FOOD POISONING
Food poisoning is a common occurrence amongst students. Most
times it is self-inflicted and could have been avoided if simple hygiene
rules had been followed. You needn’t go as far as the Manchester student
who was charged with attempted murder after stabbing the flatmate who
never tidied the shared kitchen, but, following the advice below should
help keep your digestive system healthy!
- Wash your hands thoroughly before handling food, after using the
toilet, after handling raw foods or waste
- Keep all equipment and surfaces clean. If a tea towel looks dirty,
wash it. If a dishcloth looks dirty throw it away and buy a new one
- If food is cooked in advance it must be kept hot, or cooled within
a maximum of 90 minutes and then stored properly
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some food can be cooked
from frozen. Other food must be defrosted first
- Avoid reheating food particularly rice, pasta, and meat. However
if you do reheat food be certain it is hot throughout, so that any
bacteria are killed
- Keep the preparation of raw food and cooked food strictly separate
- Do not eat food that has mould on it, even if you scrape the mould
off!
- Pasteurised foods (e.g. milk, yoghurt, cheese) should be refrigerated
- All stored food should be covered to protect it from insects
Source: Leeds University Union
NHS
Direct 0845 46 47 www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
