After last year’s much talked about recall of peanut butter and peanut butter-based products from the USA, one peanut butter manufacturer from the Philippines now has done recall of their product in the market after having found to be positive of salmonella bacteria.
Honestly, I did not pay much attention to salmonella when the USA manufacturers recalled their peanut butter next year. I am not a peanut butter fan anyway… with the exception of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. But when I found out that a local manufacturer was found to have salmonella bacteria in their products, I got curious to know what it is.
Last night I sent an SMS to one of the brightest pathologist in the Philippines, Dr. Francis Moria, and inquired about what diseases can you get from salmonella bacteria. I also asked if it is fatal to both kids and adult. From Dr. Moria, I have found out that salmonella causes typhoid fever, abdominal pain, food poisoning and lymph node damage. I was shocked to have learned that it is fatal for both kids and adults. I used to think that kids are the only one vulnerable to salmonella.
So this morning, in between breaks I tried to do a little more research on how it can be avoided.
eHow Health Editor has posted five (5) steps to avoid getting a salmonella bacterium:
Step1
Start by thoroughly washing hands after using the toilet and before handling any food. This simple step will prevent most cases of salmonella. The salmonella bacteria live in the intestinal tract of humans and animals.
Step2
Wash all food preparation areas carefully. Cross contamination of raw foods occurs whenever food is prepared. Extra caution must be observed when handling meat of any kind. Wash the meat as well with warm water.
Step3
Avoid salmonella from eggs. Eggs and raw meat are the two most common sources of salmonella poisoning. Throw away any cracked eggs. If an egg shell feels slimy, it is probably contaminated with bacteria and should be tossed into the trash. Clean each egg with warm water and mild soap, and rinse the eggs to remove the soap.
Step4
Stay away from large special food events such as public holiday celebrations and picnics. The food for these events can sometimes be prepared hastily. If a piece of meat or egg-based dish looks or smells funny, do not eat it.
Step5
Get rid of pets, especially reptiles. Reptiles, such as lizards, are notorious for spreading salmonella. Do not pet animals before preparing food or eating.
So there you go, just practice the basic personal hygiene and you’ll be almost free from salmonella.
Let’s be clean and healthy!
