Lechon causing food poisoning.

[Jollygoodfellow]

So the best advice is at the bottom of the story. 

Quote

“Put the lechon on the table then have it pictured. After the picture-taking, chop it and then serve it,” Bernadas quipped.

‘Lechon’ blamed for food poisoning incidents in Central Visayas
Published June 7, 2022, 4:45 PM

CEBU CITY — A number of food poisoning incidents were recorded in Central Visayas last month. The culprit? The ever delectable lechon.

An official of the Department of Health-Central Visayas (DOH 7) on Tuesday disclosed that lechon was the common cause when at least eight food poisoning incidents were reported in the provinces of Bohol, Cebu and Negros Oriental last May.

Dr. Eugenia Mercedes Cañal, Cluster Head of DOH 7’s Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit, said most of those who fell victims to food poisoning came from picnics where they partook lechon.

“Families went out to picnic, went to the beach so they packed lechon and then ate it for lunch. Then when they came back, they reported gastrointestinal symptoms or diarrhea,” Cañal said.

Cañal explained that lechon may cause food poisoning if not properly prepared.

“Lechon is oily. If not properly prepared like it is packed while it is still hot, this creates moisture and causes bacteria to grow,” said Cañal.

Cañal emphasized that preparation of lechon and other food should be sterile.

Cañal added that food poisoning may lead to dehydration if not treated right away.

Dr. Jaime Bernadas, regional director of DOH 7, said lechon leftover should not be consumed straight from the refrigerator.

Bernadas advised the public to reheat leftover food before consuming them.

Bernadas added that the practice of eating lechon with barehands is also one of causes of food poisoning.

“Once the lechon is served on the table, everyone takes turn to eat it with bare hands. Then the lechon is left on top of the table and that increases chances of contamination,” Bernadas said.

For a more hygienic way of partaking lechon, it would be better to serve it chopped, Bernadas said.

“Put the lechon on the table then have it pictured. After the picture-taking, chop it and then serve it,” Bernadas quipped.

https://mb.com.ph/2022/06/07/lechon-blamed-for-food-poisoning-incidents-in-central-visayas/

[Joey G]

There was a time when no one took pictures (no camera's)...  the pig disappeared in minutes.... down to the bone.... no leftovers.... and no one got sick.

[Old55]

Exactly right Joey. 

Curious the real numbers of food poisoning from food sitting out for hours in the tropical heat. My dear mother in law used to cook the entire days food in the morning and leave it sit out the entire day. Now (at least when we visit) she will put prepared food in the refrigerator. 

Edited June 8, 2022 by Old55

[ThaiWolf]

My housemaid is a great cook, albeit she cooks too much. She used to leave it out on the table until I showed her a video about food poisoning , now it's served straight from the cooker and any left-overs are either refrigerated immediately or given to neighbor's. Any cooked food given by neighbor's is re-heated well, even if still warm. A good, sharing community around here! 

In this heat and humidity, better to be safe than sorry. 

[GeoffH]

On 6/9/2022 at 4:55 AM, Jollygoodfellow said:

“Once the lechon is served on the table, everyone takes turn to eat it with bare hands.

The family here (at the family bondings, birthdays etc) always use disposable plates (mostly paper ones) and throw away plastic one hand clear food gloves.

Thats probably the influence of the educated teachers/nurses etc in the family as I don't see it a lot elsewhere.