Food is part of our daily practices. We feed because it is our fuel for us, human beings. Thus, during our life, we eat tons of different and varied products. But what is on our plate is still safe for our health? The answer is unfortunately no.
Even the most ardent epicurean, or the most fervent orthorexic, can not escape it. Because in the end, eating is taking the risk of ingesting food contaminated with different pathogenic bacteria, viruses or other toxic molecules. At a time when the rules of food hygiene have never been so drastic, the control measures do not quite enough to control diametrically their proliferation.
Food contamination, some foods at risk
When it comes to food contamination some foods are more to watch than others, these include raw milk cheese, raw fruits and vegetables, but also minced meat, salmon or cold cuts .
Moreover, in the United States, one of the first foods mixed with the E. coli epidemic was beef, the infection was later dubbed "Burger's disease".
Meat is usually contaminated during slaughter but it is not the only food affected by this bacteria. Indeed, it is the same for the milk which can be ditched by the feces during milking. Fruits and vegetables can be infected because of certain farming practices. For example, if the contaminated manure is brought into contact with the soil, the vegetables present or the fallen fruit will eventually be healthy.
In the United States, infected romaine lettuce
Residents around the world have been urged by the health authorities of Canada and the United States to discard their romaine lettuce after the start of a new E. coli outbreak on the North American continent.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also joined this call. In a statement to CNN, Dr. Scott Gottlieb, FDA Commissioner, said that the true source of the outbreak had not yet been identified, but that it was sure that it was related to the romaine lettuce that came from California.
At the same time, the health authorities confirmed that the infected romaine lettuce was in "course of treatment" and that its consumption was strongly banned: "People who have romaine lettuce at home should not eat it, even if a part has been consumed without anyone getting sick and this advice includes any type of romaine lettuce. If you do not know if it's romaine lettuce or if a salad mix contains it, do not eat it and discard it immediately. Wash and disinfect the drawers or shelves where the lettuce was stored. "
According to health authorities, the symptoms of E. coli include watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting. They usually start 1 hour to 48 hours after consuming contaminated food.
Thus, to avoid being confronted with this type of event, it is better to opt for healthy food, free from chemicals, including by focusing on local and organic products.
The importance of eating local and organic products
Eating locally is important for your health. But why ?
First because local products contain more nutrients, necessary for the proper functioning of the body. They can ripen naturally, while food that travels long distances is often picked before maturity. It is also healthier to eat seasonal fruits and vegetables. Researchers compared the vitamin C content of season-grown broccoli with that imported off-season, and found that it contained just half of the vitamin content.
In addition, when fruits and vegetables are harvested before maturity, they are subsequently artificially "ripened" with ethylene gas. In addition, the food of local producers is more likely to be labeled "organic" or in any case, they will not contain (or less) pesticides. Some small farmers actually use organic methods but simply do not have the capacity to pay for organic certification and even if they do not use organic practices, small farmers will inevitably use fewer chemicals than larger farms industrial.
Therefore it is better to buy your products at the local market. Thus, you will have the opportunity to trade directly with the producer, who will be able to inform you about his farming practices. Also be sure to wash your products well, including using apple cider vinegar in the wash water of your fruits and vegetables, to reduce your exposure to pesticides.
