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E. coli and STEC in food

E. coli and STEC in food What is it?

• E. coli (short for Escherichia coli) is a type of bacteria that can be found in the gut of people as well as many animals
• Most E. coli are harmless, but some can cause illness; for example STEC, which is short for shiga-toxin producing E. coli
• STEC can get into soil, water and food from the faeces (poo) of animals, for example from livestock or animal manure

• STEC can cause a type of foodborne illness called gastroenteritis or 'gastro'
• In some cases (about 10%) it can cause a life-threatening illness called haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS). For some people this can…

  Published 22 December 2020

Campylobacter in food

Campylobacter in food What is it?

• Campylobacter is a type of bacteria that can be found in the gut of pets, livestock and wild animals
• It is usually transferred to food and water from the faeces (poo) or organs of animals, for example during milking and poultry processing

• Campylobacter can cause a severe type of gastro called campylobacteriosis
• Anyone can get campylobacteriosis but vulnerable people (i.e. very young children, the elderly) and people with weak immune systems (e.g. cancer patients) are more likely to get ill.
• Foods at higher risk of contamination include poultry (chicken, turkey and duck) products including paté, meat, seafood, unpasteurised…

  Published 22 December 2020

Bacillus cereus in food

Bacillus cereus in food What is it?

• Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) is a type of bacteria widespread in the environment
• It can form spores and toxins that are not destroyed by cooking or boiling

• B. cereus can cause vomiting and diarrhoea
• Anyone can get sick with B. cereus but vulnerable people (i.e. young children, pregnant women, the elderly) and people with weak immune systems (like cancer patients) can get seriously ill
• Foods at higher risk of contamination include pre-cooked starchy foods like rice, pasta and cereals, and pre-cooked mixed dishes, especially dishes with spices

Published 22 December 2020

Clostridium perfringens

Clostridium perfringens What is it? 

• Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens) is a type of bacteria widespread in the environment and in the gut of people and animals.
• It can form spores and toxins that are not destroyed by cooking or boiling.

• C. perfringens can cause gastro illness.
• Anyone can get sick with C. perfringens but vulnerable people (i.e. young children, pregnant women, the elderly) and people with weak immune systems (like cancer patients) can get seriously ill.
• Foods at higher risk of contamination include meat and poultry, thickened sauces (gravies, etc) and pre-cooked foods, especially spiced and herbed dishes.

Published 22 December 2020

Toxins in seafood

Toxins in seafood What are they?

• Toxins (poisons) can be present in some shellfish and fish
• These toxins are known as:
  • amnesic shellfish toxin
  • diarrhoetic shellfish toxin
  • neurotoxic shellfish toxin
  • paralytic shellfish toxin
  • ciguatoxin and
  • histamine
• The toxins come from algae that shellfish and fish feed on, or from bacteria naturally present in some fish

• These toxins can cause gastro or neurological illnesses called:
  • amnesic, diarrhoetic, neurotoxic or paralytic shellfish poisoning
  • ciguatera poisoning
  • Scombroid or histamine poisoning
• Severe illness can result in coma,…

  Published 23 December 2020

Clostridium botulinum in food

Clostridium botulinum in food   What is it?

• Clostridium botulinum (C. botulinum) is a type of bacteria found in soil, water, on plants and in the gut of animals
• It can form spores and toxins that are not destroyed by cooking or boiling

• C. botulinum can cause a serious illness called botulism (caused by eating the bacteria's toxin) and infant botulism (generally in children, caused by eating the bacteria's spores)
• Anyone can get botulism although it is extremely rare in Australia. Generally only infants under 12 months old get infant botulism
• If not treated early, botulism can lead to paralysis and death
• Foods at higher risk of…

  Published 22 December 2020

Hepatitis E virus in food

Hepatitis E virus in food What is it?

• Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a virus that can be found in the gut of some animals and in people
• HEV can get into water and food from the faeces (poo) or body fluids of infected people or animals, for example from poor handwashing

• HEV can cause a hepatitis E infection of the gut and liver
• Anyone can get hepatitis E but vulnerable people, including pregnant women, the elderly, people with weak immune systems and people with liver disease are more likely to get seriously ill
• Pregnant women can also pass the virus to their unborn baby
• People traveling to countries where sanitation is poor may pick up HEV
• Foods at higher risk…

  Published 22 December 2020

Salmonella in food

Salmonella in food What is it?

• Salmonella is a type of bacteria that is typically found in the gut of pets, livestock and wild animals
• It is usually transferred to food through contaminated soil or water from the faeces (poo) of animals or people, for example from animal manure, sewerage or dirty hands

• Salmonella can cause severe gastro illness called salmonellosis
• Anyone can get salmonellosis but young children, the elderly and people with a weakened immune system are most at risk
• Foods that are at higher risk of contamination include meat, chicken, eggs, raw fruits and vegetables and spices

• Symptoms usually start 12-36 hours after…

  Published 28 June 2021

Hepatitis A virus in food

Hepatitis A virus in food What is it?

• Hepatitis A virus (HAV) is a virus that can be found in the gut of people and some animals
• HAV can get into water and food from the faeces (poo) or blood of an infected person or animal, for example through poor hand washing or contact with sewerage

• HAV can cause an infection of the gut and liver called hepatitis A
• Hepatitis A infections are contagious.
• Anyone who has not been vaccinated or has not had the virus before can get hepatitis A
• The elderly and those with a weakened immune system are more likely to have severe symptoms
• People traveling to countries where sanitation is poor can be at increased risk of picking…

  Published 22 December 2020

Shigella in food

Shigella in food What is it?

• Shigella is a type of bacteria that can be found in the gut of humans and other animals
• Shigella can get into food from the faeces (poo) of an infected person or animal, for example from poor hand washing or contact with sewerage or manure

• Shigella can cause a type of gastro called shigellosis
• Shigellosis is contagious
• Sometimes illness can cause seizures and longer-term problems such as arthritis
• Anyone can get shigellosis but it is more likely that very young children and the elderly could get seriously ill
• People with poor personal hygiene may be more likely to get shigellosis
• People traveling to countries with poor…

  Published 23 December 2020