Food Testing Services

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued an investigative update earlier this year regarding Salmonella infections reported across at least 13 states. The agency was investigating multiple outbreaks linked to contact with backyard poultry.

At the time of the update, 34 illnesses associated with the outbreak strain of Salmonella had been reported, including 13 hospitalizations. Notably, 41% of those infected were children under the age of five. Health officials cautioned that the actual number of cases was likely significantly higher than reported, as many infections go undiagnosed or unreported.

Backyard poultry can carry Salmonella, a bacterium that naturally resides in the intestines of many animals, even when they appear healthy. The bacteria may be present in droppings and on the bodies of live poultry, and can spread to cages, coops, feed and water containers, hay, plants, and soil. It can also transfer to people’s hands, shoes, and clothing after handling birds or coming into contact with contaminated environments, especially when children play in areas where poultry roam.

“CDC estimates that Salmonella causes over a million infections and hundreds of deaths in the United States each year,” said Jason Dobranic, Ph.D., Vice President of Microbiology and Life Sciences at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “Backyard poultry-related outbreaks are reported nearly every year. To help prevent infections among poultry workers and families with backyard flocks, or to identify contamination sources during an outbreak, EMSL Analytical provides comprehensive environmental and food testing services for Salmonella and many other pathogens.”

EMSL has also produced an educational video highlighting Salmonella exposure risks associated with backyard poultry, available here: https://youtu.be/fQmOd_B_P68

For more information about Salmonella or EMSL’s environmental and food testing services, visit www.FoodTestingLab.com or www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com.

 

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP <797>, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products, and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.