Although their incidence is relatively low, their severe and sometimes fatal health consequences, particularly among infants, children and the elderly, make them among the most serious foodborne infections. E. coli O157 outbreaks have been mainly related to beef, but sprouts, lettuce and juice have also caused outbreaks. The most frequent effects are meningitis and miscarriage or meningitis of the foetus or newborn. Many types of foods have been implicated in listeriosis cases. Often a long refrigeration period seems to have contributed to outbreaks.
Cholera is a major public health problem in developing countries, causing enormous economic losses.
The disease is caused by Vibrio cholerae , a bacterium. In addition to water, contaminated foods can be the vehicle of infection. Different foods, including rice, vegetables, millet gruel and various types of seafood have been implicated in outbreaks of cholera. Symptoms, including abdominal pain, vomiting and profuse watery diarrhoea, may lead to severe dehydration and possibly death, unless fluid and salt are replaced. Consumption of meat and meat products is a potential route for transmission of prions to humans.