Food poisoning cases have been on the rise in Nha Trang, Dong Nai, and Ho Chi Minh City due to a combination of prolonged heat and lack of knowledge about food safety practices. According to Ms. Pham Khanh Phong Lan, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety, the current hot weather with high humidity provides an ideal environment for bacteria to grow and accelerate the process of food decomposition. Many people have incorrect habits when it comes to preparing, cooking, and preserving food, which increases the risk of poisoning.
Ms. Lan emphasized that even with high-quality ingredients and careful processing, cooked food left at room temperature for a few hours can spoil quickly in hot weather. The risk of food spoilage increases significantly if left overnight. During inspections, the department found street vendors using rice cooked the day before to make sushi, leaving it overnight and then selling it the next morning. This is a significant risk factor for food poisoning.
Dr. Doan Uyen Vy, an expert on toxic diseases in Ho Chi Minh City, explained that in hot weather conditions, bacteria can multiply and produce toxins rapidly in food left out at room temperature for long periods. This increases the risk of food poisoning even more. To prevent this from happening, it’s essential to follow preventive measures such as washing raw fruits and vegetables thoroughly, cooking food at high temperatures, storing cooked food properly, avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods and maintaining cleanliness in preparation areas by covering them adequately. Additionally using products with clear origins is crucial steps towards ensuring safe consumption of food items.
If a food item is suspected to be spoiled or contaminated it should be discarded immediately. If symptoms of food poisoning appear promptly seeking medical attention should be advised.
Street vendors are particularly at risk as they often sell food at room temperature for extended periods without proper storage methods or safety procedures implemented.
Increasing awareness among the public about safe eating habits can go a long way in preventing outbreaks of illnesses caused by contaminated or spoiled foods.
In conclusion, prolonged heat coupled with incorrect handling practices can lead to serious health issues like food poisoning; therefore it’s crucial for everyone to understand their responsibilities when it comes to preparing
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