What is Food Poisoning and What Are the Symptoms?
Food poisoning is an illness caused by consuming contaminated food or beverages. Symptoms can vary but often include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and sometimes fever. These symptoms can develop within hours or days after consuming contaminated food. Recognizing these signs early is crucial for seeking medical help.
How to Prevent Food Poisoning
Prevention is key when it comes to food safety! Here are some simple yet effective ways to minimize your risk of food poisoning:
- Practice Proper Hygiene: Wash your hands thoroughly before handling food. This is especially important for food handlers.
- Cook Food Thoroughly: Ensure food is cooked to the right temperature to kill harmful bacteria.
- Store Food Safely: Keep perishable items in the refrigerator and maintain appropriate temperatures.
- Avoid Cross-Contamination: Use separate cutting boards for raw and cooked foods to prevent the spread of bacteria.
- Get Food Handler Training: Consider enrolling in food handler training courses to learn more about safe food practices and ensure you’re well-equipped to handle food safely.