Food poisoning is an illness caused by eating contaminated food.

Infectious organisms — including bacteria, viruses, and parasites — or their toxins are the most common causes of food poisoning.

The symptoms of food poisoning differ depending on the source of infection. Most food poisoning symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain and cramps
• Watery or bloody diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever

There are several bacteria and viruses out there and here are few tips we should adhere to in order to avoid cases that will lead to food poisoning:

1. Hands, Utensils, And Food Surfaces Should Be Washed Often

Before and after handling or preparing food, wash your hands thoroughly with warm, soapy water. Also, wash utensils, chopping boards, and other surfaces with hot, soapy water. This is one of the most important tips for preventing food poisoning.

2. Foods Should Be Cooked To A Safe Temperature

Most people use a food thermometer because it’s the best way to detect if the food is cooked to a safe temperature. Most dangerous organisms in foods may be killed by heating them to the proper temperature. Check to see if the chicken, pork, burgers, sausages, and kebabs are cooked through and through, with no pink flesh within.

3. Separate Raw Foods From Ready-To-Eat Meals

Keep raw meat, poultry, fish, and shellfish apart from other foods while purchasing, cooking meals, or storing food. This eliminates the risk of cross-contamination. Because these raw foods may carry bacteria that need to be washed or cooked off before eating and keeping them close to your ready-to-eat meal may give a chance for infection.

4. Quickly Cool Any Leftovers

If you’re not intending to consume it right away, chill it down as fast as possible (within 2 hours) and keep it in the fridge or freezer. Any leftovers from the fridge should be used within two days, and meals should not be reheated more than once.

5. Observe ‘Use-By’ Dates

Always make it a hobby to check for expiring dates when purchasing packaged foods. Even though it seems and smells OK, do not eat food that has beyond its expiration date. Use-by dates are determined by scientific studies that demonstrate how rapidly dangerous bacteria may grow in packaged food.

Always remember that Health is Wealth.

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