Food safety

It is often transported over long distances, domestically and internationally. Also for convenience ready to eat, ready to heat, ready to cook foods are available in super market.

This new development in the food industry poses a great risk of food contamination due to microorganisms that are present in the environment. The illness-causing bacteria can quickly multiply on food to large numbers. When it happens, anyone eating the food can get sick.

Who is more at risk?
Even though the human body ordinarily is well equipped to deal with bacteria that cause food poisoning; children, the elderly and those with weak immune system or on certain medicines are especially vulnerable.

How can I control the risks of food poisoning?
The risks can be controlled by following the food safety guidelines while cooking, at home, while shopping , dining out, traveling, or at work place.

For the purpose of this article, food safety guidelines while traveling, while dining out and at work place will be discussed.

While traveling
It is important to know that food safety standards are not the same in all countries; therefore, while traveling, people come in contact with new germs that their bodies are not used to.

This cause 'travelers' diarrhea', a sickness most people experience while traveling due to contaminated food and water.

There are a number of precautions that a person traveler can take to minimize this risk.


• Try to drink only beverages that are boiled or treated to remove bacteria, like tea, coffee. Use only pasteurized milk and milk products.


• Use bottled water for drinking instead of local tap water. Bottled water is usually available at most tourist destination (check for brand, and make sure the seal is not broken)


• Avoid ice in your drinks, as it may be made from untreated water.


• Avoid leafy, cold salads as it may be rinsed in the local tap water which may be not treated.


• Fruits should be washed before peeling and try to do the peeling yourself. Once peeled do not wash in tap water.


• Eat hot and thoroughly cooked food. Avoid food from street vendors due to unhygienic reasons.


• Sauces and other toppings should be consumed only if freshly opened as it may be contaminated if not stored properly.

While dining out
Take good care when you plan on dining out or purchasing takeaway food. Check premises and staff, for cleanliness.


• Avoid dishes with under cooked eggs


• Lightly steamed seafood such as mussels and snails should be avoided. Oyster with half shell and foods like sushi should not be eaten.


• Hot foods should be presented steaming hot and cold foods either in ice or in refrigerated conditions.


• If the food looks under - cooked, especially meat, send it back.


• Avoid salad bars, buffets due to poor hygiene by food handlers.


• Ready made sandwiches containing egg, cheese, mayonnaise should be kept in refrigerator.

Self service and salad bars/ desserts are becoming popular in super markets and restaurants.

These convenience foods are great for a person with hectic schedule. Observe the following:


• Read the instructions on how to use the self service area in a hygienic manner.


• Use the utensil which is allocated to the item and do not mix the serving utensil. Only hold the utensil by the handle.


• Never touch or taste the food with your hand as other people will be using the bar.


• Food should be protected or covered as it will protect the food if people sneeze or cough.


• Food purchased from these areas should be consumed within 24 hours.

At work place

• Wash hands with soap and water after using the rest room. Do not put your hand in a common food bowl if your hands are not clean.


• Avoid passing leftovers of conferences to the staff, as there will be a big time difference between the preparation time and the staff consumption time.


• Keep food on a paper towel rather than placing on the work table.


• Always wash coffee/ tea cups with soap and water especially if it's common.


• If the staffs observe lunch time together serve dips to the individual's plate rather than dip, bite and eat procedure from the same bowl.


• Do not use the same dish cloth for wiping hands and wiping cups.

What are the symptoms of food poisoning?
The symptoms vary depending on the bacteria causing the illness. It can occur immediately after eating contaminated food or hours later. It can last from 24 hours to five days. The common symptoms are:

Diarrhea
Stomach pain
Fever
Nausea
Headache

What should be done in case of food poisoning?
If you suspect food poisoning or you experience above symptoms, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Also report the illness to the local health department to further investigate the matter.