IMG_5961 Food poisoning sends more than 100,000 Americans to the hospital every year, and virtually every person is at risk if they do not take the proper food safety precautions. Properly cleaning or washing food is just one way to prevent many types of diseases. In fact, raw produce has been known to cause the following 5 illnesses.

1. Salmonella

One of the most common food poisoning conditions in the United States is Salmonella. It can be found in contaminated eggs, unpasteurized milk or juice, cheese, and contaminated raw fruits and vegetables. Symptoms of Salmonella include diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps and vomiting, and they can last 4 to 7 days. Talk to your doctor if you become dehydrated or if symptoms become more severe. You can prevent Salmonella by using a food wash, veggie wash or fruit wash.

2. E. coli

E. coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of humans and animals, and some types of the bacteria can make people sick. E. coli O157:H7 causes bloody diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, vomiting and can sometimes cause kidney failure and even death. The illness can last 5 to 10 days, but most people are better in 6 to 8. If you contract E. coli, you should drink plenty of fluids and get rest. If you become dehydrated, or your symptoms become more severe – such as blood in your stools – call the doctor. You can prevent this illness by using a fruit wash or veggie wash, cooking meat to safe temperatures and washing hands before preparing food.

3. Listeria

While Listeria, a bacterium found in soil, water and some animals, is often found in ready-to-eat deli meats, refrigerated meat spreads and soft cheeses, it can also be found in raw sprouts and other raw produce. Symptoms include fever, stiff neck, confusion, weakness and vomiting and can last from days to weeks. Listeria is serious, so if you become ill with a stiff neck and fever, talk to your doctor. Pregnant women, older adults and individuals with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk for Listeria.

4. Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A, a liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus, is one of the few foodborne illnesses that can be prevented by vaccination. Vaccinations are available to those 12 months or older, those traveling to certain countries and to people at high risk of infection. The disease can be found in raw or undercooked shellfish from contaminated waters, raw produce, contaminated drinking water and uncooked foods. Symptoms include diarrhea, dark urine, jaundice, fever, headache, nausea, abdominal pain and loss of appetite, and can last anywhere from 2 weeks to 3 months. Talk to your doctor if you experience any signs or symptoms of hepatitis A, so you can be tested and treated immediately.

5. Shigella

The infectious disease shigellosis is caused by Shigella, a germ that can cause diarrhea in humans. Shigellosis causes people to shed the Shigella bacteria in feces. The bacteria can spread from the infected person to contaminate water or food, and is most commonly seen in day cares and schools since kids don’t always wash their hands properly. Foods such as salads or sandwiches that require lots of hand contact, and raw vegetables contaminated in the fields are the most likely culprits to carry Shigella. Symptoms include abdominal cramping, fever, diarrhea, and can last 2 to 7 days. You can prevent the above illnesses and keep your food safe by washing produce properly. By using the proper food wash, veggie wash or fruit wash, you will keep yourself and your family safety. Above Image Source: Flickr/kirybabe – Creative Commons