DOES FOOD CAUSE ILLNESS?

Hey there, welcome back! I hope you enjoyed our last blog. Now, let's dive into another interesting topic. Today, we're going to talk about the types of food that can actually make you sick. Yep, you heard it right, food can cause diseases if you didn't know already. There are different kinds of food, the way you eat them, and how much you consume that can affect your chances of getting sick. Some foods are more likely to have germs that can make you feel under the weather. In the US alone, around 76 million people experience food-related illnesses every year, and new outbreaks are happening all the time. So, it's important to be aware of what we eat!

 

What's the difference between “Foodborne Illness” and “Food Poisoning”?

So, here's the deal: sometimes people use the words "foodborne illness" and "food poisoning" interchangeably, but there are actually some slight differences between the two.

"Foodborne illness" is a general term that covers any sickness caused by consuming contaminated food or drinks that have nasty stuff like bacteria, viruses, or fungi, or their toxins. This illness can happen either through an infection or intoxication. If you get a foodborne infection, it means you ate something with live bacteria or other pathogens, and then those little buggers start growing in your gut, causing unpleasant symptoms like tummy cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting.

On the flip side, there's something called food poisoning, or as some people call it, intoxication. This can occur when you eat food that has toxins released by harmful pathogens. The actual live pathogens don't necessarily have to be in the food for this to happen. So, food poisoning is a specific type of illness that you can get from eating contaminated food.

 

So, you might be wondering what actually causes food-related illnesses, right?

Well, it's unsafe food that contains harmful stuff like bacteria, viruses, parasites, or even chemicals. These can lead to more than 200 different diseases, ranging from a simple case of diarrhea to serious conditions like cancer. It's a real bummer because this whole situation creates a nasty cycle of disease and malnutrition, especially affecting vulnerable groups like infants, young children, the elderly, and those who are already sick.

There are a few main culprits when it comes to food hazards:

•  Bacteria - These may be present in raw and undercooked meat, fish, and poultry; unpasteurized dairy products; contaminated fruits and vegetables; and contaminated drinking water. 
• Viruses - Viruses are transmitted to the body through food contaminated by viral particles.
• Parasites - Contaminated water and soil can transmit harmful parasites to fresh produce, seafood, meat, poultry, and other foods.
•   Prions - These infectious proteins are associated with “mad cow disease” and can come from eating parts of cattle, such as the brain tissue.
• Chemicals - Naturally occurring toxins in mushrooms, staple foods such as corn and cereal, and mold on grains can cause long-term health complications.

These little troublemakers can cause all sorts of problems, from flu-like symptoms to severe illness, and in some cases, even death. So, it's important to be aware of the food items and environments that can potentially cause these issues.

 

Foods that are more likely to cause food poisoning:-

• Meat and Poultry 
• Eggs 
•  Raw Milk and products made from it 
•  Fruits and Vegetables
•  Seafood 
•   Leafy vegetables 
•   Sprouts 
•   Raw flour 

What can you do to prevent foodborne illness?

• When it comes to handwashing, make sure to wash your hands regularly and thoroughly with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds. Do this before and after handling raw or cooked foods, using the bathroom, taking care of pets, or tending to someone who is sick.
• Cleaning is also important, so remember to clean your food surfaces, utensils, and cutting boards with hot, soapy water after each use. If you have a wooden cutting board, learn how to clean it properly.
• To prevent cross-contamination, keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs separate from cooked and ready-to-eat foods, including fruits and vegetables. This will help avoid any potential risks.
• Always Wash Fresh Fruits and Vegetables (Even If They Come In Prewashed Packages). Scrub all fresh fruits and vegetables to remove germs and avoid illness. This means rewashing any pre-washed, packaged salads before serving, to remove bacteria and pesticides that remain on the leaves
• When cooking, it's crucial to cook your food thoroughly to a safe internal temperature. Undercooking can increase the risk of foodborne illnesses, so refer to a cooking temperature list to ensure your food is cooked properly.
•  Raw and unpasteurized dairy and juice products should be avoided when it comes to beverages. Opt for safer options instead.
•  Proper food storage is key. Keep your food out of the temperature danger zone, which is between 40–140°F (5–60℃). Thaw frozen food safely in the refrigerator and refrigerate any leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
•  Lastly, if you're feeling unwell, it's best to stay at home and avoid preparing food for others. Even after your symptoms have subsided, it's a good idea to wait for several days before handling food for others.

 

Hey, make sure to be mindful of what you eat and take care of yourself. If you ever experience any problems after eating, it's always a good idea to consult a doctor. I hope the information provided was helpful. Until next time, see you in the next blog! Take care!