Food is a big part of our daily lives. But have you ever wondered if it’s always safe to eat? Foodborne illnesses are a real threat, and they can make you very sick. What causes these illnesses, and how can you protect yourself? Let’s get into six common foodborne illnesses and learn how to prevent them.
Food Safety 101: Preventing Common Illnesses
Recent studies have highlighted the significance of gut health and the positive impact of intestinal bacteria on overall bodily well-being.
What are the consequences of harmful bacteria invading the gastrointestinal tract?
Let’s find out!
1. Norovirus
Norovirus is one of the most common causes of foodborne illness. Symptoms often appear within 12 to 48 hours after exposure. They include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
How to prevent Norovirus:
- Wash your hands often with soap and water.
- Clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces regularly.
- Cook shellfish thoroughly before eating.
2. Salmonella
Salmonella is a bacteria that commonly affects poultry, eggs, and other animal products. It can cause severe stomach cramps, diarrhea, and fever. Furthermore, these symptoms usually start six hours to six days after infection.
How to prevent Salmonella:
- Cook poultry and eggs until they reach safe internal temperatures.
- Avoid consuming raw or undercooked eggs.
- Keep raw meat away from other foods in your kitchen.
3. Clostridium Perfringens
Clostridium perfringens is often found in large batches of food that are not kept at the right temperature. Therefore, it can cause intense stomach cramps and diarrhea within six to 24 hours of consumption.
How to prevent Clostridium perfringens:
- Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
- Reheat leftovers to at least 165°F (74°C).
- Store food in shallow containers to cool quickly.
4. Campylobacter
Campylobacter is another bacteria commonly found in raw or undercooked poultry. It can lead to diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fever.
How to prevent Campylobacter:
- Always cook poultry to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for meat and vegetables.
- Wash your hands after handling raw poultry.
5. E. coli
- coli bacteria can be found in undercooked ground beef, raw vegetables, and contaminated water. Similarly, it can cause severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting.
How to prevent E. coli:
- Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C).
- Wash all fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating.
- Avoid unpasteurized dairy products and juices.
6. Listeria
Listeria is a bacteria that can grow even in cold temperatures. It is often found in ready-to-eat foods like deli meats, soft cheeses, and smoked seafood.
How to prevent Listeria:
- Heat deli meats until steaming hot before eating.
- Avoid unpasteurized dairy products.
- Store ready-to-eat foods in the refrigerator and consume them quickly.
Food Safety Consulting to Protect Your Business
Preventing foodborne illnesses is not just about cooking and cleaning. If you run a food business, food safety consulting is crucial. Therefore, it helps you comply with safety standards like BRC and SQF, ensuring your food is safe for consumers.
Simple Tips for Everyday Food Safety
- Always wash your hands before handling food.
- Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and vegetables.
- Store leftovers in shallow containers to cool them quickly.
- Cook all foods to their recommended internal temperatures.
- Regularly clean and sanitize kitchen surfaces and utensils.
Keep Your Food Safe, Keep Yourself Healthy
Do you want to save yourself from foodborne illnesses? This is where RR Consulting comes in. With RR Consulting Services, you can have peace of mind knowing that your food is safe and your customers are protected from foodborne illnesses.
Give us a call today to schedule a consultation.
