Transmission. Salmonella bacteria can be found in food products such as raw poultry, eggs, and beef, and sometimes on unwashed fruit. Food prepared on surfaces that previously were in contact with raw meat or meat products can, in turn, become contaminated with the bacteria. This is called cross-contamination.almonellosis, or salmonella, is one of the most common foodborne diseases. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, salmonella causes approximately 1.2 million illnesses in the United States, with 19,000 hospitalizations and 380 deaths.