Does Summer Increase Cases Of Food Poisoning? Expert Answers

Summer brings with itself a host of diseases, from typhoid to conjunctivities. Food poisoning is one such disease. Have you ever wondered why cases of food poisoning witness a surge in the hotter months? This article will explain it for you.

To understand this better, we reached out to Dr Pooja Pillai, Consultant, Internal Medicine, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.

Why is Food Poisoning More Common in Summer? 

Dr Pillai confirms that food poisoning is more common in summer. Explaining this, she says, “This is because warm weather helps bacteria grow faster in food. Germs such as E coli multiply quickly when food is kept outside or not stored properly. High temperature and humidity also make food spoil faster, especially milk, meat, and cooked dishes.” 

The expert adds, “In summer, people often eat outside food, street food, or food that is kept uncovered for long hours. Drinking contaminated water or juices with ice can also increase the risk. Poor hygiene such as not washing hands before eating also adds to the problem.”

Common Symptoms of Food Poisoning

According to the Mayo Clinic, here are some of the common symptoms of food poisoning:

• Upset stomach.
• Vomiting.
• Loose stools, sometimes bloody.
• Stomach pain and cramps.
• Fever.

ALSO READ- Weight Gain After 30 in Women: Why It Happens and How to Manage It

Tips to Prevent Food Poisoning

Dr Pillai shares some tips to safeguard your health from food poisoning:

• To prevent food poisoning, always wash your hands with soap before handling or eating food.
• Eat freshly cooked food.
• Avoid keeping food at room temperature for too long.
• Store perishable items such as milk, curd, and cooked food in the refrigerator.
• Make sure meat and eggs are cooked properly.
• Wash fruits and vegetables well before eating, especially if you eat them raw.
• Avoid cut fruits or food from places where hygiene is not maintained.
• Drink clean and safe water.
• Avoid ice from unknown sources.
• While traveling, carry home-cooked food or eat from clean and trusted places.
• Keeping food covered and using clean utensils also helps prevent contamination. 

“Simple care in food handling and hygiene can reduce the risk of food poisoning during summer,” concludes Dr Pillai.

ALSO READ- 6 Best Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Endometriosis Pain Relief

Conclusion

Food poisoning is common in summer because warm weather lets bacteria grow faster in food. Germs multiply faster when food is kept outside or not stored properly. Moreover, soaring temperatures and humidity spoils food faster. It is advisable to take proper precautions and safety measures during summer, when it comes to meals, to avoid food poisoning.