The Real Truth About Why You are Responsible for Food Poisoning
Have you been a victim of Food poisoning? Or was it a stomach bug? It’s good to know what it is, so you know whether or not you are infectious or if other people shouldn’t eat the mystery pizza in the fridge. Food poisoning is an illness caused by the consumption of food contained with bacteria, viruses, parasites or toxins. This is often as a result of incorrectly handled or cooked food.
Symptoms can show up within hours of eating the contaminated food and you can be ill for 1-10days. These are some of the signs to watch out for,
Common Symptoms:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Watery Diarrhoea
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
- Muscle Aches
Other symptoms include:
- Pain in the rectum
- Chills
- Dizziness
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Sweating
- Headache
If you feel that symptoms are severe please seek medical attention.
Most cases of mild food poisoning will go away on their own. A key factor to getting better is ensuring you keep hydrated, rest, eat bland foods such as toast, plain rice, and boiled potatoes. Be sure to avoid spicy foods, dairy products, and fatty foods.
Prevention is the best cure however, so you can also take several preventative measures.
This is what some Kenyan mums had to say about maintaining a sanitary cooking and eating environment in their homes:
‘I am a fit mum who goes to the gym often and I make sure to thoroughly wash my hands after using the machines and especially before I eat’- Wanjiru
‘Do you know the meaning of OCD? that is me. I specifically go over the top when it comes to my baby’s toys and teething rings. I dip them in water containing Milton sterilising tablets as soon as they hit the ground or someone touches my son’s fingers *cringe*‘- Mama Angela
‘There are people (you know yourselves) who use the same chopping board and knives to cut raw meat and vegetables. I can tell you from first-hand experience that you don’t know what you are getting yourself into. Try your best to use separate cutting boards or preparation areas. If not, use a great sanitising solution or wash these items with detergent in between use. Otherwise, I won’t eat your food! – Bernice
‘My husband tells me I am a fridge decorator. I don’t know if I should take it as a compliment. One thing I can tell you is I have to make sure I use separate storage areas for raw and ready-to-eat foods. My mum used to pinch me when I didn’t store dry foods above wet foods or ready to eat foods like ham above the raw foods. A few pinches down the years I realised why it was so important. Raw foods can easily cross contaminate your other food. I learnt it the hard way but I am here to save you all’ – Mama Zuri (akaFridge decorator)
‘I know I am not a mum but I am a single dad. Let’s just say I do everything by the book and don’t leave any room for experimenting when it comes to my toddler. From when she was born, I have used Milton sterilization fluid for anything that goes into her mouth. This includes her toys, baby bottles, feeding accessories, teething rings. I normally see the nanny side-eyeing me when I wake up to put everything in the sterilising solution before going to work. I just can’t be bothered to boil hot water all the time so this will be our life until she goes to Class 1. ‘ – Thomas (Baba Ella)
