Latest news with #foodpoisoning
Daily Mail
15 hours ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
I'm a microbiologist - this is the common dining mistake people make that's causing crippling illness
A food poisoning expert has warned that buffets are a 'hotspot for illness' because of common hygiene mistakes. Cross contamination and poor temperature control are the leading cause of food related illness during the dining experience, according to the microbiologist. Dr Kimon-Andreas Karatzas, Associate Professor of Food Microbiology at the University of Reading said: 'Without proper precautions, [buffets] can also pose serious food safety risks. 'One of the main food safety challenges at buffets is temperature control. Harmful bacteria multiply rapidly in what experts call the "danger zone".' The high risk zone is the temperature range between 8°C and 63°C. If food sits within this range for too long, it becomes an ideal breeding ground for microbes. 'Unfortunately, in busy all-you-can-eat environments, it's common for staff to top up half-empty trays instead of replacing them. 'While this may reduce food waste, it increases the likelihood of contamination, especially during high-traffic service times,' says Dr Karatzas, writing in the Conversation. 'Without strict hygiene protocols in place, even small lapses in temperature control can lead to widespread illness.' The expert highlights that there are three main bacteria to be wary of at buffets. The first is salmonella, which is often found in under-cooked poultry, eggs, and dairy products. He warns that it can cause diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal cramps, and it spreads easily if hot food is not kept at a safe temperature. He also notes that 'e. coli, typically linked to under-cooked beef and raw vegetables, can cause severe gastrointestinal illness and, in some cases, lead to kidney failure.' Finally, a bacteria often found in soft cheeses, pâté, and pre-packed sandwiches — listeria monocytogenes — can be a risk to people with weakened immune systems like pregnant women. 'In many buffet settings, food is left sitting out for extended periods – sometimes in ambient room temperatures, and sometimes without adequate heating or refrigeration equipment. This allows bacteria to flourish,' says Dr Karatzas. The expert also warns that cross contamination is a serious risk at buffets. 'If just one dish becomes contaminated—say, with under-cooked meat juices or bacteria from unwashed hands—they can spread to other foods, affecting many people,' says Dr Karatzas. 'Sneezes over platters and untrained customers handling food directly all increase the risk. Even something as simple as using the same spoon for multiple dishes can be enough to transfer bacteria. 'With many hands touching the same utensils and food being moved or mixed between containers, even a well-run buffet can become a hazard zone as it is difficult to monitor and control that all customers abide to food safety rules.' The expert warns that common cross contamination puts diners with allergies at greater risk. 'Cross-contamination means that allergen-free foods can become unsafe through even minimal contact with allergenic ingredients,' says Dr Karatzas. 'Putting allergic diners at greater risk.' Official statistics show that around 2.4 million people in the UK get food poisoning every year. The Food Standards Agency (FSA) estimates that there are closer to 18 million cases of food poisoning in the UK each year — almost one in four people. Food poisoning is rarely serious and usually gets better within a week. Common symptoms include feeling sick, diarrhoea, tummy pain, a high temperature and feeling generally unwell. To avoid these uncomfortable symptoms the microbiologist recommends that when at a buffet clean utensils should be available for each item, check dishes should be steaming hot or chilled, not lukewarm and diners should wash their hands before serving themselves.
Russia Today
2 days ago
- Health
- Russia Today
Netanyahu's corruption trial delayed over ‘food poisoning'
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will miss scheduled corruption hearings this week after being diagnosed with food poisoning, his office said on Sunday. The trial began in 2020 and involves charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust over allegations of influence peddling and accepting gifts. Netanyahu denies any wrongdoing, describing the case as a politically motivated campaign against him. According to officials, the 75-year-old prime minister fell ill overnight and was examined at home by his doctor. He was diagnosed with intestinal inflammation from eating 'spoiled food' and is receiving intravenous fluids for dehydration. His condition was described as good. 'In accordance with his doctors' instructions, the prime minister will rest at home for the next three days and will conduct state affairs from there,' the Prime Minister's Office stated. He also missed Sunday's weekly cabinet meeting due to the illness. Netanyahu's lawyer, Amit Hadad, requested the postponement, which the State Attorney's Office accepted, proposing testimony later in the week. The court, however, canceled all sessions, and with summer recess starting, the next hearing is not expected before September 5. The hearings have faced a number of delays due to Netanyahu's health issues, Israel's wars with Hamas and Iran, and diplomatic travel, according to Israeli media. In December 2024, he missed a session following a urinary tract infection caused by an enlarged prostate and reportedly underwent surgery. Last month, US President Donald Trump called for the proceedings be canceled, labeling the case a 'witch hunt.' Earlier in June, the US joined Israel's strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, claiming that Tehran was nearing the completion of a nuclear bomb. Iran denied the allegations and retaliated with attacks on Israel and a US base in Qatar.
LBCI
2 days ago
- Health
- LBCI
Netanyahu suffers food poisoning, to rest for three days, his office says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is recovering from a bout of food poisoning, his office said on Sunday, adding that he will continue to carry out his duties while resting at home for the next three days. Netanyahu, 75, fell ill overnight and was found to be suffering from intestinal inflammation and dehydration, for which he is receiving intravenous fluids, a statement said. "In accordance with his doctors' instructions, the prime minister will rest at home for the next three days and will manage state affairs from there," his office added. Reuters
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Health
- Khaleej Times
Israeli PM Netanyahu suffers food poisoning, receives medical care
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is recovering from a bout of food poisoning, his office said on Sunday, adding that he will continue to carry out his duties while resting at home for the next three days. Netanyahu, 75, fell ill overnight and was found to be suffering from intestinal inflammation and dehydration, for which he is receiving intravenous fluids, a statement said. "In accordance with his doctors' instructions, the prime minister will rest at home for the next three days and will manage state affairs from there," his office added. Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker in 2023 and last December he had his prostate removed after he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection.
Al Arabiya
3 days ago
- Health
- Al Arabiya
Netanyahu suffers food poisoning, to rest for three days, his office says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is recovering from a bout of food poisoning, his office said on Sunday, adding that he will continue to carry out his duties while resting at home for the next three days. Netanyahu, 75, fell ill overnight and was found to be suffering from intestinal inflammation and dehydration, for which he is receiving intravenous fluids, a statement said. 'In accordance with his doctors' instructions, the prime minister will rest at home for the next three days and will manage state affairs from there,' his office added. Netanyahu was fitted with a pacemaker in 2023 and last December he had his prostate removed after he was diagnosed with a urinary tract infection.
