In recent times, food poisoning cases have been on the rise in Nha Trang, Dong Nai, and Ho Chi Minh City. The hot weather with prolonged high humidity has created ideal conditions for bacteria to grow, accelerating the process of food decomposition. According to Ms. Pham Khanh Phong Lan, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety, this is particularly true when ingredients are not processed and stored safely.
Ms. Lan emphasized that people’s incorrect habits of preparing, cooking, and preserving food increase the risk of poisoning. 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. For instance, street vendors selling sushi made from rice cooked the day before and left out overnight pose a significant risk of food poisoning.
To prevent food poisoning, it is essential to increase awareness about food safety practices and follow preventive measures. This includes thoroughly washing raw fruits and vegetables, cooking food at high temperatures, storing cooked food properly, avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods, maintaining cleanliness in food preparation areas, covering food to prevent contamination, using products with clear origins and discarding spoiled or contaminated foods immediately.
Dr. Doan Uyen Vy explained that in hot weather conditions, bacteria can multiply rapidly in food left out at room temperature for long periods. This increases the risk of food poisoning as they produce toxic substances that can cause severe illnesses like Salmonella or Escherichia coli (E coli). Increasing awareness among the public about safe eating habits is crucial to preventing outbreaks of such diseases.
It is important to note that street vendors are particularly at risk as they often sell perishable items at room temperature for extended periods without proper storage facilities or training on safe handling practices.
Therefore implementing proper hygiene measures such as using clean water sources for cooking and cleaning up spills promptly can help reduce the chances of contamination.
In conclusion raising awareness among individuals about safe eating habits is vital in preventing outbreaks of illnesses caused by improper handling or storage of perishable items during hot weather conditions.