Pasta is a staple in the diet of many of us. But not everyone is aware that eating it can also be dangerous to our he alth. When does this happen?
It's aboutfreshnessof cooked pasta andstorage conditions . Can eating a few days old pasta kill us? Unfortunately, yes, medicine knows such cases, mainly among the youngest, who have not yet fully developed immune systems.
What does this result from?
Responsible for everythingbacteriumBacillus cereus- its anthrax-like sticks are common in our environment. They can also be found in food: vegetables, spices, dairy products, and grains such as pasta and rice. Usually, this bacterium isharmlessfor our he alth, unless we come across a more dangerous strain, and this bacterium dangerously multiplies under favorable conditions (i.e. at a temperature ofabove 5 degrees Celsius ).
The most common sources of poisoning are pasta and rice, which after cooking are stored forseveral daysat room temperature orheated several times.
BacteriaBacillus cereus- why is it so dangerous?
The bacterium B. cereus is dangerous because it secretes very dangerous toxins (includingenterotoxins ) that target the cell, making holes in it and causing it to die. What's more, these toxins areresistant to high temperatures , so even when heated, pasta for several days can become a source of infection.
In addition to acute food poisoning as manifested indiarrheaandvomitinginfection with this bacterium can also causesepsisand even result indeath . The most vulnerable to poisoning are children, seniors, pregnant women and people with reduced immunity.
How to avoid bacterial poisoningBacillus cereus ?
It is best to stick to the principle thatfreshis he althy. Therefore, it is better not to prepare meals for a few days ahead, and if we already have such a need - it is better tofreeze excess portions . If, on the other hand, we have too much pasta left that we want to use the next day,we absolutely must keep itin the refrigerator .
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