Bacteria in holiday food may lead to poisoning

Back-to-back gatherings and parties will certainly be held this Christmas season. During the celebrations, large amounts of food are expected to be served. But experts warn that food prepared in large amounts for occasions must be handled with caution as disease-causing bacteria can easily be spread during gatherings.

Microbiologist Dr. Windell Rivera said, "Staphylococcus aureus napaka-common yan, ito ay madaling kumalat sa handaan (The Staphylococcus aureus bacteria is very common and it can easily be spread in a gathering)."

Staphylococcus aureus is a common type of bacteria usually found in the nose and the surface of the skin. The bacteria can spread through airborne dispersal via coughing or sneezing, through direct contact with infected people's body fluids or sores, or through ingestion.

While mostly harmless outside of the body, the bacteria can be harmful when it or toxins it produces enters the body through cuts and wounds, or ingestion.

Experts said infected persons, particularly food workers, can contaminate food during preparation.

"Mas maraming taong involved sa food preparation, mas mataas yung risk ng contamination. This may cause outbreak sa handaan (The more people are involved during food preparation, the higher the risk of contamination. Hence, a food borne outbreak can occur during a gathering)," Rivera warned.

Unrefrigerated food, milk products, and other improperly handled meals are food types prone to contamination by the toxins produced by this type of bacteria. As the bacteria grows in these food, they produce toxins which may be harmful to the body. Ingesting food contaminated with Staphylococcus aureus toxins can lead to poisoning with symptoms including vomiting, nausea or diarrhea.

Experts added, cuts, wounds and openings in the body could make the body vulnerable to potentially fatal infections. According to Rivera, a person can get bacteremia if Staph bacteria spreads through their bloodstream. Toxic shock syndrome, meanwh