Table of Contents
- Preventing Food Poisoning in High-Risk Persons
- Which Groups Are at Higher Risk of Food Poisoning?
- What Foods Are the Most Likely To Cause a Foodborne Illness?
- Other Things That Put You at Risk of Food Poisoning
- Infants Are at High Risk of Food Poisoning
- Pregnant Women Need To Be Extra Careful
- Why Are Older Adults at Risk?
- People With Liver Disease Are Also at Risk
- What To Do if You're the Victim of Food Poisoning
- Conclusion
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Food poisoning poses significant risks, especially for high-risk individuals such as pregnant women, infants, and the elderly. Understanding preventive measures is essential for safeguarding health, and knowing when to seek legal assistance from an attorney near you can help protect your rights if you fall victim to foodborne illnesses.
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This blog post provides essential information on preventing food poisoning in high-risk individuals, including pregnant women, infants, and older adults. Learn about the foods to avoid and the steps to take if you experience foodborne illness. If you need legal assistance, consult an attorney near you for guidance on your rights and options.
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Mar 3, 2025 05:20 PM
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Preventing Food Poisoning in High-Risk Persons
Most cases of food poisoning are relatively minor. However, more severe cases can incapacitate you for days or weeks. For people who are at a higher risk of developing a foodborne illness, they must know how to prevent it.
Pregnant women, young children, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe cases of food poisoning. For example, they must avoid undercooked animal products and soft cheeses. They may also want to steer clear of pates, uncooked hot dogs, and sliced deli meats. These foods can cause listeria infection, a severe foodborne illness.
This page will discuss:
- Ways to avoid food poisoning
- Who is at a heightened risk of developing a foodborne illness
- What to do if you become sick after eating food served at a bar, restaurant, hotel, or other food preparer
💡 For every post in this series, scroll down to “Related Posts.”
Which Groups Are at Higher Risk of Food Poisoning?
Certain people are more susceptible to food poisoning. These groups include the following:
- Infants
- Pregnant women
- Older adults
- People with a weak immune system
- Those individuals with a chronic medical illness
If you fall into any of these groups, you must be careful about the foods you eat and come into contact with.
What Foods Are the Most Likely To Cause a Foodborne Illness?
Technically, just about any food can make you sick if not prepared or served correctly. However, some foods can be dangerous no matter how carefully cooked. Types of food that can make you sick include:
- Raw meat
- Shellfish
- Dairy products
- Raw foods
- Soft cheeses
- Unpasteurized milk
- Fresh fruits
- Perishable foods that are not refrigerated
- Raw sprouts
- Ground meat
Food safety isn't something most of us think about. However, the only way to avoid food poisoning is to know how to spot foods that can make you ill and how to keep food safe.
Other Things That Put You at Risk of Food Poisoning
While avoiding certain foods is good, you must also consider how food is stored, prepared, and served. For example, you don't want to cut raw chicken on a cutting board and then use the same board for something else. This can cause cross-contamination.
You also want to throw away contaminated food immediately. Putting it back in the fridge or cupboard can harm your other foods.
You always want to check the internal temperature of any meat or protein you cook. Otherwise, you may not destroy any E. coli, salmonella, or other harmful bacteria swimming around in your dish. Make sure to reheat cooked foods once they're refrigerated.
If you aren't sure how to prepare certain foods, you can always visit foodsafety.gov for helpful tips.
Infants Are at High Risk of Food Poisoning
Infants are highly vulnerable to all sorts of illnesses. The same is true for foodborne diseases. A bottle-fed infant is at higher risk for severe infections from salmonella or other bacteria that can grow in a bottle of warm formula.
If you leave a bottle at room temperature for many hours, dump it. Parents must also ensure their baby's bottles are cleaned and disinfected and that leftover milk formula or juice doesn't sit in the bottle for many hours.
Pregnant Women Need To Be Extra Careful
When pregnant, you must be careful about what you eat and drink. You can become very sick if you eat foods contaminated with E. coli, salmonella, or other bacteria. This can also harm your unborn baby.
Foods pregnant women should avoid include the following:
- Raw or undercooked eggs
- Unwashed fruits and vegetables
- Seafood
- Dairy
- Deli meats
- Hot dogs
Even though many of these foods are ordinarily safe, you don't want to take any chances while pregnant.
Why Are Older Adults at Risk?
Older adults are typically more vulnerable to illness and disease. The elderly are more likely to have a fragile state of health than other age groups because their immune systems weaken with age and are less resistant to pathogens. Avoid contaminated foods if you're over 65 or 70 or care for your aging parents.
Food handling is crucial for older people. If they reside in a nursing home or assisted living facility, strangers bring their meals to them. If they don't wash hands with soapy water, they may contaminate your loved one's food and drink.
People With Liver Disease Are Also at Risk
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), liver disease patients are susceptible to infections with a rare but dangerous microbe called Vibriovulnificus. Oysters contain this microbe.
People with liver disease should avoid eating raw oysters. This group should also avoid clams and other shellfish. They are more liable to make them sick.
What To Do if You're the Victim of Food Poisoning
If you develop food poisoning after eating at a restaurant or bar or come into contact with contaminated food, contact a product liability attorney immediately. They'll review your claim and let you know your legal options. Consult our product liability attorney directory for a lawyer near you.
Conclusion
Understanding the risks associated with food poisoning is crucial for high-risk individuals. By taking preventive measures and seeking legal advice when necessary, individuals can protect their health and rights.
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