New Year’s holidays are never complete without a festive table of various dishes that require refrigeration. But with modern conditions and constant power outages, it is difficult to properly store food. Food poisoning is not the best way to end a festive evening, so the Public Health Center of Ukraine has shared simple rules to protect yourself and your loved ones from the unpleasant consequences of the holidays. UNN.
According to statistics, experts observed an increase in the number of acute intestinal infections (acute intestinal infections) during Christmas last year: 6,527 in December 2023 – January 2024, and 5,764 in December – January 2022 case was recorded. 2023 year.
The main causes of food poisoning are bacteria, viruses and parasites. And the following products have the greatest risk of infection with these pathogens:
raw eggs;
unpasteurized milk;
home canning;
raw meat, fish and seafood;
soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk (for example, brie, camembert, blue-veined cheeses);
Confectionery with cream.
Experts to prevent food contamination by microorganisms before and after eating recommend:
Be sure to wash your hands with soap before preparing food. Clean kitchen surfaces and utensils regularly.
Cut raw and prepared foods on separate plates. Have a separate board and knife for meat and fish to avoid contaminating prepared foods with microorganisms that may be present in raw foods.
Treat raw foods with heat before use. Make sure the fish or meat is well cooked, cooked or cooked before serving and consuming.
Make sure the products are fresh. Check the expiry date of the products. If the appearance or smell is suspicious, you should throw it away and do not risk it.
Do not leave food on the table for more than two hours. Immediately after the holiday, put leftovers in the refrigerator, especially salads with mayonnaise, creamy desserts and jellied meat.
It is also recommended to buy food products from reliable retail chains and suppliers.
If you decide to celebrate outside your home, choose reliable restaurants or cafes with a good reputation. If in doubt about the quality, don’t hesitate to ask the staff to change your food.
Children, pregnant women, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems are most vulnerable to food poisoning.
Poisoning can manifest as nausea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and/or diarrhea, and can lead to dangerous complications requiring hospitalization due to dehydration, prolonged fever, or even blurred vision.
If signs of poisoning are detected, you should immediately consult a doctor and do not self-medicate.
Let us remind you
A 26-year-old pregnant woman in Volyn region I poisoned myself with mushrooms which caused the loss of the child. After intensive treatment, the patient’s condition returned to normal.