November 2005

The Madison Department of Public Health (MDPH) has developed Safe Food Crew, an exciting new food operator training curriculum and recognition program, through funding from an FDA Innovative Food Safety Grant. Food establishment operators commonly complain that they cannot afford to send staff to outside training. The free Safe Food Crew curriculum is specifically designed for use by food operators to train their staff within their own establishment, on their own schedule. Health departments will find this tool useful when dealing with operators who are in need of training materials; establishments that can carry out effective in-house training will require fewer public health resources.
Continue Reading Safe food crew… Is here for you!

Betsy Taylor of the Associated Press reports that the Madison County Health Department said Monday that no one source was discovered for illnesses caused by microscopic parasites that sickened dozens of people earlier this year.
Between the first reports on Aug. 8 and the last on Sept. 14, the department in Missouri received word of 57 cases of the illness, said registered nurse Carolyn Amelunke. Despite work to determine where the illness began, no starting point was identified, she said.Continue Reading Infection’s starting point remains a mystery

Alice O’Connor and Lois Levin, registered dietitians at Baystate Medical Center, say seniors are at a distinct risk for developing foodborne illnesses.
Food poisoning happens if food contaminated with certain types of bacteria is eaten. Symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. This can occur as soon as 30 minutes or as long as five or more days after eating a contaminated food. Symptoms can last for a day or two or up to a week to 10 days. If food poisoning is suspected and symptoms do not improve after two or three days, or if stools contain blood, seek medical attention.
Older people are more at risk for developing a foodborne illness for several reasons. As people age, physiological changes diminish our five senses and the immune system becomes weaker. Health problems and medications can also affect the immune system. This makes it more difficult to fight off harmful bacteria when contaminated food is eaten. Age-related depression or loneliness can affect one’s desire to make an effort to invest in healthy eating practices. Additionally, many seniors have outdated and potentially dangerous food handling techniques.Continue Reading Food poisoning poses danger for seniors

The Centre for Health Protection is investigating a food poisoning case involving 11 people who ate at a buffet in a Happy Valley hotel on October 27. The nine men and two women aged 18 to 45 developed diarrhoea, abdominal pain, nausea, fever and vomiting after eating there.
Six sought medical treatment from private doctors…