Never consume spoiled food; it can contribute to illness and affect your health.

Food safety and sanitation should be your aim whether meals are prepared at home, or purchased from a food vendor, restaurant, or cafeteria. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (2014) stated in its position statement that “all individuals should have access to safe food and water supply.” Food spoilage People can become ill after consuming spoiled food; the harmful bacteria or pathogens cause food-borne illness (sometimes referred to as food-borne disease or food-borne infection) that can possibly contribute to pain, prolonged illness, that might be life-threatening for senior citizens, young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immunity. You should note that there are more than 250 foodborne diseases; most of these diseases are infections caused not only by bacteria, but also by viruses and parasites which can be food-borne.

Food-borne illnesses can be prevented as persons in communities and business organisations seek to implement the correct measures in the handling, processing, and preparation of food and beverages (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2016).

Therefore, if unfortunately one consumed contaminated food and beverages, the bacteria responsible for the spoilage may produce a toxin in the food and/or the person’s intestines after eating the food. Examples of harmful bacteria such as clostridium botulinum (botulism), clostridium perfringens, Escherichia coli (E. coli), listeria monocytogenes, salmonella, staphylococcus aureus, and campylobacter cause food-borne illnesses.

Points to note Briefly, the basic information about the aforementioned bacteria, the symptoms, and preventive measures: Clostridium botulinum — may result due to improperly canned low-acid foods, or home prepared food not properly cooked; symptoms to note — blurred vision, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, and difficulty breathing; prevention — heat food properly to the right temperature, thorough cleaning of kitchen, countertops, small equipment, and refrigerator and freezer.

Clostridium perfringens — can occur as a result of slow cooling or slow reheating of food; symptoms to note — nausea, diarrhoea; prevention — rapid reheating and cooling of food, good personal hygiene.

E coli — result due to contamination from contact with faeces; symptoms — severe abdominal cramps, diarrhoea, fever, and dehydration that might lead to death; prevention — good personal hygiene (wash hands thoroughly after using the restroom, personal cleanliness, clothing, etc), proper sanitation practices, thoroughly cook meals, proper refrigeration of food.

Listeria monocytogenes (Listeriosis) — may result due to unpasteurised milk, soft cheeses, eggs, processed meats, raw sprouts, hardto- clean spots in the kitchen, etc; symptoms to note — sudden fever, intense headache, nausea, vomiting, delirium, coma; prevention practices include, but should not be limited to purchase pasteurised milk, take some time to read the label, ensure “made from pasteurised milk,” avoid eating soft cheeses and raw sprouts, cook sprouts thoroughly to reduce the potential risk for illness, consume cut melons immediately.

A good rule of thumb is to ensure that you keep cut melons refrigerated and for no more than seven days, and if left at room temperature for more than four hours, discard; wash hands thoroughly after handling processed meats, store open packages of hot dogs for at least one week and for opened packages of luncheon and deli meats sliced for no longer than three-five days in the refrigerator, and unopened packages up to approximately two weeks.

Salmonella — source includes contaminated raw eggs, milk, meat and poultry. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2016) documented that approximately one million persons in the US can be negatively impacted by salmonella contributing to food-borne illness. Symptoms noted of those who might be infected include headache, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, fever, and vomiting.

Prevention practices may include but may not be limited to avoiding cross contamination of foods (for food preparation have separate cutting boards for meat, fruits, and vegetables); ensure that meats, poultry, and eggs are thoroughly cooked, do not consume undercooked (eggs, meat, and poultry), or raw eggs, raw (unpasteurised) milk; implement proper sanitation practices (wash hands, cutting boards, knives, and small equipment, sanitise countertops and maintain correct storage temperature and good personal hygiene.

Staphylococcus aureus — note that “staphylococcal food poisoning is a gastrointestinal illness resulting due to the consumption of foods contaminated with the toxin produced by the bacteria.” Sources are human nasal passages, uncovered sores, poor personal hygiene. If infected symptoms include nausea, cramps, vomiting, and diarrhoea.

Avoid mixing leftovers with fresh food.

Some prevention practices to use: wash hands and under finger nails thoroughly with soap and water, cover sores and boils, personal cleanliness, avoid coughing or sneezing over food, if you are ill — don’t prepare food, clean the kitchen thoroughly, and store foods properly.

