The toxins are syndromes caused by the ingestion of food contaminated by toxic substances or pathogenic microorganisms, in sufficient quantities to cause an infection. They occur with the following symptoms : nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fever, skin reactions, weight loss, dehydration. They are caused by bacteria, viruses and parasites.
Given the high incidence of food poisoning in Italy, for which there is an increase in the summer months, the experts decided to gather some important tips to prevent this type of infections. According to experts, cooked foods are safer than raw foods , but in summer the consumption of the latter increases. This is why greater attention is required, so as to be able to defend against intoxication. How can we protect ourselves? Let’s find out the 10 tips from the experts .
Avoid buying meat outside the shops authorized for sale ; in fact, if the slaughter is not performed according to the hygiene rules, it is more probable that the meat can be contaminated. The meat must be well cooked, as the high temperatures kill most of the germs responsible for infections. The meat must be cooked to allow the temperature of at least 69 ° C to reach the center. Attention, therefore, to incomplete cooking, such as barbeque cooking, which sometimes does not allow the “at heart” to reach the required temperatures.
2) Fish and seafood
Prefer well-cooked fish and consume fish purchased at secure stores. If you want to eat raw or undercooked fish, all the restaurants that serve it, by law, must have previously passed it in a temperature blast chiller for 24 hours at -20 ° C. If you want to buy it instead, notify your fishmonger that you want to eat it raw, in this case also the store will have to knock it down before selling it.
3) Fruits and vegetables
Discard the product even partially degraded ; they must always be washed thoroughly, regardless of where they have been purchased. It is always best to proceed with the washing by adding bicarbonate or other food disinfectants to the water.
Always check that the water is drinkablewhen drinking from fountains. When in doubt, prefer bottled water.
To be consumed well cooked and to be purchased in authorized shops, wash them well before breaking them on the preparations as they could be contaminated with very small and invisible parts of the feces of the hen; the biggest danger that comes with eggs is the contraction of salmonellosis , but do not wash them as soon as they are purchased, because in this way you will remove an external patina that guarantees a better conservation.
6) Sweets and ice creams
They are sensitive and easy food to bacterial cultures , make sure they have not expired and that they have been stored perfectly. Do not keep them out of the fridge except to consume them, and in any case do not store desserts with creams and eggs for more than 1-2 days at a temperature of 5 ° C or less. Ice-creams must be stored in the freezer , but if they have been on the table until they are almost liquid, do not refreeze them. The ice cream stored in the freezer must be consumed, it is a bad habit, take out a tray, consume a bit ‘and put it in the freezer several times. Only take out the ice cream you consume from the freezer.
7) General rules
Especially with the heat, avoid storing food at room temperature ; when transporting food away from home, even if you use cooler bags, consume them after a short time; pay attention to the ice doors or chillers ;, they are not real freezers, in fact, by opening the door you will notice the presence of 1 or 2 stars, which indicate a temperature higher than -18 ° C of the freezer. These spaces can be used to make ice, or to store food for a period ranging from 3 days (1 star) to a month (2 stars).
Remember to always wash your hands before and after touching raw food; use gloves if you have injuries or injuries on your hands; keep pets away from the place where you store food, as they carry harmful microorganisms; keep the utensils and surfaces used for cooking always clean and tidy (especially when preparing different foods); avoid contact of food with flies or other insects; also in the fridge store in food in hermetically sealed containers and separated by food. At home, put the open canned food in the fridge and make sure that the food in oil is always covered in oil.
Prefer the consumption of cooked food , especially for meat, fish, seafood and eggs.
10) Places of purchase
Always contact authorized dealers with proven confidence. A good shop must be ordered and always clean ; avoid those that do not have these characteristics. Before buying, check carefully that the packaged food is perfectly sealed, that the packaging is not wet or covered with frost, that the bottles have an intact seal