How to prevent food poisoning in the summer?

(And avoid being off sick in peak August!)

When the sun is blazing and the thermometer rises without warning, there’s more than just tempers heating up — food is at risk too! And if there’s one thing no one wants on holiday, it’s a nasty case of food poisoning ruining the picnic or the weekend getaway. That’s why, this summer, the key phrase is summer food safety — your invisible shield against unwanted microbes.

Summer: the season of sunshine, beach days... and bacteria?

Yes, unfortunately! Heat acts like an all-you-can-eat buffet for bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli. Food left out of the fridge, homemade mayonnaise basking in the sun, seafood with more risk than freshness... these innocent-looking items can quickly become a recipe for stomach trouble.

Outdoor meals, last-minute barbecues, coolers left open and water from suspicious sources — these are just a few summer “classics” that often lead to spikes in food poisoning cases. As the saying goes: better safe than... skipping lunch!

Usual suspects: foods that cause food poisoning

On the list of the most dangerous (and sadly, the most tempting) are:

• Eggs and homemade mayonnaise — tasty but risky
• Chicken and undercooked meats — beware of “grilled outside, raw inside”
• Seafood — if it doesn’t look fresh, trust your instincts
• Dairy products forgotten in the lunchbox
• Beautiful fruits that haven’t been washed — even the friendliest peach can hide trouble

Golden rules for food safety in the summer

No chef secrets here, just solid, reliable advice:

• Wash hands thoroughly before handling any food
• Keep cold foods cold! “Just a bit out of the fridge” isn’t good enough
• Always opt for potable water — and yes, dodgy ice counts too
• Wash fruits and vegetables as if serving at a 5-star hotel
• Defrost food only in the fridge — not in the sun like a sardine
• Politely decline raw seafood from street stalls with questionable hygiene

These simple habits are the perfect recipe for summer food safety and peace of mind at mealtime.

And if something still goes wrong?

The body doesn’t lie — and when food poisoning hits, it speaks up. Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and that strong urge to stay curled up on the sofa instead of going to the beach? Classic signs that something didn’t go down well.

What to do:

• Stay hydrated with water, herbal teas, or rehydration solutions
• Take a break from solid foods
• Seek medical advice if symptoms persist or worsen

When in doubt, prevention is key

At Misericórdias Saúde, we believe that health also means paying attention to what, when and where we eat. Because taking care of summer food safety ensures that hot days are remembered for laughter around the table — not for dashes to the pharmacy. And if needed, know that we have partner pharmacies offering home delivery! 😉

References

- Direção-Geral da Saúde (DGS). Recommendations for the prevention of food poisoning

- European Food Safety Authority (EFSA). Foodborne outbreaks: annual reports