TÜGİS Issues Important Warnings Against Salmonella Risk

Turkey Food Industry Employers' Union (TUGIS) raised food safety on the agenda during World Health Week. In a statement made through TUGIS Science Board, attention was drawn to Salmonella bacteria and measures to be taken were listed. The statement emphasized that the bacterium poses a particular danger to children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.

"Access to safe food is a fundamental right for everyone and we are working with all our might to protect this right," said TUGIS Board Chairman Kaan Sidar. "As TUGIS, our efforts to provide science-based information against risks posed by dangers such as Salmonella continue. On the occasion of World Health Week, we aim to reach wider audiences with these efforts. We continue cooperation with all our stakeholders to maintain hygiene and quality standards throughout the chain from producers to consumers; through the TUGIS Science Board, we share the measures to be taken with our citizens," he said.

Chicken should not be washed, be careful with animal contact!
Salmonella infections pose a danger especially for children, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems. This bacterium, which can cause diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain, spreads easily under improper food preparation conditions. Raw eggs, raw chicken, turkey meat, red meat, seafood, raw vegetables and fruits as well as unpasteurized milk and dairy products are among the commonly affected food items.

Prof. Dr. Nevzat Artık, a member of TUGIS Science Board, made the following remarks on the subject: "There is a possibility of Salmonella contamination in meals prepared on surfaces that have been in contact with meat, and in foods where storage and heating rules have not been observed. Moreover, the danger is not limited to food alone; contact with certain animals can also present this risk. For example, contact with animals such as turtles, snakes, lizards, birds and chicks is among the transmission routes. Additionally, contact with surfaces contaminated by animal fur, hair, scales or feces poses a danger in terms of transmission.

Restaurant orders also carry risk
The most basic measure against Salmonella danger is hygiene. Chicken meat should not be washed; hands should be thoroughly cleaned with cold water after contact with eggs. It is possible to reduce the danger by adhering to cold chain and hot storage rules. To protect against risk, being cautious at home is unfortunately not enough. In today's world where the habit of eating out has increased considerably, food consumed at restaurants, ordered to homes and produced under improper conditions can also carry Salmonella risk."

Foods that are easy to digest should be preferred
Listing what should be done in case of bacterial contamination, Artık stated: "The first and most important step is replacing fluids and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea. Adequate water consumption by adults is of great importance. For children, rehydration drinks should be consumed under medical supervision. During this period, easily digestible foods should be preferred; foods such as banana, rice, applesauce and toast are good choices," he said.