The Health Blog

WebMD reports about the recent food poisoning incident at this year’s Tase of Chicago Food Festival held from June 29 to July 2, which sent at least 10 people to the hospital and sickened more than 100 others. At least nine festival-goers were infected with salmonella, presenting as fever, abdominal cramps and diarrhea, which may be bloody.

Most people recover from salmonella infection within a week. But some cases may be severe and even life-threatening. Babies, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems are more likely to experience severe illness from salmonella infection.

Food poisoning incidents can happen everywhere, at a family reunion, at a festival, at a restaurant or even at home. The good news is, it can be avoided if people were cautious enough. Experts suggested ways to prevent food poising:

1. Clean your hands, cooking surfaces, countertops, and utensils in hot, soapy water before and after preparing each food item. Rinse produce in running water.

2. Separate raw meat from cooked foods. Clean plates, utensils, and cutting boards that have touched raw meat.

3. Cook foods thoroughly. Use a (clean!) cooking thermometer to make sure meat and poultry is done.

4. Refrigerate meat or poultry as it defrosts; don’t let it thaw on the countertop. Store foods promptly; don’t let them linger on the table.