2023-07-19 06:04:54
As rising temperatures in Lebanon are accompanied by an increase in cases of food poisoning, L’Orient Today spoke to two doctors to try to explain the causes, preventive measures and possible treatments. “Food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated food,” says Dr Mahmoud Hallal, a gastroenterologist who runs a private clinic in the southern suburbs of Beirut.
In most cases, the person ate contaminated food from a restaurant, says this doctor. Many sauces served in restaurants contain mayonnaise or tartar sauce and must be kept refrigerated at all times. However, most restaurants turn off the electricity when they close, leaving these sauces unrefrigerated, he adds.
“One of the best ways to avoid food poisoning, especially when eating out during summer vacation, is to avoid adding sauces to your meals,” says the specialist. “You can enjoy your taouk sandwich or other dishes without sauce, otherwise you risk living a few days of food poisoning,” he continues.
Chicken meat cooked in a restaurant in Beirut. Photo João Sousa
“Try to take your fresh fruit juices without +ashta+ (cream made from whole milk) because this product also needs to be refrigerated at all times and most fruit juice outlets in Lebanon cannot afford it. TO DO”. For those cooking at home, Mahmoud Hallal advises buying small amounts of food, especially if the fridge is not on all the time due to power cuts.
“For young people (suffering from food poisoning) there is usually nothing to worry regarding. The body fights back on its own and all you have to do is stick to a diet of boiled potatoes, yogurts (well preserved), rice and plenty of water to avoid dehydration”, explains the gastroenterologist.
However, if the patient “continually vomits the liquids he drinks or if he does not feel better following a few days, he must immediately consult a doctor”, adds Dr Hallal, while emphasizing that it is rarely the case for young people.
As for young children and the elderly, they often have to take antibiotics to fully recover.
A bowl of tabbouleh, one of Lebanon’s most iconic salads. Photo João Sousa
Extra care for children
Dr. Antoine Abou Fadel, pediatrician, explains to L’Orient Today that food poisoning in children is more serious than in adults because the child “is more prone to dehydration”. “The younger the child, the more dangerous it is,” he says. This pediatrician advises parents to give their children only bottled mineral water to drink, as it is the safest option and the least likely to be contaminated.
“Young children should also avoid eating foods that have been left in the fridge during power cuts,” says Dr Abou Fadel.
He also advises once morest giving children food from beach cafeterias and swimming pools, as these foods are usually kept at high temperatures.
At home, “vegetables should also be disinfected with a mixture of white vinegar and water before eating them raw,” he adds.
According to the pediatrician, if a child suffers from food poisoning, he should be given small amounts of food and plenty of fluids. However, he advises to “hospitalize the child in case of food poisoning, as things can get worse quickly”.
As rising temperatures in Lebanon are accompanied by an increase in cases of food poisoning, L’Orient Today spoke to two doctors to try to explain the causes, preventive measures and possible treatments. “Food poisoning is caused by eating contaminated food,” explains gastroenterologist Dr. Mahmoud Hallal.
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