Each year, a startling 25 percent of the population is felled by food-borne illnesses, and that percentage doesn't include the number of mild cases of food poisoning that goes unreported. In all, according to estimates from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), food-borne diseases cause nearly 76 million illnesses, 325,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths each year. Perhaps even more troubling are the long-term health problems that can occur as a result of food-borne pathogens.

Scientists are beginning to look at a disturbing pattern that's emerging, which shows that some people, especially children, may suffer long-term health risks following a food-borne illness. A recent study released by the Center for Foodborne Illness Research & Prevention found that in a small percentage of cases, long after the stomach cramping and diarrhea following the consumption of tainted food has eased, the lingering side effects of the illness can be devastating. Premature death, paralysis, kidney failure, seizures, hearing or visual impairments and mental disability have all been linked to the food-borne pathogens Campylobacter, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella.  Here's how they can affect your health.

  • Campylobacter is one of the most common causes of food poisonings and is found in raw and undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk and contaminated water. Although most people who get campylobacteriosis recover quickly, in rare instances there can be long-term consequences, including Guillain-Barré syndrome, which affects nerves in the body resulting in paralysis that can last for several weeks and sometimes be permanent.  
  • E. Coli bacteria is a risk factor in certain types of foods, including undercooked hamburger; raw vegetables; unpasteurized milk, apple juice or cider; and soft cheeses made from raw milk. Although most varieties of E. coli are harmless, some strains of the bacteria, such as E. coli 0157:H7, can cause hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can develop into a life-threatening form of kidney failure.
  • Listeria monocytogenes is found in soil and water and can contaminate vegetables and meat and poultry foods. Pregnant women, newborns and people with compromised immune systems are especially vulnerable to listeriosis, which can cause miscarriage, mental disabilities and brain damage.
  • Salmonella is found in animal products, such as beef, poultry, milk and eggs. The long-term affects from salmonella include joint pain, eye irritation and painful urination.

 

How to Stay Safe

The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests taking the following steps to help reduce your family's risk for food poisoning:

  • Wash your hands before preparing food
  • Cook meat, eggs, poultry thoroughly
  • Clean all work surfaces, cutting boards and mixing bowls thoroughly after using them on uncooked meats or eggs to prevent the contamination of other foods
  • Wash produce before serving
  • Make sure all the milk and juice you buy is pasteurized and that all milk products are made with pasteurized milk
  • Report any food-borne illness to your local health department