Food Protection Trends

Abstracts - May 2008

Characterization of 386 Non-typhoidal Salmonellosis Cases in North Dakota from 2000 to 2005  

Food Safety Training and Foodservice Employees' Knowledge and Behavior  

Characterization of 386 Non-typhoidal Salmonellosis Cases in North Dakota from 2000 to 2005

Esther K. Tumuhairwe-1, Rhonda Magel-1, Madhusudan Bhandary-1 and Margaret Loy Khaitsa-2

1- Dept. of Statistics, North Dakota State University, P.O. Box 5575, Waldron Hall 201, Fargo, ND 58105-5575, USA
2- Dept. of Veterinary and Microbiological Sciences, North Dakota State University, 1523 Centennial Blvd., Fargo, ND 58105-5406, USA

SUMMARY
The objectives of this study were to compare salmonellosis incidence in North Dakota (ND) to the United States average and to describe food histories as well as to identify factors associated with severe salmonellosis and longer hospitalization. Data on salmonellosis cases (2000–2005) were obtained from the ND Department of Health. Chi-square tests, binary logistic regression, and multinomial logistic regression were used to determine variables that best predicted severe salmonellosis and long duration of hospitalization. There were 386 cases from 45/53 ND counties, with incidence rates ranging from 1 to 21/10,000. Forty-five Salmonella serotypes were reported, including S. Typhimurium (33.1%), S. Enteritidis (14.2%), S. Heidelberg (11.7%) and S. Newport (11.4%). Among foods associated with salmonellosis, fresh produce ranked first. Traveling, contact with farm animals, and consumption of milk products were exposure factors that were associated with development of severe salmonellosis, whereas cramps or diarrhea were symptons that predicted severity of disease. In addition, the odds of longer hospitalization increased for persons older than 60, and for those with fever, nausea, or vomiting. Salmonellosis incidence in ND (1/10,000) was lower than the national average (1.5/10,000). This information is vital in guiding health providers and consumer educators in their efforts to raise risk factor awareness of the public, food processors, and service industries in order to target achievable salmonellosis control strategies.

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Male/Female Opinions of Genetically Engineered Salmon: Marketing Implications

J. Lynne Brown-1 and Wei Qin-2

1- Dept. of Food Science, The Pennsylvania State University, 219 Food Science Bldg., University Park, PA 16802, USA
2- Consumer Sensory Integration, Philip Morris USA, 2001 Walmsley Blvd., Richmond, VA 23234, USA

SUMMARY
Genetically engineered (GE) fast growing salmon is likely to be the first GE animal approved by FDA. Our research objectives were to (a) assess men’s and women’s opinions of GE salmon, (b) identify possible differences in their opinions and the reasoning behind detected differences and (c) assess willingness to consume GE salmon based on factual information provided. Twelve focus groups, six with each sex, were conducted with volunteers, who ate or bought salmon, recruited from non-science units at a university and the surrounding community. Participants voiced opinions after viewing factual information on GE salmon production. Data were analyzed by use of constant comparison to develop thematic findings. Both sex groups identified some similar consequences and concerns about regulatory approval of GE salmon. However, women’s groups expressed greater concern about fish welfare, the naturalness of GE salmon production, unknown adverse effects on human health and regulatory sufficiency, whereas men’s groups were more concerned about adverse environmental impacts and industry motives, reflecting established outrage factors. Willingness to consume was influenced by personally relevant consequences and concerns, trust of regulators and choice provided by labeling. Four options are identified that could help marketers of GE animal products reduce outrage.

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