Tuna poisoning at a daycare in Beitar Illit: What happened and how can it be avoided?
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In recent days, a worrying incident occurred at a daycare center in the city of Beitar Illit, where several children felt unwell after eating tuna. Initially, it was speculated that this was an allergic reaction, but medical examinations revealed a completely different picture.
Dr. Vered Schachter Confino, secretary of the Israel Pediatric Association, clarified that the incident was caused by tuna poisoning, rather than an allergy as initially thought. According to experts, this type of poisoning occurs when the fish is not kept at the appropriate temperature, which causes the accumulation of high levels of toxic substances in the fish meat.
Tuna poisoning, sometimes referred to as "scombroid poisoning," is usually caused when the fish is not properly chilled after being caught or during storage. When the fish is kept at a temperature that is too high, a substance called histamine is produced in large quantities, which can cause symptoms that are very similar to a severe allergic reaction, such as a rash, abdominal pain, and vomiting.
To avoid similar cases in the future, experts emphasize the importance of maintaining the cold chain. It is very important to ensure that canned tuna is kept in a cool, shaded place, and after opening the can, the fish should be consumed immediately or kept in the refrigerator for a short time only.
This case serves as an important reminder to parents and educational staff about the importance of checking the freshness of the food served to children. In the event that symptoms appear after eating, one should seek medical treatment as soon as possible to accurately diagnose the source of the problem.
Sources: היום
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