A survey on cases of food poisoning in Juiz de Fora-MG in the period 2005/2006: cases study

DOI: 10.15343/0104-7809.200832.3.15

Abstract

Diseases of food origin are considered one of the highest problems of public health of the world. The main cause relates
to the consumption of food contaminated with pathogenic microorganisms, microbial toxins or chemical substances. More than half
of cases of food poisoning are caused by bacteria and the most common are Salmonella spp, Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium
perfringens. Most occurrences of product contamination happen due to unsuitable handling and incorrect storage. The present work had
as it aim to survey cases of food poisoning notified in the Sanitary Vigilance (VISA) facilities of Juiz de Fora, identified as GRS (Regional
Management of the Health), in the years 2005 and 2006. Nine cases were studied and correlations of the main characteristics were
established. The employed method was a qualitative inquiry through documentary analysis of notifications. We observed that there are
many sub-notified or partially notified cases. That food be innocuous is relevant for the health of the population and for that reason it is
mandatory to use systematic measures that could guarantee food security. There is a necessity of better notifications of food outbreaks
aiming at a bigger uniformity of the service, an action able to contribute to the reduction of the chance of new infections.