How to Avoid Getting a Foodborne Illness

Foodborne illnesses happen more often than you might think. There is an abundance of foodborne illnesses, but some of the most common include salmonella and botulism. Despite the problem they pose, there are plenty of ways to prevent them. Here’s how to avoid getting a foodborne illness.

Handle Your Food Properly

The first step to keeping foodborne illnesses away is to make sure all food is handled properly. Specifically, any food that is considered perishable must be properly handled. This is because perishable foods will eventually rot, which produces extremely harmful bacteria. Food that’s not handled properly can cause a myriad of unpleasant symptoms, which range from mild gastrointestinal upset to acute food poisoning.

In addition, not cleaning and refrigerating your food properly can lead to the growth of dangerous bacteria. Always make sure to wash any vegetables and fruit you consume. Set your refrigerator to the right temperature so any perishables stay fresh.

Cook Thoroughly

Proper storage isn’t the only way to keep foodborne illnesses at bay. This is a no-brainer, but ensuring the food is fully cooked before eating it also plays a key role. Another common mistake that occurs is serving or consuming food that wasn’t fully cooked.

Fully cooking the food does a lot more than simply guarantee freshness. Not only does it eliminate the harmful bacteria, but cooked food also is easier to digest and it provides the body with more energy.

Be on Alert for Recalls

Food recalls occur every so often, so it’s important to always be on the lookout for them. You may be wondering what to do if you bought a product that was recalled. You have two options: Cut your losses and throw it away or take it back to where you purchased it from. Some stores may be open to giving you a full refund or an even exchange. But if not, then simply toss it out.

If you have already consumed a recalled product, a trip to the doctor can help relieve your fears. A foodborne illness can strike quickly and turn into an infection, so it should not be taken lightly.

It goes without saying that you can never be too careful, especially with foodborne illnesses. There are plenty of methods to help you avoid them, but the three listed here are a good start. If you start feeling queasy or nauseous after consuming a certain food, seek medical attention.

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