Campylobacter — persons who might become ill due to being infected with the bacteria may probably get diarrhoea, fever, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.

Sources include: the consumption of raw or undercooked meat, poultry or drinking raw milk contaminated water. Prevention practices: cooked meat and poultry thoroughly, avoid cross contamination — use separate cutting boards, for meats, poultry, veggies, and fruits, use pasteurised milk, use proper sanitation practices — wash hands properly before preparing food Note: When preparing food, handle knives and other sharp objects carefully to avoid getting cut. If you get cut, seek medical attention, if necessary. Pathogens present in human blood can cause disease; bloodborne pathogens can pass from one individual to another through contact with blood, these include Hepatitis B and C, and HIV.

Helpful hints Buy food from clean vendors with valid food badge.

Ensure that the places (cafeterias, restaurants) where you choose to purchase food and drinks are clean, with covered bins, and no rodents.

Food and drink should not be in contact with paints, lotion, oils, and body sweat.

Do not drink unsafe water.

Lunch boxes, plastic plates, foam cups, and cutlery are clean.

Wash hands prior to handling food or eating; you can also use sanitise napkins.

Cover foods from dust, flies, insects and rodents.

Avoid mixing leftovers with fresh food.

Claudette Mitchell, PhD, RD is an Assistant Professor, University of the Southern, School of Science, Technology, and Allied Health.

The minister made the comments as he delivered the feature address at a function at the Arima Town Hall, Sorzano Street, to introduce improvements to the postal code and postal-code implementation projects.

The improvement introduced in Arima was the S-42 addressing standard and postal code, a new internationally recognised standard developed by the Universal Postal Union intended to improve TTPost’s mail delivery by improving the quality of addresses across the country.

TTPost officials explained that the new standard will do away with the use of lamppost numbers, mile markers, lot numbers and “corner of ” as part of street addresses.

These will be replaced by building numbers assigned in what they said was a logical and sequential way. The buildings are numbered sequentially with even numbers on one side of the street and odd numbers on the other. Numbers are also assigned to vacant lots to cater for future development and even to buildings under construction.

However, TTPost said the assignment of numbers is for postal purposes only and does not affect the numbers on deeds and other official documents. The new address format is expected to improve response time for emergency services, reduce the cost of doing business and lower the incidence of returned mail.

TTPost officials added that anyone can access the codes and use them for online shopping. When the postal codes are ready, TTPost will provide a postal code finder on its website. In the meantime, customers can find out their code by contacting any TTPost outlet.

Hinds said when these new codes go into effect, postmen and women will no longer be required to locate addresses next to a lamppost or a standpipe. He said it would make the distribution of mail more efficient because of the certainty of the addresses.

Adding that the project was long overdue, he said the process was started in 2012 and was expected to be fully implemented across the whole country toward the end of 2018.

He said those receiving mail will not be the only ones to benefit, as TTPost would benefit as well from a reduction in operational costs and could increase its revenue by generating a higher level of international business mail, which he said would be a win/win situation for everybody.

Lawrence began his sessions a week ago at the Larry Gomes Stadium in Arima and closed off the first part last Saturday at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Couva.

During this period, the ex-TT centre-back welcomed back W Connection defender Alvin Jones who returned from a trial with MLS club Minnesota United while Central FC’s Darren Mitchell was also drafted into the provisional squad.

“The payers have applied themselves in the right way. I think this week was important for us getting together as a group for the players to understand the way myself and the staff want to work. I think they have showed a fantastic attitude towards the work and hopefully it’s been beneficial towards the players with regards to fitness first and foremost,” Lawrence told TTFA Media.

“Technically we have to improve on things but in generally the players have showed a good attitude. I am pleased with the progress but there’s still a long way to go,” Lawrence added last Saturday.

This week also saw the introduction of the General Packet Radio System (GPRS) into the senior team programme overseen by football scientist Stephen Bradley who was named as a member of Lawrence’s backroom staff.

The GPRS is a software designed to analyse players’ physical condition in detail. The jacket worn by the players during the training has a tiny radio inside it which sends all the data of the player’s physical condition to the computer, operated by Bradley. GPRS Trackers clarifies everything, from the player’s pulse rate, blood pressure, his endurance capacity, the blood circulation, the condition of important bones in his body and Lawrence and his staff will be able to know every aspect after using GPRS tracking system.

