Foodborne illness is on the increase in many parts of the world and latest estimates indicate that annually, 76 million Americans suffer from a foodborne ilness. Salmonellosis and campylobacteriosis are the most common bacterial causes of foodborne illness and various studies indicate that more than 50% of outbreaks involving these organisms are home-based. This has serious implications for all the high risk individuals in the community, who now comprise approximately 25% of the total US population. Those at increased risk for foodborne disease include neonates and children under the age of 5, the elderly over 65, the chronically ill and medically immunosuppressed and those with HIV/AIDS. In addition, with the increasing trend to nurse millions of patients in their own homes, infection control practitioners will need to address the issues surrounding safe food practices for these patients. At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Discuss the risks and factors associated with foodborne illness at home and define the specific concerns for the various sets of high risk individuals. 2. Build a rational set of guidelines for safe food practices and the prevention of foodborne illness in the home for the high risk groups mentioned above. 3. Offer general advice for all home-based high risk individuals in their care
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of this session, the participant in this session will be able to: 1. Discuss the risks and factors associated with foodborne illness at home and define the specific concerns for the various sets of high risk individuals. 2. Build a rational set of guidelines for safe food practices and the prevention of foodborne illness in the home for the high risk groups mentioned above. 3. Offer general advice for all home-based high risk individuals in their care
Keywords: Food Safety, Home Based
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.