Keys to avoid food poisoning on holiday

By the change in eating habits in the school vacation period tends to increase the incidence of gastrointestinal diseases, especially in the most sensitive population, children. The targeted campaign "Together Against Malnutrition" of Pharmacy and SAAS Bengoa Foundation offers tips to avoid them and to fully enjoy the holiday season, a press release detailing.

[caption id="attachment_440" align="aligncenter" width="425"] Keys to avoid food poisoning on holiday[/caption]

One of the most common health problems associated with school holiday time is gastrointestinal illness, especially in children, the most susceptible. The abrupt change in eating habits, lack of proper hygiene or high temperatures at which foods intended for consumption by the smaller undergo favors reproduction of microorganisms (viruses, parasites and bacteria) that can cause gastroenteritis, and inflammation or infection of the stomach and intestines.

The most common symptoms of food poisoning are stomach pain, cramping, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and in some cases, headaches. In the event of poisoning, it is recommended to keep well hydrated person, preferably with oral serum, not supply citrus foods high in fat or spicy and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

From the immunological point of view, children are more prone to disease and are more easily contaminated with microorganisms transmitted by food and water.

"They have no care to wash your hands or constantly worry that the food that is in their mouth are clean. We, as adults, we must take steps to avoid a problem of intolerance, indigestion and infection or if we are in distant places of our homes, "said Dr. Maritza Landaeta, Nutrition Specialist and Coordinator Planning and Research Foundation Bengoa .

Given this reality, the alliance of Foundation Bengoa and SAAS pharmacy network, provides a set of sanitary measures to prevent food poisoning in holiday season:

1. Prefer bottled water if you are unsure of hygienic water conditions in the place where vacationing. This way you will avoid "traveler's diarrhea".

2. Transport and store food, especially cooked, cold spaces. The bacteria tend to breed in hot environments.

3. Do not cook eggs whose shell is found broken upon use. Wash the containers in which they are transported and utensils used in its preparation. Finally, cook very well.

4. Avoid buying the famous "Rompecolchón" or "back to life", they are classified as unhygienic preparations may have raw food (oysters, mussels, etc.) which enhances the possibility of poisoning.

5. Take special care with foods that are considered high risk for food poisoning, such as fruits and vegetables, seafood, dairy, eggs, mayonnaise and sauces.

6. Take care of the snacks offered to children as peanuts or some dye commonly used in these foods can cause allergic reactions.

7. Prevent insects or animals coming into contact with food.

8. Do not ignore the rules of food hygiene, wash your hands when handling them, as well as fruits and vegetables before preparing or consuming them very well.

9. Avoid cross-contamination. Use cutlery or utensils for preparing raw and cooked foods, or, in any case, rinse well with one another.

10. Beware of eating at fast food establishments where not observe proper hygiene and food handling.

About the Campaign "Together Against Malnutrition"

The "Together against malnutrition" campaign has been regarded in academia and by health professionals as one of the most sustained, coherent and consistent efforts of nutritional guidance that has taken place in the country in recent years. It is the emblem of CSR SAAS Pharmacy program, which develops with Bengoa Foundation as a technical expert since 2005 and aims to warn, guide and help promote changes in the eating habits of the population. This year, companies and NGOs endorsed the partnership to further develop the campaign which celebrates 10 years of life.