FOOD SAFETYVIGILANCEwith fruit and vegetables

摘要

While the traditional foods associated with food poisoning such as undercooked meats, (especially chicken and mince), raw milk products and raw shellfish continue to cause concern, fruits and vegetables are increasingly associated with food poisoning.This was highlighted in September this year with the report that 671 people became ill following the consumption of cucumbers in the USA. There were three deaths and 112 people hospitalised as a result of this outbreak that spread across 33 states. Thecucumbers originated from one particular supplier in Mexico and were contaminated by a particular type of salmonella. The source of the contamination of the cucumbers has not yet been reported although investigations are continuing and product recalls have been put in place. Salmonella is a well-known cause of food poisoning causing diarrhoea, fever and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts four to seven days and most people recover without treatment.