Understanding Food Poisoning

Most of us have been victims of food poisoning some time or the other. This article talks about the basics of food poisoning, what causes it and how to prevent it.

What is food poisoning?

Any food or drink consumed, which contains the pathogenic micro organism or their toxins or any poisonous chemical can cause a condition called acute gastroenteritis. In lay man’s terms, this is known as food poisoning. This is a common phenomenon seen in hostels, hotels, communal or festive feasts. Usually the entire group of people who have had the same food would show up similar symptoms within a few hours of consumption of the toxic food or drink.

What are the different types of food poisoning?

Food poisoning can be of two types: bacterial and non bacterial. The bacterial food poisoning is the most common.
1) Bacterial food poisoning:

Caused by micro-organisms called bacteria, the food or drink would contain either the bacteria or their toxins.

2) Non bacterial food poisoning:

This type of food poisoning is caused by harmful chemicals contained in the food or drink like fertilizers, insecticides, heavy metals, etc.

Bacterial food poisoning being the most common, this is discussed in more detail below:

First of all it is important to understand that all bacteria can not cause harm. There are only a few bacteria which result in toxic reactions which can cause grievous harm to the body. These can enter our body through food or drinks.

How does food poisoning occur?

There are several ways by which food poisoning can take place. Some of them are:

Drinking contaminated water.

Eating food which has been made with adulterated or contaminated raw materials.

Eating food prepared in a dirty environment which could have contained micro organisms or their toxins.

Eating food cooked by personnel who are suffering from some infectious diseases.

Food affected by animal poisoning from rats, dogs, etc.

Food kept in room temperature for a long duration of time and then reheated can result in food poisoning.

Some one deliberately adding some toxin or poison in the food.

Which are the common bacteria which cause food poisoning?

1) Salmonella food poisoning:

Salmonella typhimurium, salmonella cholera suis and salmonella enteritis are the three common types of salmonella bacteria which are found in milk, milk products and eggs. Nausea, vomiting, fever and diarrhea are some of the symptoms of food poisoning caused by these bacteria.

2) Botulism:

Caused by clostridium botulinum, this is one of the most serious types of food poisoning. You can see the spores of these organisms in the soil. They usually enter the body through pickles, canned and preserved fish, etc. While vomiting and diarrhea are rare in food poisoning caused by these bacteria, the nervous system is seriously affected. What starts with double vision, numbness and tiredness, can end up with paralysis with cardiac and respiratory system failure, resulting in death.

3) Staphylococcal food poisoning:

Caused by bacteria called staphylo coccus aureus, the food poisoning would result usually in skin eruptions like boils, etc. The bacteria enter the body through milk or milk products and causes gastroenteritis. Vomiting, abdominal cramps with diarrhea are the usual symptoms.

4) Closteridium food poisoning:

Stool, soil and water may contain a type of bacteria called closteridium perfringens, which enter the body through the consumption of meat, meat dishes and egg. This type of food poisoning occurs when cooked food is kept at room temperature for a long time and then re-heated. Vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal cramps are the typical symptoms.

5) Bacillus cereus:

This infection is caused by spores of these organisms which can withstand cooking. They result in enteritis the symptoms of which are diarrhea and vomiting.

How can food poisoning be investigated?

Every person affected should be examined.

Water sample to be examined.

Kitchen and food samples should be examined.

Cook and all those who handled the food must be thoroughly questioned and investigated.

Stool and vomit samples should be tested for identification of the bacteria.

How to prevent food poisoning?

1) Drink only filtered and purified water.

2) Strict hygienic procedures to be followed by all those who are handling food.

3) Masks, caps and gloves must be used while cooking and serving.

4) Food should never be handled by any sick or ill individual.

5) Kitchen premises should be kept neat and clean.

5) Cooking and serving vessels should be washed with soap and hot water.

6) Cooked food should never be kept in room temperature for a long time

7) Store all food in closed containers.

 Dogs, cats and rats should be barred from coming in contact with food items.

9) Use only washed vegetables for cooking.

10) Eat fresh meat, bought from a recognized slaughter house.

source:- Medical Needs