(ANSA) – ROME, 07 JUL – There can be many risks lurking in food, including contaminants, viruses, bacteria and parasites, and toxins released by these pathogens that accumulate: these molecules can lead in various ways to intoxication with results severe and with a very rapid evolution of symptoms (with action on the central nervous system, on the kidneys, on the gastrointestinal system). The danger is high especially when eating foods that are not part of our gastronomic tradition.
This was explained by Marco Marano, head of the Poison Control Center of the Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital in Rome, commenting on the case of the six-year-old boy who lost his life while on vacation with his parents.
Fulminant intoxications depend both on the cause (the substance or toxin taken) and also on the type of reaction of the organism of the person who ingested the toxin.
The possibilities of taking toxins are many, Marano reiterates, yes it goes from chemicals that can contaminate food (heavy metals, additives, substances such as melanin, etc.) or even have a picture of food poisoning from viruses, bacteria or parasites that can contaminate ingested foods. However, these are exceptional cases, which, however, must draw attention to simple acts that must never be forgotten (from hand hygiene to careful choice of food) especially when you are in foreign vacation places. In Italy there is a very high food control system, notes the expert; however, in areas where you go on vacation, you can experience severe food poisoning.
The toxins can cause neurological and gastrointestinal symptoms, severe bronchospasm with severe anaphylactic or urticarial reaction, fulminant renal failure. It is also possible that an individual is predisposed to react quickly and lead to a very serious medical condition that leads to death in a short time. Children are undoubtedly more sensitive.
“There can be causes of food contamination that increase in frequency when we go around the world, because not all geographical areas pay the same attention to the food chain and then in any case there are conditions that can get out of control, Marano emphasizes. . For example, it is essential to maintain the cold chain, in order to kill any parasites such as some worms (nematodes) that may be inside the fish and which can leave toxins in the food with a high allergenic action. When you eat this fish, the reaction allergic can be very serious.
Prevention is possible by carefully choosing foods, concludes Marano, and of course by choosing safe tourist circuits, especially when choosing a foreign destination. (HANDLE).