Why did supermarkets in Australia cancel salad products? Gastroenterologist explains

This is what people are asked Check the dates of use Collected salad products, which they recently bought after many Australian supermarkets withdrawn due to potential bacterial pollution.

Reminders issued over the past week have influenced packed and pre -packaged salad products sold in supermarkets throughout the country, including ColesIN WoolworthsIN Aldi AND Iga.

Potential pollution is the production of shiga-toxins E. coli or STEC. But so far there are no cases of illness were reported.

So what is this bacterium and how can this affect the salad list during dinner or lunch?

E. Coli and Stec

They showed frosty (E. coli) is a bacterium that usually lives in the intestines of fit people and animals. Fortunately, most strains E. coli They are harmless And they do not cause symptoms.

However, there are some strains that can lead to symptoms such as abdominal cramps, diarrhea, fever and vomiting. In some cases, it may even cause a solemn infection kidney failure.

STEC is one strain that can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. This is called “Shiga toxin” because toxin from this strain E. coli is very similar to the one produced by Shigella bacteria.

Shigella causes ShigerloseGastrointestinal infection that may include similar symptoms to STEC. Both can cause abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting.

Most people are recovering within ten days beginning of symptoms. People suffering from STEC infection should remain hydration and look for medical care if the symptoms are solemn or do not solve.

How is this common?

One respect It suggests at least 2.8 million STEC infection takes place around the world every year.

Overall, STEC infections in Australia are Very rarely with less than four people per million per year.

The STEC infection is diagnosed by testing a person’s stool sample in terms of bacterial presence.

Children under five years elderly, adults over the age of 65, and people with a weakened immune system are found in increased risk STEC infection and illness.

Why are salads often worn by the culprit?

Current withdrawals are not for the first time. Salads were subject to problems related to food safety in Australia or elsewhere. These products can be susceptible to bacteria such as E. coli AND Salmonella.

Salad pollution can occur at various stages, from farm to table. It can start early during growth, when green deciduous can be exposed to bacteria from contaminated water, soil or manure.

During harvest, service and processing, cross pollution may occur if the equipment or surfaces are not properly disinfected. Finally, the packaging can contribute to pollution if it comes into contact with contaminated surfaces or hands.

Current explosion

Health authorities sometimes test the presence of bacteria transmitted by food Breeding bacteria made of packed food in the laboratory as part of a proactive public health supervision program.

If they identify the presence of bacteria transmitted by food, they will cooperate with retail sellers in order to withdraw this food product as precautions in order to protect public health.

Until now, there have been no cases of disease associated with current withdrawals. The presence of STEC does not necessarily mean that people will get a salad product, but this is an early detection aimed at preventing food transmitted diseases.

Society members were called so as not to consume any of the withdrawn products and throw them away or return them to the place where they bought them for a refund. Everyone who consumed products and has health problems should seek medical advice.

Washed and ready to eat?

Many worn salad products are equipped with the advantages of “washed and ready to eat”. Considering the current withdrawal, you can ask if you can really safely eat pre -packaged salads without washing the leaves yourself.

Unfortunately, Research shows The employ of tap water for washing worn deciduous salads is not effective in removing bacteria. But washing raw vegetables is still helpful in getting rid of the adjacent dirt that can contain clumps of bacteria.

Fortunately, the risk very low. It is also essential to wash your hands before serving food, check the dates of the expiry of worn salads and pay attention to health notifications.