"Experts Warn Public about Risks of Eating Melted Ice Cream Due to Surviving Microbes"
In the summer heat, it's essential to be mindful of the foods we consume to avoid the risk of food poisoning. According to expert doctor Vera Serezhina, certain foods become more prone to bacterial growth and spoilage in high temperatures.
Botulism, a severe form of food poisoning caused by the botulinum toxin produced by anaerobic bacteria, is a particular concern. The risk of botulism increases in hot weather due to the potential development of anaerobic bacteria in fatty and fried foods. Bacteria that multiply in heat do not disappear after refreezing, making refrozen ice cream harmful to health.
Doctor Serezhina advises avoiding fatty and fried foods, such as grilled and smoked ones, in hot weather. These foods, particularly fish and sausages, can become heavy and potentially dangerous if storage conditions are not maintained. The consumption of grilled and smoked foods can lead to botulism if the bacteria responsible for producing the toxin are allowed to grow.
Salads with dairy dressings, like sour cream and mayonnaise, can also pose risks due to favorable conditions for microbial growth. Doctor Serezhina recommends dressing such salad dishes immediately before serving to minimize the risk.
In addition to fatty and fried foods, other foods to avoid in hot weather include dairy products (like milk and cream), meat and meat products, seafood, eggs, and any prepared foods that are left unrefrigerated or improperly stored. These foods are more prone to bacterial growth and spoilage in high temperatures, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses.
It's important to keep such foods well refrigerated and avoid consuming leftovers that have been at room temperature for extended periods during hot weather. Proper storage conditions for fatty and fried foods, especially grilled and smoked ones, are crucial to prevent the development of anaerobic bacteria and the risk of botulism.
By following these guidelines, we can enjoy our summer meals safely and avoid the risk of food poisoning.
What foods should we be careful about consuming in hot weather according to doctor Vera Serezhina? She advises avoiding fatty and fried foods, such as grilled and smoked ones, salads with dairy dressings, dairy products, meat and meat products, seafood, eggs, and prepared foods that are left unrefrigerated or improperly stored due to prone-to-bacterial-growth and spoilage in high temperatures, which increase the risk of foodborne illnesses like botulism. Science plays a crucial role in understanding the conditions that encourage bacterial growth, and lifestyle choices like nutrition and proper food and drink selection can help maintain health and wellness during hot weather.
