It is likely that on more than one occasion you have heard that a friend or family member suffered food poisoning. The condition arises after ingesting a product contaminated with bacteria, such as Escherichia coli or salmonella.
Regarding this situation, every June 7th the Food Safety Daywhich seeks to raise awareness about the importance of prevention and detection of food-borne risks.
The date also emphasizes how essential it is to access safe and nutritious products, considering that this directly impacts our long-term health.
In that sense, Evelyn Figueroa, Aramark nutritionist, highlights that there are a series of foods with which care should be taken to avoid consequences on the body.
“Proper food handling, storage and preparation are essential to avoid foodborne illnesses. Always check expiration dates, store foods in proper conditions, and wash your hands and utensils before handling them.”the professional detailed in a statement.
1. Raw or undercooked eggs. To avoid possible food poisoning, one of the most important measures is not to consume uncooked eggs. The ideal is to verify that both the white and the yolk are firm so that bacteria are eliminated. You should also not consume foods that have raw eggs, such as unpasteurized homemade mayonnaise.
2. Raw seafood. If raw fish or shellfish have not been handled or stored correctly, they could become a health risk. For this reason, it is advisable to opt for products that come from reliable sources and are fresh. If they will be consumed outside the home, you must make sure to choose authorized establishments that have good hygiene and quality in their products.
3. Unpasteurized dairy products. Unpasteurized cheese, milk and yogurt could have bacteria that are harmful to your health. To ensure your food safety, you should prefer pasteurized dairy products and also read the labels of these types of foods, to be sure that they have been pasteurized.
4. Undercooked meats. Eating meats that are not as cooked as poultry, chicken or pork could cause you to be exposed to bacteria and parasites. You must make sure to cook them to a safe internal temperature, so as to avoid the risk of contamination. A tool that can serve as support in these cases is a kitchen thermometer, since it allows you to identify if the temperature reached is appropriate.
If you suspect food poisoning, Figueroa suggests some steps to follow: “If you think something is wrong with you, stop eating and drink water for mild symptoms. For severe symptoms, seek medical help immediately. If symptoms persist, consult a health professional.”
