5 Food-Borne Pathogens and Their Health Risks

Food-borne pathogens have the potential to cause major health risks. Every day, we are exposed to millions of microscopic threats. Pathogens can be passed through consumption of certain foods, as well as contact with contaminated humans or animals. When adequate sanitisation protocols are not put into place, contact with harmful food-borne pathogens can result in a variety of health problems – some life-threatening. 

 

Harmful Food-Borne Pathogens

 

Food-borne pathogens lurk on almost every single surface used by humans. Although areas involved in the preparation of food are at risk, pathogens are also found in washrooms, gyms, and other areas. Washing hands frequently is one way to protect yourself. This is seldom enough, however. Instead, deep cleaning services are required to remove pathogens from surfaces. To understand just how dangerous these pathogens can be to the health of you and your employees, it helps to know the most harmful pathogens that are borne by food.

 

1. E. Coli O157:H7. This is the most harmful E.Coli strain. It is a food and water-borne pathogen causing diarrhoea, hemorrhagic colitis, and hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS). It is usually transmitted in contaminated or undercooked liquids and foods and can be transferred from human to human.

 

1. Listeria Monocytogenes. This pathogen is caused by foods that are contaminated during any stage of food harvesting, processing, packaging, transporting, storing or preparation. Symptoms of listeriosis range from mild fevers, aches and stomach upset to severe symptoms such as neck pain and convulsions. Children, pregnant women, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems can be at risk of death in serious cases.

 

1. Staphylococcus Aureus. The most dangerous of all staphylococcal bacteria, this pathogen can cause skin infections in milder cases and pneumonia, heart valve infections, and bone infections in serious cases. It is carried in contaminated food. In the healthcare environment, it can be extremely serious or even fatal.

 

1. Campylobacter. This pathogen is the most common form of food poisoning. The bacteria cause gastro symptoms, gut infections and other stomach problems. It is transferred in contaminated foods – usually raw or undercooked poultry. It can also be transmitted from human contact and other contaminated produce. 

 

1. Toxoplasma Gondii. This parasite can infect all mammals, including humans. The parasite is carried in undercooked meats and contaminated surfaces. It is the cause of the disease toxoplasmosis. Although most cases cause no or mild symptoms, serious cases can result in damage to the eyes, brain and other organs. damage to the brain, eyes, or other organs. Pregnant women and immunocompromised people are most at risk. 

 

Using products that are specifically designed to target and kill viruses and bacteria is vital. Enviro-Safe offers a range of premium quality disinfectant volume treatment products designed to remove 99% of pathogens from surfaces. 

 

Contact us today to find out how our products help to protect your premises against harmful food-borne pathogens.