A nice plate of whelks tasted by the sea. And, a few hours later, the drama. Poisoning and food allergies (unfortunately) do not take a summer vacation, on the contrary. It is even a rather favorable period to experience this kind of inconvenience, between the increased difficulties in respecting the cold chain and the greater consumption of raw foods. On Europe 1, Wednesday, Doctor Damien Mascret gave some advice to avoid these little glitches that are quick to ruin everyone's vacation.
Respect the cold chain
Regarding food poisoning, the specialist recalls that it is absolutely necessary to avoid breaking the cold chain. It's not always easy when you do wholesale groceries at the local supermarket before putting everything in the trunk of a car that has been left in the sun in the parking lot. “If possible, you should have an insulated bag for shopping, leaving your car in the shade,” recalls Damien Mascret. "And even if you put the food in the refrigerator, eat it quickly." Also beware of leftovers. "You have to put them back in the fridge quickly and eat them quickly, or don't hesitate to throw them away." Finally, the basic rule remains valid: "You do not refreeze what has been thawed."
>> Find the whole of Sans rendez-vous in replay and podcast here
Precautions should also be taken before going into the kitchen. "You should wash your hands well with soapy water. If you are sick, skip your turn, someone else will cook for you." Also remain vigilant during preparation. "Use different boards for raw fish and meat and for vegetables and cooked products", advises Damien Mascret. "Also watch out for minced meat that has not been put in the freezer: it must always be cooked through, especially for children, pregnant women or people who are immunosuppressed."
Avoid raw foods
Pregnant women, moreover, have more precautions to take than others. "They should avoid raw meat and milk anyway, as well as shellfish because of the risk of listeriosis." Listeria, the bacterium responsible for listeriosis, widespread in the environment, is usually responsible for minor digestive disorders. But in pregnant women or frail people, "it can be very serious," warns the doctor.
In general, beware of raw foods. Not only seafood and eggs, but also vegetables and raw milk cheeses. Salmonellosis quickly occurs within 12 to 36 hours after eating. A staphylococcal contamination will even take effect faster: within two to four hours after food intake. Whatever the origin of the intoxication, "if you are a fragile person, you must consult", insists Damien Mascret.
Allergic symptoms
Summer is also sometimes the occasion to discover an allergy to shellfish or seafood. And as the doctor reminds us, "the true allergy does not only result in hives". "There will be other symptoms, especially digestive ones: stomach aches, diarrhea and vomiting. You can also have breathing problems, such as a cough."
The first fear is always anaphylactic shock. People who are prone to food allergies should keep their epinephrine self-injection kit.