Cottage cheese can cause food poisoning especially if it has gone sour. Dairy products come with a designated shelf-life before they go rotten and allow the growth of detrimental bacteria that releases toxins.
If an individual ate cottage cheese that has been contaminated by infectious organisms, they can infect the lining of the digestive tract and trigger undesirable bodily reactions A doctor should be consulted at the initial signs of food poisoning to determine the root cause and the necessary actions to take.
What is the cause?
Food poisoning usually develops after consumption of cottage cheese that has been contaminated.
The cheese can end up contaminated at any point during manufacturing or from poor handling. It can also become infected if the hands or utensils used were not properly washed or if the cheese touches a contaminated surface. Additionally, consuming cottage cheese way past its expiration date increases the risk for food poisoning.
What are the indications?
The indications of food poisoning due to cottage cheese are likely to arise in 4-36 hours after ingestion. The usual signs include:
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Nausea
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Watery diarrhea
- Stomach cramping
- Appetite loss
Both vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration which can cause additional complications. If dehydration is suspected, a doctor must be consulted.
Management of food poisoning due to cottage cheese
Discard the remaining contaminated cottage cheese. The diet of the individual should be modified and increase the intake of fluids.
The main objective of treatment is to restore the fluids lost due to diarrhea and vomiting as well as promote normal bowel movements.
The diet should include bland foods such as potatoes, bananas, cooked carrots, potatoes, rice, skinless chicken and toast. Increase the intake of clear liquids such as water, sports drinks and herbal teas. Avoid those that contain large amounts of sugar and those that contain caffeine and alcohol.