Salmonella

Human illness attributed to foodborne pathogenic microorganisms has been prominent in the mass media in recent years. The Practical Food Microbiology Series has been devised to give practical and accurate information about specific organisms of concern to public health. The information is designed for use by those in the food industry working in manufacturing, retailing and quality assurance, those in associated professional sectors e.g. public health, and students in each of these areas.

The series is unique in its practical approach as it draws on real life situations to highlight practical means for controlling the organism in foods.

Salmonella species are arguably the most commonly reported food associated human pathogens in the developed world. They are zoonotic agents and many different animal reservoirs are known. They can be found widely in the environment and may also establish in food processing environments. Over 2000 serotypes of Salmonella have been identified to-date, some of which cause very serious illness in humans particularly in vulnerable populations such as the elderly. Although rare, illness may result in fatality or long term debility and sequelae. Salmonella spp. are so widespread in raw foods and food source environments that the food industry has to maintain constant vigilance regarding contamination in raw materials, effectiveness of food processing systems and control of finished product characteristics for assuring food safety with respect to this important pathogen.