Food Poisoning

FOOD POISONING

Introduction

   Food poisoning is an illness which is caused by the contamination of food substances or water consumed into the body.

   Food can be contaminated at any stage during its production or processing. Many bacteria, viral or parasitic agents cause food poisoning e.g. salmonella, shigella, E-coli 0157,staphylococcus aureus, rota virus, listeria etc.

  Incubation period/onset time: is the time delay between eating contaminated or poisoned food and showing symptoms of illnesses. For example, the onset period of consumption of E-coli 0157 is 2-3 days while that of staphylococcus aures takes 1-2 hours.

  Common causes of food poisoning will typically include: Diarrhea, loss of appetite, mild fever, nausea, abdominal cramps, vomiting, weakness and headaches.

 To prevent food poisoning, the following are necessary :

- Personal hygiene

- Thorough cleaning of food substances in utensils and food surfaces

- Maintaining cooking equipment

- Controlling pests

- Proper cooking of food

    Food poisoning is potentially life threatening so "Eat for health''. Know that "The food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison".

Thanks for reading!

Reference for the article

https://www.mayoclinic.org

https://www.healthline.com

Article by:

Tijani Opeyemi Lydia

Food, Nutrients & Health.