Poisonous bacteria can inhabit food left under room temperature
- 9 years ago
Several family reunions will certainly be held this Christmas season, and along with the celebration, food will be served for guests.
However, experts warn the public of to be cautious of food preparation, especially of leaving foods under room temperature, as they can be prone to bacterial contamination.
According to microbiologist Dr. Windell Rivera, "Habang mas matagal 'yung ginagamit mong oras sa preparation ng pagkain, 'yung contamination ng pagkain tumataas dun sa kitchen (Longer food preparation time can increase chances of contamination)," he said.
"Yung bacteria pwedeng dumami ang normally average 20-30 minutes (Bacteria normally multiplies in a span of 20-30 minutes)," he added.
Experts said one of the bacteria that can contaminate kitchen food left under room temperature is the Bacillus cereus. It is a toxin-producing bacteria that can cause two types of effects. One possible effect is diarrhea, while the other may cause nausea or vomiting.
The large amount food prepared during the holidays can also increase likeliness of cross contamination, the transfer of bacteria from one object or food to another.
One possible scenario of cross contamination is when raw products are mixed with cooked dishes in a container.
Rivera also added, besides cross contamination between food, utensils can potentially be a contamination agent.
"Halimbawa nag-prepare ang isang nanay ng chicken, tapos meron siyang kutsilyo para hatiin 'yung chicken, at hindi niya hinugasan [ang] ginamit niya for cutting the vegetables. Iyon ay isang scenario ng cross contamination (For instance, when a mother uses a knife for slicing chicken, then reuses the same knife for cutting vegetables, cross contamination may occur)," he said.
Further, kitchen cleaners like kitchen sponges can also be a carrier of bacteria.
"Kung ginamit mo siya sa ibang utensils, ginamit mo pa ulit sa iba pa at mataas yung microbial load, highly possible ang contamination (If sponges are constantly on sev
However, experts warn the public of to be cautious of food preparation, especially of leaving foods under room temperature, as they can be prone to bacterial contamination.
According to microbiologist Dr. Windell Rivera, "Habang mas matagal 'yung ginagamit mong oras sa preparation ng pagkain, 'yung contamination ng pagkain tumataas dun sa kitchen (Longer food preparation time can increase chances of contamination)," he said.
"Yung bacteria pwedeng dumami ang normally average 20-30 minutes (Bacteria normally multiplies in a span of 20-30 minutes)," he added.
Experts said one of the bacteria that can contaminate kitchen food left under room temperature is the Bacillus cereus. It is a toxin-producing bacteria that can cause two types of effects. One possible effect is diarrhea, while the other may cause nausea or vomiting.
The large amount food prepared during the holidays can also increase likeliness of cross contamination, the transfer of bacteria from one object or food to another.
One possible scenario of cross contamination is when raw products are mixed with cooked dishes in a container.
Rivera also added, besides cross contamination between food, utensils can potentially be a contamination agent.
"Halimbawa nag-prepare ang isang nanay ng chicken, tapos meron siyang kutsilyo para hatiin 'yung chicken, at hindi niya hinugasan [ang] ginamit niya for cutting the vegetables. Iyon ay isang scenario ng cross contamination (For instance, when a mother uses a knife for slicing chicken, then reuses the same knife for cutting vegetables, cross contamination may occur)," he said.
Further, kitchen cleaners like kitchen sponges can also be a carrier of bacteria.
"Kung ginamit mo siya sa ibang utensils, ginamit mo pa ulit sa iba pa at mataas yung microbial load, highly possible ang contamination (If sponges are constantly on sev