A Minute of Health with CDC
November 24, 2006
[Announcer] This podcast is presented by the Centers for Disease
Control and
Prevention. CDC – safer, healthier people.
[Matthew Reynolds] Last summer, hundreds became sick and
a few died after
eating spinach contaminated by E. coli bacteria. Each year contaminated food
makes nearly 76 million people sick.
A group of researchers at CDC studies foodborne disease outbreaks and
recently published a report. They found that bacteria causes most outbreaks
of
foodborne disease. Salmonella, which is a bacteria often found on eggs and
poultry, is the most common culprit.
Most people report becoming ill after eating at a restaurant. Finding the
source of
disease is difficult. The most common problems reported include eating
contaminated raw ingredients, not refrigerating perishable foods, and not cooking
meats thoroughly.
You can protect yourself against foodborne disease. Wash your hands before
preparing a meal, always cook meats completely, avoid eating raw or
undercooked eggs, and refrigerate leftovers.
Be sure to join us next week on A Minute of Health with CDC.
[Announcer] To access the most accurate and relevant health
information that
affects you, your family, and your community, please visit www.cdc.gov.