Here is an interesting article for anyone who believes in the old adage,
"what does not kill, fattens" and does not worry much about food hygiene.
The researchers concerned in the study below stress that this information is
even more important in the feeding of the young, the infirm and the elderly,
because their underdeveloped, compromised or ageing immune systems are often
inadequate to cope with many of the toxins that may be found in food. Other
researchers point out that one of the reasons why the Jews have survived so
well throughout the millenia may be related in part to their strict eating,
hygiene, quarantine and purification laws.
Mel Siff
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Mead PS et al Food-Related Illness and Death in the United States "Emerging
Infectious Diseases" 5(5), 1999. Centers for Disease Control
Abstract
This study estimates that foodborne diseases cause approximately 76 million
illnesses, 325 000 hospitalizations, and 5000 deaths in the United States each
year. Known pathogens account for an estimated 14 million illnesses, 60 000
hospitalizations, and 1,800 deaths. Three pathogens, Salmonella, Listeria, and
Toxoplasma, are responsible for 1500 deaths each year, more than 75% of
those caused by known pathogens, while unknown agents account for the
remaining 62 million illnesses, 265 000 hospitalizations, and 3200 deaths.
Overall, foodborne diseases appear to cause more illnesses but fewer deaths
than previously estimated.
Happy eating in the New Millenium!
Dr Mel C Siff
Denver, USA
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