Sick feeling
After reading this report I was reminded of a couple of photos that I took recently (‘Toddler dies in suspected case of food poisoning', Gulf News, May 21). I noticed a packet of processed dates left for many hours in a parked car under the hot summer sun.
It is said that each year millions of people suffer, many even die, from food borne illnesses. One of the reasons is the incorrect storage of food, which causes spoilage and food poisoning.
How often has one done something like this and then looked instantly for someone to blame for this situation? The consumer will blame the supplier and others. Complaints will be raised and a lot of time and money will be spent in nailing the culprit.
From Mr Firdos A. Poonawala
Dubai
Fishy work
This is a very important issue that Gulf News reader Poonawala mentioned in his comment. People are taking proper food handling and storage too lightly, which is problematic especially with the temperature increasing these days.
I have seen labels on foods that are parcelled from hotels requesting for the food to be consumed within two hours of purchase. However, foodstuff purchased from supermarkets can also spoil before it gets home. This is seen in the case of fish and poultry products.
From Ms Haifa Hydrose
Dubai
Already expired
How often have I done the grocery shopping only to reach home and find that something I bought was expired, or will be in the next few days?
And how often have I noticed that the fresh products are placed at the front while the old ones are put in the back. There is a real lack of awareness about correct handling of food across the nation – at home, in restaurants and in grocery stores.
From Mr Geoff Spear
Dubai
Read and follow
There is a dual responsibility here — for both the supplier and the consumer. But to be honest, the suppliers display a lot of important information on the products. It then becomes the responsibility of the consumer to ensure that he or she not only reads those instructions but also understands and follows them.
One of the simplest things is to store the food properly or to heat the food. At times it is easier to overlook our shortcomings and then blame others. As responsible people, we should follow instructions and live a hygienic lifestyle, which should include correct and safe eating habits.
From my observation, I find that parents with young children are the ones who are ahead of the race – they are keen on reading the instructions on what they buy and also follow them.
From Mr Ghanshyam Vyas
Dubai
Storing food properly
I completely agree with the reader Poonawala. Improper storage of food is the main cause of illness. The supplier or storekeeper must make sure that goods are received and stored in hygienic conditions, especially food items like vegetables and fruits, which require proper attention when it comes to storage.
Some fast tips to avoid contaminated foods are: do not store directly under sunlight (as is the case in the picture Poonawala took) and perishable goods must be stored in such a way that they stay fresh and free from the harmful impact of the environment.
From Mr Mohammad Luqman
Umm Al Quwain
Proper hygiene
It is an extremely important issue and people need to be educated about the dangers of incorrect storage of food. However, bacteria are also transmitted through food that is not handled hygienically or through the incorrect use of chopping boards and cutlery.
There are many ways that food poisoning can occur, and I think there are a lot of people who are unaware of even the basics of maintaining food hygiene.
From Ms Shan Fazelbhoy
Dubai
Proper labelling
One of the main issues is that a lot of people are not aware of how to store food. In addition, suppliers should have adequate packaging to instruct consumers on how to properly store food.
From Mr Mohammad Al Janahi
Dubai
Be aware
Sadly the reader Poonawala is correct in his comment — ignorance generates the problem. However, the culprits are not so ignorant that they don't know where to look to apportion the blame when, in fact, it is their own fault.
Fortunately food poisoning is mostly treatable unless it is severe or the patient's health is poor or too young to have developed immunity or resistance to common bacteria. In such a case forensic science is advanced enough to determine the cause.
It is a waste of valuable resources and money. It is a good idea to publish regular warnings regarding food handling, storage, reheating and consumption and the need to follow manufacturers' advice and expiry dates.
From Mr David Woodward
Dubai
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