Students from different grade levels up to college have complained of food poisoning.
On July 10, 2015 at least 1,080 students from six different towns in southern Surigao del Sur were admitted to government hospitals and to municipal health centers after suffering vomiting spells and complaining of nausea, dizziness, stomach pain and headaches.
According to reports, the students allegedly began feeling ill after eating Wendy’s durian candy sold by street vendors. Reports go on to say that the manufacturers of the durian candy stand by the quality of their products and claim that the candies that were sold were repackaged by distributors – meaning that the products could have been expired by the time the vendor decided to sell.
Upon further investigation, it was revealed that while the manufacturer has been operating for 6 years, they did not have a certificate from the Food and Drug Administration. The owners have submitted themselves for investigation and local officials have detained several vendors who sold Wendy’s durian candy for questioning.
Samples of Wendy’s durian candy to the laboratory for examination. Results may be released by July 13, Monday.
How food becomes contaminated
With over 1,000 students suffering from food poisoning, it’s best that you know as much as you can about the causes of food poisoning and that every type of food – meat, vegetables, sauces and more – may be contaminated. Here’s how:
- Unsanitary growing conditions – feedlots and feeder houses that mass produce livestock for meat have been sited more than a few times for unsanitary feeding and living conditions for the animals.
- Improper and unsanitary equipment – milk storage tanks, refrigeration compartments etc; the need for proper and clean equipment is essential throughout the entire process from cow to your refrigerator.
- Improper use of fertilizers – growers have been known to use fertilizers that shouldn’t be used on food for human consumption.
- Negligent transportation methods.
- Improper cleaning of food before eating.
- Improper storage/temperature control in the store or in your home.
- Improper cooking methods–not cooking thoroughly, using dirty utensils, etc.
Click “Continue Reading” to know the symptoms of food poisoning.
Learn to look out for the signs of food poisoning in kids.
Symptoms of food poisoning
While everyone is susceptible to food poisoning, children are more so, due to their young digestive and weaker immune systems, as well as the lesser amounts of stomach acids, enzymes and good bacteria compared to the adult system. Because this is so and because some forms of food poisoning are fatal, it is important for you, as a parent, to know the signs of food poisoning and what to do.
- Severe Headache
- Stomach cramps (severe)
- Vomiting
- Bloody stools/diarrhea
- Fever
- Aching muscles
Note: The symptoms usually present themselves rather abruptly. If your child exhibits these symptoms don’t hesitate to seek medical attention.
Treatment for food poisoning
Among the most important treatments is hydration. Keeping the body flushing itself of toxins is imperative. Water, of course is the best choice, as are fluids that provide electrolytes. The doctor may or may not want to induce further vomiting–depending on the type of food poisoning.
Know what food to avoid and what you can do to help prevent food poisoning.
Most common culprits of Food poisoning
The foods most commonly responsible for causing food poisoning include:
- Meat that is undercooked or left to set out too long
- Shell fish
- Honey in children under 1 year of age
- Fruits and vegetables that have not been washed clean of chemicals, dirt, waste and fertilizers
- Eggs that have been handled improperly
- Packaged foods that are consumed after their expiration date or that have been improperly packaged.
An ounce of prevention…
That’s right–it’s a whole lot more pleasant and responsible to prevent food poisoning in your children (and you, too) than to have to worry about treating it. While it is true that there is no way to completely avoid something happening as a result of eating out, the following is a list of things you can do to cut the risk of food poisoning dramatically.
- Consume foods that have been cooked thoroughly and kept at the right and safe temperature
- Consume fruits and veggies that have been washed and cleaned thoroughly
- Wash your hands before serving food
- Wash your hands, utensils, dishes and cooking surfaces with disinfectant
- Use foods within their recommended dates of consumption
- Make sure your children wash their hands before eating
Article originally published on: theAsianparent
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