Using examples from your own home,
What types of pathogens would they be?
- What habits in your food preparation practices might increase these pathogens’ growth?
- What habits can you change in your life to reduce your risk of foodborne illness?
- Must include in-text citations and references.
### Identifying and Mitigating Foodborne Pathogen Risks at Home
#### Types of Foods with High Risk for Foodborne Pathogens
1. **Raw Poultry (Chicken, Turkey)**
– **Pathogens:** Salmonella, Campylobacter
– **Preparation Practices:** Improper handling and cooking, cross-contamination with other foods.
– **Prevention:** Ensure thorough cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F (CDC, 2021a). Use separate cutting boards for raw poultry and other foods.
2. **Raw or Undercooked Eggs**
– **Pathogens:** Salmonella
– **Preparation Practices:** Consuming raw or undercooked eggs (e.g., in homemade mayonnaise, salad dressings, or cookie dough).
– **Prevention:** Cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm, use pasteurized eggs for recipes requiring raw eggs (USDA, 2019).
3. **Unpasteurized Dairy Products (Milk, Cheese)**
– **Pathogens:** Listeria, E. coli, Salmonella
– **Preparation Practices:** Consuming unpasteurized milk or cheese.
– **Prevention:** Opt for pasteurized dairy products, store dairy products at the appropriate temperature (FDA, 2020).
4. **Raw Seafood (Sushi, Oysters)**
– **Pathogens:** Norovirus, Vibrio, Listeria
– **Preparation Practices:** Eating raw or improperly cooked seafood.
– **Prevention:** Ensure seafood is fresh and sourced from reputable suppliers, cook seafood to the recommended temperatures (CDC, 2021b).
5. **Fresh Produce (Leafy Greens, Sprouts)**
– **Pathogens:** E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria
– **Preparation Practices:** Inadequate washing of fresh produce.
– **Prevention:** Wash produce thoroughly under running water, avoid consuming pre-cut or pre-washed produce without re-washing (CDC, 2021c).
### Habits that Might Increase Pathogen Growth:
1. **Improper Hand Washing:** Not washing hands thoroughly before and after handling food can spread pathogens.
2. **Cross-Contamination:** Using the same cutting board or utensils for raw and cooked foods without proper cleaning.
3. **Inadequate Cooking Temperatures:** Not cooking foods to the recommended internal temperatures.
4. **Improper Storage:** Storing foods at incorrect temperatures or leaving perishable items out for too long.
### Habits to Reduce Risk of Foodborne Illness:
1. **Frequent and Proper Hand Washing:**
– Wash hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds before and after handling food (CDC, 2021d).
– Dry hands with a clean towel or air dry.
2. **Avoid Cross-Contamination:**
– Use separate cutting boards for raw meat, poultry, seafood, and produce.
– Sanitize surfaces and utensils after each use (USDA, 2019).
3. **Cook Foods to Safe Temperatures:**
– Use a food thermometer to ensure foods reach the recommended internal temperatures.
– Avoid consuming raw or undercooked foods, especially meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood (CDC, 2021a).
4. **Proper Storage Practices:**
– Store perishable foods in the refrigerator or freezer within 2 hours of purchase or preparation.
– Keep the refrigerator at or below 40°F and the freezer at or below 0°F (FDA, 2020).
– Regularly check the temperatures and ensure the appliances are functioning correctly.
### References
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021a). *Food Safety: Poultry*. Retrieved from [CDC Poultry Safety](https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/chicken.html)
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021b). *Food Safety: Seafood*. Retrieved from [CDC Seafood Safety](https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/seafood.html)
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021c). *Food Safety: Fruits and Vegetables*. Retrieved from [CDC Produce Safety](https://www.cdc.gov/foodsafety/fruits-vegetables.html)
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2021d). *Handwashing: Clean Hands Save Lives*. Retrieved from [CDC Handwashing](https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/index.html)
– U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). (2019). *Food Safety and Inspection Service*. Retrieved from [USDA FSIS](https://www.fsis.usda.gov/)
– Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2020). *Food Safety for Moms-to-Be*. Retrieved from [FDA Food Safety](https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/food-safety-moms-be)
By incorporating these practices, the risk of foodborne illnesses can be significantly reduced, ensuring safer food preparation and consumption at home.
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