Salmonella What is Salmonella?
Salmonella is one of the many food poisoning germs. The usual incubation is 6-72 hours, but usually 12-36 hours.
What symptoms does it cause?
Symptoms can include headaches, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, fever and joint pain. Diarrhoea may persist for several days.
How long does it last?
The illness is generally self-limiting, but can last between 10 and 30 days after onset.
| How can I catch it? |
How can I prevent it? |
| 1. Drinking raw milk products. |
Avoid drinking unpasteurised milk and milk products.
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| 2. Drinking untreated water. |
In areas outside a Council treated water supply, the safest untreated water is roof water. If water from a river, creek, dam, spring or bore must be used then boiling the water for 5 minutes is recommended.
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3. Eating contaminated meat, meat products, chicken and chicken products.
Eating raw and undercooked eggs and egg products (e.g. homemade ice cream).
Food that has been contaminated at its source during handling.
Eating food that is from infected food animals or contaminated by animals or persons.
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Thoroughly cook all foodstuffs derived from animal sources, particularly poultry, pork, egg products and meat dishes.
Refrigerate all foodstuffs.
Avoid using dirty or cracked eggs.
Wash hands before and after food preparation. |
| 4. Contact with infected animals such as pet turtles, tortoises, chicks, dogs and cats. Also domestic and feral animals such as poultry, pigs, cattle and rodents. |
Ensure treatment for domestic animals and pets suffering diarrhoea. Always wash hands after handling animals. Also protect all food and food preparation areas against rodents and insects.
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| 5. Contact with infected persons, particularly infants. |
Always wash hands after caring for patients and changing nappies. Also exclude food handlers with diarrhoea from working with food.
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| 6. Using unsterilized pharmaceuticals. |
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Test Your Knowledge
Questions: (Answer TRUE or FALSE)
1. Thawing frozen food on the sink is acceptable.
2. Eating raw mince meat is safer then eating rare steak.
3. Meat and poultry should be frozen in the wrapping in which they are purchased.
4. Poultry should be stuffed one hour before it is cooked.
5. You have an unopened can of tomatoes that has rusty seams. It is safe to eat.
6. Food in the microwave oven does not need to be turned.
Answers:
1. False - thawing food on the sink or on benches can encourage bacterial growth. Place food in the refrigerator for 24 hours or use a microwave oven to thaw quickly.
2. False - while there is still a possibility of contamination from rare steak, raw mince is riskier because it is handled more frequently.
3. True - meats should be frozen in the original wrappings because while rewrapping them, you might contaminate the meat.
4. False - poultry should be stuffed just before cooking or bacteria from the raw meat can contaminate and multiply in the stuffing.
5. False - it is a sign that air and probably bacteria has entered the can.
6. False - cold spots can occur in microwave cooking, food should be turned or stirred to ensure all the food has been cooked.
Good food hygiene and personal hygiene habits protect you and your loved ones from experiencing Salmonella or any other food poisoning illness.
Need More Information
Council's Environmental Health Department staff will be pleased to assist you with more information. If you require more details do not hesitate to contact them by phoning (03) 6269 0000. | 
