World Food Safety Day 2024 – 10 Food Safety Myths and Facts

Food is one of the most important necessities of life. It contains many vital nutrients that boost energy levels and help your body function properly. Therefore, it is important to consume a healthy diet to promote your overall well-being and stay safe from conditions. However, in the present times, when food safety poses huge risks, it is important to be particular about food hygiene and stay away from stale or contaminated foods to prevent foodborne diseases.

Considering the health risks linked with the consumption of certain foods, 7th June is celebrated as World Food Safety Day every year. This day aims to draw attention to foodborne diseases that pose severe threats to human health and economic prosperity. On this World Food Safety Day 2024, let’s talk about some myths and facts related to food safety.

Food Safety – Myths and Facts

The following are some common myths and facts associated with food safety:

Myth #1: If food looks and smells fine, you can safely consume it even after days

Fact: Even if food looks or smells fine, it may not be safe to eat. Foods cooked a few hours ago can have bacterial growth, which will not be visible to the naked eye. Moreover, bacterial growth in food may not produce any odour and may taste fine even when contaminated.

Myth #2: Food poisoning is a minor health issue, and one feels better after a couple of days

Fact: This is incorrect, as certain foodborne diseases can cause major digestive distress and long-term health issues. Severe cases of food poisoning may require hospitalisation, and the condition can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is important to eat mindfully to avoid associated complications.

Myth #3: Freezing prevents bacterial growth in foods

Fact: Freezing can slow down bacterial growth in foods but won’t stop it completely. This is particularly true for foods that are not cooked thoroughly before freezing.

Myth #4: It is safe to leave food on the counter for thawing

Fact: You should never leave frozen food on the counter for thawing at room temperature. The right way to thaw food is by keeping it in the refrigerator or placing it under cold, running water. Moreover, once the food is thawed, it must be cooked as soon as possible to prevent contamination.

Myth #5: Cross-contamination can happen only with meat

Fact: This is a myth, as any food, including fruits and vegetables, can get cross-contaminated. Therefore, it is important to use separate tools and utensils for different types of foods.

Myth #6: You need not wash fruits and vegetables before peeling them

Fact: It is important to wash fruits and vegetables before you peel them to prevent bacteria and other microorganisms from getting transferred from the peel or peeler to the fruit or vegetable.

For example, if you peel an unwashed orange, the bacteria or dirt on the peel can transfer to the fruit pulp from your hands. Similarly, if you peel an unwashed apple, the dirt from the peeler or knife will contaminate the fruit.

Myth #7: Cooking or heating food kills bacteria in it

Fact: This is not entirely true, as bacteria can thrive again once the food cools down or there is a drop in temperature. Therefore, it is important to warm cooked food again before consuming it.

Myth #8: It is important to wash or rinse meat and poultry before cooking

Fact: Never wash raw meat, as doing this can spread bacteria to other foods and surfaces, like sinks and countertops.

For example, when you wash meat, it can contaminate fruits, salads, and other foods that are eaten raw. This can lead to food poisoning and other foodborne diseases.

Myth #9: You can marinate foods on the counter as marinades are acidic

Fact: Although marinades are acidic, leaving them on the counter at room temperature can encourage bacterial growth in them. Consuming food contaminated with bacteria and other microorganisms will lead to food poisoning and associated discomfort. Therefore, it is important to keep marinated foods in the refrigerator.

Myth #10: Heating food in the microwave will kill bacteria

Fact: Although microwaves are quite handy, they may not heat food evenly and leave some cold spots in it.

For example, if you are heating curry in a bowl, it may get heated on the sides but not in the centre. Therefore, the bacteria present in the cold spots can contaminate the entire food and lead to foodborne conditions.

Conclusion

These are some common myths and facts associated with food safety. Since certain foodborne conditions can cause severe health complications, it is important to take necessary precautions. If you feel uneasy after eating or experience symptoms of food poisoning, talk to your doctor about it without delay. Since severe cases of food poisoning and other health issues may require hospitalisation and care, it is important to stay covered under individual or family health insurance. A health insurance policy will cover your hospital bills and associated expenses during medical emergencies and ease your financial worries. You can also opt for cashless treatment at any network hospital of your insurance provider without fretting about paying the bills from your pocket.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.