Many individuals in contemporary society, it’s likely safe to assert, tend not to regard food poisoning with much seriousness. Indeed, many people wash their hands after dealing with raw chicken and use distinct chopping boards for beef and greens – but how many of us can genuinely declare we’ve never utilized the same tongs throughout an entire barbecue or left a container of cooked rice on the counter for a couple of hours? Set aside that rhetorical question for the moment, however – before you suggest that obviously all should follow those guidelines, let’s examine what occurs in your body when things go tragically awry.
To state the obvious, food poisoning takes place when you consume food tainted with harmful bacteria, viruses, or toxins – but that doesn’t imply it always follows a uniform pattern. “Certain bacteria, such as Bacillus cereus – occasionally discovered in reheated rice – generate toxins prior to consumption, resulting in symptoms like sudden vomiting within hours,” explains Dr Masarat Jilani, an NHS expert who frequently treats children and adults affected by food poisoning. Bacillus cereus also develops another kind of toxin in the small intestine, leading to diarrhoea. “Others, such as Salmonella and E. coli, function following consumption and typically provoke longer-lasting symptoms due to gut inflammation.”
From a technical standpoint, thus, a specialist might deduce which type of bacteria or virus you have ingested based on the rapidity with which you fall ill post-consumption. However, in practical scenarios, that rarely occurs.
“Each of these bacteria operates differently,” remarks Dr Emma Doughty, an infectious disease researcher. “Campylobacter jejuni bacteria, commonly found in poultry, are spiral-shaped and penetrate your gut lining in a corkscrew fashion. That’s distinct from, let’s say, Shigatoxigenic E. coli, which releases Shiga toxins. Both can induce sickness with gut inflammation and diarrhoea.” Hence, although some efficient treatments for food poisoning exist, like antibiotics, it is not always straightforward for doctors to determine which one to recommend.
“If you’re experiencing a stomach bug and visit the doctor, generally they won’t prescribe antibiotics,” says Doughty. “The reason is that if you have the Shiga toxin-producing strain of E. coli, and you eliminate all those bacteria with antibiotics, they’ll merely release all the toxins within them, making you even more unwell. Thus, without a distinct infection diagnosis, it’s often safer to allow things to resolve on their own.”
What actions should you take to evade all this discomfort? “Much of the fundamental advice remains pertinent,” says Doughty. “Oysters remain a risk, along with consuming any type of raw meat – there’s been a trend lately for individuals to enjoy medium-rare burgers, which is somewhat concerning.” To clarify: if you intend to eat beef, you must sear the exposed parts to eliminate the majority of bacteria likely residing on it. In the case of steak, that involves just the surface, but for mince, it means the vast majority.
Cleaning chicken – still surprisingly popular on TikTok – is an absolute no-go, as it is likely to disseminate bacteria throughout your kitchen and utensils, rather than decreasing your risk of infection. Naturally, you ought to maintain cleanliness, keep raw meat separate from other foods, swiftly cool cooked meals and refrigerate them within two hours of cooking, and ensure food is adequately cooked, possibly utilizing a meat thermometer. “As with many other infections, washing your hands is extremely beneficial in preventing illness,” asserts Doughty. “In this context, it means thoroughly cleaning your hands after food handling and after using the restroom.”
If everything goes awry, most individuals shouldn’t have too much to fret about, assuming they aren’t part of an at-risk group. “The primary concern with food poisoning is dehydration, which is why it’s crucial to drink ample water and supplement with oral rehydration salts during the experience,” advises Jilani. “Reintroducing a balanced diet is also vital for recovery, and in initial stages, we frequently suggest a Brat diet – bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast – if you find it challenging to incorporate your usual diet immediately.”
In severe instances, food poisoning can progress to sepsis, which may manifest symptoms like an elevated heart rate and dizziness. If you suspect this is the case, contact your GP immediately. “In rare cases, post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may develop, characterized by stomach pain and bloating,” notes Jilani. Again, seek medical attention if it persists.
Fortunately, the majority of food poisoning cases will resolve independently within a few days, as your immune system tackles them. Just exercise greater caution with the tongs during your next cooking session.
