Foodborne Illness

Foodborne illnesses are sicknesses that someone can contract from eating food

that is contaminated with certain microbes or pathogens. It can be difficult or impossible

to tell if food is contaminated, and symptoms don’t appear until hours, weeks, or even a

month later. Some common signs of foodborne illness are diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and

nausea (Mayo Clinic). Millions of people get sick from food, and the CDC estimates that

each year 48 million people get sick from a foodborne illness, 128,000 are hospitalized,

and 3,000 die (CDC). There are ways to prevent foodborne illnesses which include

cleaning, refrigeration, separation, and cooking to the correct temperature (USDA). If

food is properly handled, then foodborne illnesses will not be an issue.

Five Key Details About Foodborne Illnesses:

1. Make sure food is prepared properly

2. Symptoms appear hours after consuming contaminated food

3. Wash your hands when eating food to prevent cross-contamination

4. 48 million people get sick from foodborne illnesses in a year

5. The most common symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea

Helpful Videos:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BxL8XnbwY8&ab_channel=Dr.EricBergDC

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnVD-MJ93r8&ab_channel=Ruokavirasto

Most Helpful Websites:

https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation/food-safety-b
asics/cleanliness-helps-prevent
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/foodborne/basics.html

https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-food-borne-illness/basics/art-20056689
 Works Cited

“Foodborne Germs and Illnesses.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention,
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 Dec. 2022,
https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/foodborne-germs.html.

“Causes and Symptoms of Foodborne Illness.” Causes and Symptoms of

Foodborne Illness - MN Dept. of Health, 26 Oct. 2022,
https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/foodborne/basics.html.

“Food Safety and Inspection Service.” Safe Food Handling and Preparation | Food
Safety and Inspection Service, 2 Dec. 2016,
https://www.fsis.usda.gov/food-safety/safe-food-handling-and-preparation.

“First Aid for Food Poisoning.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical
Education and Research, 12 Aug. 2022,
https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-food-borne-illness/basics/art-20056689
.