“The number of reported human listeriosis cases increased steadily from 2019 to 2023, reaching the highest level since 2007” explains everythingEuropean Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has just released a special report jointly with the European Center for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
These Listeria infectionwhich belongs to the following categories zoonosis (i.e. diseases caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites and transmitted to humans by animals or insects) are increasing in all European countries. But these aren’t the only bacteria involved.
Campylobacteriosis and salmonellosis, caused by Campylobacter and Salmonella (or Salmonella ), remain the most common zoonotic diseases often encountered In Europe, according to EFSA and ECDC data. Between the three of them, ListeriaCampylobacter and Salmonella (we could also add E. coli ) represent the majority of bacteria It makes us sick.
In recent months, several dramatic cases have occurredInfect Making headlines for contaminated products. Because the pathogenic bacteria in our food seem to have reached a certain level summit According to reports. The direct consequences are more patients andhospitalization. Because if outbreaks of toxic infections (food infections that affect more than two people eating the same food) are stagnant or even slightly declining compared to the previous year, then sick Increase.
“Human cases, hospitalizations and deaths have all increased, with the death toll reaching the highest level in a decade. Salmonella remains a leading cause of outbreaks, infections, hospitalizations and deaths.“
Are more and more products contaminated with pathogenic bacteria?
How to explain this observation? EFSA makes two main assumptions:
- this aging Groups: Indeed, the most vulnerable groups are more likely to be contaminated (their immune defenses are less effective), but these groups are also likely to develop the most severe forms of poisoning.
- increase in consumption Ready-to-eat productsare more often contaminated (there are regular product recalls – forwarded by Medisite – which suggests these contaminations in common products are substantial). “The latest data shows that the proportion of Listeria monocytogenes contamination exceeding the standard in the ready-to-eat food category ranges from 0.11% to 0.78%, with fermented sausages having the highest levels”, specify EFSA.
Food: Doing good at home
this food poisoningsometimes serious and should not be taken lightly. Even in the vast majority of cases, they cause only the following simple symptoms: Gastroenteritis. when a product recall If reported, do not risk returning it to the store or throwing it away.
Be respectful at home cold chainexpire and thoroughly cook desired products (chicken, frozen steaks, etc.), and thoroughly clean knives, work surfaces, and boards after cutting raw meat. If you think a food is suspicious (smell, appearance), don’t eat it consume no.
It is also useful to know the main foods associated with food infections.
Food Poisoning: Which Foods Are Most Dangerous?
For each pathogen, the European report states:
- Listeria: “Contaminated food to be eaten, such as cold-smoked salmon, meat products, or even dairy (especially raw milk cheese)”is the most common source of infection.
- salmonella:”The most common sources of food poisoning caused by Salmonella are Egg as well as egg products, mixed foods and chicken.”.
- Campylobacter: waterlive animal products or uncooked (chicken, beef or calf liver).
