Food Poisoning In Zimbabwe

Unfortunately due to a combination of factors in Zimbabwe, food poisoning is not uncommon at all.  Food poisoning is an acute gastroenteritis caused by the consumption of a food material or a drink which contains the pathogenic micro organism or their toxins or poisonous chemicals. Food poisoning is common in hostels, hotels, communal feedings, and festival seasons.

There are two kinds or categories of food poisoning

1) Caused by bacteria

Here the micro organisms called pathogenic bacteria (or their toxin) are responsible. When they are contained with in the food and it is eaten, a person is likely to be poisoned.

2) Non bacterial food poisoning:

Due to the presence of toxic chemicals like fertilizers, insecticides, heavy metals and more.

Bacterial food poisoning in Zimbabwe is much more common.

It’s important to note that, not all bacteria are harmful to the human body. There are however some pathogenic bacteria which secrete toxins and cause clinical manifestations. These organisms enter the human body through food articles or drinks.

10 Tips To Avoid Food Poisoning

1. Only purified water should be used.
2. Workers should use masks, cap and gloves during cooking and serving.
3. Sick individuals should not come in contact with food materials.
4. Kitchen and premises should be neat and clean.
5. Vessels should be washed with soap and hot water.
6. Should not keep the prepared food for a long time in room temperature.
7. All food materials should be kept in closed containers.
8. Pets like dogs and cats should not be allowed to come into contact with food materials.
9. Vegetables should be carefully washed before cooking.

10.  Meat should always be fresh and bought from a trusted and recognised slaughter-house.

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