How does food poisoning happen and how can it be prevented?

Answer

Food poisoning occurs when we eat food contaminated with harmful bacteria, viruses or parasites. The ministry lists the main circumstances: food that is not cooked thoroughly or is reheated again and again, food prepared by someone who has not washed their hands or who feels unwell, food stored at the wrong temperature, food eaten after its use-by date, and food that animals or insects have come into contact with. One of the most common causes is the transfer of micro-organisms from raw food to cooked or ready-to-eat food (cross-contamination). Salmonella, a frequent culprit, is usually found in eggs and in the raw meat of poultry such as chicken and turkey; its most common symptoms are fever, diarrhoea and abdominal cramps, and it can be life-threatening if it reaches the bloodstream. To protect yourself: cook meat, poultry and eggs thoroughly; keep raw and cooked foods apart; use clean utensils, chopping boards and surfaces for each type of food; store food at the right temperature; and wash your hands before preparing food.