How to Prevent Food Poisoning : Clean Utensils to Prevent Food Poisoning

[woodsklwoodskl]

During post process handling, transportation, and storage, that contamination can be spread and can multiply if the meat is not handled correctly. The majority of foodborne illness (in the US) come from a virus called Norovirus. It is usually spread by people, as you indicated above. However, it is not that severe - its one of those 24 hour bug type illnesses. The ones that we should be concerned about on meat are the deadly pathogens such as Salmonella and E. coli 0157H7.

[woodsklwoodskl]

I'm an Extension Educator in the US. I've lived and worked in Canada, Mexico, and Germany. I've been in or worked in meat processing facilities in many countries. No matter how much care is taken when processing the meat, it is impossible to eliminate the bacteria. Pathogens live in the feces of cattle, chickens, etc. - just like they live in us. When the meat is processed, small amounts of contamination are left on the surface of the meat.

[woodsklwoodskl]

Washing meat just spreads bacteria around the kitchen and does not remove bacteria (they stick to the surface). So, washing meat increases the risk of cross contamination. Its best to cook meat to kill the bacteria.

[globe255]

@woodsklwoodskl Just because you wash the meat under the tap, you dont spread the bacteria that is BS. When you have washed the meat you are now going to cook it, and that will get rid of the bacteria. The most important things is handwash before and after preparing of any kind of food. The word is HYGIENE.

[woodsklwoodskl]

@globe255 @globe255 You are right about cooking the meat - that is the best way to kill the bacteria. But think about the washing step - if you do that, then everywhere the water splashes is contaminated. Your faucet, sink, counters and likely your hands, arms, and cloths. Because bacteria can't be seen, it is impossible to be sure you have cleaned up sufficiently after washing meat. Best not to wash it and rely on the cooking step for killing bacteria.

[globe255]

@woodsklwoodskl Yes you are right, but you dont spread out bacteria that much. Its not like a piece of meat is a dangerous bacteria bomb but just that it can be dangerous not to handle it correct. Im vegetarian myself and have nothing to do with meat, but i have not always been vegetarian, and when i wasnt i just washed my hands before and after i cooked the meat. In fact i have never heard of the new trend with people washing meat before cooking.

[globe255]

@woodsklwoodskl I dont know how it is in USA, but the meat is handled under very strict control precautions in my country so the meat isnt dangerous when people buy it. The worst that can happen, is when people who prepare the meat doesnt handle it correct, what means if they dont wash their hands before and after they have prepared the meat, so those who gonna eat it not will get sick. And if they are getting sick, its not bacteria from the meat, but from those who prepared it.

[woodsklwoodskl]

@globe255 I don't eat much meat either (for health, not because of bacteria). Sounds like you are in Europe? Europe is on the right track for reducing pathogens on the surface of meat - they have un-industrialized a great deal of the industry, thereby reducing the crowded conditions of industrial animal agriculture and processing that promote the spread and growth of bacteria. I hope someday we will get there!

[globe255]

@woodsklwoodskl Yes im in Europe Denmark in Scandinavia and yes we are doing a lot reducing the pathogen on the surface of the meat. I guess you will do the same in America some day. The thing is America has a kind of burger culture and as long you dont wanna eat healthy food (burgers isnt healthy food) then i dont think it will change. In our country we also have strict rules about handling food in restaurants and the restaurants will be controlled from time to time.