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Food Borne Illness

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With the outbreak of food-borne illness in the city, we would like to inform the public of what the symptoms are, safety issues, nutritional information, and how to prevent this illness in the future

1. What is food-borne illness? Food-borne illnesses are caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated with bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Harmful chemicals can also cause food-borne illnesses if they have contaminated food during harvesting or processing.
2. What are some safety issues related to this illness? Most cases of food-borne illnesses can be prevented through proper cooking or processing of food, which kills bacteria. Between 40 F and 140 F.
Refrigerate food promptly, set refrigerator at 40 F or lower, freezer at 0 F, and always wash your hands in warm soapy water. Do not pack refrigerator, cool air must circulate to keep food safe. Wash all unpackaged fruits and vegetables and those packaged and not marked “pre-washed,” under running water just before eating, cutting, or cooking. If prepared food stands at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it may not be safe to eat.

3. What are the symptoms of this illness? In most cases of food-borne illnesses, symptoms resemble intestinal flu and may last a few hours or even several days. Symptoms can range from mild to serious and include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, which is sometimes bloody, fever, and dehydration.
That is why it’s important to do research and seek a credible doctor or website that will provide you with the right information you need to know about nutritional value and how to prepare and handle the food you eat . Also when handling your food always keep your food at the right temperture, cook at the right temperture ,and keep your hands and cooking tools clean and disinfected to keep you healthy. There are many nutritional websites you can use,but here are two suggestions: ADA website is good for sorting out fad diets and faulty information from solid, scientifically-proven fact. The American Dietetic Association website has a main category for food and nutritional information, which is quite thorough. Under this "Food and Nutritional Information" heading are countless sub-categories which will tell you more than you ever wanted to know about nutrition. This Food and Nutritional Information category is just one of the many informative sections included in the ADA's website. www.fitday.com is really great because it provides you with read out of calories, fat, protein, etc., but it actually creates a pie graph. As a visually-oriented person, this is great. The pie graphs are helpful if you are trying to eat certain ratio of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. On fitday.com, you can track your weight, food and exercise statistics, and other information. Over a period of time, this is an excellent tool in weight loss and other goal reaching.

If you feel you may have contracted the food-borne illness, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. For more information on this food-borne illness you can contact me at: MrsJ@rightanswers4u.com

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