Background

In the past three years, a number of outbreaks associated with Salmonella poona occurred in the USA and were responsible for many illnesses including two deaths and at least 18 hospitalizations.

Salmonellosis casused by Salmonella poona

Although Salmonella is the most frequently reported cause of foodborne outbreaks of gastroenteritis worldwide, Salmonella poona is relatively rare to cause foodborne illness. It causes the same illnesses as other species of Salmonella. It can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections in some people, like children, elderly people and some with weakened immunity. Symptoms generally occur in 1-3 days after eating tainted food, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fever, and will last 2-5 days.

Contaminated foods

Foods containing poultry or other meat, eggs or dairy products are most often the vehicles for foodborne salmonellosis. Fruits and vegetables are not often identified as vehicles for Salmonella infection. However, some outbreaks associated with fresh produce did occur in other countries, like the US and Canada.

Agricultural practices

Fruits and vegetables grow on the ground and may be contaminated on their surface with dirt, chemicals, animal excreta, or bacteria, like Salmonella. In general practices, the harvested fresh produces should be washed and disinfected before transporting to the retail outlets for sale. For disinfection, using chemical agent, like chlorine, and ionizing treatment are good ways to destroy the harmful bacteria on the surface of fresh produce.

Cause of contamination

Unsanitary conditions and poor agricultural practices should be the main factors contributing bacterial contamination. The following is the possible causes of Salmonella contamination -

Prevention

In order to eliminate the risk, safe handling practices should be adopted. Key points are summarized as follows -

Advice to trade:

Advice to public: