Food poisoning is no joke. While a mild case can leave you feeling miserable for a few hours, more severe cases can be life-threatening, especially for children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
One of the easiest ways to stay safe? Cook your food properly. Here are some foods you should never eat raw:
1. Flour
Flour might not seem like a risky food, but most commercial flour isn’t heat-treated, meaning it can harbor harmful bacteria like E. coli and Salmonella from contaminated grains. This is why eating raw cookie dough is a bad idea. Always bake or cook doughs and batters thoroughly.
2. Poultry
Raw chicken and turkey often carry Salmonella, a leading cause of foodborne illness. Cooking poultry to 75°C kills these bacteria, including the virus responsible for the ongoing bird flu epidemic. Use a food thermometer to check at the thickest part of the meat or, for ground poultry, at the center of the patty.
3. Ground Beef
Ground beef poses a higher risk than whole cuts because bacteria can spread throughout the meat during processing. E. coli infections from undercooked beef can lead to severe illness, especially in children. Always cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 71°C.
4. Shellfish
Oysters, clams, mussels, shrimp, and lobsters can harbor Vibrio bacteria and norovirus, which cause severe gastrointestinal illnesses. To stay safe, cook shellfish until their shells open or ensure the internal temperature reaches 63°C.
5. Raw Eggs
Licking the spoon while mixing cake batter might seem harmless, but raw eggs can carry Salmonella. To reduce this risk, cook eggs until both the yolk and whites are firm. Casseroles and quiches should reach an internal temperature of 71°C.
6. Raw Beans
Uncooked beans contain phytohemagglutinin, a toxin that can cause severe nausea and vomiting. Even a few raw beans can trigger symptoms. To neutralize the toxin, boil beans for at least 10 minutes or opt for canned beans, which are already cooked and safe to eat.
One more thing…
Food Prices are soaring in Nigeria Ahead of Ramadan
As Muslims worldwide prepare for Ramadan, many in Nigeria are struggling with the rising cost of food.
Despite the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) announcing a drop in food inflation, prices remain high, making it difficult for families to stock up for the holy month.
Prices of essentials like rice, beans, and cooking oil have been fluctuating for months, but the situation is expected to worsen as demand surges ahead of Ramadan. With food inflation still a pressing issue, many households are bracing for tougher times during a season that throws attention on fasting, reflection, and communal meals.
Will relief come before Ramadan begins, or will families have to navigate yet another challenging season of high costs?
