Foodborne Illness: Top Causes & Prevention Tips | MSD Manuals Medical Myths Podcast

Listeria and foodborne illness have been making headlines, but what are they, and where do these risks come from? In this episode of the MSD Manuals Medical Myths Podcast, we speak with infectious disease specialist Dr. Larry M. Bush to explore foodborne illnesses, common sources of contamination, and best practices for food safety. From Listeria to Norovirus, we explore common sources, symptoms, and steps you can take to protect yourself and your family. What You’ll Learn: -What is foodborne illness? -The difference between foodborne illness and a stomach bug -Common sources of contamination: meat, seafood, vegetables, and more -Safe food handling practices to prevent illness -How temperature affects bacteria in food -Why pregnant women are at higher risk for Listeria -The biggest myths about food poisoning Expert Guest: Dr. Larry M. Bush is an infectious disease specialist and an affiliate professor of medicine at Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, as well as an affiliate associate professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. 0:00 Intro 1:12 What is a foodborne illness? 2:30 Common sources of foodborne illnesses 3:15 Food safety best practices and how to properly handle food 4:15 Food temperature recommendations (e.g. eggs, chicken, leftovers) 5:40 Why do meats have different cooking temperatures? 6:17 Are egg whites safe? 7:40 Food poisoning symptoms 9:50 Foods to avoid when pregnant 12:15 Sniff-testing foods 14:00 Food risks for immunocompromised people 15:45 Food safety risks: Fine dining vs. fast food 16:44 Most common food illnesses 18:00 How to prevent norovirus infection Read more about foodborne illnesses: https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/infec... Related content: Listeria: https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/infec... Salmonella: https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/infec... E. coli: https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/diges... Norovirus: https://www.msdmanuals.com/home/diges... About MSD Manuals: First published in 1899 as a pocket-sized reference for physicians and pharmacists, The MSD Manual has evolved into one of the world’s most trusted and widely-used medical resources. Today, it serves professionals and consumers alike with expert-authored, regularly updated medical content. Available in 16 languages and reaching nearly 250 countries, The Manuals offer far more than text. The website and mobile apps feature an ever-growing collection of videos, podcasts, infographics, and interactive 3D models designed for medical professionals, students, veterinarians, and curious consumers. For over a century, The MSD Manual has been fully committed to making reliable medical knowledge accessible to everyone, everywhere. Access The Manuals worldwide at MSDManuals.com. Facebook For Consumers:   / msdmanualhome   For Professionals:   / msdmanual   Twitter/X For Consumers: https://x.com/MSDManualHome For Professionals: https://x.com/MSDManualPro