There are many causes of food poisoning: from unwashed vegetables and fruits to products that were stored or cooked incorrectly. The risk of poisoning is higher in the summer, but caution does not hurt in other seasons. We tell you how not to get poisoned and what to do if you eat or drink something wrong.
What types of food poisoning are there?
Scientists and doctors divide poisoning into two large groups. Some, microbial, are associated with the impact on the body of pathogenic microorganisms that have multiplied in food: these can be E. coli, staphylococci, enterococci, and penicillium, and less often – botulinum, bacteria that cause botulism, which is dangerous for the nervous system. Most often, infection with pathogenic bacteria occurs due to improper storage, poor hygiene, or contact with insects. At risk are meat, eggs, ready-made salads, confectionery with cream, dairy products, and seafood, as well as canned goods that have been improperly stored.
Other poisonings are called nonmicrobial and are caused by toxins already present in the food. This category includes poisoning from mushrooms, fugu fish, or unripe potatoes.
How does food poisoning manifest itself?
Symptoms of food poisoning are usually the same as with any intoxication: nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, as well as fever, and weakness. As a rule, a person feels unwell a few hours after eating, but if we are talking about poisoning with poisonous mushrooms, then the signs of poisoning can appear faster. If the condition quickly worsens, blood is visible in the stool, and spasms or vision problems appear – you should not hesitate and consult a doctor.
More Read
What rules should be followed to avoid poisoning?
Preventing food poisoning (like any other disease) is much better than dealing with its consequences later. Here’s what’s important to do to prevent food poisoning and intestinal infections:
1. Wash your hands
Not only after being outside, but also before you start cooking, after touching food – if we are talking about raw meat, fish, eggs, and also if you had to stop cooking or serving and touch objects in the kitchen that could be a potential source of germs. You need to do this after touching the trash can, the dish sponge or the door handle.
2. Wash cutting boards and knives
Don’t forget about the cleanliness of cutting boards and knives. They should not just be rinsed, but washed with hot water. To prevent problems with the gastrointestinal tract, have different boards for cutting raw meat and fish. Already cooked food should also be cut on separate boards, where harmful bacteria will not get.
3. Pay attention to expiration dates
It is recommended to do this before buying, so as not to accidentally buy an expired product. Look at the label before eating if the yogurt, cottage cheese, or other product has been stored in the refrigerator for some time.
4. Observe storage conditions
Preventing food poisoning will be easier if you store purchased products correctly. You should also pay attention to the conditions in which the product is stored when buying: you can expect a catch from a cream cake or chicken bought in an unverified store in the heat.
In addition to maintaining the temperature regime, it is important to remember about the proximity of goods: raw meat without packaging should not be stored next to ready-to-eat products – otherwise the risk of poisoning increases. Use the refrigerator shelves correctly: store only sauces, vegetable oil, and other non-perishable products in the doors; put meat and fish on top, and vegetables and fruits in a special compartment below.
5. Cook according to the rules
It is important to make sure that the products have undergone the necessary heat treatment, first of all, this applies to poultry and pork: the readiness temperature is not less than 60 degrees. The meat should not be pink inside – check this before eating. In addition, you should not wash chicken or turkey before cooking: this way bacteria from the surface of the meat will “fly” all over the kitchen.
6. Store leftovers properly
If there is some food left over from lunch or dinner, you can eat it the next day, but it is important to follow the rules that help prevent food poisoning. The remaining food should be put into storage containers and eaten within a couple of days. You should not take it out and reheat it many times, and if there is a large portion left, it is better to put aside as much as you can eat. Foods that have already been bitten off cannot be stored.
7. Pay attention to the quality of water
Do not drink water of unknown origin: if you are not sure of its quality, it is better to give preference to bottled water with a sealed lid.
What to do in case of food poisoning
It is important to monitor your health and, if your condition deteriorates sharply or if the illness lasts longer than two days, consult a doctor. You should especially closely monitor your child’s health: it is more difficult for a child’s body to resist intoxication and dehydration can occur more quickly.
- It is important to drink plenty of water – this will help prevent dehydration and speed up the process of removing toxins;
- You can drink not just water, but electrolyte solutions (sold in pharmacies), which will help compensate for the loss of salts;
- Taking sorbents will help to remove harmful substances from the intestines faster;
- probiotics will help restore intestinal microflora;
- if necessary, you can take an antipyretic;
- You should not take medication for vomiting and diarrhea without consulting a doctor – they will only slow down the body’s recovery.
What can be done?
Buy special antibacterial mats for the refrigerator. They absorb condensation, reduce humidity, and prevent mold.
Calorie Calculator
