Food safety in the home
Food-borne illness commonly refers to food poisoning. Another aspect of food is allergies and in this case the eight common allergens in SA must be declared on product labels for consumers to make an informed decision when they purchase products.
Causes and symptoms of food poisoning
What is food poisoning?
Food poisoning is a common illness caused by more than 250 food-borne organisms such as bacteria. If not prepared or stored properly, food can be exposed to or become contaminated with organisms like bacteria or moulds. Some bacteria causes food poisoning and can make us very ill. In some severe cases food poisoning can be fatal. Food allergies can also make people very ill and can be fatal.
Fast fact
Common types of bacteria include Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Listeria, Campylobacter and Shigella
Below, you can learn how to notice, prevent and seek treatment for food-borne illnesses.
Food poisoning can be caused by:
- food that is prepared on dirty surfaces or with unclean equipment;
- cooked and uncooked foods that are stored together – this can cause cross contamination;
- exposing food to dirty hands;
- food that is not stored properly (e.g. undercooked meat or poultry kept at room temperature after cooking);
- eating food contaminated with bacteria;
- drinking contaminated water; and
- drinking unpasteurised milk.
Symptoms of food poisoning:
- Stomach and muscle cramps
- Runny tummy
- Nausea and vomiting
- Appetite loss
- Fever
- Confusion
- Headache or migraine
Please note
Food poisoning can be serious in children who become dehydrated and in those with weakened immune systems (e.g. people infected with
HIV/AIDS). Seek treatment immediately at
a clinic or
Western Province hospital.
Causes and symptoms of food allergies
Common food allergies include peanuts, tree nuts, milk, wheat, eggs, crustaceans, molluscs, fish and soya beans. Depending on the allergy, symptoms usually happen immediately or within a few hours of eating.
Certain food allergies are especially dangerous. For example, tree nuts and peanuts can trigger anaphylaxis – this is a flood of chemicals from your immune system that puts your body into a state of shock; you will need to be treated at
a clinic or
Western Province hospital immediately.
Symptoms of food allergies:
- Light-headedness
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea/vomiting
- Swelling in the lips, eyelids, face or tongue
- Diarrhoea
- Congestion and/or a runny nose
Fast fact
Studies show that breastfeeding strengthens the infant’s immune system and may prevent children from developing food allergies.
Preventing food-borne illnesses
Read your food labels – most labels include a list of allergens along with warnings for those who might be allergic. Simple things like washing your hands after going to the toilet, cooking meat properly or washing all fruit and vegetables before eating them can help protect you and your family from food-borne illnesses.
Adopting safe food habits is also very important. Here are eight easy habits for safe food:
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly, especially after using the toilet and whilst preparing food.
- Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water.
- Make sure your food – especially meat, pork and chicken– has been cooked properly.
- Keep raw meat separate from cooked meat and do not use the same cutting board without cleaning it first.
- Serve food dishes as soon as they are cooked, or cool them rapidly until serving time. It is best to serve hot food at a temperature above 65°c . Avoid cooked food that has been standing at room temperature for some time.
- Quickly refrigerate leftovers. The ideal temperature to store foodstuffs in the refrigerator is below 5°c.
- If you are going to reheat food, do this quickly and thoroughly.
- Try to drink pasteurised milk and milk products.
- Make sure the meat you eat has been slaughtered at an approved abattoir. Meat from informal traders may be cheaper, but it can put your health at risk as this meat is not inspected post slaughtering.
Read
5 Keys to Safer Eating and visit our
Food safety page for extra food safety and hygiene tips.
Our
Smart Living Handbook has been prepared especially to give you more insights into tips on safe (and energy-efficient) ways to prepare and store food, and natural alternatives to toxic kitchen and household cleaners.
Read or download our
Smart Living Handbook.
Treating food-borne illnesses
There are so many different types of food-related illnesses, some of which may be very dangerous; it is always best to seek treatment immediately as the symptoms begin so you can get a proper diagnosis and the best treatment. Don’t waste time if you are showing any symptoms!
Visit one of
our clinics or any of the
Western Cape’s hospitals if you have any concerns.
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