How To Keep Your Family Safe From The Most Common Types Of Food Poison

By Greg Garner

Food poisoning is one of the most common types of poisoning affecting thousands of people every year worldwide. Ironically, in most cases, it can be avoided by following a few basic rules that everyone can develop as second nature. Taking some of these steps will greatly reduce the chances of food poisoning ever happening to you or your family.

Wash cooking and eating utensils carefully. Today’s modern dishwashers have sterilization cycles that should be utilized, however, even without a dishwasher; most cooking and eating utensils can be made safe.

Wash food and hands before and after preparing them. The majority of bacteria are brought home from the grocery store. Washing food before preparing it will greatly reduce any chance of ingesting something that is bad for you.

Discard any food that you will not ingest within 24 hours. Always keep leftovers in a container or wrap in the refrigerator and make sure the refrigerator is set cool enough to keep foods fresh. A temperature of 38 to 44 degrees is advised.

Always cook meat and eggs thoroughly. Keeping a food thermometer on hand is a good way to prevent undercooking and keep your family safe. As a basic rule, cook meat to an internal temperature of 160 degrees, 180 for poultry.

Food to Food

Cross contamination is one way in which food spreads disease and bacteria. One mistake to watch for is putting cooked food onto contaminated surfaces. If you carry raw meat out to the grill on a plate, do not put the cooked meat back onto the same plate to carry back inside. Do not handle one type of food and then another without washing hands and surfaces. Keep food separated, including cooked food. A bacterium grows fast at room temperature so refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible. A good rule of thumb is if it has been left out for four hours-toss it.

Observe and Report

People do their part in catching bad food sources before epidemics occur. The majority of food related illness is reported. Without your help, others can get sick. If you become ill and suspect it is a food borne illness, report it so that the health department can trace the problem back to its source. It is unfortunate, but children, the elderly, and pregnant women are more susceptible to bacterium. Keep each other safe by washing your hands frequently.

First Aid

If you or someone you know becomes sick and you suspect food poisoning as the possible culprit, do not panic. In most cases, the symptoms will pass in 24 to 48 hours. It is usually four hours before the onset of sickness. Diarrhea with dehydration, low-grade fever, and nausea are the top three symptoms. Follow this advice if you become ill.

Diarrhea can be treated with over the counter medication if you are not on a diuretic. If you are on a diuretic or for children, consult your family physician before treatment.

Avoid solid food if you have diarrhea, as it will only make matters worse. Drink plenty of liquids, preferably with electrolytes to avoid dehydration.

When a person has diarrhea, they become temporarily lactose intolerant so avoid milk. Caffeine only adds to dehydration. If stool is black or maroon, this indicates there is blood in your stool, contact your physician, or go to the emergency room.

If you became sick from shellfish or mushrooms, go to the emergency room. It could be a toxin or botulism and must be treated immediately.

Critical Symptoms

If you have any other symptoms besides the ones described above, including a fever of 101 degrees or higher, arthritic type pain, or a racing heartbeat, go to the emergency room or call 911. These symptoms usually indicate a much worse case of food poisoning and will need to be carefully monitored.

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