What are foodborne illnesses?
These are a group of illnesses caused by consuming food or beverages that arrive contaminated or that are mishandled during preparation, distribution, or sale.
They are mainly caused by microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that harm health, although the presence of certain chemical substances (such as medications or pesticides) is also associated with these illnesses.
The World Health Organization notes that every year, thousands of people become ill from consuming contaminated water or food.
Although these illnesses can affect the entire population, infants, children under five, older adults, and people with chronic degenerative diseases (whose immune defenses are weakened) tend to experience more severe symptoms.
Some of the main symptoms of foodborne illnesses include fever, nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, though other symptoms may appear depending on the microorganism causing the illness.
Among the most common foodborne illnesses are:
- Salmonellosis, commonly associated with eating contaminated beef and chicken, or any other food contaminated with the bacteria.
- Staphylococcal food poisoning, commonly associated with eating contaminated ham, beef or poultry products, cream-filled pastries, mixed foods, or leftovers.
How does food become contaminated?Food can become contaminated at the source due to poor hygiene practices during production, for example, irrigating fruits and vegetables with wastewater, or the presence of medication residues in meat from overuse in livestock.
Food can also become contaminated through improper handling and poor hygiene during preparation, distribution, or storage. The main causes include:
- Lack of proper hygiene practices among food handlers.
- Use of contaminated utensils and equipment.
- Cross-contamination of ready-to-eat foods.
- Use of contaminated water or raw ingredients.
- Presence of pests such as insects or rodents where food is prepared.
How can food contamination and these illnesses be prevented?The World Health Organization has established five keys:
- Use safe water and raw materials.
- Keep things clean.
- Separate raw and cooked foods.
- Cook food thoroughly.
- Keep food at safe temperatures.
Bacteria that are harmful to health grow best at temperatures between 5 and 60 degrees Celsius. That’s why it’s important to always refrigerate your food and cook it thoroughly before eating.
If you suspect you may have a foodborne illness, see a doctor right away, don’t self-medicate. Contact our Department of Preventive Medicine.
- Santa Fe Campus: 1103-1691 and 1690
- Observatorio Campus: 5230-8230
At ABC Medical Center’s Preventive Medicine area, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
