Barb Nador, age 14, of Grand Ledge, Mich., for her question:

CAN WE PROTECT OURSELVES FROM FOOD POISONING?   

From time to time you can find a story in your newspaper about an outbreak of food poisoning in which a large number of visitors at the same picnic or party all became very ill from having eaten the same bad food. The cause of this type of illness is usually from contamination with staphylococci, the same type of bacteria that causes skin infections.

 

Large outbreaks of food poisoning usually happen when nonacid foods, such as meat, potato salad or cream filleddesserts, are allowed to stand at room temperature for several hours before they are served. If contaminated by a person who has staphylococci, this type o bacteria will multiply enormously and produce poisons that cannot easily be destroyed. Unfortunately, contaminated food does not appear to be spoiled and is often readily eaten.

It is also unfortunate that there is really no way to protect ourselves from food poisoning. We can, however, make sure that people who work with food use extra precaution to make sure food does not become contaminated.

Any person who handles food has an obligation to follow very strict habits of personal hygiene. If he has a skin infection, he must take steps that will help prevent contaminating food.

A food handler should start his day with a clean body and with fresh clothing. His hands should be thoroughly washed with soap and water before starting work and each time after using the restroom. His hands should be kept away from his face and hair when handling food, dishes or equipment in the kitchen. His fingernails should be short and clean. An important rule is that no one with a sore throat or a skin rash should be allowed to handle food. Streptococci are destroyed by cooking, but it is always possible for food tobe contaminated after cooking if it stands for some time before being served.

People with staph food poisoning develop cramps, diarrhea and vomiting. The worst part,. fortunately, is over within a few hours and recovery is usually complete within a few days. The common forms of food poisoning are self limiting that is, most people can get over the effects in a few days with or without medication.   

A person having an attack of food poisoning will find that it is impossible for him to keep anything down. During the several days of recuperation that are necessary, he must rest and replace the fluid he lost through vomiting and diarrhea.

Very young people, very old people and those with chronic illnesses can be dangerously affected by food poisoning. It is especially important for them to have a doctor's attention or to be treated in a hospital.