Foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning, can affect anyone who consumes contaminated or toxic food. People with weak immune systems, such as the elderly, pregnant women, and young children, are majorly affected. Also, those with pre-existing medical conditions are more prone to become a victim of foodborne diseases.
But the question is, how will you know what to avoid or what are the causes of these foodborne illnesses? Thus to help you, we have written this comprehensive guide that will give you all the information you need on food contamination and its causes.
Let’s first know about its causes.
Table of Contents
Causes
Food poisoning is developed from consuming contaminated food or drinks that contain harmful pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxins. Common sources of contamination include:-
- Undercooked or raw meat
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- Contaminated water
- Fruits or vegetables that have been grown in contaminated soil or water
- Food stored at incorrect temperatures or for too long can also become contaminated
- Poor food handling and preparation practices, such as cross-contamination, can also cause contamination
Symptoms
There are several symptoms of food contamination illnesses. Few are below:-
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abdominal pain and cramping
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Headache
- Muscle aches
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
These symptoms can stay between a few hours and several days after eating contaminated food. Symptoms can be mild in some cases and resolve on their own, while in others, they may be severe and need medical intervention. If you have severe food poisoning symptoms like high fever, severe abdominal pain, or dehydration, or if the symptoms last more than a few days, seek medical attention immediately.
How To Prevent Yourself
Safeguarding from such illness is not as difficult as we humans think. Few measures can prevent you from getting affected by these illnesses.
1. Proper food handling and preparation
Always wash your hands thoroughly with water and soap before handling food. Also, make sure to properly clean and sanitize cutting boards, utensils, and countertops. Cook meat, poultry, and eggs to their recommended internal temperatures to kill harmful bacteria.
2. Avoid cross-contamination
Keep raw meat separate from ready-to-eat foods, such as fruits and vegetables, to avoid cross-contamination. Use different cutting boards and utensils for raw and cooked foods, and make sure to properly wash your hands after handling raw meat.
3. Store food correctly
Store food at the proper temperature to prevent bacteria growth. Keep refrigerated foods below 40°F and hot foods above 140°F. Make sure to properly label and date all perishable foods, and throw away any food that has been stored for too long or has an unusual smell, taste, or appearance.
4. Be aware of food safety recalls
Stay updated about food safety recalls by checking local news sources, visiting the website of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and signing up for recall alerts from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS). This can help you avoid consuming contaminated food and protect yourself from foodborne illness.
Last Words
Food poisoning is a common issue that can occur to anyone, but you can prevent it with proper food-handling practices. If you have severe or unusual symptoms, it is essential to seek medical attention to get proper treatment.
Expert Suggestion: When traveling abroad, it is important to be cautious and aware of potential food safety hazards. Taking precautions and being extra cautious will help you avoid contracting such illnesses.
