Food poisoning is a general term for health problems caused by eating contaminated food. Food can be contaminated by bacteria, viruses, toxins (poisons) from the environment, or toxins in the food itself. Symptoms of food poisoning usually include vomiting and diarrhea. Some toxins also affect the nervous system.
Food-borne illness results from eating food contaminated with bacteria (or their toxins) or other pathogens such as parasites or viruses. illnesses ranging from upset stomach to more serious symptoms including diarrhea, fever, vomiting, abdominal cramps, and dehydration.
Careless food handling during the journey from farm to table creates the conditions for the growth of bacteria that make people sick. Vegetables that are eaten raw, like lettuce, can be contaminated by bacteria in soil, water and dust during washing and packing. Home canned and commercially canned food may be improperly processed at too low temperature or for too short a time to kill bacteria.
Symptoms of food poisoning
Food poisoning is a term used to describe a sudden disorder caused by consuming food or beverages may taste normal, but the toxic organism. The diagnosis of food poisoning is easily made if a group of people to develop all the same symptoms, usually vomiting and diarrhea after consuming the same food or drink. Symptoms may begin hours or days after eating the food in question. Usually the symptoms are restricted to the gastrointestinal tract. However, some food poisoning can cause more widespread symptoms. For example, the bacterium Clostridium botulinum (Botulism) causes muscle weakness and paralysis, and listeriosis may cause flu-like symptoms and lead to meningitis.
Causes of Food Poisoning
More than 200 known diseases can be transmitted through food. They are the only ones we know about it. CDC estimates unknown or undiscovered agents cause 81% of all food-borne illnesses and related hospitalizations. Many cases of food poisoning are not reported because people suffer mild symptoms and recover quickly. Also, doctors do not test for cause in every suspected case because it does not alter treatment or outcome.
The common causes of food poisoning:
• Toxic substances are poisonous mushrooms, improperly prepared exotic foods (such as barracuda), or pesticides in fruits and vegetables.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables can be contaminated if washed or irrigated with water that is contaminated with animal manure or human sewage. Staph food poisoning and shigellosis are often spread through contaminated water.
Prevention of food poisoning
Wash hands with hot, soapy water before handling any food. Rewash hands after handling raw meat, poultry or eggs.
Wash produce before eating, including products with inedible skins or rinds. Knives can pull germs inside the melon.
Prevent cross-contamination of food by separate boards for raw meat and cooked foods or produce. Disinfect the plastic cutting boards in the dishwasher and reservation wooden boards for cooked foods.
The most common treatment for simple food poisoning is only supportive care at home with clear liquids to stay hydrated, and after vomiting or diarrhea subside, the gradual return to eating beginning with a bland diet (such as rice, bread, potatoes and milk).