Food Contamination & Illnesses: Causes and Prevention

Understanding Food Contamination

Food contaminants are substances which may be present in foods as a result of how they have been handled through the different stages of production or as a result of environmental contamination.

What are Foodborne Illnesses?

Foodborne illnesses result from eating spoiled food or food that has been contaminated. When a foodborne illness involves an infection, it is called a foodborne infection.

Common Foodborne Infections

• Salmonellosis

  Salmonellosis is a foodborne illness caused by eating food contaminated with Salmonella bacteria. These bacteria are often found in contaminated water, in poorly preserved foods made with egg, and in meat. Symptoms include headache, vomiting, and diarrhea. It is particularly serious in children and the elderly.

• Botulism

  Botulism is caused by eating food contaminated with Clostridium botulinum bacteria. This bacterium produces botulinum toxin, a potentially lethal toxin that causes neurological disorders. It is caused by consuming inadequately preserved foods.

• Toxoplasmosis

  Toxoplasmosis is a foodborne illness caused by the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii. It is found in mammals and birds, and is contracted by consuming undercooked or raw meat that is infested with the parasite. Common symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, fever, and headache.

• Trichinosis

  Trichinosis is associated with eating raw meat, particularly pork, that is infested with the larvae of a nematode called Trichinella. This disease can be serious, especially in the elderly. It typically causes abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

• Anisakiasis

  Anisakiasis is caused by eating raw or undercooked fish containing the larvae of the Anisakis worm. The most common symptoms include hives, swelling of the eyelids and lips, abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Chemical Contamination of Food

Food can be contaminated by chemicals, for example, when traces of pesticides are left on fruits and vegetables, or when traces of growth hormones used in livestock remain in meat. Other chemicals that may contaminate foods are detergents, disinfectants, and other substances used in transport, storage, or processing of the product. Chemicals in food can cause foodborne illnesses and can also lead to cancer.

Physical Contamination of Food

Food can become physically contaminated by pieces of broken glass, pieces of metal, or other objects as a result of accidents or mistakes when the food is being handled. Contaminants such as metal or glass can injure people when they are swallowed by accident.