Tainted Food Essay

Food Safety and Information Bulletin
Ecoli strains found in lettuce
This bulletin is in regards to a recent case of Ecoli strains found in produce, specifically lettuce out of Roscoe Farms. This information should help you and your families understand the urgency behind this matter. This posting should be taken serious as your health is possibly at risk.
1. Be informed as to where your produce is purchased. There is a smaller chance of your produce being contaminated if purchased at a known chain of grocery stores. Although this is a smaller chance, it doesn’t eliminate the possibility of contamination. Certain roadside vendors should be avoided at this time. If you choose to consume lettuce, it is wise to take some precautions. Careful consideration should be taken when handling and preparing lettuce. Lettuce should be cleaned thoroughly and washed repeatedly until fully cleaned. Once lettuce has been handled make sure that you rinse your hands with an antibacterial soap and insure that the lettuce is placed in a container away from any possible tainted source after it’s been washed.
2. Illnesses that can arise from tainted produce are nausea, dizziness, stomach pains, “cold” sweats, and diarrhea. The severe illness that can come from tainted foods range from gastrointestinal (stomach, intestine) infections to urinary infections and which can, if not treated properly, lead up to death. Proper handling and washing of the produce will help you avoid these potential problems.
3. For more information regarding the Ecoli virus one can contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   They can assist you to better understand the Ecoli strain and its origins pertaining to the product. There is also the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) who sets the inspection standards that all produce growers must adhere to for the general public. They can be reached at 1-800-FDA-4010 or if you own a computer, type in www.fda.gov for further information. Finally you...