According to the center's data, among these cases, 11 were classified as mass poisonings, where more than five people were affected, and five of these occurred in fast food establishments.
Experts point out that fast food is often prepared from products that have a high risk of contamination.
Such dishes usually contain many ingredients, including meat, vegetables, herbs, and sauces, which increases the likelihood of contamination if sanitary standards are not followed.
Sauces and fresh herbs pose a particular danger, as they often do not undergo thermal processing.
Medical workers emphasize that owners and staff of food establishments must strictly adhere to sanitary standards:
- ensure proper storage of food;
- conduct sufficient thermal processing of meat and semi-finished products;
- prevent cross-contamination, which can occur through dirty hands, clothing, knives, and cutting boards.
Washing and cutting areas must be clearly separated from the thermal processing area.
A mandatory condition is the availability of clean running water, as well as the ability to wash food, utensils, and staff hands. Additionally, food preparation must take place in a closed space. The food block should be separated by glass or transparent plastic, and the transfer of finished dishes should occur through a special window.
Customers and waiters should not have access to the food preparation area. Personal hygiene of workers and their basic knowledge of cooking technology are also important.
To prevent food poisoning, doctors advise consumers:
- to pay attention to the overall sanitary condition of the fast food establishment;
- to be cautious of suspiciously low prices and excessively large portions;
- not to purchase food in places lacking water and cleanliness.
Experts also do not recommend regularly consuming fast food, as it does not contain the necessary vitamins and microelements for the body.
Instead, such dishes often have a high content of carcinogens and trans fats, especially fried potatoes and fried meat, which can lead not only to poisoning but also to long-term health damage.
