Concerns about Food Poisoning

[Ilsa]

Hi:

I've been reading a few posts describing some unfortunate experiences with food poisoning at WDW and KSC. I am wondering how big this problem is and how concerned I should be about it.

I had a horrid experience a couple of years ago after a holiday in the Dominican Republic, so I am now very concerned about the safety of my food and water supply when traveling. I even brush my teeth with bottled water!

Any thoughts or feedback would be much appreciated.

Thanks,

Ilsa

 

[Heimlich]

I think actual food poisoning is fairly rare at WDW. Many people mistake various viruses for food poisoning. Most forms of true food poisoning do not have symptoms that develop until at least 12 hours (and often one or two days) later. Generally if you get sick within a couple hours of eating it's most likely not food poisoning (at least from that meal).

I'm generally much more concerned about keeping my own hands (that have touched the same surfaces as thousands of others at WDW) clean rather than worrying about the sanitation of most WDW restaurants (unless they are obviously unclean).

You are right to be very concerned about food and water while outside the USA (and Canada) but I don't hesitate to drink the water anywhere in the USA. I know there are occasional problems with the water supply in some places but I believe that our country generally has very safe water.

I know some people have delicate systems and the water in some places (such as Orlando) can bother them but I also think there are many people that are unnecessarily concerned about always drinking bottled water.

Of course, it's their money so they can do what they want. I even buy bottled water sometimes in Orlando just because the aroma of it is quite different than the pristine water we have here in the Northwest but I'm not concerned about the safety of it.

I hope I haven't upset anyone that truly has had food poisoning because it does happen.

Just my rambling opinion.

Heimlich

 

[tink2dw]

at home!! I took a waterless antibacterial Handwash with us. Make sure you request Burgers well done. Look to see if food handlers are using gloves.

And after that,ask your Higher Power to keep you and yours safe!!

I have had every kind of flu you can get[i have Addison's Diease,and it comprises my immune system, so every bug out there finds me!!]I wasn't diagnosist by a Dr.,but I have never had such a VIOLENT case of puking and diareria in my 47 years. If this wasn't Food Posioning,woe be to those that do get it!!!!!!

 

[T+C]

I just read an article in the Supermarket News (trade publication) that covered the Disney theme park food policy. To make a long story short, Disney is VERY strict with suppliers, making them have HACCP plans in place, a way to trace individual cases of product, and on and on. The Michigan food code is one of the strictest in the US, and Disney requires much stricter guidelines. I wouldn't hesitate to eat anything at Disney that I wanted to. I would guess that "food poisoining" was some other type of illness. FYI T

 

[Ilsa]

Thanks everyone for making me feel a little more at ease. I know that sometimes I can be a little fussy, but I feel it's worth it. I am spoiled living in Vancouver, BC, and not having to worry about the water here. I am up-to-date on my Hep A vaccinations, so I am not too worried about that one. Hep A can be transmitted anywhere, and I believe that its symptoms can be the same as those of food poisoning.

My DH keeps a small bottle of that waterless antibacterial hand cleaner in his vehicle. He also won't let me touch handrails, restroom doors, etc. in public places! LOL! I don't worry too much about these things, as long as I can wash up before eating.

Thanks,
Ilsa

 

[GrumpyOne]

Most forms of true food poisoning do not have symptoms that develop until at least 12 hours (and often one or two days) later. Generally if you get sick within a couple hours of eating it's most likely not food poisoning (at least from that meal).

Here's three authorities that disagree with the amount of time. I do agree that many cases of illness are falsely assumed to be food poisoning.


From ADAM:

Classical food poisoning usually appears within 2 to 3 hours of ingestion although it may appear earlier or later. Onset is heralded by nausea followed by vomiting and abdominal cramping; diarrhea may occur. Other symptoms may include fever and chills, weakness and headache.

From Miller Keane:

Food poisoning usually causes inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract (gastroenteritis). This may occur quite suddenly, soon after the poisonous food has been eaten.

Staphylococcal poisoning is the most common form of food poisoning in the United States. ... It is rarely serious, except in young children, the elderly, or those who are weakened by other illnesses. Symptoms may appear as soon as a half hour or as late as four hours after the contaminated food is eaten.

From the Merck Manual:

Staphylococcal Food Poisoning
Onset is usually abrupt. Symptoms-- characteristically severe nausea and vomiting--begin 2 to 8 h after eating food containing the toxin.

No battle plan survives first contact with the enemy. -- Soldier's Axiom
No schedule survives first contact with WDW. -- Tourist's Axiom

 

[ElaineM43]

and while Adam and the others are NOT wrong, lets say that you have to be aware of a couple of things.

Yes, the symptoms can appear in 2-8 hours but normally it is 12-24 hours before they will show up in healthy adults. The shorter time range is usually children, elderly and those with health problems in the first place.

One thing to remember is that if you have ordered HOT food, don't accept it if it isn't HOT. Same with cold foods, if it isn't cold DON'T EAT IT. Stay away from anything that falls inbetween. Nothing like ruining your vacation because you didn't want to make a fuss. You need to send it back, request the food be hotter or colder then what you received and if they don't comply, ask to speak to the manager and explain the problem. If the manager can't fix it, then you have the option of leaving that restaurant and you should leave.

As far as sanitation in Disney, I'm sure the health dept is like elsewhere in the USA. Strict but not unreasonable. Please remember they try to protect you and not the restaurant in all cases.

Elaine
When you wish upon a star...

 

[ny'er]

Does that mean I should not drink the water at EPCOT's MExico? (LOL!!!!)