Increased risk of food poisoning to people undergoing chemotherapy
Even though the home is often perceived to be the least likely location to acquire food poisoning, and none of us like to think that we can cause food poisoning to ourselves and our loved ones, however a large number of food poisoning cases are acquired in the home.
Consequently, good food hygiene in the home kitchen can reduce the risk of infection from foods contaminated with foodborne pathogens derived from food handlers and illness due to bacterial toxins.
“Cancer patients are at a five-fold increased risk of developing listeriosis food poisoning”
During treatment for cancer, the implementation of food safety practices to reduce the risk of food poisoning is essential:
• Reduced immune function during chemotherapy increases the risk of developing an infection
• During chemotherapy the immune system is less able to clear infection
• Illness is likely to be prolonged and more severe
• Food poisoning can delay treatment plans and is more likely to result in hospitalisation and mortality
