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Food safety in the home

<h2 class="sectHeading">Causes and symptoms of food poisoning</h2><p> <strong>What is food poisoning?</strong><br>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.</p><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy light-blue bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info fastfact"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Fast fact</h4><p>Common types of bacteria include Salmonella, Staphylococcus aureus, E.coli, Bacillus cereus, Clostridium perfringens, Listeria, Campylobacter and Shigella </p></div></div><p>Below, you can learn how to notice, prevent and seek treatment for food-borne illnesses. <b></b></p><p> <b>Food poisoning can be caused by:</b></p><ul><li>food that is prepared on dirty surfaces or with unclean equipment; </li><li>cooked and uncooked foods that are stored together – this can cause cross contamination;</li><li>exposing food to dirty hands;</li><li>food that is not stored properly (e.g. undercooked meat or poultry kept at room temperature after cooking);</li><li>eating food contaminated with bacteria;</li><li>drinking contaminated water; and</li><li>drinking unpasteurised milk.</li></ul><p> <b>Symptoms of food poisoning:</b></p><ul><li>Stomach and muscle cramps</li><li>Runny tummy</li><li>Nausea and vomiting </li><li>Appetite loss</li><li>Fever</li><li>Confusion</li><li>Headache or migraine </li></ul><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p>Food poisoning can be serious in children who become dehydrated and in those with weakened immune systems (e.g. people infected with <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/Personal-health/Sexual-health/Hiv-and-aids">HIV/AIDS</a>). Seek treatment immediately at <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-city-facilities/Our-service-facilities/Clinics-and-healthcare-facilities"> <span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-6-4"> a clinic</span></a><span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-2-0"> or </span><a href="https://www.westerncape.gov.za/directories/facilities/914" target="_blank">Western Province hospital<i class="icon link-external"></i></a>.</p></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Causes and symptoms of food allergies </h2><p>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.</p><p>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 href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-city-facilities/Our-service-facilities/Clinics-and-healthcare-facilities" target="_blank"> <span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-6-4"> a clinic </span></a>or <a href="https://www.westerncape.gov.za/directories/facilities/914" target="_blank">Western Province hospital<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> immediately.</p><p> <b>Symptoms of food allergies:</b></p><ul><li>Light-headedness</li><li>Abdominal cramps</li><li>Nausea/vomiting</li><li>Swelling in the lips, eyelids, face or tongue</li><li>Diarrhoea</li><li>Congestion and/or a runny nose</li></ul><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy light-blue bg-light-grey"><div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info fastfact"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Fast fact</h4><p>Studies show that breastfeeding strengthens the infant’s immune system and may prevent children from developing food allergies. </p></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Preventing food-borne illnesses</h2><p>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. </p><p> <strong>Adopting safe food habits is also very important. Here are eight easy habits for safe food: </strong></p><ul><li>Wash your hands often and thoroughly, especially after using the toilet and whilst preparing food.</li><li>Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water. </li><li>Make sure your food – especially meat, pork and chicken– has been cooked properly. </li><li>Keep raw meat separate from cooked meat and do not use the same cutting board without cleaning it first.</li><li>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.</li><li>Quickly refrigerate leftovers. The ideal temperature to store foodstuffs in the refrigerator is below 5°c.</li><li>If you are going to reheat food, do this quickly and thoroughly. </li><li>Try to drink pasteurised milk and milk products.</li><li>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.</li></ul><p> Read <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/5%20Keys%20safer%20eating.pdf" target="_blank">5 Keys to Safer Eating</a> for extra food safety and hygiene tips.</p><p>Our <b>Smart Living Handbook</b> 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.</p><p> Read or download our <a href="https://resource.capetown.gov.za/documentcentre/Documents/Procedures%2c%20guidelines%20and%20regulations/CCT_Smart_Living_Handbook.pdf" target="_blank">Smart Living Handbook</a>.</p><div class="notification with-heading dark-copy pink bg-light-grey"> <div class="graphic with-border"> <i class="info note"></i> </div><div class="desc"><h4>Please note</h4><p>We encourage you to report food or food safety related complaints <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Departments/City%20Health%20Department"> <span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-6-4"> to the City. </span></a></p></div></div><h2 class="sectHeading">Treating food-borne illnesses</h2><p>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!</p><p>Visit one of <a href="https://www.capetown.gov.za/Family%20and%20home/See-all-City-facilities/Our-service-facilities/Clinics%20and%20healthcare%20facilities"> <span class="ms-rteThemeForeColor-6-4">our clinics </span></a>or any of the <a href="https://www.westerncape.gov.za/directories/facilities/914" target="_blank">Western Cape’s hospitals<i class="icon link-external"></i></a> if you have any concerns.</p>

Preparing cooking and storing food safely can protect you and your family from certain illnesses.

Milk Quality and Safety Guideline

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2016-10-17T22:00:00Z