Food plays a vital role in our lives, but sometimes it can cause more harm than good. Consuming contaminated or improperly cooked food can cause foodborne illnesses, which can range from mild to severe and even fatal.
It is important to be aware of the foods that can make you sick. Here are six foods that you need to be careful with:.
1. Raw or Undercooked Meat
Eating raw or undercooked meat can cause foodborne illnesses like salmonella, E. coli, and listeria, which can cause symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever.
This is because raw or undercooked meat may contain harmful bacteria that can cause illness.
To avoid getting sick from meat, it should be cooked to the proper temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that poultry is cooked to 165°F, ground meat to 160°F and beef, pork, lamb, and veal to 145°F.
2. Raw or Undercooked Eggs
Raw or undercooked eggs are a common cause of foodborne illness. Eggs can be contaminated with salmonella, which can cause symptoms like diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.
To avoid getting sick from eggs, make sure you cook them properly. Avoid foods that contain raw eggs like homemade Caesar salad dressing, homemade mayonnaise, or cookie dough. Always cook eggs until the yolks and whites are firm.
3. Unpasteurized Dairy Products
Dairy products that are unpasteurized can be a source of harmful bacteria like listeria, E. coli, and salmonella. Raw milk, cheese made from raw milk, and other unpasteurized dairy products can all cause foodborne illness.
To avoid getting sick from dairy products, always buy milk, cheese, and yogurt that has been pasteurized. Pasteurization kills harmful bacteria and improves the shelf life of dairy products.
4. Raw Sprouts
Raw sprouts like alfalfa, clover, and radish sprouts can be contaminated with harmful bacteria like E. coli and salmonella.
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These bacteria can easily grow on sprouts because they are grown in warm and humid conditions, which are perfect for bacterial growth.
To avoid getting sick from sprouts, cook them thoroughly or avoid them altogether if you are pregnant or have a weakened immune system. If you choose to eat them, make sure they are fresh and have been properly washed.
5. Shellfish
Shellfish like oysters, clams, and mussels can be contaminated with harmful bacteria or viruses. This is because they are filter feeders, which means they filter water and can accumulate bacteria and viruses from the water they live in.
To avoid getting sick from shellfish, only eat them in reputable restaurants that follow food safety guidelines. Avoid eating raw or undercooked shellfish and make sure they are properly cooked.
6. Canned Foods
Canned foods can be a source of botulism, a rare but serious illness caused by a toxin produced by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.
This bacteria can grow in low-acid foods like canned vegetables, canned meats, and canned fish if they are not processed correctly.
To avoid getting sick from canned foods, always choose a reputable brand and make sure the cans are not damaged or bulging. Don’t eat canned food that has an off-color, odor, or flavor.
If you suspect food poisoning, contact your doctor immediately.
Conclusion
It is essential to be aware of the foods that can make you sick.
By taking precautions like cooking meat and eggs properly, avoiding raw sprouts, and only eating shellfish in reputable restaurants, you can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illness. Always choose reputable brands and check the expiration dates of canned foods to avoid botulism. Stay healthy by exercising caution when it comes to food!.
