Salmonella

The symptoms of salmonella include headache, abdominal pains, nausea and diarrhoea and do not normally occur until at least 24 hours after eating the affected food. This incubation period can range from 12 to 72 hours, however, it is normally between 24 and 36 hours. The illness, which is caused by salmonella growing in the gut, often lasts for between 3 and 7 days and the person suffering can become dehydrated as a result of the persistent diarrhoea. It is always advisable to seek medical advice if suffering from food poisoning.

Precautions to be taken to minimise the risk of suffering from salmonella food poisoning:

1. Always wash your hands after using the toilet.
2. Always wash your hands after handling raw food and before handling cooked and prepared foods.
3. Always thoroughly cook meat, poultry, eggs and products made with these foods.
4. Always ensure that cats, dogs, pet birds and other animals are kept out of the kitchen and away from food. Many animals can carry and suffer from salmonella infections.
5. Always store raw meats and poultry away from ready to eat foods. If you do not have separate fridges keep raw meats at the bottom on the fridge and cooked and prepared foods at the top.
6. Never use the same equipment for handling cooked and raw food. If you do have to use the same knife and cutting board ensure that the equipment is always washed and sterilised before being used on the cooked products.

If you are suffering from or suspect you are suffering from a salmonella infection ensure you follow these guidelines to prevent the spread to others:

1. If you are employed in a food business you must inform your employer and you must not handle food. You should consult your local environmental health department if they do not contact you.
2. Seek medical advice from your doctor and follow his /her guidance.
3. Good standards of personal hygiene should be adopted at home.
4. Soiled underwear, clothing or bedding should be thoroughly washed and dried. A hot wash (above 63oc) will kill the salmonella.
5. Thoroughly wash your hands after handling soiled matter and always after visiting the toilet.
6. If possible get other members of your family to handle and prepare food for you and your household.