Foodborne Illnesses

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

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.

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)

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