The World Health Organization states approximately 420,000
people die every year from food-borne diseases. Young children account for more
than a quarter of those deaths, Health Briefs TV notes.
The agency also estimates that 600 million people become ill
every year from consuming tainted food. Children under five are vulnerable to
serious illness from contaminated food, resulting in 125,000 deaths per year. A
review of the food-related illnesses found 31 types of bacteria, viruses,
parasites, toxins or chemicals in food consumed in Africa and Asia.
Raw or undercooked meat, eggs, fresh produce and dairy
products are the main culprits. Other diseases which can stem from tainted food
are typhoid fever, hepatitis A, tapeworm and aflatoxin which is a mold that
grows on grain stored incorrectly.
Health Briefs TV observes from the U.S. Centers for Disease
Control that 48 million people get sick from tainted food each year. Roughly
128,000 need to be hospitalized and an estimated 3,000 die.
In the U.S., prevention is the key to not becoming ill from
contaminated food. Wash all produce thoroughly. Cook meat until fully done.
Wash all food preparation surfaces and hands after handling raw chicken and
fish. Don’t intermingle meat and chicken on cutting boards. If the food smells
bad, throw it out. Pay attention to use and sell by dates on all packages of
fresh food.
As the holiday season is now upon us, take extra care when
preparing and storing food for celebrations and gatherings. This is the season for joyous events. No one
wants to spend it sick in bed or in the hospital.
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| store and cook food like this properly |
