An Overview of Food Poisoning, Foodborne Illnesses, and Food Handler Training

What is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning, also known as foodborne illness, is a health risk caused by foodborne bacteria, viruses and parasites. Over 250 different foodborne illnesses can cause food poisoning. Web MD

Foodborne Illnesses: Symptoms

Dehydration Dizziness Malaise Nausea Vomiting Bloody stool Stomach cramps Joint pain Fever *Note that people who have foodborne illness-related infections may be asymptomatic for weeks until the sickness manifests. It is best to seek the help of a medical professional when such symptoms arise. Mayo Clinic

Food Poisoning Statistics

One in six Americans (48 million people) get sick from foodborne illnesses every year; 128,000 out of these cases were hospitalized; From these numbers, 3,000 dies Center for Disease Control and Prevention

Known Pathogens and the Foodborne Illnesses They Cause

Bacillus cereus - B. cereus food poisoning Campylobacter jejuni - Campylobacteriosis Clostridium botulinum - Botulism Clostridium perfringens - Perfringens food poisoning

US Food and Drug Administration

Known Pathogens and the Foodborne Illnesses They Cause

Cryptosporidium - Intestinal cryptosporidiosis Cyclospora cayetanensis - Cyclosporiasis E. coli - E. coli infection (common cause of travelers diarrhea) E. coli O157:H7 - Hemorrhagic colitis or E. coli O157:H7 infection US Food and Drug Administration

Known Pathogens and the Foodborne Illnesses They Cause

Hepatitis A - Hepatitis Listeria monocytogenes - Listeriosis Noroviruses viral gastroenteritis, winter diarrhea, acute non- bacterial gastroenteritis, food poisoning, and food infection Salmonella - Salmonellosis US Food and Drug Administration

Known Pathogens and the Foodborne Illnesses They Cause

Shigella - Shigellosis or Bacillary dysentery Staphylococcus aureus Staphylococcal food poisoning Vibrio parahaemolyticus - V. parahaemolyticus infection Vibrio vulnificus V. vulnificus infection US Food and Drug Administration

Where do you get food poisoning?

It strikes just about any time or anywherewhen and where you least expect it. Usually happens when an infected food worker or person handles your food, or a person who did not wash his or hand properly prepares your food. Food poisoning also results from improper food handling, and not cooking food to safe temperatures Learn2Serve

Benefits of Food Handler Training: At a Glance

Saves businesses tens and thousands of dollars from costly legal pitfalls from class action lawsuits stemming from foodborne illness outbreaks Accreditation, compliance Improved quality of service Favorable reputation, prestige More repeat and satisfied customers Learn2Serve

Benefits of Food Handler Training: In-Depth

Provides food handlers the required skills and knowledge in food safety handling With food handler training, workers will gain the necessary skills and knowledge in food preparation, handling, storage, and service. They will learn how to sanitize, avoid cross-contamination and temperature control to prevent the spread of foodborne illnesses and keep the environment food safe. Learn2Serve

Its a training requirement

Having seen the many great benefits of food handler training, local health authorities, state agencies and unions require food workers within their jurisdiction to complete a state-approved food training program. Following successful training completion, a food handler card or certification is issued to the food worker. This certification is a benchmark of their skills and knowledge in food safety. Learn2Serve

It allows food handlers to conserve food

When workers know proper food safety procedures, especially with regards to temperature control, kitchen sanitation, and food storage, the whole food facility will waste less food.
Learn2Serve

Improved productivity and employee morale at the workplace

Food workers feel rewarded and enabled when they know theyre doing the right thing at work due to the knowledge and skills theyve obtained with food handler training. Theyll perform better at work, which will result to the seamless run of operations.
Learn2Serve

Promotes public safety

With food safety knowledge comes improved public safety. Most of all, having food workers trained allow restaurants to meet local health inspection requirements.
Learn2Serve

Sources:
http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/foodpoisoning/food-poisoning http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/foodpoisoning/basics/symptoms/con-20031705 http://www.fda.gov/food/resourcesforyou/consumers /ucm103263.htm http://www.cdc.gov/foodborneburden/ http://www.learn2serve.com/food-handlers-permit http://www.learn2serve.com/blog/the-9-goldenrules-of-food-safety/