Food poisoning is most often caused by these 5 bad bacteria

Many do not realize that food is the most common agent of disease spread. Unfortunately, food contaminated with bacteria may not show any changes in taste, color, or aroma. Likewise, the symptoms of food contamination, at first glance, are similar to ordinary stomach aches. Hence, the symptoms of food poisoning are often not realized properly. Whereas in some cases, food poisoning can lead to death.

So, what bacteria can cause food poisoning? What types of food are easily contaminated?

What are the most common bacteria that cause food poisoning?

1. Salmonella

Salmonella is the group of bacteria that most commonly causes diarrhea due to food poisoning. Salmonella contamination results from poor hygiene and improper food processing.

Some foods are known to have a very high salmonella content, such as eggs, meat, and undercooked chicken. Unpasteurized milk is also at risk of having salmonella in it. Vegetables and fruits, although naturally do not contain Salmonella, can be contaminated if they are not thoroughly washed.

The effects of food poisoning from salmonella can be very severe if it occurs in pregnant women, the elderly, children, and people who have low immunity.

How to prevent: make sure all your food is cooked thoroughly. Wash fruits and vegetables before processing. Avoid unpasteurized milk and dairy products.

2. Clostridium perfringens

Clostridium perfringens is a type of bacteria that is very easy and fast growing. Babies, children, and the elderly are very susceptible to this bacteria.

Usually, this type of bacteria will only cause health problems if the amount in the body is very large. This means that if the lab tests reveal that these bacteria are causing your diarrhea or colic, the food you ate previously was high in Clostridium perfringens.

Symptoms will appear 12 hours after food poisoning contaminated with Clostridium. One type of Clostridium can cause botulism, a deadly food poisoning.

How to prevent: Cook food at a suitable temperature, avoid cooking or processing food in a temperature of 4-60 degrees Celsius. Make sure that when you cook, the minimum temperature you need to reach is 60 degrees Celsius. Meanwhile, if you want to cool food, the temperature of your room or refrigerator must be less than 4 degrees Celsius.

3. Campylobacter

Campylobacter are bacteria that cause food contamination which can cause diarrhea. For the most part, this food contamination occurs due to food not being cooked properly. Chilling or freezing food does not make these types of bacteria disappear.

How to prevent: Make sure that you wash your hands before processing food. It is recommended that food be cooked thoroughly and do not wash raw meat under running water. Food ingredients that need to be washed before eating or cooking are vegetables and fruits.

4. Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is actually harmless. This type of bacteria is found on the surface of the skin, nostrils and throat parts of the human and animal bodies. But it's a different story when bacteria have moved to food. The breed will increase rapidly and eventually cause infection. Symptoms that arise if you have this infection are diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, to nausea and vomiting.

Foods that are usually high in Staphylococcus aureus are foods that are processed directly by hand, such as salads, sandwiches, and various pastry and bakery products.

How to prevent: wash your hands using running water and coir before you prepare food. Do not process food or go to the kitchen if you have an eye or nose infection.

5. Escherichia coli (E. coli)

E. coli is a group of bacteria that has several types of germs. There are several types of E. coli that can contaminate food and then cause food poisoning outbreaks. Examples of foods that usually contain E. coli are undercooked foods.

How to prevent this, keep the kitchen and yourself clean while processing food. Avoid cross-contamination when preparing and cooking food, for example, not using knives and cutting boards for meat and vegetables. Also make sure all the food you eat is cooked perfectly.