Winter is not originally a season abundant in food, but with modern technology, people can enjoy a wide variety of delicacies in almost every season, and winter is no exception. However, it is important to be vigilant that while technology brings benefits, it also carries hidden concerns.
In winter, consuming the following foods most easily leads to food poisoning: 1. Greenhouse-grown vegetables and fruits
Plants grown in greenhouses require larger amounts of pesticides. Furthermore, due to the cold winter, plants cannot fully absorb the pesticides during photosynthesis. Therefore, inadequate washing can lead to pesticide poisoning when eating vegetables and fruits in winter. [China Cuisine] 2. Rotten cabbage
Chinese cabbage leaves contain a relatively high amount of nitrates, which significantly increases after rotting. If consumed in large quantities, these nitrates are converted into nitrites by intestinal bacteria, leading to poisoning. The main symptoms include dizziness and vomiting, and severe cases may involve difficulty breathing and a drop in blood pressure. To prevent poisoning, vegetables should be avoided from being piled up in high temperatures for extended periods. 3. Uncooked soy milk
It contains a toxic trypsin inhibitor, which can easily cause poisoning if consumed. Therefore, soy milk must be thoroughly cooked before drinking. It should be noted that after heating soy milk to a certain point, foam will appear, but this does not mean it is fully cooked. It should be heated for another 5-10 minutes until the foam disappears before it can be consumed. 4. Sprouted or immature potatoes
They contain a toxic substance called solanine, which is easy to cause poisoning after ingestion. In winter, potatoes should be stored in a cool place, away from direct sunlight. A little vinegar can be added during cooking to help destroy the toxins. [China Cuisine] 5. Moldy sugarcane
Its toxicity is extremely strong. Symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness, and headache appear 2-8 hours after consumption. In severe cases, it can lead to coma, respiratory failure, with a fatality rate and rate of sequelae reaching 50%.