FAQs • Whatcom County, WA • CivicEngage

I’m a vegetarian; I can’t get Salmonella, right?: While undercooked meats are one of the main causes of Salmonella infection, many other non-meat and non-animal products can spread the infection as well. Salmonella can be found in sprouts and other vegetables, eggs, fruits, and even processed foods (like nut butters). The best way to prevent Salmonella is to cook your vegetables and fruits. Since raw fruits and vegetables have health benefits, the next best way to avoid Salmonella is to thoroughly wash your produce before eating it. Avoid unwashed, raw fruits and vegetables.

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Health - Salmonella

1. I have symptoms that sound like food poisoning. Is that what Salmonella is?: The term "food poisoning" can be very misleading. Many different types of bacteria and viruses can cause similar symptoms (just vomiting, vomiting and diarrhea, diarrhea only, abdominal pain only, etc.). These germs can be spread from contaminated food, as well as person-to-person, from animals to people, or from contaminated water. The term "food poisoning" can be confusing because these infections do not always come from food.

2. I’m a vegetarian; I can’t get Salmonella, right?: While undercooked meats are one of the main causes of Salmonella infection, many other non-meat and non-animal products can spread the infection as well. Salmonella can be found in sprouts and other vegetables, eggs, fruits, and even processed foods (like nut butters). The best way to prevent Salmonella is to cook your vegetables and fruits. Since raw fruits and vegetables have health benefits, the next best way to avoid Salmonella is to thoroughly wash your produce before eating it. Avoid unwashed, raw fruits and vegetables.