4 dangerous bacteria that grow easily in the refrigerator to watch out for

Refrigerators help preserve food and prevent the growth of harmful bacteria. If not cleaned and used properly, the refrigerator can become a favorable environment for bacteria to grow. Here are 4 types of bacteria to watch out for, they can spread and live in the refrigerator.

4 dangerous bacteria that easily grow in the refrigerator

Listeria monocytogenes bacteria

Listeria monocytogenes is a toxic food-borne bacteria that has the ability to grow at low temperatures and in environments with or without oxygen. The risk of Listeria infection occurs when consuming contaminated foods, such as improperly prepared deli meats or unpasteurized milk, and when contaminated foods are stored in the refrigerator.

Listeria monocytogenes bacteria

Symptoms of Listeria infection include muscle pain, fever, chills, nausea, and diarrhea. The duration of symptoms can range from a few days to more than 30 days .

Most cases of Listeria infection have mild symptoms. However, serious complications such as blood infection and meningitis can occur. High-risk groups include pregnant women (which can cause miscarriage or premature birth), the elderly (over 65), and people with weakened immune systems.

Salmonella bacteria

Salmonella lives in the intestines of animals and humans and is spread through contaminated water and food . Pollution sources include chicken meat , meat, eggshells and other materials.

Salmonella bacteria

Salmonella can survive in the refrigerator for 2-3 months. Symptoms of Salmonella infection include diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, nausea, and vomiting. The Salmonella strain can also cause infections in the urine, blood, bones, joints and nervous system, with the risk of serious complications.

Shigella bacteria

Shigella bacteria

Shigella bacteria are spread through contaminated water and food or by contact with feces. This bacteria causes intestinal irritation and the main symptoms are diarrhea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting .

Symptoms appear 1-2 days after exposure and last from 5-7 days. May cause complications such as arthritis, sepsis, convulsions and hemolytic-uremic syndrome.

Vibrio bacteria

Vibrio bacteria

Vibrio bacteria live in coastal waters, especially Vibrio parahaemolyticus causing disease most commonly. Mainly exists in seafood such as oysters, shrimp, fish, crab…

Bacterial infection caused by eating raw seafood causes abdominal pain, diarrhea, vomiting, fever, abdominal cramps, headache and bloody stools . Most mild cases of Vibrio will clear up on their own within 3 days, but not paying attention and getting the wrong treatment can lead to dangerous complications.

How to prevent food poisoning from the refrigerator

To limit bacterial growth and food poisoning, follow these guidelines for refrigerators:

• Clean the refrigerator regularly, wiping up spills immediately and cleaning surfaces thoroughly with detergent, then rinse.
• Cover food with cling film (for cooked foods) or seal in airtight containers (for seafood and raw meat).
• Sort food properly, separate raw vegetables, raw meat, fruit and cooked food. This will prevent the spread of bacteria from one food to another.
• Throw away perishable and expired foods, do not leave them in the refrigerator for too long. Cooked foods should be kept in the refrigerator for no more than 4 days, and raw poultry and ground meat should be kept for no more than 1-2 days.
• Check and adjust the refrigerator temperature to the right level. The freezer compartment temperature should be below 0 degrees Celsius, the cooler compartment should be below 5 degrees Celsius.

How to prevent food poisoning from the refrigerator

Above is information about 4 types of dangerous bacteria that easily grow in the refrigerator that you need to be aware of. Hopefully the knowledge that lassho.edu.vn shares can help you protect your health and that of your family.

Source: phupuvietnam.vn

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