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Food-borne illness
affects 1 in 8
Canadians every year.
At Petroforma, our goal is to reduce this number by informing Canadians
that no kitchen is immune to bacteria and that food-borne illnesses are
preventable. We want to help you better clean your kitchens at home,
and encourage you to question the safety of kitchens at schools, senior
complexes, and restaurants. By raising your voice, we can help protect
each other from the dangers of food poisoning.
Food-borne illnesses are preventable. The symptoms of nausea, vomiting,
and diarrhea can be easily dismissed as a stomach bug. But if you or your
child frequently experience stomach flu-like symptoms, an unsanitary food
prep station could be to blame.
Keep your kitchen clean.
In any kitchen, cross-contamination and improper cleaning techniques may
cause bacteria to multiply and quickly spread to other surfaces. Here’s
what you can do at home to stop the spread:
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Cook and store meat and dairy at proper temperatures.
Carefully wash fruits and vegetables.
Wash hands before and after preparing food.
Thoroughly sterilize kitchen utensils and all food prep stations.
Wash hands after touching a pet.
Have your kitchen regularly tested for food-pathogens.
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Spot the symptoms.
The most common bacteria found in kitchens are E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria. Proper storage and
cooking temperatures will protect you from the sickness these Invisible Invaders could cause. If you
ingest food infected with these bacteria, here’s what you need to know:
E. COLI
Short for Escherchia coli, E. coli is a large group of bacteria that is commonly
found in the intestines of both animals and humans. E. coli infections are
spread through contaminated food and water.
E. coli is commonly found on improperly cooked beef, raw fruits and
vegetables, untreated water, and unpasteurized milk products.
Like most other food borne illnesses, symptoms of E. coli poisoning include
nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever. Most causes will
resolve within five to ten days. A very small percentage of those who get sick
from E. coli contamination will develop Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome, which
can be fatal.
SALMONELLA
Large groups of the Salmonella bacteria live in the intestine of animals and
humans. Salmonella is transmitted through the consumption of meat, fruits,
or vegetables that have been contaminated with animal feces.
People who ingest this bacteria, can contract Salmonellosis. Symptoms
include diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and fever lasting six to
seventy-two hours. The elderly, infants and those with impaired immune
systems are more likely to have severe illness. Children are at the highest risk.
Children under the age of five have higher rates of Salmonella infections
than any other age group.
Household pets and animals known to carry Salmonella, include reptiles,
amphibians, rodents, hedgehogs, birds, and even cats and dogs. Always
wash your hands after touching your pets or handling their food to prevent
contracting Salmonella.
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LISTERIA
Listeria is commonly found in food and the natural environment. The bacteria can
live in soil, vegetation, water sewage, some livestock feed, and in the feces of
humans and animals. Many humans and animals can be infected with the bacteria
without having any symptoms.
Unlike most other bacteria, Listeria can live and grow in cold temperatures. This
means it can quickly spread to vegetables, meats, and dairy products stored in
your refrigerator. Even when infected by the bacteria, foods will likely look, smell,
and taste normal.
Ingesting Listeria can lead to Listeriosis, causing vomiting, nausea, cramps, muscle
aches, diarrhea, severe headache, constipation, and persistent fever. In serious
cases, the infection can spread to the nervous system, leading to headache, stiff
neck, confusion, and loss of balance. Mild cases usually begin within three days of
consuming contaminated food. Sever cases can begin up to seventy days after
exposure to the bacteria.
GET INVOLVED
Take your health into your own hands by educating yourself on safe food practices.
Before dining at a restaurant, sending your child to school or daycare, or the next
time you visit a loved one at a senior’s complex, ask if the kitchen has been tested
for food-borne pathogens.
Email us at [email protected] or visit our Facebook page for more information
on bacteria testing. We’ll respond to any inquires within 24 hours.
You eat smart, now eat safe.
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