What is Food Poisoning?
The term “food poisoning” does not refer to a single specific illness, but to any malady acquired through consuming contaminated food. Food poisoning is caused by ingesting bacteria, bacterial toxins, parasites, or viruses residing in food products. Food poisoning can also be caused by toxins and chemicals to which food products have been exposed.
Common Causes of Food Poisoning
- E. coli: a bacteria that can lead to diarrhea and kidney failure that is found in meat and dairy products
- Salmonella: a bacteria found in dairy products, recently in the news due to egg contamination
- Listeria: a bacteria found in unpasteurized milk and cheese, and uncooked vegetables
- Hepatitis A: a potentially deadly disease found in water contaminated by fecal matter
- Cyclospora: a protozoan found in water and food contaminated by fecal matter
Symptoms
Because food poisoning can result from many different causes, the symptoms for food poisoning are also fairly broad. Generally, symptoms include a combination of upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps. Most food poisoning is not cause for particular concern. Healthy adults usually process food poisoning within a day or two of being exposed. However there are cases where food poisoning is severe and requires treatment.
Food poisoning generally affects the digestive system, and limits the body’s ability to retain liquids. Dehydration commonly results from food poising due to vomiting and diarrhea. If symptoms of food poisoning persist over a period of more than 24 hours, or if a patient is already in a weakened state a doctor should be consulted immediately. Children and the elderly should take extra precautions if they are exposed to food poisoning. In order to aid treatment, keep track of what was eaten to pinpoint the cause of the food poisoning. Knowing the cause of food poisoning is helpful information for a physician and may prove useful to alert the proper authorities of food contamination.
Causes
There are approximately 250 different diseases that can be carried by food. Some of the most common foods associated with food poisoning include meat, poultry, or dairy that has come into contact with feces. Food poisoning can occur at restaurants where employees do not wash their hands or keep kitchen utensils and surfaces properly clean. Undercooked meats and shellfish, which carry bacteria that the human digestive system cannot process, are another leading cause of food poisoning.
Prevention
Food poisoning is most easily prevented by three strategies: heat, refrigeration, and cleanliness. The more well done meat is, the less likely it is to carry harmful bacteria. Refrigeration and freezing is another way to limit the possibility of food poisoning. Keeping the refrigerator at a cold 34 degrees helps stop the development of harmful bacteria and parasites. Cleanliness is perhaps the most important aspect of avoiding food poisoning. Washing utensils, counters, and hands while cooking and handling raw meat prevents bacteria and viruses from spreading. Make sure to keep contaminants out of the kitchen and always wash your hands before eating a meal.
