Salmonella outbreaks can cause serious disruptions in workplaces, especially those involving food handling or close contact among employees. And, with a recent outbreak prompting a warning by the CDC, you may need to evaluate the risks it poses to your team and you business.
Understanding how Salmonella spreads, its symptoms, and how to prevent it is crucial for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.
Salmonella remains a significant public health concern in the United States, causing an estimated 1.35 million infections annually. These infections lead to approximately 26,500 hospitalizations and about 420 deaths each year, making it one of the leading causes of foodborne illness in the country.
Here’s a straightforward guide to help you protect your workplace from Salmonella infections.
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The Recent Salmonella Outbreak
In a recent news release, the CDC issued a warning about a multistate Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs from one particular brand. Seventy-nine people across seven states have fallen ill, with 21 hospitalizations reported. The recalled eggs, which include all varieties such as organic, cage-free brown, and omega-3 eggs, were sold in Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, New Mexico, Nevada, Washington, and Wyoming.
Consumers and businesses are advised not to eat, sell, or serve these eggs and to thoroughly clean any surfaces or items that may have come into contact with them.
Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps, typically appearing 6 hours to 6 days after exposure. Those experiencing severe symptoms should contact a healthcare provider.
Read more: CDC warns of Salmonella outbreak linked to eggs.
What Is Salmonella and What Are the Symptoms?
Salmonella is a type of bacteria that causes salmonellosis, a common foodborne illness. People infected with Salmonella usually experience symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. These symptoms typically appear 6 hours to 6 days after exposure and can last 4 to 7 days.
While most people recover without treatment, severe cases may require hospitalization, especially among young children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems.
See CDC’s Publication About Salmonella Infection.
See FDA’s Publication on Facts about Salmonella.
How Does Salmonella Spread in the Workplace?
Salmonella primarily spreads through contaminated food and water, but can also spread via direct contact with infected animals or people. In workplaces, especially food service or healthcare settings, the bacteria can spread when:
– Food handlers do not wash their hands properly after using the bathroom or handling raw foods.
– Surfaces and utensils are contaminated by raw meat, poultry, or eggs and not cleaned thoroughly.
– Sick employees with diarrhea or vomiting continue to work, potentially contaminating food or shared surfaces.
Cross-contamination remains a major risk, when bacteria from raw foods transfer to ready-to-eat foods or kitchen tools, leading to outbreaks.
See OSHA’s Publication on Food Borne Disease.
Key Prevention Strategies for the Workplace
1. Promote Hand Hygiene
Encourage frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water, especially:
– After using the restroom
– Before and after handling food
– After contact with animals or animal waste
– After cleaning tasks
Proper hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent Salmonella transmission.
2. Maintain Clean Food Preparation Areas
– Separate raw meat, poultry, and eggs from other foods during storage and preparation.
– Clean and sanitize cutting boards, utensils, countertops, and hands after handling raw foods.
– Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before serving or eating.
3. Cook and Store Food Safely
– Cook meat, poultry, and eggs to safe internal temperatures to kill bacteria.
– Avoid eating raw or undercooked eggs and use pasteurized eggs for recipes that don’t require cooking.
– Store perishable foods in refrigerators at 40°F (4°C) or below and freeze foods at 0°F (-18°C) or lower.
4. Manage Sick Employees Properly
Employees showing symptoms of Salmonella infection (diarrhea, vomiting) should be excluded from work, especially if they handle food or work in sensitive environments like healthcare or childcare. They should only return to work after being symptom-free for at least 24 to 48 hours.
Workplaces should have clear policies to:
– Encourage sick employees to report symptoms and stay home.
– Provide paid sick leave to reduce the pressure to work while ill.
– Conduct training on recognizing symptoms and good hygiene practices.
Read more: CDC’s Publication on Preventing Salmonella Infection.
Additional Tips to Reduce Salmonella Risk
– Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and raw eggs in workplace meals or catered events.
– Clean and disinfect animal habitats if animals are present in the workplace.
– Educate employees about the risks of Salmonella and safe food handling practices.
– Ensure proper facilities for handwashing are available and stocked with soap and paper towels.
Bringing It Together
Salmonella remains a persistent threat to workplace health, especially in industries involving food handling and close employee interaction.
By understanding the symptoms, modes of transmission, and effective prevention strategies, you and your employees can work together to minimize the risk of outbreaks.
Prioritizing hand hygiene, safe food practices, proper cleaning, and responsible sick leave policies not only protects individual health but also ensures a safer, more productive work environment.
Staying vigilant and proactive is key to keeping Salmonella (and its disruptive impact) out of the workplace.
Stay In Compliance With Worksite Medical
In most cases, OSHA requires medical surveillance testing, and at no cost to employees.
Worksite Medical makes that program easier with mobile medical testing.
We conduct silica exam physicals, on-site respirator fit tests (including N95 masks), audiometric exams, pulmonary function tests, heavy metal lab work, and much more, right on your job site.
We also keep accurate, easy-to-access medical records for your convenience. You’ll keep your employees at work, and stay ahead of OSHA inspections.
With Worksite Medical, a mobile medical testing unit — we can bring all the resources of a lab to you. Our certified lab technicians can perform both qualitative and quantitative respirator tests to ensure a perfect fit.
Protect your team and your workplace now with Worksite Medical. Not sure what you need? Try our medical testing wizard here.
Give us a call at 1-844-622-8633, or complete the form below to schedule an on-site visit or to get your free quote.
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