News
05.07.2023 - Foods
Information on Staphylococcus aureus – Foodborne Illnesses
Staphylococcus (S.) aureus is a bacterium that occurs on the skin and mucous membranes of humans and animals and can produce toxins. These toxins can cause poisoning.
S. aureus is mainly found in nasal and throat secretions and in purulent wounds. Certain types of S. aureus can form toxins called enterotoxins, which can contaminate food. If you eat these toxic foods, nausea, severe vomiting, diarrhea, and sometimes circulatory problems can occur within two to four hours. To get food poisoning from S. aureus, the bacterium must grow in the food and reach a high number of more than 100,000 cfu/g (colony-forming units per gram). The formed enterotoxins are heat-resistant and can withstand temperatures above 100°C, depending on the type of food, pH level, and type of toxin.
Foods that can lead to S. aureus infections include ready-to-eat meat dishes, delicacies, foods with eggs, desserts, ice cream, dough products, and salads. Common causes of food contamination with this pathogen include inadequate personal hygiene (such as purulent wounds on the hands or upper respiratory tract infections).
At the BAV Institute, we regularly conduct tests for coagulase-positive staphylococci and Staphylococcus aureus. We provide you with fast and reliable results and are happy to advise you on all matters related to product safety. If you have any questions, our customer advisors are at your disposal.