Food Poisoning Increases in Summer

According to the World Health Organization, 600 million people are affected by food poisoning every year. Near East University Hospital Dietitian Gültaç Uncle Çamır says that with the increase in temperature in summer, food poisoning cases increase.
Bacteria, viruses, parasites, toxins and chemicals carried to the human organism through food can cause food poisoning. With the effect of increasing temperatures, the cases of food poisoning seen in summer months increase significantly. Near East University Hospital Dietitian Gültaç Uncle Çamır says that there are four types of bacteria that cause food poisoning. The first of these is "staphylococcus", the most common type of bacteria. Stating that this bacteria appears in meat, milk, dairy products and salads made from poorly washed materials, Gültaç Uncle Çamır said that two or three hours after taking food with bacteria, symptoms of poisoning begin and a vomiting reaction is seen in the body.

Bacteria can cause deadly poisoning

Dietitian Gültaç Uncle Çamır said that another type of bacteria most commonly seen in food poisoning caused by meat, milk and salad is “shigella” and that the time to show symptoms in poisoning caused by this bacteria is one or two days. Gültaç Uncle Çamır says, “This bacterium is seen with nausea, vomiting, fever, cramps, abdominal pains and symptoms in the form of blood in the stool.” Clostridium botulinum is one of the bacteria that causes the most serious and deadly food poisoning. This bacteria can be found in canned food, meat, vegetables and fruit. Gültaç Uncle Çamır says, “This bacterium can paralyze, prevent breathing and result in death.”

Things to consider in meat consumption

First of all, it is not clear how and where it came from because the price is low. zamDietician Gültaç Uncle Çamır said that the products that are not known how they are preserved, that are not inspected and that are openly sold on the counters should not be purchased at the time, and that people who will consume meat should buy the meat from delicatessens that are operated in accordance with the standards. Dietician Gültaç Uncle said that packaged products of reliable brands can also be purchased, “Make sure that the package is not damaged when buying packaged products. Make sure you get into the habit of reading labels. Check the production and expiry dates printed on it. Never consume raw milk due to diseases that can be transmitted from animals," he said.

Food preservation recommendations

Dietician Gültaç Uncle Çamır said that the most practical way to prevent food from spoiling is to store it in the refrigerator or freezer, and said that if the cooked food is not consumed immediately, it should be put in the refrigerator within two hours. Dietician Gültaç Uncle Çamır said that the food that is in the refrigerator and to be taken out for consumption should be heated above seventy degrees, and that the same food should not be heated over and over again. Dietitian Gültaç Uncle Çamır said, “Do not put the foods you have taken out of the freezer back into the freezer after they are thawed. Avoid contact between cooked food and raw food. Pay attention to your personal hygiene. It is important for individuals who prepare food to wash their hands with soap for at least two minutes in order to prevent food poisoning. In addition, people with cuts or open wounds on their hands should definitely not prepare food, and in mandatory cases, they should use gloves by wrapping these wounds in a way that they will not come into contact with food under any circumstances.

Vegetables and fruits should be consumed after washing them thoroughly.

Dietitian Gültaç Uncle Çamır, who said that people should wash their hands thoroughly after preparing foods such as raw meat, eggs or poultry, said that separate chopping boards and knives should be used when preparing such risky foods and vegetables and fruits that will be consumed without cooking. Dietitian Gültaç Uncle Çamır continued: “Vegetables and fruits should be consumed after washing them thoroughly. Make sure your food is well cooked. Foods that are not cooked for sufficient time and temperature can lead to the transfer of harmful bacteria to the digestive system. In case of diarrhea and vomiting, you should rest and increase your fluid intake with clean water, ayran, mineral water, unsweetened tea. If you have diarrhea; You should consume rice porridge, yogurt, bananas, peaches, boiled potatoes.”