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Salmonella

Compiled By: Julie A. Albrecht, Ph.D., Associate Professor

The Organism: Many species of Salmonella bacteria exist; several cause food borne illness. Salmonella typhimurium has been the species that accounts for most food borne illnesses related to this bacteria. Another species, Salmonella enteritidis, has been associated with food borne diseases resulting from consumption of contaminated undercooked eggs. Salmonella Heidelberg has caused outbreaks associated with raw produce. Salmonella DT104, a specific serotype, is resistant to a wide range of antibiotics. The bacteria are easily destroyed with heat.

Sources of the organism:

Normal microflora of animals and poultry
Unpasteurized milk

Associated foods:

Raw meat
Poultry
Eggs
Milk and dairy products
Fish, shrimp
Cream-filled desserts and toppings

Microorganism Characteristics:

Gram negative non-spore forming rod

Growth conditions:

Temperature range: 6-46 oC (43-115 oF)
Optimum Temperature: 37oC (98.6oF)
pH range: 4.1-9.0
Optimum pH: 6.5 - 7.5
Lowest reported Aw for growth: 0.93

The Disease: Consumption of live Salmonella bacteria can result in the food borne infection, Salmonellosis.

Symptoms include:

Stomach pain
Diarrhea
Nausea
Chills
Fever
Headache

Onset time:

6-48 hours

Infective Dose:

As few as 15-20 cells; depends on age and health of host, and strain of Salmonella

Duration of symptoms:

Usually 1-2 days
Prolonged depending on host factors, ingested dose, strain characteristics

Control:

  • Thoroughly cook all poultry, poultry products, eggs, ground meat products and fish.
  • Use only pasteurized milk
  • Thoroughly wash hands before and handling raw meat, poultry and egg products
  • Use clean utensils and surfaces to prepare foods
  • Wash utensils, cutting boards and surfaces thoroughly with hot soapy water and rinse before preparing foods

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