Salmonella Growth

Salmonella is a gram-negative bacteria best known for causing food poisoning in humans. Understanding the conditions in which salmonella grows can help prevent infection with this potentially deadly bacteria.

Food Sources

• Salmonella can grow on any food, though the most common sources are animal-derived foods such as beef, eggs, milk and poultry. Improper food handling practices, such as reusing contaminated utensils, can greatly increase the risk for infection.

Contaminated Water

• Standing water and surface water provide excellent growing conditions for salmonella, which can survive for several months in wet environments. According to the Centers for Disease Control, water from private wells is a common source of salmonella bacteria, which can originate from sewage overflows, storm water runoff and other sources.

Non-Food Sources

• According to the Centers for Disease Control, salmonella is present in the feces of pets, including birds and reptiles. Failure to wash your hands after handling these animals or their environments can lead to salmonella infection.

Temperature

• According to the National Food Safety Database, the optimal temperature for salmonella growth is between 35 and 37 degrees Celsius, or about 95 to 98 degrees Fahrenheit.

Prevention/Solution

• Wash all vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating, and avoid allowing meats and other animal products to reach temperatures of 95 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. Cook meat and poultry thoroughly, and always wash utensils that have touched raw meat to avoid cross-contamination.