Animal parasites sometimes enter the body in food and produce infections. Some of these forms of animal life are one-celled. All are so tiny that they are not visible when the food is being prepared.

Amoebic Dysentery

This illness is caused by a one-celled animal, the amoeba. These organisms eat the red blood corpuscles of the body and the cells that line the intestines. The dysentery-producing amoeba is transmitted by foods served cold and moist, such as celery, lettuce, other fresh vegetables, or fresh berries. These foods may be infected by human earners, by flies, or by having been grown in fields where animal excreta was used as fertilizer.

Trichinosis

Eating infected pork that has not been thoroughly cooked is the most common cause of trichinosis. All fresh pork products must be cooked to an internal temperature of 165F or above to kill the trichinella worm. Since there is no way of knowing whether or not this parasite is present, the pork must always be thoroughly cooked.

Beef Tapeworm Infection

Beef tapeworms are transmitted by infected beef that has not been cooked long enough to kill the encysted larvae. To prevent ingesting the beef tapeworm, only government-inspected beef should be used. If it is necessary to use beef that has not been inspected, freeze it at 14F or below for 5 days or longer, or pickle it in a 20- to 25-percent salt solution for 5 days or longer. Cook it well-done; never serve it rare.

Fish Tapeworm Infection

Fish tapeworm is transmitted by infected fish that has not been thoroughly cooked. For purposes of safety, always make sure fish is thoroughly cooked and is never tasted in the raw state.

MOLDS AND YEASTS

Other types of cell life that may not be harmful are molds and yeasts.

Molds

Molds are composed of many cells and maybe very small or large enough to cover an entire wall. They grow best in dark, damp places where temperatures are favorable. Some molds are valuable in the production of medicines such as penicillin; other molds may cause certain infections in human beings.

Molds spoil the taste of food and eventually destroy it. Molds may be removed from certain foods and the remainder of the food used. Consult your medical department on the precautions to be taken.

Yeasts

Like bacteria, yeasts are single-celled. They reproduce by budding. When a bud becomes sufficiently large, it separates from the original cell and becomes an independent cell. Certain yeasts are used in breadmaking, vinegar fermentation, and the manufacture of beverages.