Glossary beginning with Y

Y

Yersinia Enterocolitica

Yersinia enterocolitica is the bacteria responsible for causing Yersiniosis. The organism is found in pork, beef, lamb, oysters, seafood and unpasteurized milk. According to the FDA, these vehicles offer plenty of opportunities for Yersinia enterocolitica to enter the food supply.

Yersiniosis

Yersiniosis is caused by the bacteria Yersinia enterocolitica. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, fever and abdominal pain. Unnecessary appendectomies can result as Yersiniosis symptoms often mimic appendicitis. In addition, Yersinia has been associated with reactive arthritis. Foodborne transmission of Yersinia occurs by eating undercooked meat or drinking raw milk. In addition, infected food handlers can transmit the organism to others by not washing their hands after using the toilet. Food handlers can also cross-contaminate any ready-to-eat food if they fail to wash their hands between handling raw meat and preparing other food (typically salad items.)

Estimated # of foodborne Yersiniosis cases annually: 17,000 (CDC)