Undercooked poultry is a main source of food poisoning, as bacteria -- such as campylobacter -- thrive if not killed by the high temperatures of cooking throughout the meat.
Undercooked poultry is a main source of food poisoning, as bacteria -- such as campylobacter -- thrive if not killed by the high temperatures of cooking throughout the meat.
Ildi Papp/shutterstock
The best way to avoid illness is to wash your hands and kitchen surfaces regularly, and cook all poultry thoroughly.
The best way to avoid illness is to wash your hands and kitchen surfaces regularly, and cook all poultry thoroughly.
It's best not to leave tasty meals out too long, because harmful bacteria flourish at room temperature.
It's best not to leave tasty meals out too long, because harmful bacteria flourish at room temperature.
Malte Christians/Bongarts/Bongarts/Getty Images
Chickens in the UK are now vaccinated against salmonella, a dangerous bacteria that can be found in raw poultry.
Chickens in the UK are now vaccinated against salmonella, a dangerous bacteria that can be found in raw poultry.
Mince meat can also become a breeding ground of bacteria. When the meat is all mixed together, any germs on the surface can spread deep within the products.
Mince meat can also become a breeding ground of bacteria. When the meat is all mixed together, any germs on the surface can spread deep within the products.
FRANCOIS NASCIMBENI/AFP/Getty Images
The uncontrollable heat and flames of a barbecue sometimes lead to uncooked burgers; always make sure they are well-done to avoid an upset stomach.
The uncontrollable heat and flames of a barbecue sometimes lead to uncooked burgers; always make sure they are well-done to avoid an upset stomach.
Neilson Barnard/Getty Images North America
Steaks, on the other hand, stay contaminated mainly on the outside, so as long as the exterior is cooked, the meat within should be safe to eat.
Steaks, on the other hand, stay contaminated mainly on the outside, so as long as the exterior is cooked, the meat within should be safe to eat.
MIGUEL MENDEZ/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Meat isn't the only culprit when it comes to food-related illnesses. Vegetables, fruits and nuts can also carry harmful bacteria.
Meat isn't the only culprit when it comes to food-related illnesses. Vegetables, fruits and nuts can also carry harmful bacteria.
Getty Images
Germs living on their skins, or rinds, of fruit and vegetables can contaminate the inside when you cut into them. The best practice is to wash your food before preparing it.
Germs living on their skins, or rinds, of fruit and vegetables can contaminate the inside when you cut into them. The best practice is to wash your food before preparing it.
Getty Images
Grains, such as rice, can also be a cause of food poisoning. Bacillus bacteria are commonly found in paddy fields and can have harmful effects if rice is not cooked or reheated thoroughly.
Grains, such as rice, can also be a cause of food poisoning. Bacillus bacteria are commonly found in paddy fields and can have harmful effects if rice is not cooked or reheated thoroughly.
Courtesy Tuleka Prah/My African Food Map
One in six people in the U.S. get sick from foodborne illnesses. Pictured, clostridium difficile bacteria.
One in six people in the U.S. get sick from foodborne illnesses. Pictured, clostridium difficile bacteria.
CDC
The "danger zone" is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, as this is the ideal temperature range for bacteria to multiply. Pictured, salmonella growing in a Petri dish.
The "danger zone" is between 40 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, as this is the ideal temperature range for bacteria to multiply. Pictured, salmonella growing in a Petri dish.
CDC
In general, food should be reheated until it's steaming hot, as this kills off germs that reappear after food has cooled. Pictured, salmonella bacteria.
In general, food should be reheated until it's steaming hot, as this kills off germs that reappear after food has cooled. Pictured, salmonella bacteria.
Courtesy of CDC.
How to avoid food poisoning

Story highlights

212 people have become ill since May 14 in Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan and Wisconsin

Texas health officials report 56 cases of the same illness there in an unrelated outbreak

CNN  — 

An outbreak of cyclosporiasis has sickened 212 people in four states since May, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Thursday. Seven of those individuals have been hospitalized.

Illnesses linked to Del Monte vegetable trays have been reported in Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
Illnesses linked to Del Monte vegetable trays have been reported in Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin.
US Food and Drug Administration

The outbreak is linked to Del Monte vegetable trays with fresh broccoli, cauliflower, celery sticks, carrots and dill dip. A recall of these 6-,12- and 28-ounce trays in clear, plastic clamshell packaging that contain these items was issued on June 15. The trays have a “Best if used by” date of June 17, 2018 and were sold at Kwik Trip, Kwik Star, Demond’s, Sentry, Potash, Meehan’s, Country Market, FoodMax Supermarket, and Peapod stores in Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana and Michigan.

Michigan, Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin have all reported illnesses. “The two cases from Michigan reportedly purchased the vegetable tray in Wisconsin and therefore Michigan is not impacted from this outbreak,” a statement from the US Food and Drug Administration said.

Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal infection caused by the cyclospora parasite. People are infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Federal, state and local health officials are working to identify which food item on the trays is the culprit and the source of the contamination.

03 foods cause viruses
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Related article Lettuce, livers, berries and other leading sources of food poisoning

Symptoms of cyclospora include diarrhea and frequent, sometimes explosive bowel movements, according to the CDC. Those who are infected may also experience loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or pain, nausea, gas and fatigue. Vomiting, headache, fever, body aches and flu-like symptoms can also occur.

The illness can last from a few days to a few months and patients may feel better but then get worse again. Patients can be treated with antibiotics.

The earliest reported symptoms in this outbreak began on May 14 and those who are ill range in age from 13 to 79 years old.

Warning in Texas

Separately, Texas health officials are investigating 56 reported cases of cyclospora infection since the beginning of May.

“DSHS [Department of State Health Services] is working with local health departments around the state and health departments in other states seeing an outbreak to gather information about the cases and determine whether there is a common source for the infections.” the agency said in a statement.

Health care providers have been asked to test any patients with diarrhea that lasts more than a few days or those patients with diarrhea who are also experiencing fatigue and loss of appetite. “Health care providers should promptly report cases so that public health can investigate them and attempt to determine the source in order to head off future cases,” the agency said and requested that individuals with symptoms should seek medical attention.

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    Cyclospora typically increases during warm summer months.

    “Avoiding food or water that may have been contaminated with feces is the best way to prevent cyclosporiasis,” the CDC advises consumers. With that in mind, the agency recommends washing hands, counter tops, dishes and kitchen utensils with hot soap and water. Washing fruits and vegetables under running water before eating and cooking them is also recommended, as is using a brush. While it may be difficult to wash off the microscopic parasite, the heat from cooking does kill it.