By Brooke Hatfield
University of Georgia
Chitterlings may pose more risk of a food-borne illness than
many
people realize. Better known as “chitlins,” these fried favorites
can spread Yersinia enterocolitica, a bacterium commonly
found in
pigs and other animals.
“The problem occurs when raw chitterlings are cleaned in the
kitchen,” said Judy Harrison, an extension service food
specialist with the University of Georgia College of Family and
Consumer Sciences.
Use care in the kitchen
Harrison said cross-contamination from raw chitterlings onto
kitchen surfaces, food, toys, bottles and pacifiers is to blame
for the spread of Yersinia.
While anyone who consumes the bacteria is susceptible,
Harrison
said most cases in Georgia occur in children less than 5 years
old. These cases often occur in children under 2 who aren’t even
eating chitterlings.
“Young children are the ones getting sick from the bacteria
being
spread throughout the kitchen,” she said. “If toys, bottles or
pacifiers come in contact with contaminated areas in the kitchen,
children get sick.”
Anything that has touched the raw chitterlings or their juices
is
a potential source of contamination.
Common symptoms of Yersinia are diarrhea, stomach pains and
fever. These symptoms usually occur within three to seven days of
consumption.
Younger children may have severe, bloody diarrhea, while older
children and adults may have severe stomach pain that resembles
appendicitis. Severe cases may require hospitalization.
Buy precooked or boil them yourself
To prevent Yersinia, use only precooked chitterlings or boil
them
for 5 minutes before cleaning them, according to the Georgia
Department of Human Resources’ Public Health Division.
Clean the kitchen thoroughly. Use a solution of 1 tablespoon
of
chlorine bleach per gallon of warm water to treat surfaces that
have come into contact with raw chitterlings or their juices.
Then allow the surfaces to air-dry.
Wash utensils in this solution, too, once you’ve washed them
in
hot water and soap or in the dishwasher. Place them in the
solution for 1 minute. Then allow them to air-dry.
After boiling the chitterlings, clean and cook them as usual.
Make sure they’re thoroughly cooked before eating them.
