There are an estimated 11-13 million cases of foodborne illness in Canada every year. Food contaminated by bacteria, viruses and parasites can make you sick. Many people may have had foodborne illness, sometimes called food poisoning, and not even known it.Here are five key areas that you can control to prevent foodborne illness in your home.
Everyone is at risk of getting sick from improperly handled or cooked food but groups with increased risk include:
The symptoms of foodborne illness can often feel like the flu and may include:
Symptoms can start within hours after eating contaminated food or up to a month or more later depending on the type of foodborne bacteria. If you feel like you have eaten a product that may be contaminated, you should seek medical treatment.
Salmonella Campylobacter
PoultryMeatEggsUnpasteurized milk/dailyRaw produce
Listeria
Raw milkSoft cheeseLunch meats/hot dogsRaw produce
E. Coli
Raw/undercooked meatRaw produceUnpasteurized milk
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Explore food safety in our interactive kitchen.
Test your food safety savvy? Learn more on how to keep you and your family safe (PDF).