How to Kill Salmonella

Salmonella are a type of bacteria that can survive within the intestines of animals and humans. If you become infected with salmonella, you will develop the symptoms of food poisoning like nausea, diarrhea, fever, stomach cramping and vomiting. It is important to kill salmonella in order to avoid infection.

Instructions

1. Heat foods thoroughly. Heat will kill the bacteria.

2. Use a food thermometer to measure the internal temperature of the item you are preparing. Poultry should be heated to 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ground beef and pork to 155 degrees and beef roasts to 145 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Consume only pasteurized dairy products. The pasteurization process uses high heat to kill bacteria in milk and milk products.

4. Kill salmonella on your hands by washing them with an antibacterial soap, especially if you are handling raw food items, animal feces or reptiles. Avoid touching other foods until you wash your hands in order to prevent cross contamination.

5. Wash surfaces with an antibacterial cleaner. Clean cutting boards, counters and other food preparation surfaces to kill salmonella that may be living on them.

Tips & Warnings

• Rinsing off food will not kill salmonella. If a food is tainted, you can still get the bacteria even if you run the item under water prior to consuming.

• Don't use a detergent or cleaning product on foods in order to kill salmonella. The FDA advises against this practice.

References

• CDC.gov
• Safe Food Temperatures

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish