Proper handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent foodborne illnesses like Salmonella, E. coli, and Norovirus. Whether you’re a food handler or a person who travels frequently, clean hands are key to keeping yourself and others safe!
Foodborne Illnesses
Salmonella, E. coli and Norovirus are all pathogens that can cause foodborne illnesses, but they are caused by different microorganisms and have distinct characteristics:
- Salmonella: This is a type of bacteria commonly found in raw meats, especially poultry, eggs and sometimes fruits and vegetables. It causes symptoms such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, fever and vomiting. In severe cases, Salmonella can lead to more serious complications, particularly in young children, the elderly or those with weakened immune systems.
- E. coli (Escherichia coli): E. coli is a group of bacteria, some of which are harmless, while others can cause serious illness. The most concerning strain is E. coli O157:H7, which can be found in undercooked ground beef, contaminated produce, and unpasteurized milk or juices. Symptoms of E. coli infection include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting, and in some cases, kidney failure (hemolytic uremic syndrome).
- Norovirus: Unlike Salmonella and E. coli, Norovirus is a highly contagious virus, often spread through contaminated food, water or direct contact with infected people. It’s the leading cause of gastroenteritis, resulting in symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and stomach cramps. While it’s usually self-limiting and lasts for 1-3 days, it can spread quickly in settings like cruise ships, schools or healthcare facilities. (Please note that hand sanitizer is NOT effective at killing norovirus so handwashing often and well is very important in high congested areas).
In all cases, practicing good hygiene, proper food handling, and safe cooking temperatures can help prevent these infections.
Hand Hygiene
Follow these simple handwashing steps:
- Wet hands with clean, running water
- Apply soap and lather for at least 20 seconds (don’t forget between fingers and under nails!)
- Rinse thoroughly
- Dry with a clean towel or air-dry
Food Safety Tips:
- Wash hands before and after handling raw meat, eggs, or seafood
- Use separate cutting boards for raw and ready-to-eat foods
- Clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces regularly
Suspect food poisoning?
Report it to the Tulsa Health Department’s Foodborne Investigator (FBI) here: https://tulsa-health.org/forms/complaints/
