Know the signs of salmonella infection and how to keep your family safe
Recalls of some popular varieties of Ritz and Goldfish crackers have raised concerns about salmonella, one of the most common causes of foodborne illness in the U. S.
Though no illnesses have been reported from the crackers, Pepperidge Farm recalled four flavors of Goldfish: Flavor Blasted Xtra Cheddar, Flavor Blasted Sour Cream & Onion, Goldfish Baked with Whole Grain Xtra Cheddar and Goldfish Mix Xtra Cheddar + Pretzel. And Mondelez International recalled 16 varieties of Ritz Cracker Sandwiches and Ritz Bits in the U. S. as a precaution.
A separate salmonella alert warns of at least 212 recent cases of illness linked to backyard chicken flocks in 44 states.
And last month, a salmonella outbreak was linked to Kellogg’s Honey Smacks cereal, which was pulled off store shelves nationwide. According to the latest update from the FDA, 100 people in 33 states became ill and 30 had to be hospitalized.
Here’s what you need to know about this potentially serious health issue.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), salmonella causes about 1.2 million illnesses each year in the United States. Of those, 23,000 cases are serious enough that the patient had to be hospitalized.
Salmonella is blamed for about 450 deaths in the U. S. each year.
In the majority of cases, food is the source of infection. Poultry, eggs, meat and dairy products are common culprits.
Infection with the salmonella bacteria often leads to diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps. The illness is known as salmonellosis. Symptoms typically develop between 12 and 72 hours after infection, and the illness usually lasts about four to seven days. Most healthy individuals recover without the need for treatment.
However, some cases turn so severe that patients need to be hospitalized. The infection can spread from the intestines to the blood stream and other parts of the body. These cases can turn deadly if not promptly treated with antibiotics.
Infants, older adults, and people with a weakened immune system are at an increased risk of serious complications from salmonella infection.
Salmonella bacteria is present in the intestines and feces of many humans and animals, including chickens and other poultry. The USDA explains that salmonella present on raw meat and poultry can survive and sicken people who eat it if the food is not cooked thoroughly.
Health officials recommend using a food thermometer to make sure food is cooked to the proper internal temperature:
In the case of the recent cracker recalls, the manufacturers say whey powder from an outside supplier may have been contaminated.
Salmonella can also cause foodborne illness through cross-contamination, such as when juices from raw meat or poultry come in contact with ready-to-eat foods like fresh vegetables or salads.
Food may also become contaminated when someone handling food fails to wash their hands.
The CDC recommends the following steps to help keep you and your family safe from salmonella infection:
