The Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN) warns of the danger that food poisoning can cause the body especially during summertime since high temperatures favor development of microorganisms. In addition, at this time, it is also more difficult to preserve the food at the correct temperature when consumed outside the home.
Doctor Ana Isabel Sanchez Marcosmember of the region of Nutrition of SEENstresses that “the microorganisms are living beings that need food, which serves as vehicle and habitat, provide them with favorable conditions such as the availability of nutrients, an adequate temperature and a non-aggressive environment. With these favorable conditions, if given the necessary time, they will reproduce, being able to reach infectious doses and, in addition, those which are toxigenic will produce toxins”.
What is food poisoning?
Food poisoning is a disease caused by ingestion of food with the presence of pathogenic germs or their toxins, viruses or parasites. The doctor specifies that “the disease can have its origin in the ingestion of bacteria or viruses conveyed by food (infection), in toxins produced by those previously formed in food (poisoning), or in parasitic forms in specific phases of their life cycle (infestation)”.
Food poisoning is a disease caused by the ingestion of food with the presence of pathogenic germs or their toxins, by viruses or parasites.
The bone food poisoning symptoms are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps and sometimes fever. According to the report of European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) published in 2020, the most common foodborne illnesses are caused by campylobacter, salmonella, yersinia, the bacteria escherichia coli and listeria. This same report warns that the foodborne zoonotic diseases they pose a major and widespread threat to global public health. In the European Union, more than 350,000 cases each year and the actual number is likely to be higher.
Recommendations for its prevention
Regarding the advice to avoid suffering from food poisoning, the specialist recalls the importance of taking into account the ‘Golden Rules’ of World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure proper food handling and storage. These recommendations include eating foods that have been processed or hygienically handled.
Among these recommendations is the consumption of foods that have been processed or handled hygienically.
Also, it is necessary cook food properly of animal origin, as they can be contaminated with microorganisms and, moreover, the food must be consumed soon after cooking. On the other hand, the endocrinologist maintains that it is essential for storing food properly cooked and indicates that if they cannot be finished immediately or if they want to save the leftovers, they must keep cool at 5°C max or frozen. Sánchez Marcos also stresses the importance of reheat cooked food sufficiently, while avoiding contact between raw and cooked foods. “Cooked foods can be re-contaminated through contact with raw foods or items that have previously come in contact with raw foods.”
“Cooked foods can be re-contaminated through contact with raw foods or items that have previously come in contact with raw foods.”
Another precaution to adopt is a good hygiene of the person who will handle the food and proper cleaning of all kitchen surfaces, as well as keeping food away from insects, rodents and pets. Finally, the specialist stresses that it suffices to use drinking water there exclude the consumption of perishable foods exposed to room temperature.
Food poisoning is mild and goes away without treatment, although some people need to go to the hospital.
In most cases, food poisoning is lwakes up and goes without treatment, although some people need to go to the hospital. Therefore, the endocrinologist recommends Consult a doctor when some show up alarm symptoms. If home treatment is needed, the specialist argues that it can consist of replacement of lost fluidsantibiotics in some cases and warns that antidiarrheal drugs should not be taken without a doctor’s prescription as they can make the disease worse.