“I think it’s been fantastic. We allowed the players to feel themselves into it. We did a full presentation on it and the players are fully clear on what the GPRS does and I am hoping to see a reaction to that,” Lawrence said.

The training camp will continue on Ash Wednesday following a Carnival break.

“I think it is important to work in trust in any organisation. I have given the players trust. They all understand and they know exactly what I expect of them over the next three days. We have worked hard over the past six days.

“They are going to be back on Ash Wednesday. I understand as well that Carnival is part of our culture and I think it was necessary to allow the players some time with their family and Ash Wednesday we will be back on the training ground working hard again,” Lawrence added.

A bloodstained kitchen knife, believed to be the murder weapon, is in the hands of investigators.

Matthews’ two daughters and two sons arrived in the country yesterday to take possession of her body and make funeral arrangements. Sources said that agents from the United States will arrive in this country to take an active role in investigations.

Pieces of evidence, taken from the crime scene, will be sent to the US’ Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) forensic labs for assessment. Sources said that key information is already in the hands of local police investigators and the probe is now at a sensitive stage. Sources said that investigators remain confident that arrests will be made soon.

Matthews, who lived alone, was found dead in her Arima home on the weekend. The house was ransacked, suggesting that robbery may have been the motive behind her murder. For the year, there have been 52 murders with 17 occurring in Northern Division.

Contacted for comment, Matthews’ relative, former Director of the National Operations Centre (NOC) Garvin Heera said Matthews posed no danger to anyone and her brutal and callous murder was a reflection of how deeply Trinidad and Tobago has sunk into lawlessness, disrespect and gross hatred for human life.

“Crime is definitely out of control and citizens, especially law-abiding ones, are no longer living in fear of just being robbed, they are living in fear of being murdered. No one knows who will be next,” Heera said.

It is coincidental that Harewood was the arranger of one of last year’s winners Trinidad East Side Symphony. On Sunday evening for five minutes and 38 seconds Harewood and the players of New Town Playboys allowed the music to speak for itself as they ran through the well executed arrangement with Superblue in front the band waving the flag. When they were finished the crow roared its approval.

There was no trophy or cheque given on the night. The NCC says it will hold a special prize giving ceremony on a date to be announced.

Back at the panyard after the victory; while trying to hold back his emotions, manager Keron Valentine said he was elated and proud of his players who worked hard for the Panorama. Drill master Martin Cain said, “The players were very respectful, they were willing to try whatever I asked of them, they worked very hard and are deserving of this title.

“Carlan Harewood is just superb, he is a young upcoming talented all round arranger with plenty to offer.” Speaking about his bold move to leave his band and come to town Harewood said, “I just wanted to be a part of history.

I know how good I am with my band and I needed to try with someone else.

“I did not do anything much with the song after the preliminary round on Thursday. We finished ahead of the pack and it was just to drill the players and make sure they were well rehearsed. Playboys is a new band and the Northern Region has not won a title in 12 years. I am proud to say I brought it home for them.” Coming in second, three points behind the winners was San Juan All Stars with their rendition of Atiba Joseph’s arrangement of “Johnny”. This too was a superb performance with several members of the front line breaking away from the rest of the band to showcase their skills and for five minutes and 14 seconds they had the audience in awe. They too received a great reception when they were finished.

Two points behind them was Woodbrook Playboyz with their rendition of Michelle Huggins- Watts arrangement of “Total Disorder”. In their state of disorder the players might have gone a little off of a very good arrangement.

In fourth place, two points behind Playboyz was Pan Jammers with their rendition of Robert Tobitt’s arrangement of “Different Me”.

This too was a very good performance from a group of very young players who know what it is to win.

They brought an energy with dancing and singing during their performance.

Coming in fifth just one point behind was the Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force with their performance of Kion Robinson arrangement of “Get Something and Wave”. At the entrance of the courts it was business as usual for Pan Trinbago as the only National Carnival Commission (NCC) personnel were security. When asked about the arrangement acting president Richard Forteau said “Nothing has changed, we have a Panvesco official collecting money at the door. “NCC has given us (Pan Trinbago) this event, the Small Steel Orchestra finals and The Greens. It seems they are only interested in the semi-finals and final.” With the Single Pan Band final completed, when asked what kind of monies Pan Trinbago received from the NCC Forteau said “None, they hope to give us some tomorrow.”

