Food That Makes People Sick Will Often Taste Sharp or Bitter.
Food poisoning is a common illness that can be caused by eating contaminated food. The symptoms of food poisoning can range from mild to severe and can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, and cramps. In some cases, food poisoning can be life-threatening.
There are a number of different foods that can make people sick, but some of the most common include:
- Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and seafood
- Raw eggs
- Unpasteurized milk and cheese
- Leafy green vegetables
- Sprouts
- Cantaloupe
- Oysters
These foods are more likely to contain harmful bacteria, viruses, or parasites that can cause food poisoning.
Characteristics of Food That Makes People Sick
Food that makes people sick will often have certain characteristics, such as:
- A sharp or bitter taste
- A slightly woody smell
- A bumpy appearance with an odd color
- The ability to cause fever and diarrhea
However, it is important to note that food poisoning can also be caused by foods that do not have any obvious signs of spoilage. Therefore, it is always important to follow proper food safety practices when handling and preparing food.
Common Causes of Foodborne Illness
The most common causes of foodborne illness include:
- Bacterial contamination: Bacteria may contaminate food during manufacture, processing, and preparation. Food poisoning is often caused by Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter.
- Improper handling and storage: Food can also become contaminated if it is not handled or stored properly. For example, food can become contaminated if it is left out at room temperature for too long, or if it is not stored in a clean and sanitized container.
- Cross-contamination: Cross-contamination happens when hazardous germs spread across foods. If raw meat is kept close to cooked food or sliced on the same board as vegetables, cross-contamination may occur.
- Insufficient cooking: Food that is not cooked to the proper temperature can also cause food poisoning. This is especially true for meat, poultry, and seafood.
Importance of Proper Food Safety Practices
There are a number of things that you can do to prevent food poisoning, including:
- Cooking food to the correct temperature: Use a food thermometer to ensure that meat, poultry, and seafood are cooked to a safe internal temperature.
- Washing hands and utensils properly: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling food. Also, wash all utensils and cutting boards thoroughly with hot, soapy water after use.
- Storing food at appropriate temperatures: Store food in the refrigerator or freezer at the proper temperature to prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Avoiding cross-contamination: Avoid cross-contamination by storing raw meat, poultry, and seafood separately from other foods. Also, use separate cutting boards and utensils for raw meat and other foods.
By following these simple food safety practices, you can help prevent yourself and your loved ones from getting sick from food poisoning.
Here are some additional tips to help prevent food poisoning:
- Clean your refrigerator regularly: Keep your refrigerator clean and at the proper temperature (40 degrees Fahrenheit or below).
- Thaw food safely: Thaw food in the refrigerator or in a bowl of cold water. Avoid thawing food at room temperature.
- Don’t leave food out at room temperature for more than two hours: If you are not serving food immediately, refrigerate it or keep it warm in a slow cooker or chafing dish.
- Reheat food thoroughly: Reheat food to an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
- Be careful with buffets and potlucks: Avoid eating food that has been sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours.
Food poisoning is a preventable illness. By following these simple food safety practices, you can help to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
