"Trip Turns into Disaster" Food Poisoning Alert Amid Sweltering Heat and Monsoon Rain Weather

Early Heatwave... Seoul's First Ever 'June Tropical Night'
Multiple Cases of Mass Food Poisoning Follow
Special Care Needed: Handwashing and Proper Storage Temperature

The early heat has led to an increase in food poisoning cases, raising concerns among travelers preparing for their vacations. [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Jung-wan] As summer begins with hot and humid weather, the frequency of food poisoning incidents is increasing, requiring caution.

According to the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) on the 9th, the number of reported food poisoning cases last month was 53, which is 1.8 times higher than the 29 cases reported in the same month last year. This figure is close to the highest number recorded in 15 years since 2007 (56 cases). In May as well, 53 cases of food poisoning were reported. Compared to the number of food poisoning cases in May over the past five years?31 cases in 2018, 35 in 2019, 5 in 2020, and 17 in 2021?this is a sharp increase.

The reason for the unusually early rise in food poisoning cases this year appears to be the early arrival of the heatwave. This year, Seoul experienced its first-ever 'June tropical night phenomenon,' marking an early onset of heat. According to the 'June Weather Characteristics' announced by the Korea Meteorological Administration on the 6th, the nationwide average temperature last month was 22.4°C, which is 1°C higher than the normal average of 21.4°C. This marks the third highest average temperature for June since 1973.

The rapidly rising temperatures have also led to a series of group food poisoning cases. According to the Jeju Health Center, 20 people who ate at a famous snack bar in Jeju City showed symptoms of food poisoning such as abdominal pain and vomiting. Among the patients were 15 tourists and 5 Jeju residents, with one person reportedly hospitalized.

This year, Seoul experienced an unprecedented early heatwave, including the city's first-ever 'June tropical night' phenomenon. [Image source=Yonhap News]

Group food poisoning cases also occurred last month. At a famous cold noodle restaurant in Gimhae, Gyeongnam, 34 customers who dined there contracted food poisoning, and one man in his 60s who suffered severe abdominal pain died.

With the vacation season approaching, those preparing for travel have expressed concerns about the risk of food poisoning in unfamiliar places. Kim (31), an office worker who planned a trip at the end of July, said, "Since social distancing measures have been largely lifted, I was planning to travel to Jeju with my parents, but I am very worried that they might suffer from stomach problems after eating there. It would be such a misfortune if we got sick from eating something wrong in an unfamiliar place."

Choi (in his 40s), a parent of two children, said, "Because I have kids, I am cautious about food at summer travel destinations. Especially now, with the hot and humid weather, the risk of food poisoning seems high." He added, "After seeing recent group outbreaks, I try to avoid foods that spoil easily as much as possible."

The food poisoning that requires the most caution is caused by Salmonella. Salmonella food poisoning mainly occurs in dishes where eggs are the main ingredient. Over the past five years, there have been 6,838 Salmonella patients, 77% of whom showed symptoms after eating foods containing eggs or egg-based ingredients.

According to the MFDS, to prevent food poisoning, it is necessary to avoid handling ingredients with bare hands, change hygiene gloves regularly, and wash hands frequently. The six major food poisoning prevention rules are: △ washing hands △ eating cooked food △ eating boiled food △ cleaning and disinfecting △ using separate utensils △ maintaining proper storage temperature.