What Causes Food Poisoning? The Most Common Causes Of E. Coli, Salmonella And Other Strands Revealed

The Most Common Causes Of Food Poisoning Revealed
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Millions of people suffer from food poisoning worldwide each year, and let's face it, it's never fun.

But what is it that forces so many people to spend a day hugging the toilet so often?

A new report from the Interagency Food Safety and Collaboration in America offers an insight into the most likely causes of food poisoning.

The researchers looked at four major pathogens to draw their conclusions: E. coli, salmonella, campylobacter and listeria. They analysed reported cases of food poising from from 2008 to 2012.

They found that 46% of E. coli food poisoning cases were caused by beef.

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The most common cause of salmonella food poisoning was seeded vegetables, being behind 18% of all cases.

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A staggering 66% of campylobacter food poisoning cases were caused by diary products.

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And half (50%) of listeria food poisoning cases were caused by tainted fruit.

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So how to you reduce your risk of food poisoning?

The researchers recommend washing your hands and surfaces often, avoiding cross-contamination of foods, using a food thermometer to ensure safe cooking temperatures and refrigerating foods below 4°C (40°F).