Ham
A stallholder cuts a slice from a leg of Spanish ham during Lo Mejor de La Gastronomia (The best of gastronomy), an international culinary trade fair in San Sebastian, November 21 2007. Reuters/ Vincent West

Physicians and health experts would always advise people to cook their food properly. There are actually several food-borne agents that can lead to diseases and other unhealthy symptoms. It is best to wash your food thoroughly as well as ascertain that it is properly prepared and cooked to avoid health problems.

1. Uncooked meat

Bacteria are present in various food types, especially animal foods. There is salmonella in chicken and eggs as well as e. coli in meat. Cheese and pates also contain listeria. The first rule is to store food properly to avoid the proliferation of bacteria. When food is cooked properly, the bacteria that naturally occur in these foods are eliminated by the heat. It is essential that the whole meat is properly cooked. One study published in the Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences showed how unprocessed fish and poultry are likely to be contaminated by salmonella.

2. Salads

Eating salad can be dangerous for many individuals especially if these are not organically grown. Pesticides and fungicides are regularly applied by vegetable growers to ensure that the plants grow properly while in the ground. However, problems can arise when these are served on the table. People can get poisoned by the same chemicals.

3. Ham

Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria, tends to reside and proliferate in salty food and sliced meats like ham. Staphylococcal toxins are generally resistant to heat so these cannot be eliminated by cooking. Some types of ham are frequently handled using bare hands and do not require additional cooking, which can lead to bacterial infection among consumers.

4. Unpasteurized milk and dairy products

Listeria and other bacteria can survive and even multiply in these types of food, even when placed inside a refrigerator or cooked. Many individuals drink unpasteurized milk straight from the box, which can cause severe symptoms like abdominal cramps, vomiting and nausea.

5. Shellfish

Norovirus is present in uncooked shellfish and can lead to food poisoning. In a study published on Marine Drugs, shellfish produce brevetoxins that can be harmful to humans. Affected individuals may experience diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea and vomiting. You should cook seafood and shellfish thoroughly and know the source first before eating.