According to the USDA, more than seven million Americans suffer from the symptoms of food poisoning each year. They estimate that over 50 percent of Salmonella cases result from unsafe handling of food at home. Food that causes illness may be contaminated with chemicals or with objects such as metal shavings, but most foodborne illnesses come from contamination by bacteria. These organisms can be found in a wide range of foods, including raw meat and poultry, milk and other dairy products, seafood and even water.
Raw vegetables grown in contaminated soil can also contain the harmful organisms.
You can not detect the presence of bacteria by smell or taste. Shopping Safety Tips Shop at stores that maintain clean storage and handling areas. Check for cleanliness at the meat counter. Pick up packaged and canned foods first and do not buy cans that are bulging or dented. Buy perishable items such as meats, frozen food and dairy products last.