Be Aware of These Foods as They Can Cause Food Poisoning

 According to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, every single year, food poisoning affects around 76 million people all over the world. – about 5,000 of these people die. This means that your odds of succumbing to food poisoning are pretty slim, but you’re still going to have a pretty rough time. 

There are many different causes of food poisoning, such as bacteria, toxins, and chemicals. However, some foods have a higher possibility of making you sick than others. This is because these particular foods are more at risk of bacterial growth than others. Therefore, if they aren’t cooked to a certain temperature or aren’t handled or stored properly, there’s a good chance that they will make you sick. 

A food-borne illness can take days or weeks to develop, so it can be tricky to find the cause of the sickness. What can help though, is knowing which foods you should be extra careful with when handling, storing, and cooking. So, read on to learn which foods are more likely to give you food poisoning, along with some tips on how best to limit your risk.

Leafy Greens

 

Since leafy greens and vegetables are often eaten raw, any harmful contaminants on them won’t be killed in the cooking process. Bacteria such as E. coli can live in the soil that leafy greens grow in, and can easily contaminate them. Furthermore, wild animals can also transfer harmful substances to the food at any time during their growth. 

 

Washing leafy greens and vegetables not only reduces the risk of harmful bacteria being present, but also any chemical pesticides that might be on the food. Therefore, you should always make sure to wash leafy greens and vegetables before consuming them. 

 

Raw Milk 

Outside of a farm, you won’t encounter raw milk too often, but we strongly recommend you not to drink any if you’re offered. Raw milk is milk that hasn’t been pasteurized, meaning it hasn’t been heated to kill any harmful bacteria. The risk with drinking raw milk is that there’s a higher chance of the milk containing E. coli, listeria, or salmonella. If consumed, these dangerous bacteria can cause a range of food poisoning illness that can be life threatening.  

 

Eggs

Eggs are a convenient, versatile, and nutritious protein and are eaten by countless people all around the world. However, when it comes to food poisoning, they’re considered high-risk, especially when raw or under-cooked.

Bacteria can contaminate either the yolk, the white, or the egg shell. Often a contaminated egg will not look, taste, or smell any different, making it almost impossible to detect. Many popular meals contain lightly cooked (or even raw) eggs, so have a high risk of causing food-borne illness. It’s recommended that you thoroughly cook all foods that contain eggs, and avoid foods that contain undercooked eggs, such as salad dressings and mayonnaise. 

 

To enjoy eggs safely, it’s recommended that you buy clean, uncracked eggs. You should keep them refrigerated at under 5 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, when cracking the egg, make sure that the egg yolk or white doesn’t touch the outside of the shell before going in the dish. 

 

These recommendations are very important for vulnerable people such as young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and anyone suffering from an illness that weakens the immune system. 

 

 

Cheese

Staphylococcus aureus is a common bacterium that can be found on cheese. It is often transferred to the cheese when an infected person handles it. The bacteria have a high tolerance for salt, so cheese is an ideal breeding ground for it. Furthermore, Staphylococcus aureus is heat resistant, so cooking does not kill it. 

 

The best way to stop cheese from being contaminated with this dangerous bacteria is it store it at under 5 degrees Celsius, wash your hands before handling cheese, and make sure that all surfaces, utensils, and equipment that the cheese touches have been thoroughly sanitized. 

 

 

Sprouts

Sprouts grow in warm and wet environments which are perfect for rapid bacteria growth. This means that they are extremely difficult to keep clean. Since sprouts are usually eaten raw, they carry a really high risk of causing foodborne illness, especially from salmonella and E. coli. 

 

If contaminated, it’s very likely that the seeds of the sprouts are where the harmful bacteria will be found. Although there are different ways to reduce the risk of contamination, no treatment is guaranteed to kill all of the bacteria. 

 

Therefore, people who are vulnerable to effects of the potential bacteria – the elderly, pregnant women, children, and people with weakened immune systems – are instructed to stay away from sprouts. If you decide to eat them, it’s best to cook them first to reduce your risk of contamination.

Poultry 

Raw and undercooked poultry have an extremely high risk of causing food poisoning if it’s not handled properly. Campylobacter bacteria and salmonella are two common contaminants of poultry, and even small amounts can make people seriously ill. These bacteria often contaminate raw meat when it’s first processed, and can survive up until they are killed by high temperatures. 

 

Although these bacteria live on raw poultry, there are some ways to lower your risk of contracting them. You should always make sure that poultry is cooked all the way through before you eat it, as this will kill harmful bacteria. Furthermore. You should not wash raw chicken before cooking it as this will just spread the bacteria around your kitchen, make it easier to contaminate something else. When handling raw poultry, it’s very important to wash and sanitize anything that the raw meat touches – including clothes, chopping boards, utensils, and especially your hands. 

