Food poisoning is a dreadful experience no one wishes to repeat. The bouts of vomiting and nausea not only cause temporary exhaustion but can also leave severe long-term consequences for the digestive system.

The causes of food poisoning vary widely, ranging from undercooked meat to yesterday's leftovers. However, to minimize risks, Jonathan Haworth – a renowned scientist known as "Mr Gut Health" on TikTok – identifies specific items you should consider removing from your diet.

"I avoid these foods because they have the highest potential to cause food poisoning. Food poisoning increases the risk of long-term gut health issues, such as post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)," explained expert Haworth.

Raw oysters can contain viruses like Norovirus. Illustration: Manettas

Raw oysters

Although this luxury seafood dish is often lauded as an aphrodisiac, the expert warns there's "nothing seductive" about the terrible consequences it can cause. Oysters are filter feeders, so they absorb everything in the water, including bacteria and viruses.

Even health authorities issue warnings that while most seafood is cooked, oysters are often consumed raw. Raw oysters can contain viruses like Norovirus. If you choose to eat them, extreme caution is necessary in selecting their origin and ensuring proper storage.

Rare beef burgers

Many mistakenly believe that eating a rare burger is similar to eating a rare steak, but the expert asserts this is a dangerous misconception.

Meat used for burgers is typically ground, meaning all bacteria from the surface of the meat have been mixed throughout during the grinding process. Consequently, bacteria are not eliminated if only the exterior is lightly cooked. The advice is to order your burger at least medium-cooked.

Leftover sushi

This delicate Japanese dish is highly popular, but if your sushi box has been in the refrigerator for a few days, it's best to discard it.

Most fish for sushi has been frozen to kill parasites, but it degrades and becomes contaminated with bacteria very quickly after preparation. Ensure you consume it on the same day. Specifically, the expert warns against discounted sushi boxes at supermarkets at the end of the day if you want to avoid "bringing trouble upon yourself."

Sprouts

Sprouts are ingredients that add crispness and freshness to stir-fries and are often dubbed "superfoods." However, their growing conditions (warm and humid environments) are a perfect haven for harmful bacteria.

"Sprouts are linked to at least one food poisoning outbreak each year. For me, the risk isn't worth the nutritional benefits they offer," Haworth stated.

Pre-packaged salads

This might be the biggest shock for many, as pre-packaged salads are an essential item in the weekly shopping carts of busy individuals. Data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that 22% of food poisoning cases over the past decade were linked to salads. In comparison, seafood accounted for only about 6%. The reason lies in cross-contamination points during packaging and the moist environment inside the bag – perfect conditions for bacteria to thrive.

My Y (According to Mirror)