How to Prevent Food Poisoning at Home

Food poisoning is very common. WHO estimates that around 866 million people fall ill from unsafe food every year, and children under 5 carry a large share of the harm. In hot weather, germs in food multiply quickly, so good kitchen habits matter even more.

What causes food poisoning?

It is caused by germs such as bacteria, viruses and parasites in food or water. Common culprits include Campylobacter, E. coli, Shigella, norovirus and hepatitis A. Food can look, smell and taste normal and still make you ill.

What are WHO's five keys to safer food?

1. Keep clean

• Wash your hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before, during and after cooking, and after using the toilet.
• Wash chopping boards, knives, plates and counters with hot soapy water after each use.
• Keep insects, rats and pets away from the kitchen and food.

2. Separate raw and cooked food

• Keep raw meat, chicken, fish and eggs away from food that is ready to eat.
• Use a separate knife and chopping board for raw meat.
• Store raw meat in covered containers on the lowest shelf of the fridge so juices cannot drip onto other food.

3. Cook thoroughly

• Cook meat and chicken until the juices run clear, not pink. A food thermometer is the most reliable check.
• Bring soups and stews (such as salan) to a boil, at least 70°C.
• Reheat leftovers until they are steaming hot all the way through.

4. Keep food at safe temperatures

• Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours. CDC advises only 1 hour when it is hotter than about 32°C (90°F), which is common in Pakistani summers.
• Keep your fridge below 5°C.
• Keep hot food hot (above 60°C) until serving.
• Do not store leftovers for too long, even in the fridge.
• Thaw frozen meat in the fridge, not on the kitchen counter.

5. Use safe water and fresh ingredients

• Use safe, treated water for drinking and preparing food.
• Wash fruit and vegetables well, especially those eaten raw, such as salad.
• Choose safely processed foods, such as pasteurised milk.
• Do not eat food past its expiry date.

What are the symptoms of food poisoning?

Symptoms include feeling sick, vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach pain, fever and feeling generally unwell. They often start within hours or days of eating. Most people get better within a week.

How should I look after myself at home?

• Rest and drink plenty of fluids, in small sips if you feel sick.
• Oral rehydration solution (ORS) can help replace lost water and salts.
• Avoid fruit juice and fizzy drinks, which can make diarrhoea worse.
• Do not give anti-diarrhoea medicine to children under 12.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor soon if:

• A baby under 12 months has symptoms
• There are signs of dehydration, such as passing little urine, even after drinking ORS
• There is blood in the diarrhoea
• Vomiting lasts more than 2 days, or diarrhoea more than 7 days

Get emergency help (call Rescue 1122 where available, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department) for vomiting blood, green vomit, a stiff neck with pain from bright light, a sudden severe headache or stomach pain, or difficulty breathing.