Combatting the Rise of Food Poisoning Cases in Heatwave: Insights from Experts in Vietnam
Food poisoning cases have been on the rise in recent years, and prolonged heat is a significant contributor to this problem. According to Ms. Pham Khanh Phong Lan, Director of Ho Chi Minh City Department of Food Safety, the combination of high temperatures and humidity provides an ideal environment for bacteria to multiply and cause serious harm.
In Nha Trang, Dong Nai, and Ho Chi Minh City, there has been a surge in food poisoning cases due to incorrect handling practices. Street vendors are using old rice to make sushi, leaving food overnight, and reheating it the next day for sale. These actions increase the risk of food poisoning by allowing bacteria to multiply and produce harmful toxins in the food.
Dr. Doan Uyen Vy emphasized the importance of food safety at every stage of production and preservation. In hot weather, bacteria can quickly multiply and produce toxic substances in food. To prevent this from happening, experts recommend thorough cooking, avoiding cross-contamination, and proper storage of cooked food.
Ho Chi Minh City is taking steps to improve street food safety by setting up standardized food streets with better management practices. However, challenges remain in controlling and managing the large number of street vendors. It is crucial that vendors receive training on safe food handling practices and raise awareness among consumers about preventive measures that can protect them from food poisoning.
In conclusion, increasing awareness of safe food handling practices is essential to prevent food poisoning cases from rising further. People are advised to take precautions such as thoroughly cooking their meals, avoiding cross-contamination between raw meats and vegetables, storing cooked foods properly in the fridge or freezer, and reporting any unsafe practices they encounter to authorities.
By following these guidelines and adopting good hygiene habits, individuals can protect themselves from the risks associated with improperly handled foods during hot weather conditions.
