Understanding Salmonella Contamination

Salmonella is a bacteria that thrives on feces and can contaminate various foods including chicken, ice cream, and vegetables. In 2024, outbreaks occurred in the U.S. due to tainted eggs, cucumbers, and basil. The bacteria can enter the food supply through various means; for example, cow manure can spread via rain, contaminating crops, or a chef's unwashed hands can transfer it to meals. The complexity of the food system makes tracing the source of an outbreak challenging. During the 2008 outbreak, many fell ill before the source was identified, leaving families like Gabrielle's searching for answers.