The Story of Environmental Health Food and Security.pptVIP

The Story of Environmental Health: Food and Security Presentation Structure Background: Public Health and Environmental Health Definitions and Importance The Food System Strategies to Protect the Food System Resources Objectives By the end of this presentation, participants should be able to… Explain the term “farm to fork” Describe two or more ways in which food can be contaminated Discuss environmental health strategies for prevention/risk reduction Mission To protect, maintain and improve the health of Minnesotans Core Functions of Public Health Assessing the public’s health Promoting sound policies Assuring effectiveness What is Environmental Health? Environmental Links to Health Concerns Drinking Water Food Land Built Environment Indoor Air Emergencies Foodborne Illness Definitions Outbreak the occurrence of two or more cases of a similar illness resulting from the ingestion of a common food. (CDC) Importance of Preventing Foodborne Diseases Many are ill or die 76 million US cases each year (estimated) Of these…, 325,000 hospitalized 5,000 died (CDC)? Cost in 2000: $6.9 billion per year for 5 bacterial pathogens (USDA/ERS) Potential Impacts Death and illness Economic consequences Panic/alarm Loss of confidence, or disruption, in food supply Complex System, Many Food Interests Food can be contaminated at any point, from farm inputs to fork. Potential Contaminants in Food Microbes and microbial toxins Salmonella, Clostridium botulinum Chemicals Cleaners, pesticides Physical hazards Glass, Radioactive contaminants Rajneeshee Religious Group Most “successful” food terrorism yet . . . 751 reported cases of salmonella poisoning linked to 10 Oregon salad bars 1984 criminal investigation, but intent actually revealed by ex-follower in 1985 Why? Plan to make certain voters sick, so chosen candidates would win and support group in land dispute Strategies: Community/Retail Standards Protect Consumers Adherence to existing s