Do I need to avoid any foods whilst I am on Biologic drug (or biosimilar)? Tips to avoid food poisoning.

When you are on biologic drugs (or biosimilar) you are more likely to get food poisoning, because part of your body’s immune system is being altered.

In order to avoid the risk of salmonella, listeria and e.coli you shouldn’t eat the following foods:

• Unpasteurised milk and dairy products, e.g. cheese made from unpasteurised milk.
• Mould ripened soft cheeses (e.g. Brie and Camembert) and blue cheeses (whether pasteurised or not), feta and goats cheeses.
• Raw eggs, or foods containing uncooked egg (e.g. home-made mayonnaise).
• Raw or undercooked meat (e.g. rare steak) and fish.
• Cooked rice over 24 hours old and not stored in a fridge (always fully reheat cooked rice).
• All types of pate.

Tips to avoid food poisoning:

• Keep your kitchen clean.
• Wash your hands before touching food and after handling raw meat.  Wash hands after using the dustbin or going to the toilet. Cover any cuts and grazes.
• Keep worktops, chopping boards and utensils clean by washing regularly with hot soapy water and antibacterial spray.
• When preparing foods, wash utensils and worktops between stages. Avoid cross-contamination by using separate chopping boards and knives for raw meat and cooked foods and fresh vegetables.
• Wash all fruit and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Even ready-washed salads and vegetables must be washed again carefully before eating.
• Foods may only be reheated once. Food must be reheated right through until piping hot. Throw away left over re-heated foods.
• Buy food with the latest ‘use-by’ date and eat it within the expiry date.  Avoid foods in damaged containers.
• Cooked food that is not eaten straight away should be cooled as rapidly as possible and then stored in the fridge.  Do not leave it cooling at room temperature for more than an hour.
• It is best to defrost foods in the fridge. Alternatively, if the food is to be cooked immediately, defrost in the microwave.
• Household pets are a source of bacteria and infection. Keep them out of the kitchen and never allow them near foods or on worktops.