Staphylococcus aureus

What is Staphylococcus aureus?

Staphylococcus aureus is a common strain of bacteria commonly known as staph. The Staphylococcus aureus bacteria when present in foods can produce seven different toxins that can cause one of the most common of all foodborne illnesses, Staphylococcal food poisoning.

What are the illnesses associated with Staphylococcus aureus?

Staphylococcal food poisoning is the illness caused by Staphylococcus aureus. Unlike other common foodborne illnesses Staphylococcal food poisoning is not considered an infection of staph bacteria but an intoxication from the poisons produced by the bacteria. Food poisoning from Staphylococcus aureus may not be diagnosed as Staphylococcal intoxication if tests are not run or the bacteria is not detected. In these situations, the illness may be diagnosed as gastroenteritis or other stomach ailment.

How is Staphylococcus aureus transmitted?

Eating food contaminated by the toxin produced by the Staphylococcus aureus bacteria can cause an infection. It’s estimated that 25 percent of healthy humans carry Staphylococcus aureus on their skin and in their noses, so humans are the primary source for transmission.  Cows, dogs and fowls also can carry the bacteria.

What foods are most at risk for Staphylococcus aureus contamination?

• Salads served cold such as egg, tuna, chicken and potato salad
• Sandwich meats and cold cuts
• Cream pies, Chocolate éclairs and similar desserts
• Milk and dairy products

What can you do to help avoid Staphylococcus aureus?

• Good personal hygiene with emphasis on hand washing
• Food stored and served at proper temperatures
• Discard potentially hazardous foods left at room temperatures after two hours

Who is at the greatest risk for Staphylococcus aureus intoxication?

Anyone who ingests the toxin produced by Staphylococcus aureus is at risk of developing illness.

What are the symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus poisoning?

Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning can develop in as little as thirty minutes after ingesting the bacterial toxins but usually illness develops between one to six hours after eating the Staphylococcus aureus toxin. Symptoms of illness include:

• Nausea / Vomiting
• Stomach cramping
• Diarrhea

What are the complications that can occur from a Staphylococcus aureus infection?

While Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning is a more common foodborne illness, the illness usually resolves in a day or two without any further complications. For a small number of Staphylococcus aureus food poisoning victims the illness can develop severe symptoms that may require hospitalization but the illness is rarely fatal.

Advocating for Food Safety

The foodborne illness lawyers at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault promote food safety through legal advocacy, information outreach and analysis of food poisoning outbreaks. The food poisoning attorneys at Neblett, Beard & Arsenault have helped people harmed by contaminated foods or beverages, including clients in Texas, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana and across the country.

If you or a loved one has suffered serious complications from a foodborne illness, please contact Neblett, Beard & Arsenault for a free evaluation of your case. Contact our firm by calling 1-800-256-1050 or use our online contact form.