Band…………………………………….. Selection…………………………….Total
1 Newtown Playboys Symphony.. Get Something And Wave……….292
2. San Juan All Stars……………….. Johnny………………………………….289
3. Woodbrook Playboyz…………… Total Disorder………………………..287
4. Pan Jammers……………………… Different Me…………………………..285
5. Shades In Steel…………………… Showdown (Band Meet Band)….283
6. Marsicans…………………………… Thunder………………………………..282
7. La Creole Pan Groove………….. This Melody Sweet…………………282
8. TT Fire Service……………………. Ethel…………………………………….281
9. Woodbrook Modernaires………. Jump (On The Count Of 4)………281
10. TT East Side Symphony……… Pan In Danger…………………….279.5
Band…………………………………….. Selection…………………………….Total
11. Trinidad Nostalgic………………. Flag Party……………………………..279
12. Brimblers………………………….. War………………………………………278
13. Stardust Steel……………………. Tourist Elsie…………………………..277
14. La Famille United………………. Pan By Storm………………………..276
15. Uni Stars…………………………… magic Drum…………………………..276
16. TT Prison Service………………. Nah Do Dat……………………………275
17. Nu Pioneers Pan Groove……. Drive It………………………………….275
18. Brazil Rx4…………………………. Kaka Roach…………………………..272
19. Highlighters………………………. Fete……………………………………..272
20.St James Tripolians…………….. Fire Down Below……………………

Those countries are Iraq, Iran, Sudan, Syria, Yemen, Libya, and Somalia. The ban also includes citizens from those countries who have dual American citizenship.

In a statement, Rowley declared, “Mr Nance’s broad and simplistic statement is not supported by fact and ignores the robust and substantial national security cooperative partnership between TT and the United States.” Rowley, who is chairman of the National Security Council (NSC) and holds the security portfolio in Caricom’s quasi-Cabinet, further declared, “TT’s unshakeable commitment to combatting terrorism and religious extremism in all its forms, cannot be called into question.” We will continue to work with our partners in the international community, particularly the United States, our major trading partner, until this threat to world order and security is addressed, he added. Rowley explained it is against this background that he participated in the high level regional security conference of Caricom and the US which took place in Washington DC in May.

He also said that in October, TT hosted the 12th Conference of Defence Ministers of the Americas which brought together defence leaders of nearly all nations in the Western Hemisphere, “including the US Defense Secretary.” Rowley said that on September 21, TT became the first Caricom nation to sign the Customs Mutual Administrative Agreement (CMAA) with the US, “further expanding our two nations’ bilateral security relationship.” The Prime Minister also said, “Furthermore, in September of 2016, the TT Defence Force, the TT Police Service and the United States Southern Command participated in Joint Combined Exchange Training to bolster our mutual capabilities as partners to conduct security operations.” He reiterated that Government will continue to focus on strengthening its, “long-standing relationship with the United States, while fostering a dialogue which promotes increased economic, cultural and national security collaboration for the benefit of both our nations.” In a separate statement, the National Security Ministry said while TT is currently experiencing challenges with some of its nationals being linked to terrorist groups internationally, this country, “takes the fight against global terrorism seriously and is continuously taking all necessary measures to combat the threat. “ The ministry said it is working closely with the Ministry of the Attorney General and Legal Affairs, which has established an Anti-Terrorism Desk. Among other things, that desk is examining legislative amendments required to the Anti-Terrorism Act.

“Further our courts, based on applications made by the Attorney General, have listed over 300 individuals or entities and their associates which were designated as terrorist entities by the Security Council of the United Nations,” the ministry said.

In his comments on an MSNBC programme last Saturday, Nance said, “We (the United States) have not banned terrorists from Brazil. ISIS has dozens of members from Brazil or Trinidad or the Bahamas who have more terrorist members than any of those other countries.”

One of those who went to the Centre, was former head of the National Operations Centre (NOC) Garvin Heera who strongly condemned management for the state of affairs. It took several hours of waiting before off-duty Pathologist Dr Hughvon Des Vignes arrived after flying in from Tobago to perform autopsies.

