Salmonella drops dramatically in Chinatown

The Boston Public Health Commission reports a double-digit decline in salmonella cases among Bostonians of Asian and Pacific Islander descent, which it credits to a public-awarness campaign aimed at Chinatown residents.

According to the commission:

In 2007 Asian/Pacific Islanders in Boston accounted for 23 percent of the 175 salmonella cases, though they made up just 8 percent of the city's population. By 2009 they represented only 8 percent of the 135 reported salmonella cases, a 65 percent decrease. Similarly, in 2007, Asian/Pacific Islanders were 41 percent of all salmonella cases in children under age 10, compared to 15 percent in 2009.

In 2008, in response to high rates, the city began a "Chill, Clean, Separate, and Cook" food-safety campaign focused on showing residents how to more safely cook food.