Foods to look out for

Dairy products In warm weather, these products spoil especially quickly — sometimes even in the refrigerator.

What to do: Buy products that have a good expiration date and eat them quickly.

Poor quality ice cream Some ice cream manufacturers use palm oil, dyes, and other additives that can disrupt the stomach.

What to do: Buy only products from well-known manufacturers who use quality ingredients. It is important to make sure that the packaging is not broken, and that the dairy has not been partially melted.

Undercooked meat Meat and poultry can have salmonella and listeria, which can cause salmonellosis and listeriosis — two dangerous diseases. They are especially dangerous for children, pregnant women, and the elderly.

What to do: Know where your meat comes from and cook it well. Also, carefully wash dishes and work surfaces that the meat came into contact with. Do not consume any vegetables or any other foods that were marinated with raw meat.

Prepared foods from supermarkets When buying prepared foods in the grocery store, you don’t always know how fresh it is — whether it is meat, dairy, or another type of food.

What to do: Try to avoid meat and dairy products. Stick to vegetables, fruits, and non-perishables.

Eating raw fruits and vegetables Be careful when fruit or vegetable picking. It is always better to wash fruits and vegetables first as well as your hands to remove any germs or pesticides.

What to do: Berries, fruits, and vegetables must be washed before consumption.

Other tips

Make sure that the products are not left out for too long — move them to the fridge before they begin to perish.

Avoid fatty, heavy foods that may create unnecessary stress on the digestive tract.

When eating food out of the house, store perishables with ice to keep them fresh.

Have over-the-counter medications on hand that can alleviate poisoning symptoms.

If you feel ill, drink plenty of water and relax. If the symptoms of poisoning persist for more than 1–2 days, be sure to seek medical help, because similar signs can be in other, much more dangerous diseases. Which ones? Read here!

19 July 2021