Food Poisoning

Food poisoning has become a major issue all around the world. With decreasing food quality and increasing hygiene issues, food products are more contaminated than ever before. According to a new report by the New York Times, the USA alone has 40 million cases and about 3000 death each year due to food poisoning. Harmful organisms keep showing up in all kinds of food products, in earlier times, it was limited to poultry, dairy and meat but now they can be found in almost all food items.

Food poisoning is not very unusual though and it is non-fatal most of the time. On average, the symptoms of food poisoning will last from 30 minutes to as long as 8 weeks. It is a food-borne illness caused by consuming contaminated food. Food can be contaminated at any stage of its production process: growing, harvesting, processing, storing or shipping.

Causes of food poisoning:

Meat or poultry can get infected during the processing or shipping stage.
Water used for the production of the food may get in contact with animal or human faeces.
Food handlers or cooks can also contaminate the food unknowingly if they have not washed their hands properly or are using unclean utensils.
If the food is stored at the wrong temperature, especially raw food, bacteria usually attacks the food.
If the food is stored for a long period of time, again it is open to bacterial contamination. Also, bacteria are the most common cause of food poisoning.
Sometimes, parasites are also found responsible for food poisoning. It is not a common sight but is very dangerous as parasites can survive in our digestive system for years without getting detected. It weakens the immune system of the person over time and ultimately leads to death.
Viruses are also known to cause food poisoning. If the illness is induced by a virus then your symptoms will include vomiting and diarrhoea. It can also be transmitted and usually affect the liver the most.

Symptoms of food poisoning:

Diarrhoea
Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal Cramps
Headache
Mild fever
Weakness

If your symptoms include fever higher than 102°F, difficulty in seeing or speaking bloody urine, or severe dehydration, contact a doctor immediately as these symptoms are severe and can be life-threatening.

Treatment of Food poisoning:

Stay hydrated: It is important to stay hydrated if you have food poisoning. Consume drinks that are high in electrolytes and avoid caffeine.
Take prescription medication: Although a lot of these cases get treated on their own or with the help of over the counter medicines if your symptoms are not progressing then it is best to get prescribed medicines after consulting a doctor.
Rest: It is very important for people suffering from food poisoning to rest as they have lost most of their energy and the immune system is trying its best to fight the alien group causing the illness. At this time, a person should rest, nap, and stay calm.
Hold off on solid food until your vomiting and diarrhoea are passed. Instead, consume easy to digest food, bland food and food that is low in fat such as banana, oatmeal, boiled vegetables e.t.c
Do not consume dairy products, friends spicy, food that is high in sugar or fatty food.

Prevention of food poisoning:

For avoiding this illness altogether, one must take precautions with their food items. Follow the instruction on the food packaging. If it says to refrigerate it, then do so and if it requires room temperature, follow that. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.
Check expiry dates or best before date on the packaging and do not consume the product if it has been past the mentioned expiration even if the food item seem alright to you.
Always wash your vegetables and fruits. Washing these raw vegetables removes all kinds of physical contamination on them and will provide you with clean hygienic fresh products.
Drink Purified water, we know the state of water quality nowadays. Pollution, contamination, virus, bacteria all can be found in the water supply so either get your water supply tested for consumption or get a water purifier.
Never place poultry, raw meat or fish in the refrigerator where it can drip onto other food items especially the ones that are consumed raw.
Do not defrost frozen food on the counter of your kitchen, Always use a microwave or put them into the fridge for an adequate time after taking them out of the freezer.
Before preparing your food, always wash your hands with soap and water, also wash up your wrist and under your nails.

Food Poisoning

Causes of food poisoning:

Symptoms of food poisoning:

Treatment of Food poisoning:

Prevention of food poisoning:

References: