Food poisoning: find out what precautions to take to avoid food-borne illnesses

The recent fast food poisoning situation in the country showed E. coli bacteria

Foodborne illnesses are on the rise in the United States, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which recently reported an outbreak of Escherichia coli associated with McDonald’s “Quarteirão” sandwich. This outbreak has resulted in at least 49 cases of contamination in 10 states, including one death. Authorities have not yet identified the specific ingredient that caused the problem, but the Food and Drug Administration is investigating the sliced ​​onions and hamburger patties used in the sandwich as potential sources of contamination.

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Another epidemic of listeria it was linked to the consumption of liver pâté and cured meats from the Boar’s Head supply chain, causing dozens of hospitalizations and at least 10 deaths. Among foodborne infections, norovirus is the most common in the United States, responsible for about half of outbreaks. It spreads easily through food, drink, and indirect contact, such as shared use of utensils.

Treatment

Prevention bodies have reinforced that, to stay safe, you need to wash your hands with soap and water, avoid preparing food when you feel symptoms such as nausea and vomiting and cook meat and fish at appropriate temperatures: chicken and turkey must reach 74 °C, while the fish should be cooked at 63°C. It is also essential to wash fruit and vegetables before consumption and avoid using utensils that bring raw meat into contact with other foods.

Furthermore, it is also essential to store food correctly: the maximum time out of refrigeration is two hours or one hour in very hot environments. For vulnerable groups, additional precautions are needed, such as avoiding cured meats and checking that food has been cooked correctly.

THE listeriacommon in cured meats and unpasteurized milk, it is particularly dangerous for the elderly, newborns, immunocompromised people and pregnant women, as it can cause serious complications such as miscarriage and premature birth.

Among bacteria, Campylobacter is often associated with eating undercooked chicken, as well as salmonellaTHE Escherichia coli and the listeria.

In the case of McDonalds, the causative strain, O157:H7 of Escherichia coliit is known for its aggressiveness, and can cause serious complications such as hemolytic-uremic syndrome, which compromises the functioning of the kidneys.

The most common symptoms of foodborne infections include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, as well as fever and flu-like symptoms. Some cases, especially those involving the O157:H7 strain, may present with bloody diarrhea. Most infections resolve spontaneously and the main treatment needed is hydration, although more serious cases require medical attention.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.