• Food and Gastronomy -> Culinary techniques and food preparation

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What are the most common foodborne illnesses and how can they be prevented?

Chester Krikorian

Well, the most common foodborne illnesses are caused by bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, Listeria, and Campylobacter. These nasty little buggers can spread through contaminated food and cause a range of symptoms from diarrhea, vomiting, stomach cramps, fever, and nausea.

To prevent these illnesses, it's important to follow some basic food safety tips. First of all, make sure to wash your hands before handling any food, and don't cross-contaminate by using the same cutting board or utensils for raw and cooked foods. It's also important to cook food to the appropriate temperature and refrigerate food promptly after cooking.

Another way to prevent foodborne illnesses is to be aware of which foods are most likely to be contaminated. Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and fish are big culprits, as are raw fruits and vegetables that have been contaminated by animal or human waste. Dairy products and eggs can also be risky, so make sure to buy from reputable sources and handle them carefully.

One thing that many people overlook is the importance of protecting your own health. If you're sick, don't prepare food for others and avoid handling food that will be eaten raw. This can help prevent the spread of germs that could make other people sick.

Overall, preventing foodborne illnesses requires a combination of good hygiene, safe food handling practices, and knowledge about which foods are most likely to be contaminated. Stay informed and take care when preparing and handling food, and you'll greatly reduce your risk of getting sick from something you ate.