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Preventing Food Poisoning: Steps to Stay Safe |
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Lately, cases of food poisoning among students in schools have been widely
covered in the media and television. Food poisoning not only occurs in schools
but also at home. There are various causes of food poisoning, including the food
itself, external sources, or the person eating the food. A Malay proverb says,
"only the wise knows his own jewels," meaning only wise people understand
something. Therefore, let's recognize the steps in preventing food poisoning to
avoid its harm.
Identifying Food
The first step is to identify the food we want to eat through its
appearance, smell, and taste. This step is essential, especially for young
children who are vulnerable to food poisoning. In terms of appearance, when
buying raw food such as fish, we need to make sure its skin shines and is
brightly colored, not covered in thick mucus. Its eyes should be bright and not
sunken. Food that smells bad and is rancid should not be eaten and has a high
risk of causing food poisoning if consumed. Parents can also teach their
children how to recognize when food or drinks are stale, for example, in schools
there is a free milk program, and it depends on the wit of young children to
avoid food poisoning.
Preparation of Food
The next step is the preparation of food, where cleanliness of the kitchen,
canteen or restaurant operators, and chefs play a role in avoiding food
poisoning. The food served or sold must be cooked properly, such as meat should
be brown on the inside and fish that has been cooked should be easily separated
from the bones and not be pink. Cooking utensils should also be cleaned before
and after cooking. Storing raw food must also follow proper storage methods such
as storing fish and meat at low temperatures and wrapping or covering food to be
stored well. In conclusion, many things must be taken seriously in the
preparation of food to avoid contamination from food poisoning.
Bringing Your Own Food
Another action that can be taken to avoid food poisoning is to prepare your
own food at home and bring it to school or work as supplies. Many of us are busy
with work today, taking the food aspect lightly by buying food at restaurants
due to time constraints. When we experience food poisoning or fall ill, that is
when we realize and start taking care of our food, which is a part of life for a
human being. As the Malay proverb goes, "prepare an umbrella before it rains,"
meaning we should be prepared in all things before encountering an undesired
event. By preparing our own food from home, we can ensure that our food is
clean, stored properly, and free from contaminants that can cause food
poisoning. |
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