Summer is the time for grilling, but as cooking moves from the kitchen to the patio, unwelcome bacterial guests can tag along for dinner.
While most bacteria are actually beneficial, certain germs can grow on food and cause foodborne illness, or food poisoning, when eaten. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 48 million people are sickened by foodborne bacteria every year.
Most illnesses result in minor, flu-like symptoms, including upset stomach, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and dehydration. But some illnesses can result in hospitalization and even death.
Now, researchers like Shannon Manning, a Michigan State University Research Foundation Professor, are showing foodborne illnesses pose another threat: They’re spreading antibiotic resistance.
With grilling season in full swing, Manning details the harmful bacteria that can ruin a summer party:
This discussion was edited for length and clarity.
Source: Michigan State University
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