Firecrackers can emit food contaminants, experts warn
- 9 years ago
MANILA – Experts warned the public to be cautious in food preparation and storage this coming New Year’s Eve celebration, as firecrackers can emit poisonous substances that might contaminate food.
"Delikado pag 'yung usok pupunta dun sa mga plato saka dun sa mga kinain. Delikado rin kasi baka merong 'bioaerosol' (When smoke from firecrackers enter the kitchen, it can contaminate food and plates especially if it contains 'bioaerosols')," according to microbiologist Dr. Pie Vital,
Bioaerosols are airborne particles that are either living or just emissions from living organisms. Experts said among potentially harmful indoor bioaerosols are fungi, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and allergens.
Vital said the large amount of firecrackers emitted during the New Year’s Eve celebration can spread these bioaerosols.
"Dahil bioaerosol ay matatagpuan sa hangin, kapag ginulo natin yung hangin, lilipat yung hangin dun sa pagkain na niluluto, (Because bioaerosols are airborne, disturbance caused by firecrackers can spread these bioaerosols, which can get into food)," she explained.
Vital added "Staphylococcus" and "Bacillus" are two toxic bacteria types that can contaminate Media Noche foods.
Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that can easily cross contaminate to food through improper handling. It can produce toxins which can lead gastrointestinal diseases when consumed. Gastrointestinal diseases symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting or nausea.
Bacillus cereus, meanwhile, is a type of bacteria that can easily multiply under room temperature and can produce two types of toxins: one which causes diarrhea, and the other which can induce nausea or vomiting.
This bacteria type often infects food and ingredients not stored properly and left for long hours under mere room temperature.
While avoiding firecrackers this New Year can help prevent diseases, experts said the public should also prepare by ensuring proper kitchen safety techniques.
Experts advised to im
"Delikado pag 'yung usok pupunta dun sa mga plato saka dun sa mga kinain. Delikado rin kasi baka merong 'bioaerosol' (When smoke from firecrackers enter the kitchen, it can contaminate food and plates especially if it contains 'bioaerosols')," according to microbiologist Dr. Pie Vital,
Bioaerosols are airborne particles that are either living or just emissions from living organisms. Experts said among potentially harmful indoor bioaerosols are fungi, bacteria, viruses, protozoa, and allergens.
Vital said the large amount of firecrackers emitted during the New Year’s Eve celebration can spread these bioaerosols.
"Dahil bioaerosol ay matatagpuan sa hangin, kapag ginulo natin yung hangin, lilipat yung hangin dun sa pagkain na niluluto, (Because bioaerosols are airborne, disturbance caused by firecrackers can spread these bioaerosols, which can get into food)," she explained.
Vital added "Staphylococcus" and "Bacillus" are two toxic bacteria types that can contaminate Media Noche foods.
Staphylococcus aureus is a type of bacteria that can easily cross contaminate to food through improper handling. It can produce toxins which can lead gastrointestinal diseases when consumed. Gastrointestinal diseases symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting or nausea.
Bacillus cereus, meanwhile, is a type of bacteria that can easily multiply under room temperature and can produce two types of toxins: one which causes diarrhea, and the other which can induce nausea or vomiting.
This bacteria type often infects food and ingredients not stored properly and left for long hours under mere room temperature.
While avoiding firecrackers this New Year can help prevent diseases, experts said the public should also prepare by ensuring proper kitchen safety techniques.
Experts advised to im