Salmonella
Salmonella is a bacterium that is widespread in the intestines of birds, reptiles and mammals. It can spread to humans via a variety of different foods of animal origin. The illness it causes, salmonellosis, typically includes fever, diarrhea and abdominal cramps. In persons with poor underlying health or weakened immune systems, it can invade the bloodstream and cause life-threatening infections. Some 40,000 cases of salmonellosis are reported in the United States each year and 600 people die each year from the infection.
In 2009, a random test of lettuce conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture tested positive for salmonella. Within hours of learning of the results of the test, the California producer issued a recall of the suspected lot which had been sold to retail, wholesale, and food service outlets in Canada, Puerto Rico, and 29 states. On April 13, 2011, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) found traces of bacteria in a random sample of cucumbers in a cooler at Four Seasons Produce of Central Florida, Inc. As a precautionary measure, the company recalled 1,590 cartons of whole cucumbers, possibly contaminated with Salmonella and distributed to nine states in the USA.Foodborne illness, especially from E. coli, but including Salmonella, is being increasingly traced back to produce. Contamination of produce can result from poor hygiene among workers or via soil or water tainted with animal manure. Researchers report that Salmonella bacteria move towards the roots of lettuce, apparently attracted by a sugar-like carbon source located there. When the bacteria get close, the molecule triggers a genetic signal which stimulates bacterial reproduction.
The limited shelf life of fresh produce makes rapid distribution from large farms to market essential. Random tests by the FDA and state departments of agriculture are governmental regulatory steps to protect the public and prevent illness. The large settlements obtained by lawyers in cases of food poisoning encourage companies to quickly recall products suspected of contamination.
Excerpted and adapted from: Foodborne Illness, Salmonella Risk Spurs Romaine Lettuce Recall, Lettuce's Roots Lure Salmonella