If you got food poisoning from chicken, it’s likely because you ate some meat that wasn’t stored or prepared properly. Here is what you can do about it.
Thousands of victims
Every year, up to 12,000 Canadians get sick with food poisoning from chicken, which is caused by the Salmonella bacteria. This digestive system infection generally occurs from six to seventy-two hours after the contaminated meat has been eaten, and the discomfort can last from four to seven days.
The most common symptoms of salmonellosis are:
- abdominal cramps and diarrhea
- shaking
- nausea and vomiting
- headaches
- fever
Appearances aren’t everything
The Salmonella bacterium is odourless, colourless, and tasteless. Even after examining your chicken with the greatest care, you still wouldn’t be able to detect the presence of the bacteria. And don’t make the mistake of believing that salmonellosis is a restaurant sickness. The chicken you prepare in your own kitchen can also carry the Salmonella food infection, and it can have a huge impact on your whole family.
10 ways to avoid food poisoning
There is some good news about Salmonella—you can reduce your chances of getting food poisoning from chicken and other meat if you follow these ten safe poultry handling practices.
- Refrigerate or freeze chicken the moment you return from the grocery store.
- Eat refrigerated chicken within two or three days. Respect the expiry date at all times.
- Wash your hands with hot soapy water before and after handling chicken.
- Do not leave raw chicken at room temperature for long periods of time; bacteria begin to multiply in just a few minutes.
- Use a dishwasher-safe non-wood cutting board. Wooden boards are better hosts for bacteria. Use a separate knife for chicken and wash it in hot soapy water or, even better, run it through the dishwasher.
- Wash the counter with a clean, soapy cloth immediately after preparing raw chicken.
- Use a digital thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked safely and perfectly (74°C for pieces and 85° for a whole chicken).
- Cooked chicken should not be cooled at room temperature. Refrigerate it immediately.
- Stop pets from hanging out near food preparation areas.
- Never eat raw or undercooked chicken.
Should I consult a doctor?
People who get sick from food poisoning by chicken are usually back on their feet after a few days. The best treatment is plenty of rest and drinking lots of liquids to keep the body hydrated. But for some people, food poisoning from chicken may cause more serious complications that need to be taken care of by a doctor. Anyone presenting severe symptoms, as well as pregnant women, children, elderly people, and those with a weakened immune system, may need intravenous rehydration or antibiotics.
If you’re in doubt about how to take care of someone with food poisoning from chicken, don’t hesitate to consult a health care professional or go to your neighbourhood medical clinic.
