Soaring temperatures driving surge in food poisoning cases

Heat creates perfect breeding ground for bacteria when food is not stored properly

- BY ASHWANI KUMAR Chief Reporter

As summer temperatures soar across the UAE, doctors are warning of a noticeable uptick in cases of food poisoning and diarrhoea.

The extreme heat creates a perfect breeding ground for bacteria, especially when food is not stored, handled, or prepared properly, medical experts say.

Dr Ahmad Javid, Specialist in Internal Medicine at Zulekha Hospital Dubai, said: “The rise in cases is mostly due to rotavirus and bacteria such as Salmonella. High temperatures create the perfect environment for bacteria to grow quickly.”