Food poisoning cases are increasing. According to the Korea Food and Drug Administration, there were 3,028 cases of food poisoning nationwide from January to April this year. This represents a 77% increase compared to 1,707 cases during the same period last year. With the extreme heat of summer officially starting, it is analyzed that food poisoning cases could surge. In particular, measures are urgently needed for vulnerable groups like the elderly.
◇Norovirus infections reported consecutively
The Korea Food and Drug Administration reported that 47% of food poisoning cases this year occurred in the metropolitan area. In non-metropolitan areas, the figure is 53%. The root cause includes 1,168 cases from group meals outside schools. There were 778 cases from restaurants, 736 from schools, and 346 other cases.
Looking at the causative pathogens, 662 cases of food poisoning were caused by norovirus. Additionally, there were 53 cases from Clostridium perfringens infections and 38 from Bacillus cereus. Norovirus causes food poisoning through contaminated water. Clostridium perfringens often arises from meat, while Bacillus cereus is frequently found in carbohydrate-rich foods such as gimbap and pasta.
In particular, the heat has exacerbated the surge in food poisoning cases. Food poisoning bacteria thrive between temperatures of 4 to 60 degrees Celsius, rapidly multiplying at 35 to 36 degrees. Symptoms of food poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses are particularly susceptible, and dehydration can occur.
If one suffers from food poisoning, it is advisable to drink plenty of warm water. Diluting sugar and salt in 1 liter of boiled water can help alleviate dehydration symptoms. In cases of severe dehydration, intravenous fluids may be provided at medical institutions, and if there is a high fever, antibiotics may be administered based on the physician's judgment.
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency noted, "Vomiting and diarrhea are reactions that expel toxins and bacteria from the stomach and intestines," adding that "if anti-diarrheal medications are used recklessly during severe symptoms, recovery could be delayed and conditions may worsen." To prevent food poisoning, one should wash their hands thoroughly with soap. It is advisable to drink boiled water and eat cooked food.
◇11 daycare centers violated food hygiene laws
Fortunately, domestic daycare centers have shown to have significantly lower risks of food poisoning. The Korea Food and Drug Administration announced on the 23rd that, following inspections of 6,536 daycare cafeteria facilities last month, 11 were found to have violated food hygiene laws. The identified daycare centers will face fines imposed by the local governments and administrative actions. Improvements will be checked within six months.
The Korea Food and Drug Administration collected 766 cooking foods and utensils from the daycare centers that violated hygiene laws and inspected 693 of them. As a result, one cooking food was found to have excessive levels of E. coli and was subject to administrative action. The Korea Food and Drug Administration plans to take measures based on the results of the 73 items that are still under inspection. The agency stated, "We will create a safe dietary environment for the public."