Bacteria | Description | Symptoms | Food Sources |
Botulism/ Clostridium botulinum | Caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum which releases a neurotoxin attacking one’s nervous system Foodborne botulism takes place when food is stored improperly, the bacteria grows and toxins are released into the food Can be fatal
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E. Coli | Escherichia coli (E coli) already live in the intestines of healthy people and animals, however a few strains can cause serious illness and side effects Exposure is typically from contaminated food or water The bacteria produces a toxin that damages the lining of the small intestine While recovery can occur within a week, E Coli can be fatal
| | Unpasteurized milk Unwashed produce, especially spinach and lettuce (due to runoff from cattle farms) Uncooked meat (i.e. ground beef) Water (pollution in ground and surface water)
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Salmonella | Bacterial disease that infects the intestinal tract Typically lives in animal and human intestines, shed through feces Common infection through water and food
| | Raw meat, poultry and seafood Raw or undercooked eggs Unpasteurized dairy products Fruits and vegetables (irrigated with contaminated water) Food that has come into contact with a person that doesn’t wash their hands, infected surfaces or pets
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Staphylococcus (Staph) | Caused by staphylococcus bacteria Bacteria multiplies in food and produces toxins Illness typically appears and disappears quickly from staph food poisoning
| Nausea Diarrhea Dehydration Low blood pressure
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Listeria | Bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is a germ that can grow despite refrigeration and freezing Bacterial illness that is especially dangerous for pregnant women, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems Can be fatal to unborn babies, newborns and those with weakened immune systems
| Fever Chills Muscle aches Nausea Diarrhea
| Raw vegetables (contaminated from soil or manure) Contaminated meat Unpasteurized milk or foods Processed foods such as soft cheeses, hot dogs, deli meats
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Campylobacter
| Campylobacter bacteria infects the gastrointestinal tract (small and large intestines) Passes to humans when animal feces contaminate food, meats, water and unpasteurized products
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Bacillus Cereus | The intestinal type of this illness is caused by the ingestion of the spore forming toxin Two types - emetic (vomiting) and enterotoxin (diarrheal) Commonly occurs when food is left at room temperature Tends to go away quickly unless you have a weakened or compromised immune system
| Abdominal pain Stomach cramping Watery diarrhea Nausea Vomiting
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