Holidays are a time for delicious dishes, but violating the rules for storing and preparing food can have undesirable consequences. In December-January 2023-2024, 6,527 cases of food poisoning , which is 13% more than last year, according to the Center for Public Health of Ukraine.
Experts pay particular attention to power outages, which make it difficult to store food in proper conditions. The following foods are most often the cause of food poisoning:
- raw eggs and meat;
- unpasteurized milk and soft cheeses;
- home preservation;
- confectionery with cream.
The Public Health Center provides a number of recommendations on how to reduce the risk of poisoning:
- Hygiene : wash your hands, clean kitchen surfaces and utensils regularly.
- Separate areas : Use separate cutting boards for raw and ready-to-eat foods.
- Cooking : Cook meat, fish, and seafood thoroughly.
- Freshness of products : check expiration dates, avoid using questionable products.
- Proper storage : do not leave food on the table for more than two hours, immediately after the celebration, put the leftovers in the refrigerator.
It is especially emphasized that the most vulnerable to food poisoning are children, pregnant women, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.
If you experience nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or vomiting after a holiday feast, this may be a sign of poisoning. In such cases, you should immediately consult a doctor.
