Food poisoning is often linked to hot summer months, but consuming contaminated food and drink can happen any time of year, Makati Medical Center said.
“Many germ-laden dishes taste no different from unspoiled food, so there’s no way of telling if you have food poisoning until you experience the classic symptoms—nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, weakness, headache, and even a fever,” said Dr. Mark Paul S. Castillo of MakatiMed.
Symptoms may appear 30 minutes to eight hours after eating contaminated food, while some viruses, such as Hepatitis A, can take days or even months to show. Most cases resolve within 24 to 48 hours with hydration, but severe cases may lead to kidney failure, nerve or brain damage, and, in rare instances, death.
MakatiMed stressed prevention as key, reminding the public to keep food safe from preparation to storage.
Cleanliness is essential, Castillo said. Wash hands with soap and warm water before handling ingredients and cooked food. Use disposable gloves if there are wounds on the hands. Cooking utensils and surfaces should be washed thoroughly and dried before and after use.
Raw ingredients such as meat, poultry, and seafood should be rinsed and kept separate. Fruits and vegetables must also be cleaned properly—scrub firm produce like apples and cucumbers, and rinse leafy greens under running water before drying. Countertops, sinks, and sponges should be cleaned regularly, with sponges replaced weekly.
Food should be cooked at recommended times and temperatures. Hot food must be eaten immediately or kept warm, while cold dishes should be served in small portions and stored in the fridge until needed. Utensils must be properly washed, and separate serving spoons or tongs should be assigned to avoid cross-contamination. Double-dipping should be avoided.
Leftovers should be placed in clean, covered containers, stored in the freezer, and consumed within three to four days. They must be reheated before serving.
Castillo cautioned against assuming refrigerated food stays fresh indefinitely. “Check for molds and weird smells. Or better yet, when in doubt, throw it away. It’s better to be safe than sorry,” he said.
