Maintaining hygiene when preparing food for a pregnant mum in Kenya is only the first step towards preventing food poisoning. However, to ensure that the food remains germ-free at all times, it is essential to be careful of cross-contamination.
In simple terms, cross-contamination is when germs are transferred from one foodstuff to another. Most times, the food that gets contaminated is raw, with the transfer taking place directly or indirectly.
Nevertheless, you can avoid cross-contamination of food to be consumed by a pregnant mother using the following steps:
- Wash hands well after touching uncooked food, and before you cook. If you have the flu, you can cover your mouth with a mask to avoid sneezing on the food.
- Always separate raw meat and foods that you intend to eat raw e.g., salads and fruits.
- Never use the same chopping board to prepare raw food and those that do not need cooking.
- Clean utensils such as knives used to prepare raw food thoroughly.
- You should clean work surfaces using hot soapy water before and after the preparation of raw food
- Clean up any spillage immediately to avoid contamination of food or work surface
- Wash kitchen towels regularly and assign each to its work, such as wiping hands and drying dishes.
- Kindly do not buy food whose expiry date is a day or two away.
- It’s common to store cooked food in the fridge, but ensure that you consume it in two days.
- Cook your food thoroughly and serve when hot.
- Kindly don’t serve any types of raw fish to a pregnant woman.
Types of cross-contamination that you need to know about
Food-to-food
When contaminated food is in contact with non-contaminated food, bacteria can move to clean food. For instance, if you add unwashed raw tomatoes to a salad, you will spread the germs to the whole salad.
People-to-food
You can transfer the bacteria on your hands and clothes to the food near you. That’s why you should wash your hands and your food thoroughly.
Also, avoid using your phone when preparing salads and serving food. Remember to wear a clean apron too.
Equipment-to-food
Contaminated equipment and surfaces will pass the germs to the food. Hence, apart from cleaning and disinfecting your tools and cooking area regularly, ensure you have different chopping boards for meat and vegetables.
Read here to discover tips you can consider when preparing your food.
Effects of cross-contamination
- Mild to severe stomach upset
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Blood in stool
- Organ failure
- Death
Conclusion
Overall, cross-contamination of foodstuffs in the home is possible but requires effort for an expectant mum to avoid food poisoning. Moreover, everybody involved in preparing and serving food to a pregnant woman must observe high hygiene standards. Taking care of the pregnant mummy is a communal responsibility. A small infection can endanger her life, and that of the unborn baby. Finally, when you have food poisoning, ensure you stay hydrated, and visit the hospital.
