By John Lindquist. Lab procedures as given in any of our manuals are not yet included herein. The genus Salmonella is of great concern to the food industry. Processed foods are not permitted to contain any Salmonella cells. Salmonella is responsible for a major portion of the cases of gastroenteritis each year in the United States.
Salmonellae are widespread in nature.
They are commonly found in the intestinal tract of mammals, birds and reptiles. Pork and beef are often found to harbor salmonellae. Poultry continues to be one of the primary reservoirs of the organism. Any raw poultry product should be assumed to contain salmonellae and therefore must be handled appropriately. Eggs are contaminated with salmonellae when laid.