Food-borne Diseases

Fecal contamination

• Bacteria, viruses and parasites live and grow in the intestines of animals
• They can contaminate hands, meat and utensils and can cause illness if eaten
• This is sometimes called FOOD POISONING

Examples

• Salmonella
• E. coli
• Toxoplasmosis
• Campylobacter

How can I get sick?

• Eating raw or undercooked meat
• Improper food PREPARATION AND COOKING
• Contaminating cooked food with:
  • Raw or undercooked meat
  • Dirty hands and utensils
  • Dirty food preparation surfaces

Beware: Some food-borne diseases can be transmitted from person to person

Beware: Freezing may not kill all harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites

How can I protect myself?

• Cook meat to recommended temperatures
• Wash your hands with soap and water
  • After using the bathroom
  • After handling carcasses, live animals or their feces
  • Before eating or handling food
• Properly store meat
  • Refrigerate
  • Freeze when storage for more than two days is required
  • Thaw meat in the fridge and not on the counter
  • Cook in a clean area
• Scrub surfaces, utensils and cooking equipment with soap and warm water before and after food preparation

Not feeling well?

• Recognize common symptoms of foodborne disease:
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Weakness
  • Stomach pain
• Contact your doctor if you become ill after eating raw or undercooked meat
• Tell your doctor what you hunted and ate