(GoHealthier.com) – We like to think that the foods we buy are fresh and safe to eat. While most are, there are instances where they pose a hidden health hazard through undercooking or hidden allergens. Being armed with the facts will help us make healthier choices and reduce our risk of getting sick. These five foods that are probably lurking in your fridge are some of the most dangerous.
| Quick Read: Did you know some foods in your fridge or kitchen may make you very sick? Most of us know not to eat raw and undercooked foods, but some could pose allergen risks as well. Being smart about handling all perishable food items is the best way to prevent significant foodborne illness. Check out these five dangerous foods and use caution if they are in your fridge. |
Check Your Fridge For These Harmful Foods.
1. Raw Meat
After a grocery store haul, most people pick up some fresh meat or poultry to meal prep. While most meat is fresh and has gone through the proper inspection protocols, some can still be loaded with harmful bacteria. Deadly pathogens found in meat products can trigger severe gastrointestinal symptoms, including:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever and chills
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Body pains
All of these symptoms can lead to dehydration and may require hospitalization in severe cases. Making sure that all food is cooked completely and to temperature is the best way to combat food-borne contaminants.
2. Sprouts and Greens
Most people associate greens and fresh veggies with some of the healthiest foods you can eat. And while that’s true, they can also be dangerous.
Sprouts, for example, are grown in warm, moist conditions, which are ideal conditions for bacteria to grow. Some may contain traces of pathogens or bacteria, such as E.coli and Salmonella, leading to significant abdominal pain and distress.
The CDC lists lettuce, spinach, kale, cabbage, and bok choy as other possible offenders. The agency recommends washing leafy greens with water before consumption to reduce the risk of food poisoning.
3. Shellfish
A trip to the butcher or grocer might mean bringing back fresh seafood for dinner. While cooked shrimp and crab sound delightful, they can be deadly for some people. Undercooked seafood can be a real issue, leading to severe illness.
But the real danger lies in seafood being a potential allergen for some people. An allergy to shellfish can be deadly if you consume or handle it and have an allergy. Those with severe allergies should keep an epinephrine auto-injector pen ready and seek prompt emergency care upon exposure.
4. Stone Fruits
Keeping fresh fruit handy allows a great snack any time of the day. But if you have a bowl of cherries or other stone fruits like peaches, plums, nectarines, apricots, and mangoes, heed caution. The pits of these fruits contain cyanide. While accidentally swallowing a pit won’t harm you, cyanide can be deadly in large amounts. Be sure to clean fruits properly and inspect them closely before eating.
5. Wild Mushrooms
Mushrooms, especially rare ones like morels, are sought after in dishes and recipes. But it’s important to use care when eating them. Misidentified mushrooms can contain amatoxins that could be deadly. Even store-bought mushrooms can trigger bacterial illness if they have been cross-contaminated with an underlying pathogen.
Many foods sitting right in your fridge pose hidden dangers. With everything from cross-contamination to undercooking, the outcomes can lead to significant illness. Always err on the side of caution, and if in doubt about a food, throw it away. If your goal is to live a healthy lifestyle, it starts in the kitchen.
~Here’s to a Healthier Life!
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