The small intestine contains small finger-like projections of tissue called villi which increase the surface area of the intestine and contain specialized cells that transport substances into the bloodstream. Although these villi do not aid in the digestion of nutrients, they do help with nutrient absorption.
Fresh fruits and vegetables can become contaminated before or after harvest. Contaminated seeds, irrigation water, and flooding have contributed to Salmonella outbreaks traced to sprouts, lettuce, and other fresh produce. Unpasteurized orange juice has been the source of several Salmonella outbreaks. Water intended for recreation (e.g., pools, shallow lakes) and for human consumption can also become tainted with Salmonella. When lakes become contaminated with Salmonella, several weeks or months can be required for water quality conditions to improve or return to normal.
1 Salmonella species. 2  This is the bacterium that can cause illness when you eat raw or undercooked eggs (even in chocolate chip cookie dough!). 3  Salmonella species are the No. 1 cause of food-related illness in the United States.4  They are responsible for more deaths than any other food-borne pathogen. Salmonella species are the No. 1 cause of food-related illness in the United States. 2  They are responsible for more deaths than any other food-borne pathogen. 3  Salmonella infection can lead to fever, abdominal cramps, and diarrhea within 12 hours to three days after eating the contaminated food.