6 common foods linked to food poisoning

What is food poisoning

Food poisoning is a type of illness that occurs when someone ingests foodborne microbes by consuming contaminated food or drink.

Even if food looks normal on the outside and has its characteristic taste, poisoning can still occur due to the presence of toxic microorganisms that have not yet multiplied enough to spoil the dish.

The main symptoms of food poisoning include:

• elevated temperature (from 37-37.5 °C to 39-40 °C)
• loss of appetite
• vomiting and nausea
• cramping pains
• abdominal bloating
• low blood pressure, cold sweat
• blurred vision, visual disturbances
• muscle tone disorders
• excessive salivation
• peripheral nervous system issues
• brain function disturbances
• signs of dehydration

It is important to note that without proper care, food poisoning can cause serious health damage.

Since food poisoning can have severe or even fatal consequences, it is crucial to identify which foods require special caution.

Poultry and meat

Raw or undercooked poultry (chicken and turkey) and meat (beef, pork, lamb, and veal) can pose risks.

Cooked chicken can be a nutritious choice, but raw meat may be contaminated with microbes.

To prevent this, poultry and meat should be cooked to a safe internal temperature.

Vegetables and fruits

Fresh fruits and vegetables are a key part of a healthy diet, but they are also a major source of food poisoning, especially if not washed.

Vegetables and fruits are safest when washed and then cooked.

Specific foods that are raw or undercooked present a significant risk of food poisoning.

Milk

Consuming products made from raw milk can expose people to harmful microbes.

Choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products is the best way to safely enjoy nutritious products.

Cheese

Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk are also particularly risky. This includes Brie, Camembert, and blue cheeses — these are more likely to be contaminated with bacteria due to their high moisture content, low salt level, and low acidity.

Soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk or produced in unsanitary conditions are even more prone to contamination.

To prevent listeriosis, it is advisable to buy only cheeses that are clearly labeled "made from pasteurized milk."

Eggs

Raw and undercooked eggs can be contaminated with Salmonella, which can cause food poisoning and lead to more serious illnesses or even death.

Cook eggs until both the yolk and white are firm.

Seafood

Raw or undercooked fish and seafood can also lead to food poisoning. To ensure safety, cook fish to a safe internal temperature or until the flesh is easily flaked with a fork.

This material is for informational purposes only and should not be used for medical diagnosis or self-treatment. Our goal is to provide readers with accurate information about symptoms, causes, and methods of detecting diseases. RBС-Ukraine is not responsible for any diagnoses that readers may make based on materials from the resource. We do not recommend self-treatment and advise consulting a doctor in case of any health concerns.