The Unexpected Threat of Food Poisoning: No Exception for Spring Seasonal Greens Like Dureup.

As spring approaches, more people engage in outdoor activities like walks and picnics. However, amidst the warm weather, there's one thing to be cautious about: food poisoning.

 

Food poisoning refers to illnesses caused by harmful microbes or toxins ingested through food consumption. Aside from digestive symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, food poisoning can also lead to systemic symptoms as bacteria or toxins affect the entire body. Moreover, toxins produced by some bacteria can induce severe symptoms like paralysis, muscle spasms, and loss of consciousness.

 

While many are vigilant about preventing food poisoning in summer, there's sometimes a decrease in awareness about food handling during spring months like March and April. Particularly, leaving food unattended outdoors during spring outings can increase the risk of food poisoning more than in summer.

 

Wishing everyone a pleasant spring season with heightened awareness of food poisoning.

 

There's a variety of foods that can cause food poisoning in spring. Foods commonly eaten during spring outings, such as kimbap or sandwiches, pose a higher risk due to the complexity of ingredients used. Additionally, caution is necessary when consuming spring seafood due to rising temperatures and sea temperatures. Spring seafood like webfoot octopus or flower crab may contain harmful microbes such as pathogenic E. coli or Vibrio bacteria commonly found in seawater.

 

However, among the foods causing food poisoning, there are also unexpected ones, including toxic spring greens, particularly Dureup, often hailed as the "king of spring greens."

 

Dureup is a spring vegetable harvested abundantly during spring, having stored nutrients in its roots during winter, giving it rich flavor and aroma. Dureup is packed with protein, vitamins A and C, calcium, fiber, and saponins, which enhance immunity and benefit diabetes patients. However, excessive consumption of Dureup stems, which contain toxic compounds causing food poisoning, can be hazardous. Therefore, it's crucial to blanch Dureup in boiling water to remove toxins before consumption.

 

To prevent food poisoning, it's essential to thoroughly wash hands before and after food preparation. Vegetables and fruits should be soaked and rinsed in running water before immediate use or cold storage. Moreover, during outdoor activities like outings or picnics, cooked foods should be stored in iceboxes or maintained below 10 degrees Celsius, and caution should be exercised to avoid leaving them exposed to sunlight or in hot, humid environments for prolonged periods.

 

Wishing everyone a pleasant spring season with heightened awareness of food poisoning.