Salmonella: Beware the Undercooked Poultry
Source: Raw or undercooked poultry, eggs, and unwashed produce.
Salmonella, the uninvited guest at many holiday gatherings, causes a symphony of digestive distress. Symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps, can occur anywhere from 6 hours to 6 days after indulging in contaminated fare. Prevent this unwelcome guest by ensuring poultry reaches a safe internal temperature (165°F or 74°C), avoiding cross-contamination, and practicing impeccable hand hygiene.
You should also ensure that any food preparation surfaces are cleaned thoroughly and regularly.
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E. coli: Beware the Undercooked Beef
Source: Undercooked ground beef and contaminated water.
The E. coli bacterium loves to make an appearance during the holidays, often through undercooked ground beef or contaminated water. Most types of E. coli are actually harmless, and a part of the human digestive tract, alongside many other types of bacteria. Some types, however, can cause problems (3). Symptoms, including severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting, appear around 2 to 8 days after exposure. Counter E. coli by cooking ground beef to a safe internal temperature (160°F or 71°C), avoiding raw milk, and opting for pasteurized juices.
You should also wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consuming them.
Tips for a Healthy Holiday Celebration
- Practice Safe Cooking: Ensure meats reach safe internal temperatures, and avoid cross-contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meat and produce.
- Hand Hygiene: Execute the hand washing routine like a pro, especially after handling raw meat, using the restroom, or touching surfaces that may harbor bacteria.
- Savor Safe Seafood: If seafood graces your holiday table, ensure it’s cooked thoroughly, and opt for reputable sources to minimize the risk of foodborne illnesses.
- Mindful Mingle: Steer clear of crowded holiday gatherings if you’re feeling under the weather, and encourage others to do the same.
- Reheat Right: When warming up leftovers, ensure they reach a thorough and uniform internal temperature to vanquish any lurking bacteria.
- Divide and Conquer: If preparing large quantities of food, divide them into smaller portions before refrigerating to hasten the cooling process.
- Chill with Speed: Refrigerate cooked dishes swiftly—within two hours—to inhibit the growth of pathogens.
Remedies for Food Poisoning Symptoms
For most people, the best remedy for food poisoning is plenty of rest and hydration. The bacteria or virus will typically work its way out of your system after 24 hours to a couple days.
In the meantime, there are some remedies that may help settle your stomach:
- Sipping on bone broth, electrolytes, or peppermint tea to avoid dehydration
- Activated charcoal for relieving gas and bloating (4)
- Probiotics to restore healthy gut bacteria after food poisoning
- Ginger or chamomile to help with nausea and stomach cramps
If symptoms persist or become severe, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
As the holidays approach, it’s essential to keep your loved ones safe from foodborne illnesses. Make sure to practice good hygiene, cook food thoroughly, and avoid cross-contamination to reduce the risk of contracting one of the common foodborne illnesses associated with holiday parties. By following these tips, you can enjoy your holiday gatherings with peace of mind, knowing that you’re taking proactive steps to protect yourself and your loved ones.
