• Food service
•  | 
• Food processing
•  | 
• Solutions

Food contamination

Health Canada explains that the problem of food contamination is difficult to control, as bacteria can survive processing. In addition, food can be contaminated during preparation, cooking and storage. In fact, 95% of food borne illnesses can be traced to inadequate handling.

However, contamination often occurs when employees do not apply proper handwashing protocols, especially after using the washroom. According to the MAPAQ, improper handwashing is the 4th most common cause of foodborne illness.

• Public health experts estimate that there are 11 to 13 million cases of foodborne illness in Canada each year, resulting in 12 to 14 billion dollars in healthcare costs.
  Source : Canadian Food Inspection Agency
• In United States, foodborne illness cause 47.8 million cases, 127,839 hospitalizations and 3,037 deaths per year.
  Source : Center for disease control and prevention
• Close to half of foodborne illness diagnosed occur after a meal at a restaurant. Source : Aliments.org
• About 30% of foodborne illness cases could have been avoided, since they were caused by the presence of bacteria. Source : Foodborne Illness
• 36% of foodborne illness can be linked to improper personal hygiene. Source: Deb Webseminar, Food safety skin care program
• 2 to 3% of foodborne illness may lead to chronic health problems.