While food poisoning can be caused by various factors, including improper handling and preparation, certain types of foods are more likely to be culprits in foodborne illnesses. These high-risk foods demand our attention and careful handling to ensure our safety and well-being. 

Raw or undercooked meat and poultry 

Raw or undercooked meats and poultry are notorious for carrying harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. Consuming these foods without proper cooking can lead to severe gastrointestinal issues, including vomiting, diarrhea and in extreme cases, kidney failure or death. In addition, improper food handling, storage and transport can result in the introduction of microbes into the food products. Also, transport and storage above the safe temperature range can result in microbial growth and food spoilage. 

Seafood 

Raw seafood, including fish and shellfish, can contain harmful pathogens like Vibrio, which thrive in warm seawater. If not handled and stored correctly, consuming raw seafood can result in a nasty case of food poisoning. To enjoy these delicacies safely, choose reputable restaurants and ensure the seafood is sourced from trusted suppliers. It’s also important that the supply is of high integrity in the first place. Proper food handling, transport and storage practices should always be observed throughout the supply chain. 

Eggs 

Eggs are a staple in many diets, but they can be a source of Salmonella contamination, especially if they are undercooked or raw. Also, many food products that contain eggs might have been contaminated because of poor hygiene and handling practices during the harvest, transport, packaging and distribution of those goods. 

Dairy products 

Unpasteurised dairy products, such as raw milk, cheese and yogurt, can harbor harmful bacteria like Listeria, E. coli, and Salmonella. Pasteurisation, a heat treatment process, kills these pathogens, making dairy products safer to consume. However, even after the treatment, it’s still possible for the dairy products to get contaminated (and the microbes thrive in those nutrient-rich products). This can happen during the packaging, handling and transport where there are several opportunities for microbes to come in, grow and multiply. 

Importance of proper handling, storage and transport 

Understanding which foods are high-risk for food poisoning is essential for protecting your health and the well-being of your loved ones. Proper food handling, storage, and cooking techniques are crucial in minimising the risk of foodborne illnesses associated with these foods. 

Here at Cooltrans, we ensure proper refrigerated transport of those high-risk foods for food poisoning. We ensure tight temperature control throughout the transit time. This way, pathogens won’t thrive and the goods will arrive in a high-quality condition.