Sharwarma has long been a favorite street food worldwide. But there is a need for environmental hygiene in order to avoid food poisoning and gastrointestinal problems.
You should be careful of where you buy shawarma from. Although the heavenly smell of sizzling meat on a steering spit captures your attention, you should be health-conscious. You should be careful of where you buy shawarma from.
Note that cases of food poisoning can occur because shawarma is not prepared in hygienic conditions. When you stand at a bus stop, what do you think of that kiosk or shawarma stand, does it fully comply with all hygiene rules? What is the situation with the sewage system? Does the shawarma stand or kiosk have a permit for food production? All these are very serious issues you should be careful about.
Shawarma Outlets Safety Concerns
According to a culinary expert and brand chef at a shawarma chain, shawarma lovers should pay attention to the point of sale of shawarma. That is where they buy shawarma from. They should take note whether the employees comply with the norms and standards when making the snacks. Whether there are normal conditions for the cooks to wash their hands, and what is the condition of the grill on which the chicken or beef is fried or grill.
Poor hygiene levels of the vendor can contaminate utensils or surfaces. Also the usage of improper sauces and condiments can also raise safety concerns. When eating outside you should pay attention to the hygiene levels of the shawarma outlet.
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Fear of Food Poisoning in Shawarma
If you are not scared of the sanitary condition of the shawarma outlet, you should be afraid of undercooked meat. You cannot be guaranteed that the person preparing the shawarma checks the temperature of the meat. Food poisoning should be a major concern for every shawarma consumer.
It can cause major health issues that can disturb the digestive system and even lead to death. Recently a 24 years old Indian man named Rahul D. Nahir allegedly died of food poisoning after eating Shawarma. He bought the shawarma from a hotel in Kerala’s Kochi City. He developed symptoms of food poisoning that led to multiple organ failure.
Causes of Shawarma Poisoning
According to an expert, food poisoning in shawarma could happen because of undercooked meat or cross-contamination or improper refrigeration of the meat used in shawarma. He said these could lead to development of harmful bacteria called Salmonella or E. coli which can cause serious health issues.
In preparing shawarma, the meat is cooked on a vertical grill. Then it is ready, cut off the edges into a pan and chop. The meat is placed in pita bread along with chopped vegetables, pouring this whole mixture with a hearty sauce. The reasons for food poisoning in shawarma are as follow:
- Low-quality ingredients which could be informed of spoiled or poorly fried meat with pathogenic microbes, rotten vegetables. This is coupled with a high content of expired sauces and harmful fats.
- Non-compliance with the rules for storing food and cooking shawarma in unsanitary conditions. You can easily get poisoned by infectious microbes from dirty equipment, dishes, and places of preparation.
- When there is no demand for shawarma, the grilling stops working. Then the bacteria growth will start in the veggie meat in the middle of the shawarma. The shawarma will then become poisonous.
- Timing is also an issue. If there are many customers waiting, the cook will cut the meat faster and serve it without proper cooking.
- When leftover shawarma is kept in the fridge. Then the meat in the middle of the shawarma starts to develop bacteria without getting cold and the food becomes poisonous.
- Also the quality and storage conditions of mayonnaise play an important role in food security.
Symptoms of Shawarma Poisoning
- Nausea, vomiting;
- Diarrhea;
- Severe malaise, weakness, headaches, and abdominal pain;
- Increase in body temperature;
- Excessive salivation and sweating;
- Indigestion, rumbling in the stomach in case of poisoning; fetid stools
You can also feel a severe intoxication, which is also possible to affect the central nervous system with signs of poisoning as impaired consciousness, and fainting.
Whenever you notice these symptoms after eating shawarma or any snacks, quickly rush to the nearest hospital.
Quality of Shawarma Ingredients
You should pay attention to the quality of the meat in the shawarma you are buying. If chicken is used in preparing the shawarma, you should see chicken meat, not spice-laden biomass. At times the marinade in shawarma can hide low-quality raw materials.
So, you should pay attention to what kind of chicken is used. Check whether it is stuffed with spices and marinades. The taste of the meat is an indicator that the shawarma is of a very high standard.
Improper Shawarma Handling and Storage
As a customer you might not be able to check whether the meat is stored and cooked in hygienic conditions. But you can always reject the snacks or leave the shawarma stand or shop if you feel that it is not safe to eat there.
The method of storing and cooking the meat is very important in shawarma making. Uncooked meat is the breeding ground of bacteria and viruses that release deadly toxins. When meat is cooked on a spit or a rotisserie, it is likely that a part of the meat remains undercooked. Bacteria breed on this part while releasing toxins that may even result in death.
As a customer you have the right to demand clean snacks. Also the cooks and the servers too should handle food in a clean and hygienic manner. They should always wear gloves and shouldn’t touch unclean surfaces or areas after wearing the gloves.
Also Read: Ingredients for Producing Delicious and Healthy Shawarma at Home
Tips for Safe Shawarma Consumption
There is a need for you to protect yourself from shawarma food poisoning. Follow the following tips to keep yourself safe from food poisoning when eating your favorite snack, shawarma.
Buy from a Reputable Establishments
Ensure you buy your shawarma from well-known and reputable shawarma outlets. Those ones you are certain that they prioritize hygiene and food safety.
You can easily identify reputable shawarma stands by checking online reviews and ratings to get an idea of the shawarma outlet reputation. Also the level of customers patronizing a shawarma outlet speaks of the quality of their products.
Be Mindful of Food Allergies
Be mindful of any food allergies towards any of the shawarma ingredients. If you have any food allergies or dietary restrictions, tell the shawarma outlet clearly. The outlet staff could exclude any ingredients that you are allergic to. This will prevent you from any potential allergic reactions.
Practice Proper Hand Hygiene
Apart from hygienic conditions of the shawarma outlet you should be mindful of your own hygiene too. Before eating the shawarma you bought, ensure that you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. This simple action can help prevent the spread of bacteria and viruses.
Avoid Cross-Contamination
Use separate utensils when serving or sharing shawarma with others. This will prevent cross-contamination. This is very necessary in case someone has allergies or is sensitive to certain ingredients in the shawarma.
It is important to follow the above practices to keep you safe and healthy while enjoying your favorite snack. With proper precautions, you can consume your shawarma with confidence and savor every bite.Â
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Conclusion
A well prepared shawarma following hygiene and safety rules can be a good protein-rich food source. That is why you should be careful of where you buy shawarma from.
It is important to prioritize hygiene, proper cooking, and safe handling practices from any shawarma outlets you patronize. This will prevent you from the risks of shawarma food poisoning.
By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can protect yourself against potential health hazards and enjoy this Middle Eastern delicacy without any worries.
Stay safe and enjoy your tasty shawarma experience. Place your order for your favourite shawarma from Sammix Shawarma in Aba. Call 08138333578.
