Foodborne illnesses are caused mainly by drinking or eating contaminated food. Eating products polluted by organisms that are harmful such as parasites, viruses, and bacteria, can lead to stomach infections. Organisms found in eating commodities, causing illnesses in humans, are spread in different ways. They can be circulated when handling or processing commodities, especially meat products, like poultry. How a product is cultivated and the environment in which it is grown can also distribute harmful microorganisms. Most illnesses have the same symptoms and require immediate medical attention since they keep multiplying in the intestine walls. Humans can easily prevent infections by being careful when handling and storing cooking supplies.
One of the primary prevention measures that can be taken to ensure that food is not contaminated is preparing it carefully. People should learn to hold cooking products with clean hands during preparation. Not washing hands during cooking is one of the many ways germs spread to foodstuffs (Mcguire-Wolfe, 2018). Washing hands using soap and running water could go a long way in preventing food illnesses. Alternatively, hand sanitizers can be used if water and soap are not available. People often ignore the most basic instructions of washing hands after using the restroom, coughing, or changing a diaper (Mcguire-Wolfe, 2018). Cleaning hands during and after cooking, particularly after touching raw meat, eggs, or poultry, is highly recommended. People should normalize washing their hands regularly, and although most people do, some ignore this basic rule.
Preparing food in the right way is another preventive measure that humans can use to reduce illnesses. An example of how bacteria are spread is marinating on open surfaces instead of using covered dishes or a refrigerator (Mcguire-Wolfe, 2018). Another precaution that might help is always keeping the kitchen counters clean by using soapy water to clean them (Mcguire-Wolfe, 2018). Mold is another common cause of bacteria spread, and people should learn how to handle moldy food properly. It is advisable not to smell or consume food covered with mold, instead, it should be thrown away. Although some goods can still be used while covered with mold, it will be safe to avoid them altogether or use the parts that are not affected.
Another effective preventive measure is choosing eating joints wisely since most people who suffer from food poisoning get it from hotels. People should be cautious about the type of eateries they visit; they should also check the place’s cleanliness (Charlesworth et al., 2021). Since the food was handled, prepared, and cooked by different people, it is always easier for contamination to occur in restaurants (Charlesworth et al. 2021). People handling food in hotels should also be careful and maintain cleanliness always. Although most restaurants are checked for health standards and proper procedures in the kitchen, some are negligent and do not offer training to their staff on handling cooking supplies to avoid any contamination.
Labels on packed food are ignored by most people when using some products. The labels that indicated the shelf life of a product or how long a particular product should be used are essential and should be checked before buying any packed product (Healthwise Staff, 2020). People should be keen on guidelines written on a product, like sell-by, or use by a specific date, they should not use the goods beyond the date indicated (Healthwise Staff, 2020). The labels also show how certain products should be stored, for example, flour should not be put in a dump or a wet place. Some commodities are supposed to be refrigerated after they are opened or frozen to prevent any contamination. Following the instructions on the labels and storing commodities as indicated will significantly reduce the chances of stomach infections.
Humans should also cook meals at the correct temperatures to make sure any bacteria or germs are destroyed. Some meals, especially animal products, should be cooked at a high temperature. Some of the foodstuffs that require to be cooked well are hamburgers, which are the primary source of E. coli infection that mainly causes diarrhea or urinal tract infections (Healthwise Staff, 2020). Poultry products should also be cooked well to ensure that no bacteria get into the digestive system. It is also advisable to ensure that meals are well cooked inside and are served while still hot. Most people ignore these directives and eat half-cooked foods, especially meat, which is not safe (Healthwise Staff, 2020). Instead, humans should get to learn the dangers of not cooking food at the correct temperatures. Although some of these bacteria cannot be felt immediately, they might affect the digestive system in the long run.
Human beings are one of the species that suffer from stomach complications due to poor hygiene or improper food handling. The lining of the human digestive tract is highly susceptible to infections from foreign bacteria and germs. Knowing how to prevent the infections will significantly reduce the number of people who visit health facilities with stomach illness issues. Humans should at all times clean their hands; before, during, and after handling food. They should also make sure that food is well cooked at the recommended temperatures to ensure that all bacteria are killed. Choosing the kind of restaurants or hotels that they go to will also help prevent any contamination issues. Preparing meals the right way and carefully reading labels on packed products will also prevent impurities, hence reducing foodborne illnesses.
References
Charlesworth, J., Mullan, B., Howell, J., Tan, H., Abbott, B., & Potter, A. (2021). Evaluating the impact of a pilot safe food-handling media campaign among consumers in Western Australia: Implications for public health messaging. Food Control, 126, 108070. Web.
Healthwise Staff. (2020). Foodborne Illness and Safe Food Handling. Web.
Mcguire-Wolfe, C. (2018). Foundations of infection control and prevention. Burlington, Ma: Jones & Bartlett Learning.