Foodborne Disease Outbreaks Flashcards
(24 cards)
Are foodborne outbreaks nationally notifiable?
No
Are foodborne disease outbreaks notifiable in Tas?
Oubtreaks, no.
But foodborne diseases themselves are
Which organisms are nationally notifiable when detected in food?
Which organisms are notifiable food contaminants in Tas?
What is the guideline used for notifying food contaminants in Tas?
Guideline for the notification of diseases and food contaminants
What organisms are common causes of FBOs?
- Bacteria: Campylobacter, Salmonella
- Bacterial toxin: S. aureus, Bacillus, Clostridium perfringens
- Viruses: Norovirus, Hep A
- Non-infectious agents: e.g. plant toxins
How are FBOs generally transmitted?
Contaminated food and drink - generally faecal-oral or direct ingestion
What are high-risk foods for FBOs?
Meat, poultry, dairy, eggs, seafood, prepared salads, RTE foods.
What are typical clinical features in FBOs?
Abdominal pain, N / V / D –> dehydration.
Also fever, headache, myalgia.
Which groups are at high-risk of FBIs?
Children, elderly, immunocompromised
What case definitions are used for FBOs?
Pathogen-specific.
Outbreak definitions by T/P/P
How are FBIs diagnosed?
Isolation / detection - typically stool.
What is the outbreak definition of a FBO?
2+ cases of enteric / other symptoms that may have been caused by consuming contaminated food/drink.
What resources are available for public health action on FBOs?
DoH guidelines.
OzFoodNet MJOI guidelines
https://www.health.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/2022/06/guidelines-for-the-epidemiological-investigation-of-multi-jurisdictional-outbreaks-that-are-potentially-foodborne.pdf
How are FBOs prevented?
At the stages of food manufacturing: production > processing > distribution
Food service: hand hygiene, temperature control
What response is typically required for an OB in a single self-catered function?
Often nil as no ongoing risk to public.
What response is typically required for a point-source FBO?
Depends on likelihood of ongoing risk to public.
What response is typically required for a community-wide FBO?
Formal investigation, multi-agency, potential MJOI
Who would make up the OMT for a FBO?
PEACHS
PHP/Po, Epi (OzFoodNet), EH, Admin, Comms, Labs
What specific questionnaire may be required for a FBO?
Hypothesis generating questionnaire or food trawling questionnaire
What environmental evaluation may be required in a FBO?
Site visit, sampling, hygiene audit, temperature control
What is a traceback? What points in the food manufacturing process would you consider?
Retrospective tracing to identify source of contamination.
Production > Processing > Distribution
What are some control strategies you could employ in FBOs?
Remove
* Food - food recall, destruction
* Premises - disinfection/cleaning, cease operation
* Unwell worker - restrict from working
Reduce
* Alerts - clinician, media, public health
* Education - correct food handling / hand hygene procedures, fact sheets
Who are the key stakeholders that need to be communicated with in a FBO?
Food premises, OzFoodNet, FSANZ, CDNA, public, clinicians
