Increasing Risk of Food Poisoning by Loring A. Windblad

Report any suspected foodborne source of illness to the family physician. (Food poisoning is a "reportable disease" in several provinces.) Above all, keep up fluid intake.

The usual treatment for food poisoning or diarrhea is bed rest and plenty of fluids, preferably clear water or flat ginger ale. Self-remedies are fine for mild to moderate diarrhea or food poisoning, but severe bouts need medical attention -- because of the risk of dehydration and other serious complications. Sufferers are advised to drink clear fluids such as broth, bottled carbonated drinks and clear tea (no milk) until the stomach cramps and diarrhea subside. Stick to rice, noodles, Jello, frozen Popsicles, mashed potatoes, pureed cooked foods (carrots, apples) until better, and resume full diet gradually. Avoid milk products. For fluid replacement because of diarrhea due to food poisoning, one expert recommends flat ginger ale or Gastrolite as "ideal for children and adults."

Use mild medications to slow diarrhea such as Lomotil and Imodium sparingly -- they can also be used in children, and work by slowing bowel spasms. Do not use these drugs when there is high fever, chills or persistent (bloody) diarrhea. (It's best to consult a physician about their use as they may impede elimination of the bacteria.

For children with suspected food poisoning, ignore the old adage about "starving out the diarrhea" and continue light meals after the first 12-24 hours of diarrhea (unless the child is vomiting). Above all keep up fluid intake to avoid dehydration. Children's small bodies lose water and dehydrate fast. Infants on formula can be given oral rehydration solution (ORS), as advised by a physician, marketed under different brand names and obtainable at most drug or grocery stores. Avoid plain water in young children as it's not nourishing enough. Always consult a physician about severe diarrhea in children.

Lose no time in contacting the doctor if the child has:

* Fever higher than 39[degrees]C (102[degrees]F);

* Repeated vomiting;

* Refusal to drink;

* Sunken eyes, listlessness, apathy;

* Rapid breathing;

* Bloody stools;

* In infants: very large, watery stools, sunken fontanelle ("soft spot" on top of the head), less than the usual number of wet diapers (reduced urination).

Calls for safer food handling

Poor sanitation, lack of elementary hygiene and the absence of safe rules for food handling facilitate bacterial spread. "How is it," writes one expert, "that people need a license to drive a car, but no one asks a food handler to pass a rudimentary food safety test?" Lack of precautions, little supervision and even the simple failure to wash the hands can easily spread infection. One food handler can endanger hundreds of thousands of people a year. Education and food-monitoring systems are not enough to win the war against foodborne bacteria. Research is underway on new vaccines against cholera, typhoid and the new forms of E. coli.

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BIO:

Loring Windblad has studied nutrition and exercise for more than 40 years, is a published author and freelance writer. His latest business endeavor is at
http://www.organicgreens.us

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