 

 

Deli Meats

Deli meats and cold-cut meats are often highly processed and include hot dogs, ham, bacon, and salami. The storage of deli meats is very important as they’re often not cooked before being consumed. 

 

Listeria and other dangerous bacteria can find its way into the processing factory and contaminate meats after they have been cooked and before they have been packaged. This is why it is really important to heat bacon and hot dogs to at least 75 degrees Celsius for at least 3 minutes before consuming. Furthermore, cold meats should always be stored below 5 degrees Celsius to reduce the risk of further bacterial growth. 

 

All meats carry a high-risk of causing food-related illnesses if they are not prepared and stored properly. Many people prefer their red meat not to be cooked thoroughly through, but this can mean that the number of bacteria is not brought down to a safe level. Those who are susceptible to illness are advised to ensure that all their meats are thoroughly cooked – this includes young children, pregnant women, and the elderly. 

 

 

Rice  

Rice, one of the most widely consumed foods on the planet, is a high-risk food when it comes to food poisoning. It can often be contaminated with bacillus cereus, which can infect and live in uncooked rice as spores. Rather than getting rid of the spores, cooking actually activates them, and moist cooked rice is the perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria. Not storing cooked rice properly is one of the biggest culprits of food-borne illnesses in the world. 

 

 

Seafood 

When it comes down to food poisoning from seafood there are many different illnesses. It all depends on the type of seafood, whether it has been contaminated with a toxin, bacteria, or other harmful substances, and the conditions that the fish has been kept in.

Fish which has not been stored at the correct temperature has a very high-risk of being contaminated with histamine – a toxin that can cause Scombroid poisoning and cannot be destroyed by normal cooking temperatures. 

 

Shellfish can also cause food poisoning as the algae that the shellfish live on, produce toxins that can build up to dangerous levels. The more common foodborne illnesses that these toxins can cause include neurotoxic shellfish poisoning, paralytic shellfish poisoning, and amnestic shellfish poisoning. Cooking the shellfish will not reduce the toxicity to safe levels, so it is advised to avoid eating seafood in developing countries. 

 

Fruits 

Surprisingly, lots of raw fruits and berries have a high-risk of causing food poisoning. Listeria can grow on the skin of fruits and vegetables and can cause food poisoning if eaten. 

 

Melons also have a high-risk of causing food poisoning as they’re often not washed before being eaten. Harmful bacteria can easily be spread between fruit during the supply chain process. The environments that these foods grow is a major factor for their high-risk status. They’re often grown in warm, humid conditions, which are perfect for bacteria to breed. Thoroughly washing your fruit and vegetables and storing them at a proper temperature before consumption will decrease your risk.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
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7 Stomach Germs You Need to Avoid

These days, infections have become all the more common. One form of infection comes from a group of bacteria that are found in a variety of food and animal feces. It is therefore important to understand what these germs are and what they do, and most of all - how to avoid them! 

 

1. E. Coli

The E. Coli germ lives in the colon of people and animals such as cows, sheep, and goats. The bacteria is not usually harmful, in fact, it is required for the routine activities of the digestive system. However, there is usually cause for concern when coming into contact with feces, as a risk of infection may arise. The bacteria usually travels through uncooked meat, polluted water, and unpasteurized dairy products. 

 

Symptoms of infection from E Coli include severe diarrhea, stomach aches, and vomiting which can last between 5 to 10 days. Moreover, E Coli bacteria may cause urinary infections, with women being especially susceptible. 

 

Although the vast majority of E Coli bacteria aren't deadly, there are strands which can cause blood in diarrhea, kidney malfunction and even death.  

 

To avoid infection, be sure to properly cook your meat, wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating or cooking them, and avoid drinking unpasteurized milk and juice. Make sure to clean your hands well after going to the restroom, and thoroughly clean kitchenware and work surfaces that came in contact with uncooked meat.

2. Campylobacter 

Campylobacter jejuni is a species of bacteria commonly found in animal feces. It is one of the most common causes of human gastroenteritis in the world. Food poisoning caused by Campylobacter species can be severely debilitating but is rarely life-threatening. 

 

C. jejuni is commonly associated with poultry, and it naturally colonizes the digestive tract of many bird species. One study found that 30% of European starlings in farm settings in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, were carriers of C. jejuni. This bacteria is also common in cattle.  

 

Avoid contaminated drinking water and unpasteurized milk. Contaminated food is a major source of infections too. Incorrectly prepared meat and poultry are the primary sources of the bacteria. A serious infection is caused by eating food contaminated with the bacteria. The disease primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, adults with weakened immune systems, and the elderly.

