Salmonella and Summer - Sprouts, Cantaloupes, and Baby Chicks

What would summer be like without some Salmonella…nice. However, Salmonella does not take a summer vacation. There are three current issues in the US related to Salmonella. (Links below).

1) Sprouts – The conditions for growing sprouts are also good for growing Salmonella. This outbreak has affected 20 or 21 people thus far. After the outbreak in Germany that was related to sprouts, people should probably rethink about their fondness of sprouts, especially if they have a condition that makes them more susceptible to foodborne illness.
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/sprouts-enteritidis0611/062611/
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/sprouts-enteritidis0611/index.html

2) Cantaloupes – Like sprouts, cantaloupe is another culprit with regard to carrying Salmonella. Harvested from the ground, it is subject to contaminants in the soil, especially when manure is used. The rough surface then makes removal of those contaminants, namely Salmonella, difficult. Consumers need to scrub those melons and be sure to refrigerate once sliced. There have been no reported illnesses to date.
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/panama0311/062311/index.html


3) Baby Chicks – As we know, poultry can carry Salmonella, and if a hatchery does not have Salmonella control procedures in place (remember the outbreak related to eggs from earlier this year), chicks will be infected with Salmonella. Pet reptiles pose the same risk regarding Salmonella. Why not get a puppy, a kitten, or a rabbit? 49 unlucky individuals have been diagnosed with Salmonella, 39% of those people are less than 5 years old.
http://www.cdc.gov/salmonella/altona-baby-chicks/062911/index.html