SHE SC08 Appendix 2 Food

SC08 Appendix 2 Food
11 May 2023

Yes
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Food and Drink

Hazard	Effect and possible Controls for the Hazard
Allergies	STFC staff may have severe reaction and need treatment. Staff with know allergies should be aware of any potential for coming in to possible contact with the respective agent. Controls to reduce the risk Appropriate treatments should be carried as a precaution should an exposure and subsequent reactions occur. Particular medications may be difficult to acquire in certain countries.
Food poisoning	Consideration should be made to how food is prepared etc. in the country you are visiting. Fruit and vegetables should only be consumed if they have been peeled or cooked. Undercooked meat and fish should not be consumed. Food from street vendors should be avoided as this carries a higher risk of causing ill health. Controls to reduce the risk If you are purchasing fresh foods and vegetables make sure they are washed thoroughly in clean water, for example bottled water. Think twice about eating raw seafood shellfish.
Water and fluids	Contaminated drinking water is one of the leading sources of health problems for travellers, and can cause anything from mild gastrointestinal distress to serious bacterial diseases. The most common cause of water-borne illness is bacteria, such as E. coli, cholera and salmonella, but illness can also be caused by protozoa (including giardia and cryptosporidium), viruses (like hepatitis A, polio and rotavirus) and chemical pollutants. Mexico is well known for its unsafe water, but according to the CDC, travellers also face high risk in Central America, most of Africa and Asia, and the Middle East. Controls to reduce the risk Avoid local tap water, unless you are in a country where you know this is clean. Drink bottled water, making sure the seal is intact and before opening the bottle for the first time. If you have to drink local water it is best to boil it for at least a minute. Canned juices, fizzy soda, beer, wine and other alcoholic drinks are usually safe to drink. Freezing water does not kill bacteria so avoid ice if you are unsure of the source of the water.
Contamination fom water and soil	It is possible that a number of diseases and bacteria, e.g. diarrhoea, Legionella, tetanus, E.coli, can be present where contact with water and soil is possible. Controls to reduce the risk Wash hands well in clean water with suitable soap or cleaning agent prior to handling food which you will eat.

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