3. Listeria  

Listeria germs are found in soil and in water, and so can appear on raw foods such as fruit and vegetables, raw meat and fish, as well as unpasteurized dairy products. Unlike other bacteria, this species can also grow and spread in the relatively low temperatures found in a fridge. 

 

Most Listeria bacteria are handled by the immune system before they can cause infection, but some 'get away' and cause listeriosis. 

 

Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, shivers, headaches, and vomiting. People at high risk of a listeria infection are pregnant women and their fetuses, adults over 50 and people who have a weak immune system. 

 

Listeriosis may not affect a lot of people - research suggests that every year it affects about 1,600 people globally. However, out of those 1600, 260 die.  

 

To avoid infection, rinse vegetables and fruit well before eating, and clean any spills in the kitchen, especially from raw meat.

4. Vibrio 

Vibrio Parahaemolyticus germs live in salt water, and are often found in uncooked seafood. They may cause food poisoning which will cause watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and shivers. Severe cases will cause blood and mucus to appear in the feces. 

 

People who eat fish and uncooked seafood may be infected within 24 hours, with the symptoms lasting 3-5 days. Severe infections are rare, but people with a weak immune system are at high risk. 

 

These infections can usually be avoided by thoroughly cooking fish and seafood. 

 

5. Toxoplasma 

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), millions of people around the world carry the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. However, only a few of us suffer from any symptoms, due to a robust immune system. That said, there are people who develop toxoplasmosis and may develop a severe infection. 

 

The symptoms, like those of the flu, might be weakness, fever, muscle pain and enlarged lymph nodes. People at risk include pregnant women and those with a weak immune system. The parasite can cause severe diseases which may harm the brain, eyes, liver, and lungs. 

 

The toxoplasma gondii bacteria is found in a large variety of animals, but it can only breed in the stomach of a cat. Cats usually catch the parasite by eating raw meat, unwashed vegetables or contact with other cat feces which contain the eggs of the parasite. 

 

To prevent infection, the CDC recommends cooking your food safely and avoiding low heats. Be sure to wash your hands while handling raw food, and to avoid unclean water and cat feces.

6. Salmonella 

Salmonella is a group of bacteria usually found in uncooked poultry, eggs, beef and sometimes unwashed fruit and vegetables. Touching food or animals that have been in contact with the bacteria might cause inflammation in your digestive system. This inflammation is called salmonellosis and its symptoms include fever, diarrhea, stomach pain and headaches which can last between 4 to 7 days. 

 

Most people heal without treatment, but for the elderly, babies and people with chronic diseases, Salmonellosis can spread in the blood, with deadly results. 

 

To avoid infection, avoid eating uncooked eggs, meat and poultry not fully cooked, and keep your raw meat separate from cooked meat. Also, wash everything that comes into contact with uncooked foods.

7. Norovirus  

This virus can harm the stomach and bowels, and is often called 'stomach flu'. The bacteria are usually found in contaminated food or beverages, but can also be spread by touching surfaces or other people carrying it. 

 

The virus can cause an inflammation of the bowels (gastritis). The symptoms include fatigue, headaches, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and fever that tend to last a few days. Most people overcome the disease, but it's important to drink enough fluids to replace what you lost. 

 

To avoid infection, always clean your hands with soap after handling foods, and disinfect work surfaces in the kitchen and restroom.

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

https://gscrochetdesigns.blogspot.com. one can see my crochet creations  
https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com. feel free to view for easy, simple and healthy recipes    
https://kneereplacement-stickclub.blogspot.com. for info on knee replacement

7 Stomach Germs You Need to Avoid

These days, infections have become all the more common. One form of infection comes from a group of bacteria that are found in a variety of food and animal feces. It is therefore important to understand what these germs are and what they do, and most of all - how to avoid them!

