Can mayonnaise cause food poisoning?

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Fact Checked
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Food poisoning is caused by the ingestion of bacteria, toxins or parasites. In most cases of food poisoning, they are linked with the common bacteria such as Staphylococcus and E. coli. Various foods are linked with food poisoning but mayonnaise is one of the common triggers.

Close look on food poisoning

Food poisoning is often left undiagnosed due to its striking resemblance to stomach upset. Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps are indications of food poisoning.

These symptoms might manifest in just hours of ingesting the contaminated food or might take a few days to arise.

food-poisoning
Diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and abdominal cramps are indications of food poisoning.

Why is mayonnaise a high-risk food?

Mayonnaise is usually held accountable for most cases of food poisoning but the cause might be different. It is important to note that the commercial brands of mayonnaise are highly acidic due to the large amounts of vinegar and other similar components. The benefit of this high acidity is the prevention of spoilage.

The other foods susceptible to contamination include chicken or ham. If these foods are combined with mayonnaise, there is an increased incident for mayonnaise to be linked to the ailment.

Incorrect storage and creating homemade mayonnaise can also increase the possibility of poisoning.

What are the risk factors?

Almost everyone is at risk for acquiring a food-borne ailment. Various factors are to blame if one is at higher risk for acquiring poisoning. The elderly, infants, young children, pregnant women and those with chronic ailments are at higher risk.

Management

Food poisoning due to mayonnaise generally settles in a few days. The condition might vary in seriousness and necessitate various forms of treatment. Generally, the main objective is to lessen the discomfort and prevent dehydration.

Replacement of fluids is vital during treatment. A solution with electrolytes might be needed for children due to the fluids lost via diarrhea and vomiting. If fluids could not be ingested, medical care might be required where fluids are administered intravenously until the illness settles.

Disclaimer / More Information

The information posted on this page on food poisoning due to mayonnaise is for learning and educational purposes only. To learn to recognize the indications, register for first aid training at one of our training centers located throughout Canada. The training centers are in Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, Kelowna, Saskatoon, Victoria, Surrey, Mississauga, Winnipeg, Red Deer, Toronto, Ottawa and Halifax.

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