Lisa Lupo of QA Magazine gives the lowdown on the “loathsome cockroach.”

• According to a University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) publication, “Cockroaches have been found to be the cause of Salmonella food poisoning that can be life-threatening.” Noting that other pathogenic bacteria, including Staphylococcus, Streptococcus and coliforms, have been found in cockroaches, UNL explains, “This is because after feeding on contaminated food, disease bacteria can remain in the cockroach digestive system for a month or more. Later, human food or utensils can become contaminated with cockroach feces. It has been shown that Salmonella bacteria survive in cockroach feces for several years.”

• The National Pest Management Association (NPMA) has published a white paper, “Pest Management in the Wake of the Peanut Corporation of America Salmonella Outbreak,” including reference to conducive cockroach conditions at PCA at the time of the 2009 recall.

• “Cockroaches can spread 33 different kinds of bacteria,” said Missy Henriksen, NPMA Vice President of Public Affairs. “What we are seeing right now is that it really does underscore the importance of sanitation and proper pest management.”

Continue reading – “Cockroaches: A Contributing Factor to Foodborne Disease.”