When there is a case of a meat product poisoning, people always blame it on an infected animals.
However, this should not be the case because some foods become contaminated at different stages of a food chain.
These may include:
| At the farm |
- Animal feed can be contaminated with bacteria such as Salmonella which can cause infection in animals and potentially lead to human infection from derived food products
- Parasites may infect food producing animals
- Milk can be contaminated by coming into contact with for example faeces or environmental dust
- Animal skin and fur can be contaminated by faeces and environment
- Eggs and different vegetables can also be contaminated at the farm
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| During slaughter |
- Meat can be contaminated by coming into contact with intestinal contents or animal skin
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| In the kitchen |
- Microbes can be transferred from one food to another by improper use of kitchen utensils or by infected humans handling the food
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Ways to prevent food poisoning?
- Observe hygienic food handling practices
- Proper storage after harvest and preparation
- Avoid contamination with poisonous materials
- Store any chemicals away from food
You can get more of this article on European Food Safety Authority’s website.
