No time to pack lunch?
Be careful when selecting your lunch from a fast-food restaurant.
Many have been under fire for health violations and E. coli outbreaks. For instance, the recent E. coli outbreak at Chipotle has now spread to New York.
While there is no sure way to avoid contaminated food items (other than not consuming them), you can follow these general guidelines to stay safe.
1. Avoid high-risk foods (raw or undercooked meats, dairy products, egg products, seafood).
2. Don’t purchase pre-packaged foods whose appearance is questionable.
3. Choose items from establishments which are clean (if the visible shop is dirty, imagine the hidden areas, like the kitchen!).
4. Hot food should be hot; cold food should be refrigerated or frozen.
5. Pre-made sandwiches or items with perishable ingredients should be stored for less than four hours.
Should illness strike, keep in mind the symptoms of food poisoning (chills, dehydration, fever, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, stomach cramps, diarrhea, headaches) in order to receive medical attention as needed.
For more information on the E.coli outbreak, read the article here.
For more on food safety, read an international food safety article here.
