Report Finds Alarming Number Of Food Poisoning Cases

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According to a recent study by PEW Charitable Trust, improving food safety could help prevent food-borne illnesses such as E. coli, salmonella or any other illnesses caused by consuming contaminated foods.

In the United States, an average of 48 million food-borne illnesses occur every year. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also estimates that 128,000 people are hospitalized and 3,00 of them die after eating contaminated food every year.

PEW estimates the total economic cost of this issue can add up to $152 billion each year.

“The costs associated with food borne illness are substantial. This study puts the problem of food borne illness in its proper perspective and should help facilitate reasonable action designed to mitigate this problem,” said Robert L. Scharff, former Food and Drug Administration economist.

To help avoid such illnesses, the government’s FoodSafety.gov website offers the following tips:

  • Wash hands and surfaces often
  • Don’t cross contaminate when handling foods
  • Cook foods to proper temperature
  • Refrigerate promptly

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