While food poisoning was long believed to preset itself with diarrhea and vomiting, a new study finds that it can lead to long-term health conditions.

Peanuts, peppers, ground beef and spinach are the main foods leading to mass outbreaks and the subsequent hospitalization and death of a considerable number of individuals worldwide.

According to the study recently released by the Center for Foodborne Illness Research & Prevention in Pennsylvania, the most common foodborne diseases may contribute to life-long complications including kidney failure, paralysis, seizures, hearing or visual impairments and mental retardation in 2 to 3 percent of the cases.

"It's not just a tummy ache," said lead researcher Tanya Roberts, adding that the major food contaminants account for long-term consequences particularly in the young, the elderly and those who are immunocompromised.

In addition to diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting, campylobacter infection can also trigger Guillain-Barre syndrome — a neurological disorder associated with paralysis, arthritis, and heart and blood infections.

E. coli (O157:H7) infection, conversely, can cause bloody stool and hemolytic uremic syndrome, the leading cause of acute kidney failure in children.

Listeria monocytogenes is linked with brain and spinal cord infections, resulting in serious neurological dysfunctions including seizures, paralysis, and vision impairment. It can also lead to miscarriage, premature or stillbirth in pregnant women.
The Salmonella bacteria can cause reactive arthritis, a painful form of arthritis that can interfere with work and the quality of life.

Toxoplasma gondii infections can lead to cognitive or visual disabilities. Infants born to mothers infected with toxoplamosis may develop mental retardation, crossed-eyes and even blindness in the long-run.

Scientists therefore urged policymakers to establish additional legislations to improve the safety of food and agricultural products.

PKH/HGH