Five Food Pathogens/Toxins That Freak Me Out!!!

You'll thank me later, but I do not have photos for this entry.

The first session in my cooking program covered food safety, sanitation and equipment. We probably spent 60% of the time on safety, which covered food pathogens. After learning about these pathogens, I do not know how I will ever eat out again!! I've already changed some cooking practices in my kitchen and buying habits!!

Food pathogens fall into four categories: bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites. Given that we've heard countless media stories on E. Coli, Salmonella and Hepatitis A, these three will not be in my top five scariest food pathogens. Don't get me wrong though, they are serious! We also learned about biological toxins, which I included in this list.

Top Five Food Pathogens that Freak Me Out!!*
*Keep in mind that this information was directed at culinary professionals
**Remember these are uncommon pathogens, so don't let me freak you out too!!!

1. Listeriosis - uncommon in healthy people, but can cause a miscarriage in pregnant women and sepsis, meningitis and pneumonia in infants. YIKES!!! It's often found in raw meat, unpasteurized dairy products and deli meats (that you have cut at the grocery store, not prepackaged). It is a bacteria found in soil, water and plants and likes cool, moist environments. It can be killed through cooking and pasteurization. Always pay attention to expiration dates on products and cook food to minimum internal temperatures. Good news though - it is a RARE! Here is what the CDC says about it: http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/dfbmd/disease_listing/listeriosis_gi.html#getinto.
2. Bacillus Cereus Gastroenteritis - this caught my attention because it can be found in cooked rice dishes including fried rice and rice pudding. YIKES!!! If this bacteria survives, it can cause vomiting or diarrhea. To avoid it, cook meat and vegetables to appropriate temperatures, hold and cool food correctly. Here is a little more information: http://www.ecolab.com/PublicHealth/BCereus.asp
3. Botulism - this bacteria can produce a deadly toxin when in the right environment. Did you know that putting raw/uncooked garlic in oil can create botulism or baking potatoes and wrapping them in tin foil to sit overnight and not appropriately storing them (temperature wise) can cause botulism. Scary!!! It's also recommended not to buy canned foods with dents b/c botulism spores may have found a way to contaminate the food in the can. Prevent botulism by avoided damaged canned foods and cooking, reheating and cooling food correctly. Oh, don't serve infants under one honey, because of botulism issues. Here's what the CDC says about it: http://www.cdc.gov/nczved/DFBMD/disease_listing/botulism_gi.html.
4. Ciquatera Fish Poisoning - msn.com recently had an article about a woman with this poisoning. This toxin is found in reef fish who feed on marine algae. It causes the reversal of hot and cold sensations, tingling in fingers, lips or toes, joint pain and other symptoms. Fish infected with this include grouper, jacks, snapper and barracuda. If caught early by a doctor, this can be treated with medication. The best way to avoid it is to ensure that your seafood is purchased from a reputable, government approved supplier. So hint, you may want to think twice before buying fish from a random Joe on the street. Here's additional information: http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/ciguatera/default.htm.
5. Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning - as noted in the title, this poisoning impacts shellfish found in ocean waters from the Pacific Northwest and east coast of Canada. The shellfish absorb the toxin from algae in the water. Initial symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea, but later symptoms may include confusion, memory loss, disorientation, seizure and coma. It is important to purchase shellfish from reputable, government approved suppliers. I'm glad I don't like shellfish!! Here's more information: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/marinetoxins_g.htm
   

While there are many other pathogens and toxins, these were the five that stuck out for me. Just remember that these things rarely affect us or people we know. Just look at all the times you have eaten out and never had any issues.

Stay tuned for further cooking class adventures!!