Campylobacter
Campylobacter is a spiral shaped foodborne bacterium and is the most common cause of food poisoning in the UK. The disease can be contracted from eating food contaminated with campylobacter species.
Food poisoning bacteria: Campylobacter
What food sources can it be found in?
- Raw or undercooked meat, particularly raw poultry
- Unpasteurised milk
- Untreated water
- Mushrooms and shellfish (only occasionally)
What are the symptoms?
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea (can be bloody)
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- High fever
How can you avoid/control it?
- Cook meat, especially poultry, thoroughly
- Prevent This happens when bacteria get transferred from raw foods to other foods, especially if they are to be eaten without cooking. For example, cross-contamination can occur if meat juices from a steak on the second shelf of a fridge drip down onto a salad on the shelf below.
- Don't wash raw chicken
- Wash pre-packed salads