Thirteen foods that can kill you; The List

I was made aware of a list today of 13 foods that can killl you if consumed. According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control), 76 million americans will suffer from food-borne illness, and at least 5,000 will die this year. Children, the elderly, pregnant individuals (women of course), and those with compromised immune systems are at the greatest risk.

Symptoms include ( I dont want t o go "there" but want every one to be aware if this should happen to them): diarrhea, abdominal cramping, fever, blood or even pus in the stool, headache, vomiting, and severe exhaustion. Sometimes the symptoms can appear as early as a half an hour after eating, other times it can take several days or weeks!

1. Lettuce: when you first purchase, discard outter leaves and seperate inner leaves-wash thoroughly. This is also true for any organic fruits and vegetables.

2. Water: Contaminated water, especially from private wells or streams. The EPA reccomends that private water supplies be tested yearly (at least) for nitrates, total dissolved solids, and coliform bacteria. In some places, people who get thier water from a public utility recieve a yearly consumer confidence report that analyzes the water. Read it.

3. Raw Sprouts: Alfalfa, clover, and radish sprouts have all been associated with salmonella and E. coli. Cook them thoroughly.

4. Unpasteurized juices, milks, or cheeses: Always purchase the pasteurized versions of your favorite drinks. It kills bacteria. Even when you go to your favorite juice bar-be sureit is always pasteurized.

5. Moldy peanuts: Also moldy wheat, cereals, and corn have a naturally occuring Aflatoxin in its mold growth. Aflatoxins have been found to cause liver cancer in animals. Check these products very carefully for discoloration or mold.

6. Raw, or undercooked shellfish: Any animal protein consumed raw or undercooked has an increased potential for causing illness.

7. Swordfish, shark, king mackerel, and tilefish: This is because of the amount of methyl mercury. The FDA and EPA advise young children, pregnant or women wanting to be pregnant, or nursing moms to avoid these at all costs. It can affect developing brains of unborn children and cognitive, motor and sensory functions in young children.

8. Caesar Salad: many resteraunt or homemade recipes call for raw eggs in the salad. Always ask if the dressing contains raw eggs.

9. Wild Mushrooms: Eat only mushrooms that youve purchased from your grocery store. A few common species of mushrooms are deadly poisonous!

10. Raw homemade cookie dough: Not the prepackaged kind from the tube or the tub. The homemade batter thats made with raw eggs. Raw eggs can be contaminated with salmonella.

11. Rare hamburger: and other ground meat should be cooked to at least 160 degrees to prevent E. coli.

12. Turkey and stuffing: Cook it seperately! If it is a must make sure to cook the turkey until the innermost parts of the thigh reach 180 F, while the stuffing on the inside should read 165 F.

13. Shakes ans eggs. Here we are with the raw eggs again. Dont put raw eggs into your protein shakes, and make sure the eegs you conume are cooked thoroughly. Beware of sunny side up or runny eggs.

Now that Im sure every one of you is hungry. I got the information from Debra Holtzman, JD, MA. She is the safety expert on the Discovery Channels TV show, taking Home Baby. She has a book out The safe Baby; A Do-It Yourself Guide for Home safety.