Today, Thursday, the Ministry of Health stressed the necessity of respecting basic preventive measures from the acquisition of food until its consumption.
Al-Wara said in a statement that the summer season, especially the heat waves that Algeria is currently experiencing, is considered a period during which the risk of food poisoning increases, and that the deterioration of public hygiene and cleanliness at the level of food establishments is considered an important factor in the occurrence of these food poisonings.
Gatherings of people during the summer season, as well as centers of summer holidays, entertainment and parties, also create high-risk conditions if hygiene standards are not respected. Cases of food poisoning result from food contamination, which is likely related to the quality of food, hygiene, preservation and distribution of products.
Therefore, strict adherence to hygiene procedures remains the only way to avoid the risk of contamination of foodstuffs with microorganisms during each of the various handling processes in the food chain and thus reduce the risk of food poisoning.
For this purpose, the actions to be taken are as follows:
1- Regarding purchases:
– Avoid purchasing products that are exposed to the open air and the sun: bread, mineral water, eggs, soft drinks, etc.
– Checking the expiration dates of foodstuffs, especially dairy products, yogurt, tuna, kosher products, and others.
– Avoid buying bulging or deformed cans
2- With regard to preservation:
– Before purchasing, ensure that meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, etc. are well preserved;
Perishable foods should be kept in the refrigerator.
– The thawed product must not be re-frozen;
– Ensure the quality and preservation of refreshments;
– Store cold dishes immediately after preparation in a cool place, at a temperature of 2 or 4 degrees Celsius; served immediately after taking it out (less than an hour); prepared and consumed on the same day;
3- With regard to hygiene:
Hands should be washed regularly before preparing and consuming food
Wash vegetables and fruits before eating them
– Stay away from food establishments that are characterized by poor general hygiene
– Avoid using suspicious sauces prepared in food establishments
The Ministry called for respecting all these preventive measures in order to avoid any individual or group food poisoning.