Final answer:
Salmonella can be contracted from various contaminated foods, particularly raw or undercooked meats, seafood, dairy, vegetables, and some processed foods like peanut butter. Other bacteria like E. coli and Listeria also pose risks in various foods. Proper food safety practices are crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses.
Step-by-step explanation:
Food Sources of Salmonella Infection
Salmonella bacteria can cause infection when you consume contaminated food. Common sources of Salmonella include raw and undercooked meat, poultry, dairy products, and seafood. Other foods such as peanut butter, alfalfa sprouts, and eggs have also been linked to Salmonella outbreaks. It's not just animal products that can be affected; even vegetables can become contaminated, as seen in an E. coli outbreak linked to vegetable sprouts. Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands and thoroughly cooking food, can significantly reduce the risk of transmission. It's important to note that while these bacteria can survive freezing, they cannot withstand high temperatures.
Campylobacter jejuni, E. coli, Vibrio, and Listeria are other bacteria that can cause foodborne illnesses, contaminating a range of foods from raw chicken and unpasteurized milk to fresh produce and deli meats. These pathogens highlight the importance of food safety from the farmer's field to the consumer's plate.
Additional foods that are at risk of contamination with bacteria and subsequent foodborne illness include raw milk and juice, raw vegetables like lettuce and sprouts, and improperly handled or stored rice or meat. To combat foodborne diseases such as salmonellosis, one must ensure proper cooking, storage, and handling of food, as well as consistent handwashing.