Eid Al-Adha is a time of joy, togetherness, and traditional feasts centered around fresh meat. However, without proper food handling, the festivities can turn into a health emergency. Fakeeh University Hospital, through its expert physicians, warns against the rising cases of foodborne illnesses during Eid and urges everyone to adopt strict food safety practices.
Doctors at Fakeeh University Hospital emphasize that incorrect household practices — such as storing or cooking meat improperly — can allow harmful bacteria to thrive. This makes food poisoning during Eid Al-Adha a common emergency, especially in the first two days after the Qurbani (sacrifice).
Common symptoms of food poisoning:
In severe cases, food poisoning can escalate to:
1. Cook Meat Thoroughly
Ensure that meat is cooked to an internal temperature of at least 70°C. Don’t rely on the color alone — always use a meat thermometer if available.
2. Don’t Leave Meat Out for Long
Avoid leaving raw or cooked meat at room temperature for more than 2 hours. In summer, bacteria can multiply rapidly within just 30 minutes.
3. Store Meat Properly
4. Avoid Washing Raw Meat
Washing meat under the tap spreads bacteria to kitchen surfaces. Instead, handle meat carefully and sanitize all surfaces immediately after use.
5. Wash Hands and Utensils Thoroughly
Wash your hands with soap and water before and after handling raw meat. Also clean knives, chopping boards, and containers to prevent cross-contamination.
6. Avoid Reusing Plates or Utensils
Do not place cooked meat back into the same dish used for raw meat — a major cause of re-contamination.
7. Don’t Reheat More Than Once
Cooked meat should be consumed within 48 hours and reheated only once to preserve safety and quality.
Doctors at Fakeeh University Hospital have identified five vulnerable groups who are at a higher risk of serious complications due to food poisoning:
If symptoms appear in any of these groups, seek immediate medical attention.
Dr. Imad Al-Hamda, Clinical Pathologist, warns of four bacteria that are most active during Eid:
These pathogens can become dangerous within just 2 hours if meat is kept in hot environments.
Our emergency and family medicine teams remain alert during holidays like Eid Al-Adha, when food poisoning cases tend to spike. Dr. Ebtehal Hussein and Dr. Imad Al-Hamda emphasize preventive education as the key to keeping communities safe.
Our advice? Celebrate responsibly by handling meat hygienically, cooking it thoroughly, and understanding food safety guidelines for storage and reheating.
Eid Al-Adha is a sacred and joyous time. Don’t let poor food handling turn your feast into a medical emergency. With a few simple practices, you can keep your family safe and enjoy every meal without worry.
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