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Food Poisoning
Did you know that food can
make you extremely ill or even kill you under certain
conditions. Food poisoning is a condition that occurs when
canned or bottled food, dairy products, or meat is invaded with
fungus or bacteria. When it is ingested, the bacteria or
fungus multiplies and results in illness or death.
Food poisoning doesn't
always affect the appearance, taste, or odor of food, so it can be
difficult and sometimes impossible to detect ahead of time.
In some cases however, you can suspect contamination and food
poisoning from certain signs.
To protect against food
poisoning, avoid as many processed foods as possible. Avoid
eating rare or raw meat, and avoid eating too much
shellfish.
Never thaw frozen foods at
room temperature; thaw them instead in the refrigerator, or
submerge them in cold water.
Watch for food contamination
or food poisoning in the following situations:
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Dented cans
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Cans bulging at the ends
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The food inside a can is bubbly
or frothy
-
The contents of a can
forcefully spray when you open the can
-
Visible mold on fruits or
vegetables
-
Fruits or vegetables have
started to decay (look for brown spots, soft spots, or
discoloration)
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Meat feels slimy to the touch
-
Meet, produce, or any other
food has a foul odor
-
Food has discolored
-
Food has a strong unusual
flavor
It doesn't take too long to
know if you have contracted food poisoning. In most cases
the symptoms are violent, and the onset is rapid. The type
of food poisoning you get depends on its source.
Seafood - Within 30 minutes
your fingertips and lips start to tingle. you lose strength
in your muscles, and you have difficulty breathing. This
type of food poisoning is often fatal.
Contaminated Eggs, Milk,
Meat, Poultry, and Fish - Within eight to 72 hours after eating
you will develop chills and a fever, nausea and vomiting, severe
diarrhea, and intense abdominal pain. This type of food
poisoning is rarely fatal.
Undercooked Meat -
Twenty-four to 72 hours after eating undercooked or raw meat, you
will experience abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and
diarrhea. You develop a flu-like illness, with muscle pain,
stiffness in the muscles and joints, as well as a fever. It
is difficult to sleep. This type of food poisoning is
usually fatal.
Food That is Cooked and Then
Kept Warm in Warming Trays for Long Periods - Within 24 hours
after eating in a restaurant, you develop abdominal pain and
severe diarrhea. This type of food poisoning can make you
very ill, but is rarely fatal.
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