What Is a Food Poisoning Outbreak?

Food poisoning, also referred to as food-borne illness, occurs when a person becomes infected with a bacteria or other type of pathogen through ingesting food that contains the organism. A food poisoning outbreak occurs when a number of people eat the same food, and at least two of them become ill from eating it. Those affected in such an outbreak have not necessarily eaten the food together, and may not know one another.

A food poisoning outbreak may result from diners eating food that has spoiled or has become contaminated inside a restaurant. One may also result from a processing company that sent contaminated products to various stores. It may be a small, local area or the food may have been sent to stores many hundreds of miles apart. When the problem is discovered the food processors, as well as some governmental agencies, will try to recall the food in an effort to remove any affected food from the marketplace and avoid future illnesses.

Food can become contaminated in many different ways. Many of the bacteria that cause illness are present in the intestines of animals. If the contents of the intestines get onto the carcasses during processing, it may infect the meat. Other foods, such as fruits and vegetables, can become contaminated if they are cleaned with water that contains sewage, even small amounts. Foods exposed to animal feces, such as deer droppings in an orchard, may also cause food to harbor illness.

Other ways that food can cause a food poisoning outbreak is through improper preparation or poor handling. Meat that is not cooked thoroughly, food that is not refrigerated properly or storing raw and cooked foods together can all contribute to the growth of bacteria. If it is done in the home it may not affect more than the family, but the same issues in a restaurant can lead to a food poisoning outbreak where dozens of people may become ill.

The best way to prevent a food poisoning outbreak is to ensure that food is kept clean and handled properly through every phase of processing. Meats, especially ground meat that may have bacteria mixed in, should always be well-cooked. Fruits and vegetables should be scrubbed in clean water before eating. All food should be stored in such a way that insects can’t reach it, since they usually carry bacteria on their feet and bodies. Foods should be refrigerated before cooking and so should leftovers, as soon as possible after a meal.