According to reports, chicken, a lunch and dinner staple in most homes, was the main cause of food-borne illnesses between 2009 and 2015. According to the Center for Disease Control’s Foodborne Disease Outbreak Surveillance System (FDOSS), which collects data on food poisoning outbreaks, 5,760 outbreaks resulted in more than 100,000 illnesses.
An “outbreak” is defined as an event when two or more people have similar illness from eating a common food. Also, during that time period, chicken was responsible for 3,114 outbreak-related illnesses, or 12 percent of all food poisoning cases.
Other Top Foods That Are Common Food Poisoning Culprits
Apart from chicken, several other foods are commonly associated with food poisoning:
1. Eggs and egg products: Salmonella is often found in raw or undercooked eggs and can cause food poisoning.
2. Leafy greens: Vegetables like lettuce, spinach, and kale can be contaminated with E. coli, Salmonella, or Listeria if not properly washed or if exposed to contaminated water.
3. Raw shellfish: Oysters, clams, and mussels can carry Vibrio bacteria, which can cause severe food poisoning.
4. Unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses: If not properly processed, these products may contain Listeria, Salmonella, or E. coli.
5. Deli meats: Listeria can grow on deli meats, hot dogs, and other processed meats, especially if not stored properly.
6. Ground beef: Undercooked ground beef can harbor E. coli, which can cause severe illness.
7. Sprouts: Raw or lightly cooked sprouts, such as alfalfa or bean, can be contaminated with Salmonella or E. coli.
8. Raw fish: Sushi, sashimi, and other raw fish dishes can cause food poisoning if the fish contains parasites or bacteria like Anisakis or Salmonella.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
Chicken is one of the most popular food on America’s tables. It is easy to cook, delicious and a healthy protein preferred by many on high-protein or low-carbohydrate diets. Because we consume and handle such a large volume of chicken, there is a greater risk of cross-contamination between raw and undercooked chicken and other foods.
You can, however, protect yourself and your family by ensuring that your chicken products are safely handled and cooked well.
The most prevalent cause of food-borne illnesses from chicken is undercooked chicken. Here are a few steps you can take to keep yourself and your family safe:
- Put the chicken in a plastic bag before putting it in your shopping cart or refrigerator. This will prevent the raw juices from contaminating the space and other foods.
- Wash your hands with warm, soapy water for 20 seconds after handling chicken.
- Do not wash raw chicken and use a separate cutting board for poultry.
- Do not place cooked food or fresh produce on a plate or other surface that previously held raw chicken. Refrigerate leftover chicken within two hours.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165° F.
What Are the Symptoms of Food Poisoning?
The most common symptoms of food poisoning include:
1. Nausea
2. Vomiting
3. Diarrhea (may be watery or bloody)
4. Abdominal pain and cramps
5. Fever
6. Weakness and fatigue
7. Headache
8. Loss of appetite
Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may appear within hours or up to several days after consuming contaminated food or drink. The onset and severity of symptoms depend on the type of pathogen causing the illness, the amount consumed, and the individual’s overall health. If you experience severe symptoms such as high fever, bloody stools, severe dehydration, or prolonged vomiting, seek medical attention immediately.
How Do You Treat Food Poisoning?
Treatment for food poisoning typically focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications such as dehydration. The following steps can help treat food poisoning:
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of clear liquids, such as water, clear broths, or electrolyte solutions to replace fluids and electrolytes lost through vomiting and diarrhea.
- Rest: Get plenty of rest to help your body recover.
- Gradually reintroduce food: Once vomiting and diarrhea subside, slowly reintroduce bland, low-fat, easily digestible foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet).
- Avoid certain foods and substances: Steer clear of dairy products, caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and fatty or highly seasoned foods until you feel better.
- Over-the-counter medication: Medications like Pepto-Bismol or Imodium can help alleviate diarrhea and suppress nausea. However, consult a doctor before taking any medication.
- Antibiotics: In some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed by a doctor if a bacterial infection is the cause of food poisoning
If You Have Been Sickened
If you or a loved one became ill from chicken or chicken products due to someone else’s negligence. In that case, you may be able to file a food poisoning lawsuit seeking compensation for your damages and losses such as medical expenses, lost income, hospitalization and pain and suffering. An experienced food poisoning lawyer will be able to hold the at-fault parties accountable and help you secure much-needed compensation for your significant losses.
Source: https://www.aol.com/article/lifestyle/2018/09/07/the-number-one-food-that-causes-food-poisoning/23520369/
