Food poisoning has recently become a hot topic in public discussion. Too often, people dismiss it as "just a brief stomach upset," but the reality is far more serious.
This article provides a clear and accessible overview of food poisoning β what it is, where it comes from, how it affects the public and examples from TΓΌrkiye, Europe and global authorities such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
What is food poisoning?
Food poisoning is an illness caused by consuming food and drinks contaminated with microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, parasites) or chemicals/toxic substances, resulting in symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramps and fever.
Mild cases may be resolved on their own within a few days. However, severe consequences, including kidney failure, brain damage and even death, can occur, especially in children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 600 million people worldwide (almost one in 10) contract foodborne illnesses each year, and 420,000 die. Thirty percent of these deaths occur in children under 5. CDC data show that approximately 48 million people in the United States experience food poisoning each year; 128,000 of them are hospitalized, and 3,0
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