Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
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Food Poisoning
- Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors
- Symptoms & Signs
- Diagnosis & Tests
- Prevention & Expectations
- Treatment & Monitoring
- Attribution
- View All
Prevention & Expectations
What can be done to prevent the condition?
Food must be properly prepared and stored to prevent food poisoning. Food poisoning can occur when food is left unrefrigerated for long periods of time, often at picnics or large parties. Sometimes, mishandling or misidentification of foods, especially certain exotic dishes, causes food poisoning. Those who handle or prepare food should wash their hands to prevent contaminating food.
What are the long-term effects of the condition?
Treated victims usually recover fully within 24 hours. The very young, the very old, and those who have weakened immune systems can become quite ill very quickly. If victims are not treated right away, death can occur.
What are the risks to others?
This is not a condition that can be passed from one individual to another. Those who ate the same food as someone with food poisoning are at risk of getting the condition.