U.S. Food Safety: Foodborne Illnesses a Menu for Disaster

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The risk of infection is greater in the summer than winter, and children, the elderly and immuno-compromised individuals are most at risk for serious complications.

Like E. coli, people become infected by eating contaminated foods, usually ground beef, eggs, improperly pasteurized dairy products, undercooked pork and, increasingly, poultry products.

"We're seeing salmonella increasing in broiler chickens," said Dr. Robert Tauxe, the CDC's deputy director of the division of foodborne bacterial and mycotic disease.

Prevention methods are similar to those for E. coli, with the added caution not to eat raw eggs or anything containing raw eggs (even cookie dough) and to make sure all meat is cooked thoroughly. Breast-feeding infants can also prevent infection.

BOTULISM

Botulism is a disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The organism thrives in environments which lack oxygen, such as improperly canned goods, and produces a nerve toxin that can cause paralysis, including respiratory paralysis.

"It can be very, very dangerous," said Andrews-Polymenis. Often, botulism is found in home-canned foods with low acid content, such as asparagus, green beans, beets and corn, the CDC states.

Only about 25 cases of foodborne botulism are reported in the United States each year, but it's important that strict hygienic procedures be followed when canning at home. "If their canned food doesn't reach the proper heat or pressurization, then they're in danger," Andrews-Polymenis said.

Also, avoid giving raw honey to infants under the age of 1 as this can be a source of infection.

CAMPYLOBACTER

Campylobacter is one of the most common bacterial causes of diarrheal illness in the United States. More than 1 million people in the United States, or 0.5 percent of the population, are thought to be infected each year.

Again, the organism can cause diarrhea (including bloody diarrhea), cramping, abdominal pain and fever as well as nausea and vomiting. An estimated 100 people die each year, and others may develop arthritis or Guillain-Barre syndrome, an autoimmune disease which can lead to paralysis.