Unhygienic kitchens can harbour germs and disease spreading bacteria and create a number of health risks. If customers are affected it can lead to a host of problems for the business including damage to reputation and loss of custom.
Salmonella – This is a form of bacteria which can cause food poisoning. It can be found in food, usually unprocessed milk, meat, poultry and eggs. The bacteria attacks the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include abdominal cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and fever and can also lead to other health problems. In severe cases it can cause dehydration and death.
Campylobactor – This is the most common form of inflammation of the intestine and stomach (gastro-enteritis) food poisoning. It can be spread by bad personal hygiene, eating contaminated food or drinking unprocessed milk. The bacteria is found in raw food such as meat or poultry, unwashed salads, fruit and vegetables. Symptoms include severe abdominal cramps, nausea and diarrhoea.
E-Coli – This is a principal cause of diarrhoea and symptoms include nausea, stomach cramps and vomiting and fever. In severe cases it can be life threatening. E-coli can be found in raw meat and unprocessed milk and cheeses. The bacteria can be prevented by good personal hygiene, such as hand-washing, cleaning kitchen surfaces, utensils and chopping boards thoroughly after handling raw meat.
Hepatitis A – This is a liver inflammation which can be passed on by contaminated food or water. In incidents of contaminated food, the virus is usually spread by the person who prepares the food. In many people it shows no symptoms at all. However, symptoms can include tiredness, nausea, loss of appetite, headaches, fever, aching muscles and joints and jaundice.
Clostridium Botulinum – This is a serious disease which left untreated can cause paralysis in various parts of the body. It does not pass from person to person. Instead symptoms can develop if the toxin is ingested. Symptoms include double vision, slurred speech, drooping eyelids and muscle weakness.