1. E. Coli
The E. Coli germ lives in the colon of people and animals such as cows, sheep, and goats. The bacteria is not usually harmful, in fact, it is required for the routine activities of the digestive system. However, there is usually cause for concern when coming into contact with feces, as a risk of infection may arise. The bacteria usually travels through uncooked meat, polluted water, and unpasteurized dairy products.
Symptoms of infection from E Coli include severe diarrhea, stomach aches, and vomiting which can last between 5 to 10 days. Moreover, E Coli bacteria may cause urinary infections, with women being especially susceptible. 
Although the vast majority of E Coli bacteria aren't deadly, there are strands which can cause blood in diarrhea, kidney malfunction and even death.
To avoid infection, be sure to properly cook your meat, wash fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating or cooking them, and avoid drinking unpasteurized milk and juice. Make sure to clean your hands well after going to the restroom, and thoroughly clean kitchenware and work surfaces that came in contact with uncooked meat.
2. Campylobacter
Campylobacter jejuni is a species of bacteria commonly found in animal feces. It is one of the most common causes of human gastroenteritis in the world. Food poisoning caused by Campylobacter species can be severely debilitating but is rarely life-threatening.
C. jejuni is commonly associated with poultry, and it naturally colonizes the digestive tract of many bird species. One study found that 30% of European starlings in farm settings in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, were carriers of C. jejuni. This bacteria is also common in cattle.
Avoid contaminated drinking water and unpasteurized milk. Contaminated food is a major source of infections too. Incorrectly prepared meat and poultry are the primary sources of the bacteria. A serious infection is caused by eating food contaminated with the bacteria. The disease primarily affects pregnant women, newborns, adults with weakened immune systems, and the elderly.

 

3. Listeria
Listeria germs are found in soil and in water, and so can appear on raw foods such as fruit and vegetables, raw meat and fish, as well as unpasteurized dairy products. Unlike other bacteria, this species can also grow and spread in the relatively low temperatures found in a fridge.
Most Listeria bacteria are handled by the immune system before they can cause infection, but some 'get away' and cause listeriosis. 
Symptoms of listeriosis include fever, shivers, headaches, and vomiting. People at high risk of a listeria infection are pregnant women and their fetuses, adults over 50 and people who have a weak immune system.
Listeriosis may not affect a lot of people - research suggests that every year it affects about 1,600 people globally. However, out of those 1600, 260 die.

To avoid infection, rinse vegetables and fruit well before eating, and clean any spills in the kitchen, especially from raw meat.

4. Vibrio
Vibrio Parahaemolyticus germs live in salt water, and are often found in uncooked seafood. They may cause food poisoning which will cause watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, fever, and shivers. Severe cases will cause blood and mucus to appear in the feces.
People who eat fish and uncooked seafood may be infected within 24 hours, with the symptoms lasting 3-5 days. Severe infections are rare, but people with a weak immune system are at high risk.
These infections can usually be avoided by thoroughly cooking fish and seafood.

5. Toxoplasma
According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), millions of people around the world carry the Toxoplasma gondii parasite. However, only a few of us suffer from any symptoms, due to a robust immune system. That said, there are people who develop toxoplasmosis and may develop a severe infection. 
The symptoms, like those of the flu, might be weakness, fever, muscle pain and enlarged lymph nodes. People at risk include pregnant women and those with a weak immune system. The parasite can cause severe diseases which may harm the brain, eyes, liver, and lungs.
The toxoplasma gondii bacteria is found in a large variety of animals, but it can only breed in the stomach of a cat. Cats usually catch the parasite by eating raw meat, unwashed vegetables or contact with other cat feces which contain the eggs of the parasite.
To prevent infection, the CDC recommends cooking your food safely and avoiding low heats. Be sure to wash your hands while handling raw food, and to avoid unclean water and cat feces. 

6. Salmonella
Salmonella is a group of bacteria usually found in uncooked poultry, eggs, beef and sometimes unwashed fruit and vegetables. Touching food or animals that have been in contact with the bacteria might cause inflammation in your digestive system. This inflammation is called salmonellosis and its symptoms include fever, diarrhea, stomach pain and headaches which can last between 4 to 7 days.
Most people heal without treatment, but for the elderly, babies and people with chronic diseases, Salmonellosis can spread in the blood, with deadly results.
To avoid infection, avoid eating uncooked eggs, meat and poultry not fully cooked, and keep your raw meat separate from cooked meat. Also, wash everything that comes into contact with uncooked foods.

7. Norovirus
This virus can harm the stomach and bowels, and is often called 'stomach flu'. The bacteria are usually found in contaminated food or beverages, but can also be spread by touching surfaces or other people carrying it.
The virus can cause an inflammation of the bowels (gastritis). The symptoms include fatigue, headaches, nausea, stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea and fever that tend to last a few days. Most people overcome the disease, but it's important to drink enough fluids to replace what you lost.
To avoid infection, always clean your hands with soap after handling foods, and disinfect work surfaces in the kitchen and restroom. 

THIS IS ONLY FOR INFORMATION, ALWAYS CONSULT YOU PHYSICIAN BEFORE HAVING ANY PARTICULAR FOOD/ MEDICATION/EXERCISE/OTHER REMEDIES.                                    PS- THOSE INTERESTED IN RECIPES ARE FREE TO  VIEW MY BLOG-                                                                                           https://gseasyrecipes.blogspot.com/       
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