No severe cases of food poisoning or deaths caused by food poisoning were noted during the Christmas festivities if we refer to the reports from December 24 and 25, 2023 in one of the major hospitals in the capital.
Among the 192 people seen for consultation in one of the capital’s large hospitals during the Christmas period, the majority were patients who were victims of various accidents, assaults and cases of excessive alcohol consumption, as well as cases of intolerance to certain foods, although a few cases of suicide attempts have also been recorded. In terms of food consumption, the reports do not report any severe cases of poisoning, or those causing deaths. In private health establishments, a few cases have been observed, without seriousness.
Mayonnaise
The foods presenting the greatest risk of poisoning guests during meals during the holidays are those having been prepared without respecting basic measures in terms of hygiene, quality and freshness of the products used. The use of mayonnaise in certain dishes is, most of the time, singled out because it can easily cause food poisoning if the preparation and storage conditions are not respected. “It is imperative to ensure that the products used, in this case eggs and oil, are of good quality, and that food is kept cool while waiting to be consumed”indicates a catering professional, not without emphasizing that this does not necessarily mean an increase in the cost price.
Awareness
Consumers therefore seem to be more vigilant about the food they consume, both within households and with caterers and restaurateurs. Furthermore, public awareness raising on respecting hygiene and quality measures for food products consumed during the holidays seems to have borne fruit. The same measures remain valid for the coming days, and during New Year’s Eve and New Year.
Hanitra R.