A merchant was fined for selling smashed cucumbers. What should we pay attention to when eating cold dishes in summer?

According to news reports, a certain merchant was punished for selling smashed cucumbers. In fact, similar situations happen every year. Many people don't quite understand why making and selling smashed cucumbers is illegal, and are there any taboos when we make them at home? Let's learn about the precautions for eating cold dishes in summer.

Let’s first analyze why merchants are punished?

The sale of food must comply with the relevant provisions of the Food Safety Law and the Measures for the Administration of Food Business Licenses. Obviously, they violated these regulations. Article 10 of the Measures for the Administration of Food Business Licenses stipulates that applications for food business licenses should be made according to the business format and business items of the food business entity. Food business items include the production and sale of hot food, the production and sale of cold food, the production and sale of raw food, the production and sale of pastry food, the production and sale of homemade beverages, and the production and sale of other types of food. Cold dishes including smashed cucumbers actually belong to the category of "cold food", that is, food that can be eaten at room temperature or low temperature without reheating, including cooked braised food, raw fruits and vegetables, pickled vegetables, etc. The production itself is not illegal, but the act of selling must be labeled accordingly. Obviously, the case that was punished was due to over-scope operation without obtaining qualifications.

Why do we need to regulate the processing and sale of food?

There are clear requirements for the processing and sale of all kinds of food, and the purpose is to ensure the health of diners. Because if the food is spoiled or contaminated by bacteria and other toxic substances, it will cause food poisoning and foodborne diseases after consumption. For companies that sell cold food, they must have a separate operating space, as well as refrigeration and disinfection equipment, all of which are to ensure that the food produced is safe.

Why is it more likely to cause problems when eating cold foods such as cold dishes?

Every year, there are cases of poisoning from cold dishes or braised dishes. The reasons are related to the characteristics of this type of food: First, the water content is generally high, which is very conducive to the reproduction of bacteria, especially coliform bacteria, Salmonella, Bacillus cereus, etc. Second, they are often not fully heated before consumption, which cannot eliminate possible pathogens and toxins. Third, cold dishes are generally prepared in advance and stored for too long, creating conditions for bacterial growth and the production of nitrite. For example, peanuts and edamame, the best-selling products in summer, are often kept in a soaking state to make them more flavorful, and there are still risks if they are not handled properly.

How to ensure safety when making cold dishes at home?

First, maintain a good kitchen environment. Second, wash the vegetables thoroughly when making cold dishes, and separate the knives and cutting boards for raw and cooked dishes. Third, blanch vegetables such as celery and mung bean sprouts before mixing them with cold dishes, and add some seasonings such as ginger, vinegar or garlic paste that have a certain bactericidal effect to the cold dishes. Fourth, cold dishes should be mixed and eaten immediately, and should not be stored for too long. If they really need to be stored, be sure to cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate them. Fifth, when buying cold dishes outside, be sure to pay attention to sanitary conditions and licenses. Remember, if you experience digestive tract symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea after eating cold dishes, you must seek medical attention in a timely manner.

I hope everyone can pay more attention to food safety. After all, food safety is the basis of nutrition, and nutrition is the basis of health!