Medical Encyclopaedia
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D
DiabetesFood Poisoning (And how to avoid it)
Introduction:
Food poisoning is a common, usually mild, illness caused when you eat food that is contaminated with bacteria, such as Campylobacter, E. coli and salmonella.
According to the Food Standards Agency, more than five million people a year get food poisoning, but few are ill enough to seek medical advice.
Food poisoning can, however, be very serious, so seek medical help if symptoms (stomach cramps and nausea to vomiting and diarrhoea) are severe or continuous, especially in the very young or elderly.
If you have food poisoning, keep hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.
It can be hard to tell if food is contaminated, as often the taste or smell stays the same.
Make sure the food you prepare is safe to eat:
- Follow storage and cooking instructions carefully and put chilled items into the fridge as soon as possible after purchase
- Keep raw meat away from cooked meat, vegetables, bread, etc. Store at the bottom of the fridge in sealed containers. Clean any surfaces, chopping boards and utensils after preparing raw meat
- Hot food should be cooked all the way through, especially poultry, pork, burgers, sausages, reheated food or previously frozen food
- Refrigerate leftovers but don't keep for more than two days. Don’t reheat food more than once
- Keep work surfaces, dishcloths and tea towels clean to avoid spreading bacteria
- Wash your hands before preparing food, after touching raw meat and after touching pets
Clickthrough information and support links:
Foodlink
Food Standards Agency
References:This article has been written for PruHealth by Dr Foster Research. All Dr Foster Research (DFR) health content is provided for general information only, and should not be treated as a substitute for the medical advice of your own doctor or any other health care professional.
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