food poisoning incidents  are  high during the  rainy season. People suffering from nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fever, and dehydration are the usual scenario in emergency hospitals. The main cause: food contamination.

Apart from improper food handling, food poisoning may also be caused by natural contaminants, contamination of water, improper processing and poor personal hygiene.

* Natural contaminants. This may be by soil or water. Raw oysters and tahong remain high-risk food items as they thrive in contaminated seawater. Not just seafoods, meat-based such as hot dogs, luncheon meats, and cheeses sold in public markets are also at risk. 

Though cooking can kill the bacteria, however, failure to cook the food properly makes the bacteria inherent and easily passes to humans. Poorly cooked fish could lead to another type of poisoning called scrombroid where fish was improperly processed and stored, activating its toxic agents known as histamine.

Almost all fish types have histidine especially when the fish temperature is above 60°F and through air contact, it is converted into biogenic amine histamine. Histamine is not destroyed by normal cooking temperatures, canning or smoking. And symptoms of poisoning can show within minutes, and up to two hours, following consumption of a spoiled dish.

* Water contamination. Drinking contaminated water infected with pork tapeworms can lead to   poisoning.

* Poor handling. Poor handling relates to inadequate cooling and refrigeration, preparing food ahead of time increases the risk of bacterial activity especially on spaghetti, palabok and pansit or leaving the food at room temperature for more than four hours.

Always reheat leftovers that have been refrigerated before.

* Improper processing. Failure to adhere to food regulations on preparations and processing often lead to food poisoning. Chicken meat can become contaminated during processing if it comes in contact with animal feces. Beef and pork are also susceptible to contamination during slaughtering.

* Poor personal hygiene. Not washing hands before eating or touching food also causes food poisoning. The hand is the host of a multitude of germs and bacteria, which if not cleaned can easily transfer the germs to food products. Make sure to wash hands with antibacterial soap and hot water immediately before each stage of the cooking process.