When a food presents alterations in its texture, smell and flavor, it is better to throw it away before falling into food poisoning, according to what experts recommend.
The consumption of contaminated food can generate food poisoning, salmonella, anisakis and other bacteria.
Beatriz Robles, who is a dietitian, nutritionist and food technologist, explains that “food is not sterile, it has a certain degree of contamination. Especially raw meat, fish and raw vegetables. With a good wash it would be removed.”
He recommends that if we do not know if a food is contaminated, it is better to throw it away. “When in doubt, throw it away,” he told the chain. Cope.
Food poisoning in summer
In summer, food poisoning is more frequent because high temperatures can contribute to the proliferation of toxins or microorganisms, affecting their composition.
For prevent this from happening, the basic recommendations are: do not break the cold chain, cook food well and completely and cook it when you take it out of the freezer.
It also clarifies that “not all of us react in the same way to food that may be contaminated with toxins or microorganisms.”
He explains that “food can be contaminated at different levels, even being the same food.”
Raw Food Recommendations
Food handling is key to avoiding food poisoning, which is why in the case of all raw foods of animal origin, such as meat, fish or eggs, and “those that are already bought prepared and ready for consumption, security measures must be followed and expiration dates must be respected.
Tartars, sushis or carpaccios should not be included in the products that are taken to eat on the beach. Instead, cold creams, salads, fruits with skin or well-cooked foods are recommended.
It also does not recommend leaving cooked food at room temperature for a period of time longer than one hour in the hot months.
Difference between a safe and healthy food
For Robles there is a difference between safe and healthy food, for example, the food bought in supermarkets is safe and will not cause food poisoning.
In the event that it occurs, it can be because “we handle it badly. Although zero risk does not exist, we have the highest standards in the world in the European Union, and it is a guarantee of food safety”.
He warns that not all the food we find in the supermarket is healthy, since the consumption of unhealthy foods that are available in the long term can result in diseases such as obesity, diabetes or some types of cancer.
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