Of these, 11 cases were mass incidents, where more than five people suffered simultaneously, and five of these cases occurred in fast food establishments.
Experts note that fast food is often made from products that have a high risk of epidemics.
The composition of such dishes includes many components, such as meat, vegetables, greens, and sauces, which increases the likelihood of contamination when sanitary standards are violated.
The greatest danger comes from sauces and fresh greens, which often do not undergo thermal processing.
Medical workers emphasize the importance of strict adherence to sanitary standards by the owners and staff of public catering establishments:
- proper storage of products;
- sufficient thermal processing of meat and semi-finished products;
- avoiding cross-contamination, where bacteria can be transmitted through dirty hands, clothing, knives, and cutting boards.
Washing and cutting areas must be clearly separated from thermal processing areas.
A necessary condition is the availability of clean running water for washing products, utensils, and staff hands. It is also important that food is not prepared in an open manner. The food preparation area should be protected by glass or transparent plastic, and the transfer of finished dishes should occur through a special window.
Customers and waiters should not have free access to the food preparation process. Equally significant are the personal hygiene of workers and their knowledge of cooking technologies.
To prevent food poisoning, doctors recommend that customers:
- pay attention to the overall sanitary condition of the fast food establishment;
- be cautious of suspiciously low prices and excessively large portions;
- not buy food in places where there is a lack of water, cleanliness, and order.
In general, specialists do not advise consuming fast food frequently, as it does not provide the body with the necessary vitamins and trace elements.
On the contrary, such dishes often contain carcinogens and trans fats, especially French fries and fried meat, which pose risks not only of food poisoning but also of long-term harm to health.
