With negative fluctuation in the stock market and gas prices hovering right at “unaffordable,” it’s tempting to switch on the tube and let your eyes gloss over to a half-hour sitcom.

But when a news promo during the commercial break reveals another food-borne illness warning, ears perk up.

The Associated Press reported on Oct. 5 that 32 individuals in 12 different states suffered salmonella poisoning from under-cooked chicken. Because E. coli and salmonella gained recent media attention, should consumers be nervous?

Associate biology professor Stuart Hill explained what causes most cases of E. coli in the United States.

“Plants need to be irrigated. If the water is contaminated with feces and the feces contain pathogenic strains of E. coli, you get an intestinal infection,” Hill said.

Hill also explained E. coli can be found in meat too, especially ground beef. The Center for Disease Control Web site (cdc.gov) explains the causes and symptoms of salmonella poisoning, which are eerily similar to those of E. coli.

Contracting E. coli or salmonella sounds terrible, and the prospect of purchasing fresh food accidentally contaminated, makes even the most iron-stomached consumer nervous.

However, Hill said precautions can relieve worries. The simple, common-sense practices are what everyone should be doing already.

Hill said a guaranteed way to ensure vegetables aren’t contaminated is to peel the outer layer, or just wash your produce. Also, you should always cook meat thoroughly. The Center for Disease Control warns against eating any meat with the middle still pink.

Paul Simon, spokesperson for the Schnuck’s corporate office, used the supermarket’s Web site, Schnuck’s.com, as an example of food safety. The site explains fairly basic guidelines that most people know about, but may still ignore.

It’s unsettling to read about food-borne illness outbreaks that seem to put every consumer at risk, but taking extra precautions when cleaning and cooking are obviously effective and worthwhile practices.

Your stomach will thank you.

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