Common Pathogens

Staphylococcus aureus

Salmonella

Norovirus

Shigella

e Coli

Hepatitis A

E. coli O157:H7 & Other STECs

• Also called STEC (shiga-toxin producing E. coli)
• Bacterium can produce a deadly toxin
• Symptoms: diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea, & malaise
• Can lead to kidney failure (hemolytic uremic syndrome)

Why is it a Concern for Cottage Foods?

• Cross-contamination can occur in kitchens
• Raw meat is often a source of STEC

Norovirus

• Leading cause of foodborne illness in the U.S.
• Highly contagious virus!
• Easily transmitted by infected persons
• Either person to person; person to food
• Airborne transmission- up to 25 feet!
• Found in common food production areas such as nursing homes, hospitals, cruise ships, schools, etc.

Why is Norovirus a Concern for Cottage Foods?

• Found in sick household members, including you!
• Do not prepare food for others while ill!
• The main symptoms are diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. In healthy adults norovirus typically is a very annoying couple days, but in high risk populations it can lead to hospitalization and death.

Staphylococcus aureus

• Bacteria that produces heat-stable toxin
• Bacteria lives on skin and/or in noses of about 25% of healthy adults
• Infection caused by person-to-person contact
• Fast-acting symptoms in as little as 30 min to 6 hours after eating contaminated food

What to Know for Cottage Foods Production

• Good hygiene is important!
• Proper hand washing
• Covering infected curs and wounds

Shigella

• Highly infectious, disease is called shigellosis
• Can cause severe tissue damage in the intestines
• Symptoms: abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea, fever, & vomiting

Why is it a Concern for Cottage Foods?

• Can be transmitted by ill food handlers and flies

Hepatitis A

• Causes inflammation of the liver
• Symptoms: fever, fatigue, abdominal pain, jaundice
• Pathogen found in human feces
• Associated with poor personal hygiene: improper hand washing after using the restroom

Why is it a Concern for Cottage Foods?

• Infected persons can be contagious for several weeks with no symptoms

Salmonella

• Over 2,000 types of Salmonella
• Cause infection called salmonellosis
• Symptoms: diarrhea, fever, stomach pain
• Commonly found in these foods: eggs, poultry, fruits, vegetables, even peanut butter

Why is Salmonella a Concern for Cottage Foods?

• Leading cause of FBI in the U.S.A.
• Poultry is a common source (raw or backyard chickens)
• Easily transmitted by persons to food
• Can survive in cookie dough

Prevent Salmonella Contamination