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Climate change means more Salmonella food poisoning
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Pistachios and egg rolls have been recalled (AP/Paul Sakuma)
Pistachios, peanuts: Salmonella food poisoning seems to be on the rise. And warmer temperatures may be making the problem worse. Researchers at the University of Georgia have found that Salmonella may be in about 80 percent of rivers and streams. As the water temperature gets warmer, the increased temperatures are helping this pathogen thrive.
"Streams are not routinely tested for Salmonella, and our finding is an indication that many more could be contaminated than people realize," warns researcher Erin Lipp, PhD, associate professor at Georgia’s College of Public Health. "We found our highest numbers in the summer months, and this is also the time when most people get sick."
Dr. Lipp’s research shows that more and different kinds of Salmonella are found near farms with cattle, suggesting that livestock and farms are increasing the problem.
Dr. Lipp believes that many times when Salmonella is found on foods like lettuce or spinach, it originated in irrigation water. "We …have the potential to decrease the likelihood of larger outbreaks related to produce, because in many cases contaminated irrigation water, and not the produce itself, may be the cause of the outbreak."
To lower your risk of being poisoned with Salmonella, Dr. Lipp suggests:
• Wash your hands frequently
• Clean up kitchen areas with hot water and soap after handling raw meat
• If you drink well water, make sure the well is constructed and maintained properly
Meanwhile, in California this week, 6 tons of egg rolls have been recalled because of possible Salmonella contamination (Bad egg rolls).
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