It is important to note that beef that was undercooked, contaminated by raw meat juice or simply left out for a long time at room temperature will surely end up spoiled with bacteria. Even the strong gastrointestinal acids in the stomach could not kill these bacteria that can multiply within the human body at a rapid rate. Even though the immune system might be able to eliminate these pathogens with only a few or no lasting effects, it can cause the manifestation of several undesirable symptoms of food poisoning that can be bothersome to many individuals.
When do the symptoms manifest?
The length of time the individual develops symptoms is usually based on the strain of bacteria the spoiled beef was infected with. Staphylococcus aureus which is considered prevalent can instigate signs and symptoms as early as one hour after consuming the spoiled beef.
It is important to note that salmonella can take up to 72 hours for the symptoms to manifest. Some types of bacteria with a long incubation period such as Listeria monocytogenes might not elicit symptoms even for a month. If the individual discovers that he/she has eaten spoiled beef yet there are no symptoms, he/she should stop eating the meat. It should be disposed of and clean thoroughly any surfaces that came in contact with it using soap, water and a disinfectant.
What are the symptoms?
Most types of bacteria can cause gastrointestinal distress that tends to vary in intensity based on the species and the amount of spoiled beef eaten. It is important to note that these symptoms typically start with nausea, headache, abdominal pain which can lead to fever, chills, diarrhea and vomiting.
Oftentimes, Listeria monocytogenes and Campylobacter jejuni can also trigger body aches as well as inflamed lymph glands. In almost all cases, there is moderate to extreme fatigue. Take note that these symptoms are seldom life-threatening except in infants, elderly and those with weakened immune systems. A serious complication is dehydration due to the persistent vomiting and diarrhea.
Duration
In most cases, food poisoning due to consumption of spoiled beef can resolve without requiring medical care within a week. On the other hand, certain strains of bacteria such as C. jejuni can trigger symptoms for up to 10 days. Young children, elderly and immunocompromised individuals can end up with complications. Some of the serious complications of L. monocytogenes such as meningo-encephalitis and meningitis can last for weeks.
Considerations to bear in mind
It is vital that you know how to determine if a particular beef is already spoiled. If possible, it is best to purchase from a reputable provider of beef products to ensure the best quality. Proper handling, storage and cooking must be observed in order to ensure that beef will not become spoiled by certain forms of bacteria.