Salmonella - GCSE Biology Definition

Salmonella is a type of bacterium that causes food poisoning in humans. It is commonly found in raw or undercooked foods, especially meat, poultry, and eggs. When someone eats food contaminated with Salmonella, they may develop symptoms such as fever, abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, and vomiting, usually within a few hours to a few days. To prevent infection, food should be cooked thoroughly, hands and surfaces should be washed regularly, and raw and cooked foods should be kept separate to avoid cross-contamination. In GCSE Biology, salmonella is studied as an example of a bacterial pathogen and to highlight the importance of food hygiene and disease prevention.