Suffering from food poisoning can be unbearable for anyone. One of the most common reasons for food poisoning is food contamination. Food that is raw, not cooked properly, or comes in contact with germs or bacteria, is contaminated and harmful for consumption.
The risk of it increases in adults as our immune systems become weaker as we age. As we eat several meals a day, it becomes difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of our food poisoning. If you have symptoms like nausea and vomiting, you may have food poisoning, and you should consult a doctor from Maroof International Hospital at your earliest.
Top 5 foods that trigger food poisoning
1. Raw chicken, pork, or beef
We all love meat, but did you know that if you undercook meat, you are at the risk of getting ill? Campylobacter is a bacteria usually found in raw poultry such as chicken as it lives in their gut naturally. Additionally, salmonella, E.Coli, and other bacteria may be present in rare meat and can make you sick. Ensure that you cook the meat thoroughly and use a thermometer to check the temperature inside the meat. Cooking meat kills the bacteria inside it, making it safe for consumption.
Cleaning raw chicken can contaminate your kitchen, so you must take precautions while handling meat. Don’t wash it before using it as it can contaminate your kitchen. Refrigerate any leftover meat at 40°F or colder within two hours.
2. Raw Milk
Raw or unpasteurized milk poses a threat to your health as it contains bacteria such E.coli, Salmonella, and others that are dangerous for humans. The process of pasteurization eliminates unhealthy bacteria from the milk by boiling it to a high enough temperature. This method may inactivate some of the milk enzymes, but the benefits of heating milk outweigh the risks it may cause. Furthermore, any cheese or other dairy product made from raw milk can wreak havoc on your body as well
3. Sprouts
It is essential to cook sprouts thoroughly before eating, especially alfalfa or clover. Sprouts are grown in humid and warm conditions, so are bacteria. Such conditions encourage bacterial growth that can lead to food poisoning. The only way to make sure that sprouts don’t make you vomit is to eliminate germs by cooking it through.
4. Oysters
Even though almost all shellfish contain bacteria, oysters are usually the most problematic. A bacteria that live in healthy water known as vibrio can cause an infection known as vibriosis. Shellfish taken from contaminated water can be unfit for consumption as it can result in norovirus identified as stomach flu. Slurping oysters can be tempting, but eating raw, uncooked, or unhygienic oysters is not favorable for your health. It can lead to severe food-borne illness and may require treatment from the Best Gastroenterologist in Karachi.
5. Raw flour
Harmful germs such as E.coli can contaminate flour at any stage from harvesting to sifting. Even cake mixes available in the market can contain bacteria as well. The only way to get rid of the dangers of raw flour is to stay away from uncooked batter or dough and consume only the final fully cooked meal made out of flour.
Preventing food poisoning
Taking extra care while handling food is vital to keep away from food-borne illnesses. Hygiene is key. Given below are a few ways to prevent it:
- Use a thermometer to check if your food is cooking at the right temperature and fully cook the food.
- Keep raw and cooked food separately to avoid cross-contamination and use separate cutting boards for different food types.
- Take care of your kitchen’s hygiene and your hygiene as well by washing hands often and washing the surfaces on which food preparation is done.
