Foodborne Illnesses Outbreak

It happens when two or more people suffer a similar disease, after ingesting the same food, and epidemiological or laboratory analyzes indicate it as the origin of that discomfort. Whereas a case of foodborne illness occurs when a single person has become ill after consuming contaminated food, as determined by analyst.  

Preventing a foodborne disease through food safety education is a possible, durable and cost-effective strategy. Education allows consumers to make informed decisions, stimulates them to know the risks existing in food and to learn to control them through a correct manipulation of them. Mass communication on the safety and prevention of foodborne illness is based on five simple measures that, carried out by consumers, will immediately reduce the risk of contracting these. Food labeling is also another tool in this regard. 

It is convenient to associate the information contained in the labels with the relationship between health and an appropriate diet, where the improvement of nutrition must be a priority, with knowledge being the means that will contribute significantly to achieve it. The mention of all ingredients on the label not only guarantees the public optimal information on the composition of foodstuffs, but at the same time provides the necessary data to those consumers who, for ethical or health reasons, should or want to avoid some ingredients. To this end, we have promoted and achieved the approval of regulations that regulate the labeling of food. 

There is also a clear need to start providing food safety education from primary school in order to lower the rate of diarrhea and foodborne illness in the country. This condition occurs in all social sectors, but those with fewer economic resources and less information are the most affected, and even those who suffer the most serious consequences. The solution is to distribute more information and bring about cultural change.