Participate in the discussion by asking a question, providing a statement of clarification, providing a point of view with a rationale, challenging an aspect of the discussion, or indicating a relationship between two or more lines of reasoning in the discussion.

100-150 words

What are the ten microbiological agents that are implicated in food-borne illness?

The ten microbiological agents linked to food borne illness are; salmonella, clostridium botulinum, c. perfringens, e. coli, staphylococcus aureus, trichinella, prions, listeria monocytogens, shingella, and campylobacter jejuni. (Friis, 2012. Page 283).

What are the measures for preventing food-borne illness?

There are many measures of food-borne illness prevention, such as; use of irradiation, food/health inspectors, also food and safety regulations. Many acts have been implemented to aid in food-borne illness prevention, they are; The Food Quality Protection Act, Food Additives Amendment, Miller Pesticide Amendments, and The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. (Friss, 2012. Page 306)

Describe practical methods for the prevention of food-borne illness and indicate how you apply them in your home or business.

  There are many measures that prevent food-borne illness, they are; proper food storage (keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot), proper hygiene, proper sanitation (clean storage areas, clean prep/cooking area and surfaces), never cross contaminate foods or cooking utensils, properly cook foods, and the use of food irradiation. (Friis, 2012. Page 306).

What are the procedures that a local health department might use for investigating an outbreak of food-borne illness?

Health departments investigate outbreaks of food-borne illness by first identifying cases. The next step is to find out where the outbreak occurred this is achieved by listing the items that potentially may have caused the illness and cross linking them to each case. Specimens (i.e. stool samples) are then taken from each case to identify the agent that caused the illness. After identifying the cause of illness and contaminated items, proper action is taken to prevent reoccurrence and further spread of the illness. (Friis, 2012. Page 314).

Explain a major regulation for protecting food from carcinogens and discuss its purpose.

The Regulation of Carcinogenic Compounds Used in Food-Producing Animals was implemented to ensure animals that will be used in food production do not contract major diseases or illnesses (to prevent humans from contracting illness when consuming these products). Amendment have been made to this regulation in an effort to clarify the provisions listed within the regulation. (Food and Drug Administration, 2012).

Do you think there should be any change in this regulation? Why or why not?

  Yes, I do believe there should be changes made to this regulation. As of now (even after recent amendments) there is a clause within this regulation that allow animals to consume

The Diethylstilbestrol (DES) Proviso allows cancer-causing compounds to be used in animals that produce food as long as the drug does not harm the animal, and FDA tests do not detect residues of the drug in any food from the animal. This could be hazardous. There have been many instances that substances used in treatment/prevention in both humans and animals have resulted in the development of illnesses or cancers yeas after the substances were used. It may take time but the long term effects of these compounds will be unknown when tested shortly after use and being that the animals are used often for consumption they will not always live ng enough to find out what these effects are or could be.

What is the intended impact of food safety–related law on your local community?

  In my community food and safety laws prevent farmers from producing and selling potentially hazardous foods (as they can be tracked and found) if they do not adhere to the regulations. There are many farmer’s markets in our community and some farmers park on the side of the road, put up a wooden painted sign, and sell their produce/eggs. It is not illegal for the farmers to sell their products as long as they obtain a license to sell/distribute their goods. This law helps track those who travel and sell their goods as they can only sell in the county they purchase their license in. Should someone get sick from their good the authorities will know where to get their info and can then start a food-borne illness investigation.

References

Friis, Robert H. (2012). Essentials of Environmental Health, 2nd Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf Online]. Page 283. Retrieved from https://digitalbookshelf.southuniversity.edu/#/books/9781449632380/

Friis, Robert H. (2012). Essentials of Environmental Health, 2nd Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf Online]. Page 306. Retrieved from https://digitalbookshelf.southuniversity.edu/#/books/9781449632380/

Friis, Robert H. (2012). Essentials of Environmental Health, 2nd Edition. [VitalSource Bookshelf Online]. Page 314. Retrieved from https://digitalbookshelf.southuniversity.edu/#/books/9781449632380/

Food and Drug Administration.(2012). In FDA Clarifies Regulation on Carcinogenic Compounds Used in Food-Producing Animals. Retrieved July 29, 2016 from http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm316542.htm