What is Food Poisoning?
Food poisoning is an illness characterized by stomach pains and diarrhea and vomiting, developing within 1 to 36 hrs after consuming the contaminated food.
The provision of safe food to customers is the most essential activity of food operators. Safe food refers to food that is free from harmful bacterial and chemical contamination. Negligence on this issue will not only lead to the closure of business but also to death in serious cases.
Food Safety and Environmental Concerns
Provision of safe food is the term activity and it involves food handling activity must be vigilant and ensure that the food is handled in the most careful manner.
Consumers should be provided with food prepared hygienically and with great care. The health of the customers is in the hands of food handlers and therefore, they should ensure that the customers are provided with safe and quality food.
Poorly prepared food may be contaminated by bacteria or chemicals or by both, which makes the customers fall sick.
Types of Food Poisoning
1. Chemical Food Poisoning: It occurs when chemicals accidentally contaminate food.
2. Bacterial Food Poisoning: It occurs when food is contaminated by harmful bacteria. Bacteria thrive in warm and moist foods. Bacteria spreads faster mainly through cross-contamination.
Types of Harmful Bacterias
Following are the four main types of bacteria that are responsible for the usual types of food poisoning:
- Salmonella.
- Staphylococcus aureus.
- Clostridium perfringens.
- Listeria monocytogenes.
Also read: Top 5 Free Online Food Safety Courses with Certificate
