Foodborne Illnesses

Hamburger disease, dysentery, salmonella, food poisoning and several other diseases are commonly caused by ingesting unsanitary food or beverages.

• Read more about common foodborne illnesses

Common foodborne illnesses include bacterial, viral and parasitic varieties, such as:

• Campylobacter Enteritis;
• Clostridium Perfringens;
• Haemorraghic Colitis;
• Listeriosis;
• Salmonellosis;
• Shigellosis;
• Staphylococcal Food Poisoning;
• Amoebiasis;
• Giardiasis;
• Hepatitis A

Note, in Alberta, private pot luck events (i.e. family gatherings, private gatherings of club members/co-workers and invited guests etc.) do not require a license or permit. However, pot luck events that are open to the general public fall under the Alberta Food Regulations. While these temporary events do not require a food permit they are subject to the policies of the health region in which they are held.

• Restaurant inspection results are now available online.

Listeria

Listeria monocytogenes (commonly called Listeria) is a type of bacterium often found in food and elsewhere in nature. It can cause a rare but serious disease called listeriosis, especially among pregnant women, the elderly or individuals with a weakened immune system. In serious cases it can lead to brain infection and even death. (source: Health Canada)

More information

• Listeria and Food Safety – Health Canada
• Canada Food Inspection Agency – Listeria Investigation and Recall 2008