By Robert Owens

If you read the headlines about the multitude of Food recalls over the last several months, it is becoming more apparent that our regulatory agencies may not be able to prevent various outbreaks of bacteria that could lead to safety issues across the country.

Salmonella is a group of bacteria that live in the intestinal tracts of humans, animals and even birds. Food that has been tainted will usually have no visible signs of being contaminated and look and smell normal.

Eating raw unwashed foods can spread the bacteria which is why people should not eat raw or undercooked eggs, poultry, or meat. Even though you do not intentionally eat raw eggs, they may be found in some of the foods you eat at your typical restaurant or at home without even thinking about it. These foods could include homemade Hollandaise sauce, Caesar dressing, tiramisu, homemade ice cream and cookie dough.