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For the disease geek’s virtual bookshelf, the FDA has updated their Bad Bug Book – and the 264 page reference on foodborne pathogens is now available for download as a PDF file from the FDA’s Food Safety website.
The new edition was released earlier this week - and in addition to a wealth of scientific and technical data - includes a `For Consumers’ box of less-technical information on each pathogen.
Here is how the FDA describes the offering.
Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins Handbook
Available in PDF (2.62MB).
The second edition of the Bad Bug Book, published by the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, provides current information about the major known agents that cause foodborne illness.
The information provided in this handbook is abbreviated and general in nature, and is intended for practical use. It is not intended to be a comprehensive scientific or clinical reference.
Each chapter in this book is about a pathogen – a bacterium, virus, or parasite – or a natural toxin that can contaminate food and cause illness. The book contains scientific and technical information about the major pathogens that cause these kinds of illnesses.
A separate “consumer box” in each chapter provides non-technical information, in everyday language. The boxes describe plainly what can make you sick and, more important, how to prevent it.
