Where do the germs come from?
Bacteria and viruses are everywhere, and as they are microscopically small, we aren’t aware of them on or inside our bodies, nor on the food we eat. Our natural defence systems can usually overcome infecting bacteria, but if bacteria get into our bodies in huge numbers, we are unable to counteract them and then become ill. Cooking food properly kills bacteria, and storing food at the right temperature in fridges and freezers stop them from multiplying. Sources of food poisoning: • Common sources of food poisoning are:Uncooked meat and poultry – during the slaughtering process, harmful bacteria from the animals intestines can contaminate the meat, and so all raw meat should be considered as potentially contaminated • Shellfish – oysters and mussels which have grown near sewage discharge can carry a multitude of infecting germs • Humans – as we have large numbers of bacteria in our intestines, it is essential that we all wash our hands after using the toilet, and especially before prepar
