Food is an essential part of life that provides the nutrients to grow strong and healthy—as long as it’s treated and cooked correctly. Food carries natural bacteria that are challenging to spot, which is why it’s always necessary to wash and thoroughly cook certain foods.
The five most common foods that cause food poisoning share unique characteristics that make them ideal for bacteria to develop and harm your body. Learning how to eat these foods properly and when to avoid them could make all the difference between health and infection.
Raw Eggs
It is not uncommon for some people to eat raw eggs as part of their daily diet because they contain a lot of protein, which is good for the body. But raw eggs contain a pathogenic bacteria called salmonella, one of the main causes of food poisoning. Salmonella will cause fever, nausea, and vomiting; it can take days to leave the body, even with medication.
Raw Milk
Raw milk needs to go through a process called pasteurization to eliminate bacteria. This process brings the milk to high temperatures to kill harmful microbes and does not affect the taste or nutritional characteristics. Raw milk comes directly from the cow and is hard to find in stores. You will find packaged milk that is safe to drink at the grocery store.
Undercooked Chicken
Undercooked meat and chicken often cause foodborne illness because they contain bacteria that only high temperatures can eliminate. Undercooked meat can also carry salmonella, so you must cook it thoroughly. Salmonella poisoning is one of the most unforgettable foodborne illnesses in the United States and requires medical attention.
Fruit and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are some of the best, most nutritious, and healthy foods you can eat when washed and cooked safely. E-coli and listeria are two bacteria found in fruits and vegetables that could severely damage your health and even send you to the hospital. It is essential to wash and clean these foods with water and soap to prevent foodborne illness.
Seafood and Shellfish
Seafood requires specific treatment to make it safe for human consumption. The bacteria Vibro develops in greater quantities in the ocean when the weather is warm but also when the shellfish population is higher. Shellfish is one of the most common foods to cause food poisoning, so it’s necessary to learn how to cook it or eat it from a reliable source.
