Food and Safety Research

Food Safety Research Assignment

Pilgrim’s Pride is the largest chicken producer in the United States. The company been opened since 1946 by Mr. Aubrey Pilgrim. Their products are sold throughout the United States. Their main plant is in Waco, Texas and has ten other plants in ten different states. They process approximately forty-four million chickens per week resulting in almost nine billion pounds per year, as well as five hundred twenty - eight million table eggs.

On October 12, 2002, in Franconia, PA a Food Bourne illness outbreak killing seven people, sickening forty-six and three miscarriages. It spread across seven north-eastern states. The people that got contaminated was eating or touching deli sliced meat. They had to close the plant down to clean out the contaminated food that was spreading the illness. The Food Bourne illness is called Listeria. Listeria is a bacterial genus containing six species of bacteria. It is founded in animals, sewages, planets and certain foods.

The bacterium is founded in animals without appearing ill and it can contaminate foods of animal origin such as meat and dairy products. The bacterium has contaminated after processing food such as soft cheeses, and cold cuts at the deli counter. Raw milk and foods made from unpasteurized milk may contain the bacterium.

To avoid getting sick from Listeria you must cook thoroughly raw food from animal sources, such as beef, pork, or poultry. Wash raw vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating. Then keep uncooked meats separate from vegetables, cooked foods and ready-to-eat foods. Avoid raw (unpasteurized) milk or foods made from raw milk. Finally wash hands, knives and cutting boards after handling uncooked foods.