cause food poisoning can cause more serious conditions. For example, a strain of E.coli can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, a rare disorder that affects children and can result in kidney failure and death. Another microbe called Clostridium botulinum can cause botulism, a serious condition that can lead to paralysis of the muscles of respiration, leading to death.
