Prevention of salmonellosis (Salmonella)

Learn how salmonellosis can be prevented.

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How can salmonellosis be prevented?

It can be difficult to prevent salmonellosis because contaminated foods look, smell and taste normal.

Tips to prevent salmonellosis spread by food

You can reduce your risk of getting salmonellosis and other food-borne illnesses by:

Do not prepare food for other people if you think you are:

  • sick with salmonellosis
  • suffering from any other contagious illness causing diarrhea

You can help prevent others from getting sick by contacting your local public health authority to report:

  • unclean restaurants or grocery stores
  • suspected food poisoning from a restaurant or other food establishments

Tips to prevent salmonellosis spread by pets

If you have pets or work with animals, you can reduce your risk of getting salmonellosis by:

  • washing your hands well with soap and water after you:
    • play with or handle your pet
    • handle pet treats, food and toys
    • handle animal waste, including:
      • changing cat litter
      • scooping up after your dog
    • clean animal habitats (tanks, bowls and cages)
      • do not dispose of the water in sinks used for drinking water or food preparation
    • handle reptiles and amphibians
      • they can have Salmonella on their bodies even when they appear clean and healthy
  • keeping pets away from areas where you store and prepare food

Tips to prevent salmonellosis while travelling

Talk to a health care provider or visit a travel health clinic 6 weeks before you travel.

You can lower your risk by:

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