Companion resource for: “Toxic Chicken? Group Renews Fight to Ban Dangerous Salmonella Strains” by JoNel Aleccia, first published by NBC News.
- The FDA says salmonella is, “One of our most pervasive food-safety problems today.”
- According to the FDA, the main causes of salmonella infections can be linked to eating meat, eggs and fresh produce that are contaminated with animal or human feces.
- The biggest sources of salmonella illnesses are poultry and eggs.
- The CDC says salmonella infections commonly lead to gastroenteritis, which is an inflation of the stomach and intestines and may result in vomiting or diarrhea.
- While rare, salmonella infections can lead to severe invasive infections, such as meningitis. The CDC says invasive salmonella infections can be life-threatening.
- The FDA just launched its first “Food Safety Challenge” in hopes of developing rapid food contaminant tests for produce. Their primary focus is on salmonella. Winners of the contest will share a $500,000 prize. Read more on the FDA’s blog here.