Food poisoning - Causes, remedies, and prevention

Food producers and consumers must continue to take precautions against foodborne diseases, and early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of these illnesses are essential. Food products and water can become contaminated with microorganisms and toxins that make people ill, and the very young, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals are especially susceptible. Education of healthcare providers, food handlers, and the public is critical in reducing the incidence and spread of foodborne illness. Changes in earing habits and lifestyle and increased availability of both domestic and imported foods have made food hazards a more complex public health issue. Although most foodborne illnesses can be avoided by safe food handling procedures (see box on page 134), risk reduction is very important at every step from source to table. A concerted effort is needed to ensure continuing safety of the food supply in the United States while also assuring access to a wide variety of healthful foods. Time will tell whether consumers will accept irradiation of meats. If accepted, irradiation could rank in importance with pasteurization of milk and chlorination of water as a public health measure.