What is food poisoning?

Food poisoning (or food borne illness) is an illness that you may get after eating food contaminated by certain bacteria, parasites, viruses, or chemicals.

During October, 1997, there were hot news about Dreyer's Ice Cream Bars contaminated with Listeria monocytogens, and Fantastar contaminated with fungus.

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Common causes of food poisoning

Food poisoning is commonly caused by certain bacteria or their toxins, which are poisonous proteins produced by these bacteria.

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Example of food poisoning caused by bacteria

1. Botulism

Botulism is an often fatal disease that results from eating improperly canned foods( spoiled canned food) , improperly processed, low-acid foods such as green beans, mush-rooms, spinach, olives and beef or fish contaminated with toxins released by the bacteria Clostridium botulinum.

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• Clostridium botulinum causes Botulism

Clostridium botulinum is the spore-forming bacteria that is the cause of concern when home canning low acid foods. While the bacteria is destroyed at 100°C, it has the ability to form hardy spores that can survive boiling water processing. These spores can germinate and grow in a low acid environment in the absence of air. As they grow they give off a deadly toxin. Clostridium botulinum spores can be destroyed by heat processing at a temperature of 116°C. Foods that are low in acid such as meat, poultry, seafood or vegetables must be processed in a pressure canner in order to obtain temperatures of 116°C.

Clostridium botulinum is not a spoilage concern in high acid foods. The spores cannot grow or produce the deadly toxin in high acid foods. High acid foods can be safely heat processed in a boiling water canner.

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• The symptoms of botulism

Generally, victims experience symptoms 12-36 hours after eating, although symptoms have started as long as 96 hours after an exposure. The effects of botulism include blurred or double vision, dilated pupils, droopy eyelids that are difficult to open, dry, sore mouth and throat, a weak grip, and muscle weakness. Other symptoms can include difficulty swallowing and speaking, difficult breathing, major muscle weakness and paralysis.

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2. Staphylococcus

Staphylococcus is a bacterium which causes pimples, boils and septic wounds. It also causes food poisoning. Staphylococcus produces a toxin in infected food. It does not form spores, and it is quickly killed by boiling. The toxin is more persistent, and food must be kept at 100°C for 30 minutes to destroy all the toxin. Many foods cannot be heated to such a high temperature, such as cream-filled pastries, and these may be a source of food-poisoning by Staphylococcus.

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