Food Poisoning

 Food poisoning is an acute illness which manifest itself in one or more gastrointestinal symptoms following recent consumption of contaminated food or drink. The symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Sources of poisoning include contamination of food by microorganisms especially Escherichia coli, solanine which is found in green potatoes, heavy metals, inappropriate use or adequate removal of pesticides and poor handling of food materials.

Infections are spread more easily through mass production of food and when food is stored for longer period and/or transported to longer distances. There is a lot of ill-health due to food poisoning and lot of it is unreported. People may suffer diarrhoea or have stomach user and not say about it or bother going to see a doctor. Others attempt self medication while others report to the clinic late especially when the condition has become worst.

Food - borne diseases may be 350 times more frequent than reported. Bacteria can live and multiply in many types of foods. Meat and  poultry, raw or cooked, provide excellent media for bacteria growth. Pies, stews, milk and egg product e.g custards, soft cheese and cream are also idea media for bacterial growth.