Ham, barbecue, and tocino are types of marinated meat Filipinos love to serve during the holidays. However, experts warn the public not to neglect cleanliness when marinating meat, because this type of food may be prone to contamination by bacteria.
According to microbiologist Dr. Windell Rivera, "Yung meat mismo kasi may natural contamination na yan coming from the slaughter house (Raw meat may have already been contaminated in the slaughter house)."
Rivera said, bacteria such as Salmonella, Listeria, and Campylobacter can contaminate and thrive on raw meat. These bacteria are known to cause infection if ingested, potentially resulting to diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea.
Similarly, sauces are not safe from contamination, he added. Bacteria can cross contaminate with the liquid sauce, conducive for bacteria to multiply as germs are known to thrive in moist environment.
Rivera also said some bacteria may produce toxin in food. "Mga enterobacters, nagproproduce ng toxins, mga toxins ito ang pwedeng magdala ng food borne illness sa tao. (Enterobacters produce toxins which can cause food borne illness to humans)."
According to experts, enterobacter can cause a wide range of sickness including respiratory, intra-abdominal, and urinary tract infections, among others.
In order to avoid contracting food borne diseases, medical experts advise the public to undertake sanitary precautions.
"Gumamit ng gloves at syempre palaging lilinisin yung kutsilyo na gagamitin sa paghiwa nung meat (As much as possible, use gloves when slicing raw meat. Constant cleaning of kitchen knives is also advised)," said Rivera.
Further, experts said raw meat must be thoroughly washed prior to cooking. Lastly, the public must maintain overall cleanliness in the kitchen to avoid bacterial contamination.
