While headlines of food poisoning cases jump off the news, there are still a lot having a hard time knowing if they had food poisoning or just a brush with the flu.
According to statistics, there are 48 million cases of food poisoning in the United States a year, with an estimated 1 in 6 Americans gets sick from something they ate; the most commonly identified cause of food poisoning is the prevalence of Salmonella.
However, of the over 1 million cases estimated, less than 1/10 were actually treated and confirmed. The reason for this is people are always quick to self-identify food poisoning because of common food poisoning myths such as the "'off' milk at the back of the fridge.
According to the Food Safety Information Council of Australia, research shows that milk is unlikely to be a problem as pasteurisation kills any dangerous bacteria. As a matter of fact, a study proves that most people correctly identify that chicken (95%), minced meat (90%) and seafood (96%) are food poisoning hazards if not prepared properly.
To help us accurately recognize and treat food poisoning, the Council also highlights other common food poisoning myths that can be forgotten:
1. The last meal you ate is the culprit.
Contrary to popular suspicion, some forms of food poisoning take days or even weeks to manifest.
2. Chicken or minced meat dishes are already cooked when the juices run clear.
Trust the thermometer only. You would know the food is cooked when it is 75 degree Celsius internal.
3. You don't have to worry too much about food poisoning.
People usually underestimate the dangers of food poisoning. Food poisoning in extreme forms can cause reactive arthritis, kidney, nerve damage and hepatitis. Each year food poisoning results in 86 deaths.
4. You don't have to worry if you are a vegan.
Food poisoning outbreaks have been caused by fresh produce such as frozen berries, orange juice, salad items and cooked rice.
5. Home-made mayonnaise is better than the commercial ones.
Consumers who make their own mayonnaise should prepare small amounts and consume immediately.
6. Defrosted frozen meat or chicken can't be safely refrozen.
There's nothing wrong with refreezing defrosted meat or chicken
