Keep These Germs Away with Good Hygiene

We all know there are germs in our environment that can make you or your baby ill. What exactly are germs?

Germs or pathogens are living microorganisms that can cause disease in human. They can be bacteria, viruses or microscopic fungi. 

Most common bacteria that are associated with illness are listed below:

1) Staphylococus aureus 

This bacteria is commonly found on human skin and nasal cavity. Poor hygiene during food preparation and handling can result in contamination with this bacteria. The toxins produced by this bacteria can cause food poisoning and in serious case cause toxic-shock syndrome.

2) Escherichia coli

This bacteria can be found in lower intestinal tract of human or animals. Thus when food are prepared by a person who did not observe good hygiene or prepared in a unhygienic condition, faecal contamination of this bacteria can occur. Although some E.coli strains do not cause disease,  some nasty strains such as E. coli O157:H7 can cause severe abdominal cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.

3) Salmonella

This is a super nasty bacteria commonly associated with intestinal track of infected human and animals. It is commonly transmitted to people through food and water contaminated by infected human or animal feces. Foods such as poultry, eggs, and beef which are not cooked well enough are commonly associated with Salmonella food poisoning.  This illness is called Salmonellosis, which cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, fever, pain and cramping in your belly.

Good hygiene is the Key to keep these germs away!

As you can see, most of these nasty bacterial food poisoning can be prevented through proper hand washing prior to preparing and handling of food. Cleaning and washing of all cooking or food preparation utensils and cutlery can also reduce the risk of transmitting these nasty bacteria to your food or drink. Last but not least, ensure raw meat and food are properly stored and chilled, cook well enough to destroy the bacteria, and do not leave the food for too long in ambient room temperature prior to consumption.

Keep your love ones healthy & happy with good hygiene habits.

Cheers!

Leo Peh