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Gastroenterologist shares 4 effective hacks to prevent summertime food poisoning and when to visit a doctor
Summertime increases the likelihood of food spoilage, spiking the risks of food poisoning. While it is commonly believed that food poisoning mostly comes from street food, high temperatures during summer can spoil even home-cooked meals, turning them into a big hazard if not stored or handled properly.
Moreover, the transition between summer's high temperature and the incoming monsoon's humidity adds another layer of risk. This is why precautions become important to save your home-cooked meals from turning into breeding grounds for harmful bacteria.
In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Azhar Perwaiz, Director, GI Surgery, GI Oncology and Bariatric Surgery, Gastrosciences at Medanta, Gurugram, shared the reasons behind the rising summertime food poisoning.
He said, 'The rising temperatures of the Indian summer significantly increase the risk of food spoilage and foodborne illnesses. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the 'danger zone' for bacterial growth, between 4°C and 60°C, can be reached in under two hours on hot days. Recent incidents, such as the closure of 80 eateries in Kerala in early June for hygiene violations during the monsoon season, underscore the reality of this seasonal food-safety challenge.'
Dr Azhar Perwaiz listed out a complete guide, including precautions and when to see a doctor for food poisoning:
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Note to readers: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.
