Health

Experts Warn Eating Cold Food May Cause Food Poisoning

Published

8 months ago

February 18, 2026

Q Tinny

Experts warn eating cold food may increase food poisoning risk; meals should be consumed warm, around 40–60°C, for digestion and safety

Nutrition experts have cautioned that eating cold food can increase the risk of food poisoning and bacterial contamination, urging individuals to consume meals while still warm to support digestion and reduce health risks.

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Dietitians emphasised that food should ideally be eaten at temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees Celsius—close to or slightly above body temperature—to enhance flavour, aid digestion, and minimise contamination.

James Oloyede, a public health and nutrition specialist with FHI 360, explained that while some people with conditions such as diabetes may benefit from cold foods like rice to control blood sugar, strict hygiene is essential to avoid foodborne illnesses.

“When you leave your food to get cold, the risk of contamination and food poisoning becomes higher. Bacteria grow faster at unsafe temperatures, making warm food safer to consume,” Oloyede said. He advised a balance, recommending meals be warm enough for safety without burning the mouth.

Registered nutritionist dietitian Charles Oguikpe added that cold food, when properly cooked and stored, is generally safe but may slow digestion and feel less satisfying.

He noted that people with sensitive teeth or stomachs may experience discomfort, and that poorly stored cold food increases the risk of foodborne illness.

Chief Dietitian/Nutritionist Olufunmilola Ogunmiluyi further highlighted that cold food can cause bloating, stomach cramps, or gas, as the body must warm the food to body temperature before digestion.

She warned that improperly stored cold meals may harbour bacteria, leading to vomiting, diarrhoea, or fever. Cold foods can also trigger tooth sensitivity, sore throat, headaches, and respiratory irritation in some individuals.

Experts agreed that while cold foods can have specific benefits—such as resistant starch in rice and potatoes aiding blood sugar control for diabetics—the safety and digestive benefits of warm meals generally outweigh the advantages of consuming cold food.

Ogunmiluyi concluded, “The ideal food temperature is warm or moderately hot, about 40–60 degrees Celsius. This supports digestion, preserves flavour, and ensures meals are safe to consume.”

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The nutritionists’ guidance comes amid common practices where households prepare large portions of rice, stew, or soup early in the day, often without reliable refrigeration, leading to potential health risks when food is consumed cold.

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Health

How Nigerians Can Stay Safe as El Niño Threatens Heat, Drought

Published

1 day ago

October 27, 2026

Peculiar Adirika

El Niño safety tips for Nigerians: NEMA urges households to prepare for extreme heat, conserve water, protect food supplies and follow weather alerts

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has urged Nigerians to take precautionary measures against the potential effects of El Niño, warning that the climate phenomenon could contribute to extreme heat, changing rainfall patterns, drought and food shortages.

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In an advisory issued on Monday titled “Super El Niño Is Coming: What You Can Do to Protect Yourself, Your Family and Your Community,” the agency outlined eight measures individuals, households and communities can adopt to reduce their exposure to climate-related risks.

“Super El Niño can cause hotter temperatures, less rainfall, drought, floods and food shortages,” NEMA warned.

El Niño is a natural climate phenomenon that occurs when sea-surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean become warmer than normal.

It is the warm phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, a climate pattern that also includes La Niña, its cooler phase, and neutral conditions.

The phenomenon can influence atmospheric circulation, affecting temperatures and rainfall patterns in different parts of the world. Its effects, however, vary by region and depend on local climate conditions.

According to PUNCH, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) reported in its August 2026 Seasonal Climate Prediction Update and August-September-October rainfall forecast that a strong El Niño event had begun developing in 2026.

NiMet said the event was expected to influence global climate patterns during the August to October period and could have implications for rainfall patterns in Nigeria.

NEMA has therefore advised Nigerians to take the following steps to protect themselves, their families and their livelihoods.

Prepare for extreme heat

NEMA advised Nigerians to drink clean water regularly, avoid direct exposure to the sun between 11 am and 4 pm, and wear lightweight clothing and hats. The agency also recommended sunscreen use and urged people to check regularly on children, older people and others who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.

Conserve water

Households should use water carefully, repair leaking taps and pipes, and store water in clean, covered containers. NEMA also encouraged residents to keep their surroundings clean to help protect water sources from contamination.

Protect food supplies and livelihoods

The agency urged families to maintain adequate food supplies for emergencies and encouraged communities to support local farming and home gardening.

Farmers were advised to protect livestock and poultry, adopt improved agricultural practices and drought-resistant crops where suitable, and explore available government and partner support programmes.

NEMA also recommended diversifying income sources to reduce the effects of climate-related disruptions on household earnings.

Pay attention to health and sanitation

Nigerians were advised to take precautions against heat-related illnesses and dehydration, maintain proper sanitation and practise regular handwashing.

Keeping surroundings clean can also help reduce exposure to diseases associated with poor sanitation and contaminated water. NEMA urged people who become unwell to seek medical attention promptly.

Reduce exposure during peak heat hours

The agency recommended limiting outdoor activities during the hottest part of the day, particularly between 11 am and 4 pm.

Where outdoor activities cannot be avoided, people should seek shade, wear protective head coverings, take regular breaks and drink water. NEMA also advised households to schedule demanding activities for early mornings or late evenings when conditions may be cooler.

Strengthen community preparedness

NEMA called on residents to participate in community preparedness and early-warning initiatives, share reliable safety information with neighbours and check on vulnerable people.

Community cooperation, the agency said, can help households respond more effectively to climate-related emergencies.

Follow official weather updates

Nigerians were advised to monitor updates from NEMA, NiMet and other trusted media outlets, follow official warnings and report emergencies to the relevant authorities.

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The agency’s advisory emphasises the importance of early preparation as changing weather conditions can affect public health, agriculture, water availability and household food security.