Food Poisoning is a very unpleasant experience for anyone. But for babies and people who are already suffering from illness, food poisoning is not just unpleasant, it can be serious or life threatening.

                Food Poisoning is caused by some types of bacteria. Bacteria are one form of microscopic creature called microbes. Some kinds of bacteria are helpful. Others can make you ill if they multiply inside you or if you eat the poisons or toxins they produce. Bacteria need four things to grow, they need food, warmth, mixture, and time, bacteria multiply at amazing speed.

                The following are the most dangerous bacteria that are most likely to cause food poisoning:

1. Clostridium Botulinum – this is the most dangerous of all bacteria. About 200 grams of the toxins would be enough to kill the entire population of the world. These bacteria grows, where there is no oxygen and low quality of acid and can be found in badly canned food. In such condition, the bacteria produce a toxin which, if eaten, gives you food poisoning called botulism. When food is canned, it is heated to temperature that destroys the bacteria. Botulism is extremely rare, but you should avoid cans which are damaged in any way
2. E Coli Bacteria – this is often the cause of diarrhea in travelers. This bacterium inhabits the large bowel without any harmful effects to the host. The problem starts when the bacteria get out. When the E. Coli transfers to someone else, through fecal contamination of food or by flies or bad hygiene, it causes havoc. The way to avoid e-coli is to make sure that you have a clean hand, when you are handling food.
3. Salmonella – this is one of the common causes of food poisoning it is found in sewage, so it is most important to wash your hands after you have been to the toilet salmonella is also found in raw milk, meat and eggs.
4. Staphylococcus- This  bacteria can be found in infected cuts boils and sores. They can pass into food and produce poisons which acts in the stomach and intestines. You may not realize it is not just food which can poison you these are other hazards in your kitchen which could make you ill.
5. Lead- Do not drink water from the tap if it comes from a lead pipe. Lead is poisonous metal which can damage your red blood cells and brain cells. It builds up in your body doing more and more damage.
6. Molds – Do not eat nuts that are discolored, decayed, or obviously bad because they might contain a mold that could make you very ill. the mold produce poisons called aflatoxins. Similar molds can grow on cereals too. If these cereals are fed to animals, the molds can be transferred to humans by a meat and cheese.
7. Cracked Equipment – cracks in pots and pans and wooden spoons provide a good place for bacteria to grow. The bacteria easily transfer into your food. It is best to avoid using broken or cracked equipment when you are cooking.
8. Pets – pets carry parasite worms and spread bacteria and viruses. Do not let throw anywhere near the food that you are going to eat, whether it is cold or raw

Remember to wash your hands after playing with any animal and prepare their food well away from human food.

This look like horrendous list, but if you take care and keep everything in the kitchen really clean, you should be able to avoid most dangers.

By: Mr. Chris John A. Santos | Teacher I | New Cabalan National High School | New Cabalan, Olongapo City