Contamination Food Allergens and Foodborne Illness 3 1

Contamination, Food Allergens, and Foodborne Illness 3 -1

Apply Your Knowledge: Test Your Food Safety Knowledge 1. True or False: A person with ciguatera fish poisoning often sweats and experiences a burning sensation in the mouth. 2. 2. True or False: Cooking can destroy the toxins in toxic wild mushrooms. 3. 3. True or False: Copper utensils and equipment can cause an illness when used to prepare acidic food. 4. 4. True or False: When transferring a cleaning chemical to a spray bottle, it is unnecessary to label the bottle if the chemical is clearly visible. 5. 5. True or False: A person with a shellfish allergy who unknowingly eats soup made with clam juice may experience a tightening in the throat. 3 -2

Foodborne Contaminants Biological n Fish toxins n Shellfish toxins n Plant and mushroom toxins Chemical n Toxic metal poisoning n Chemicals and pesticides Physical n Metal shavings from cans, staples n Fingernails, hair, bandages 3 -3

Biological Toxins These Toxins n May be produced by pathogens found on food n May occur naturally in plants or animals n May occur as a result of an animal’s diet 3 -4

Major Foodborne Illnesses from Fish Toxins Fish Toxin Illnesses n Scombroid poisoning n Ciguatera fish poisoning 3 -5

Major Foodborne Illnesses from Fish Toxins Illness: Toxin: Associated Food n Tuna n Bonito n Mackerel n Mahi mahi Scombroid poisoning Histamine Common Symptoms n Reddening of face and neck n Sweating n Headache n Burning or tingling in mouth or throat Prevention n Purchase fish from approved, reputable suppliers n Prevent timetemperature abuse during storage and preparation 3 -6

Major Foodborne Illnesses from Fish Toxins Illness: Toxin: Associated Food n Common Symptoms Predatory reef fish: n Barracuda n n n Grouper n Jacks n Snapper Ciguatera fish poisoning Ciguatoxin n Reversal of hot and cold n sensations Nausea Vomiting Tingling in fingers, lips, or toes Joint and muscle pain Prevention Purchase reef fish from approved, reputable suppliers 3 -7

Major Foodborne Illnesses from Shellfish Toxins Shellfish Toxin Illnesses n Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) n Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP) n Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) 3 -8

Major Foodborne Illnesses from Shellfish Toxins Illness: Toxin: Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) Saxitoxin Associated Food Common Symptoms n Clams n Numbness n Mussels n n Oysters n Scallops Tingling of mouth, face, arms and legs Dizziness Nausea Vomiting Diarrhea n n Prevention n Purchase shellfish from approved, reputable suppliers 3 -9

Major Foodborne Illnesses from Shellfish Toxins Illness: Toxin: Neurotoxic Shellfish Poisoning (NSP) Brevetoxin Associated Food Common Symptoms n Clams n Mussels n Oysters n n n Tingling and numbness of the lips, tongue, and throat Dizziness Reversal of hot and cold sensations Vomiting Diarrhea Prevention n Purchase shellfish from approved, reputable suppliers 3 -10

Major Foodborne Illnesses from Shellfish Toxins Illness: Toxin: Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning (ASP) Domoic acid Associated Food Common Symptoms n Clams n Mussels n Oysters n Scallops Initially: n Vomiting n Diarrhea n Abdominal pain Later: (Possibly) n Confusion n Memory loss n Disorientation n Seizure n Coma Prevention n Purchase shellfish from approved, reputable suppliers 3 -11

Apply Your Knowledge: Who Am I? 1. Identify the toxin: n I accumulate in predatory reef fish n I can produce tingling fingers n I have been associated with grouper n I produce an illness with symptoms that may last years 2. Identify the toxin: n I can cause paralysis and death n I am found in certain toxic marine algae n I am commonly associated with scallops and other shellfish n I am found in colder waters such as those of the New England Coast 3 -12

Mushroom Toxins These Toxins n Are present in certain varieties of wild mushrooms n Can cause severe illness n Are not destroyed by cooking or freezing 3 -13

Chemical Toxins Toxic Metals Toxic metal poisoning can occur when: n Utensils or equipment containing toxic metals are used to prepare food (especially acidic food) n Carbonated beverage dispensers are installed improperly To prevent this: n Use food-grade utensils and equipment to prepare and store food n Have a professional install beverage dispensers 3 -14

Chemical Toxins Chemicals n Store away from food, utensils, and equipment n Follow manufacturers’ directions for using them n Label them properly if they are transferred to new containers 3 -15

Physical Contaminants Foreign objects accidentally introduced into food: n Metal shavings from cans n Staples from cartons n Glass from broken light bulbs n Blades from plastic or rubber scrapers n Fingernails, hair, and bandages n Dirt n Bones 3 -16

Food Allergens Common Food Allergens n Milk and dairy products n Eggs and egg products n Fish n Shellfish n Wheat n Soy and soy products n Peanuts n Tree nuts 3 -17

Food Allergens Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: n Itching in and around the mouth, face, or scalp n Tightening in the throat n Wheezing or shortness of breath n Hives n Swelling of the face, eyes, hands, or feet n Gastrointestinal symptoms n Loss of consciousness and death 3 -18

Food Allergens To protect guests with food allergies: n Be able to fully describe menu items n If you are unsure if an item is allergen free, urge the guest to order something else n Ensure that cookware and utensils used to prepare the guests’ food are allergen free 3 -19

Apply Your Knowledge: Spot the Allergen Which of these are common allergens? n Eggs n Peanuts n Beef n Bean sprouts n Shellfish n Milk 3 -20