Yersiniosis

What is Yersinia enterocolitica?

Yersinia enterocolitica can be found in meats, oysters, fish, and raw milk. The exact cause of the food contamination is unknown. However, poor sanitation practices by food handlers, including improper storage, can contribute to contamination. CDC estimates that about 17,000 cases occur annually in the USA. It is a far more common disease in Northern Europe, Scandinavia, and Japan.

The major "complication" is the performance of unnecessary appendectomies, since one of the main symptoms of infection is abdominal pain of the lower right quadrant.

More Information on Yersinia enterocolitica:

• Yersinia enterocolitica - U S Food & Drug Administration - Foodborne Pathogenic Microorganisms and Natural Toxins 1992 (Bad Bug Book) 
• Yersinia enterocolitica - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Food Safety Project Director
Catherine H. Strohbehn, PhD, RD, CFSP
HRIM Extension Specialist
Adjunct Associate Professor
Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management
Iowa State University

Consumer and Processing Food Safety and Science
Sam Beattie, PhD
Food Safety Extension Specialist
Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition
Iowa State University Extension

• Article History
• Revision Date: 8/18/2009