SCIENCE · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Salmonella Contamination: Understanding the Risks and Prevention
WHY IT MATTERS
Reducing the risk of Salmonella infection is crucial, as it affects approximately 1.35 million people in the US each year, resulting in 26,500 hospitalizations and 420 deaths annually, with estimated medical expenses and lost wages totaling $2.4 billion annually.
What happened
Salmonella, a deadly bacterium, contaminates various sources, including food, pets, and surfaces. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been 10 reported outbreaks in 2026 linked to different sources.
The bacterium can survive in various environments, including water, soil, and food, under optimal conditions. Proper hand-washing, cleaning, and sanitizing of food contact surfaces can help reduce the risk of infection.
The US spends approximately $2. 4 billion annually on medical expenses and lost wages associated with Salmonella infections.
PRIMARY SOURCES
How does ‘Salmonella’ contaminate everything under the sun? A food safety specialist explains how you can stop its spread
The Conversation US · Kimberly Baker, Food Systems and Safety Program Team Director, Clemson University · CC BY-ND; link/attribution intake only—no edited republication