Food poisoning is a serious concern. While sometimes it goes away quickly, it could lead to more severe health complications in the long run. So how do you know what to watch out for?
To tell food poisoning from a regular illness, keep reading to learn the top common food poisoning foods. Sometimes foods seem fine but actually lead to getting sick later.
Raw Meat
Raw meat is one of the most common foods that can cause food poisoning if it isn’t handled, stored, and cooked correctly.
Any type of raw meat, including beef, pork, poultry, organ meat, and game meat, can contain potentially harmful bacteria such as salmonella, listeria, Campylobacter, E. coli, and Yersinia.
When this kind of bacteria is ingested, it can cause symptoms such as vomiting, fever, stomach cramping, and diarrhea. Meat should also always be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165°F to ensure that any bacteria has been killed.
Making sure raw meat is handled and cooked properly is essential to protect against food poisoning and any related health issues.
If things get worse, look for a food poisoning attorney that can represent clients whose health has been negatively impacted by consuming contaminated food.
Spoiled Fruits and Vegetables
Potentially hazardous bacteria and toxins can be found in products such as apples, celery, mushrooms, oranges, and tomatoes if left unconsumed past their peak freshness.
As these fruits and vegetables often serve as ingredients in salads, sandwiches, and other dishes, failing to check for signs of spoilage presents a serious risk of illness. Signs of food poisoning from spoiled produce can include:
- stomach cramps
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- nausea
Contaminated Dairy Products
Milk and other dairy products, like cheeses and yogurt, can become contaminated with bacteria like Listeria, E. coli, or Salmonella if not handled properly or stored in temperatures that are too hot or too cold.
Of particular concern is raw and unpasteurized milk, which is not as safe as pasteurized milk. Additionally, cream-filled products and soft-ripened cheeses are also potential food-poisoning sources.
To minimize your risk, always buy these products from a reliable source, store them properly and keep an eye on their expiration dates. Make sure to cook all dairy products over 160° F and discard any dairy products that have been left unrefrigerated for more than two hours.
Undercooked Seafood
Undercooked seafood is one of the most common food poisoning foods. The bacteria and viruses present in undercooked seafood can enter the body when it is consumed, leading to food poisoning.
Several species of fish, including salmon, shellfish, and tuna, can cause food poisoning if they are not cooked properly.
Sitting out uncooked seafood for long periods of time or consuming it raw can put a person at risk for food poisoning. Foods contaminated with bacteria are especially dangerous as they may not always be detected by taste or smell.
To stay safe when consuming seafood, it is important to make sure it is cooked to a safe temperature and not left out for too long. It is also important to check for food recalls or warnings to avoid consuming contaminated seafood.
Deli-Style Prepared Foods
Deli-style products like meats, cheeses, and salads, while convenient, present a greater risk of foodborne illness because they are already cooked and then stored in a refrigerated environment where bacteria can thrive.
It is important to ensure that these foods are stored safely at a temperature between 34 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, and are consumed within two to three days.
Additionally, they need to be unable to be reserved once they have been handled. Taking those steps can help reduce the risk of food poisoning related to deli-style prepared foods.
Unpasteurized Juices & Drinks
Unpasteurized juices and drinks are hazardous for consumption. Unpasteurized foods, such as freshly-squeezed juices and smoothies, can contain harmful foodborne pathogens which can cause severe food poisonings, such as:
- E. Coli
- Salmonella
- Listeria
To reduce the risk of food poisoning, it is important to always store and consume food safely, follow proper food handling guidelines, avoid cross-contamination, and cook all foods to the correct internal temperature.
Furthermore, be sure to always avoid unpasteurized juices and drinks, as they pose a higher risk of food poisoning due to their lack of pasteurization process. If consumed, unpasteurized juices and drinks can lead to serious illnesses and long-term damage.
Chicken
Chicken is one of the riskiest foods when it comes to food poisoning. This is due to it being quite easily contaminated by bacteria like salmonella, campylobacter, and listeria.
If chicken is not properly cooked, it can cause food poisoning if someone was to eat it. The bacteria are usually found on the outermost layer of poultry, so proper washing and cooking are necessary.
As well, if the chicken isn’t stored at the correct temperature and conditions, it can lead to food being at risk of contamination.
Explore The Most Common Food Poisoning Foods
Food poisoning is a common risk to consider when eating any type of food. Common food poisoning foods are typically those that are not cooked properly, not refrigerated properly, or handled improperly.
To avoid food poisoning, it is important to cook food properly, store and handle food appropriately, and discuss any food safety questions with a health professional.
Keeping these key points in mind can help you stay healthy and safe. Get informed and stay food safe!
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