Sources at the Centre said that 15 bodies were at the Centre and at one stage, it appeared as if the cold storage units either were not working or malfunctioned as the foul stench of decaying flesh was palpable in the air.

“One has to understand we are dealing with persons who have experienced the trauma of losing a loved one in violent circumstances.

And to come here this morning and have to face this…it is inexcusable,” Heera said.

He was at the Centre to witness the autopsy on his relative US citizen Cynthia Matthews who was one of four persons murdered in separate incidents over the weekend.

People began arriving at the Centre from as early as 6 am. By 12 noon, when a decision was made to contact and ask Dr Des Vignes if he could fill in for the absent pathologists.

At 2 pm, Dr Des Vignes arrived and began to conduct autopsies.

Autopsies which were not done yesterday, will be completed during the course of this week.

Heera said that the situation demanded a review of the operations of the Centre and he suggested that with rampant murders fast becoming the norm, in order to ease the burden at the St James centre, others should be constructed in South and Central Trinidad.

“The citizens are on edge,” said Heera. “Many are at breaking point and we have to be very cautious as to how we treat with issues and the emotions of our people. Most importantly, the State must afford respect to citizens in situations where grief and sorrow are involved and make the operation at the Forensic Science Centre as smooth as possible so as not to add to a person’s grief.”

Opposition Leader Kamla Persad- Bissessar made this claim yesterday during a press conference at the Office of the Leader of the Opposition on Charles Street, Port-of-Spain. Persad-Bissessar convened the conference to discuss the spiralling crime situation and demand that Prime Minister Dr Rowley take “decisive action” to bring crime under control.

She also expressed displeasure with the fact that Rowley had not denounced Malcolm Nance’s claim of Trinidad and Tobago as “terrorist state.” However, while decrying Rowley’s failure to respond, one reporter pointed out that he had just received a press release from the Office of the Prime Minister, in which Rowley referred to Nance’s statement as “broad and simplistic”, and, “not supported by fact and ignores the robust and substantial national security cooperative partnership between Trinidad and Tobago and the United States…” The reporter read the PM’s statement aloud, but Persad-Bissessar was not impressed, saying that Rowley still failed to ask for a retraction.

(See Page 9A)

For many families, serious crime has significant emotional scars, as they cope with loss of life, property and self-esteem, physical damage to body, mind and possessions.

The report of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) on Crime and Violence in Trinidad and Tobago reveals that official crime data for the period 1990-2013 indicate an annual average of 242 murders, 553 woundings and shootings, 4,217 robberies, 5,747 burglaries and break-ins, 247 rapes, and 127 kidnappings.

During the final five years of this period there was an annual average of 423 murders, 594 woundings and shootings, 4,445 robberies, 4,492 burglaries and break-ins, 232 rapes, and 139 kidnappings.

Data for 2013 indicate that there were 30.4 murders, 40.5 woundings and shootings, 221 robberies, 222 burglaries and break-ins, 16 rapes, and 8.7 kidnappings per 100,000 inhabitants in Trinidad and Tobago.

All of these in a country with a population of just 1.3 million people The IDB report makes a very important point that, generally, official crime statistics underestimate the level of victimisation when compared to self-reported victimisation data. For example, victimisation reported on the 2010 United Nations Development Programme Citizen Security Survey revealed that incidents of domestic violence were 6.3 times higher, and the number of robberies 4.6 times higher than in official crime data. The report also emphasises that official crime data is important in estimating the level of victimisation.

Beside non-reporting of criminal attack and suffering deviant behaviour without any recourse to justice, there is significant distress in multiple facets of our existence.

A popular approach is to summarise the various costs of crime and violence in a single dollar figure that attempts to represent the total cost connected with crime.

This is inadequate and underestimates much of the “cost” associated with crime.

The World Bank estimate of the socio-economic cost of crime highlights a number significant areas that impact us. The estimate outlines direct costs which include the value of all goods and services used to prevent violence or offer treatment to its victims or perpetrators. This will include medical, legal, policing, prisons, foster care, witness protection programmes and private security.

The estimate also point to non-monetary costs such as higher mortality rates as well as morbidity rates that result in pain, suffering and death. These are not associated with expenditures on healthcare.

Then there are indirect costs that include loss of earnings and time, lower human capital, lower productivity, lower investment and psychological costs.

It is important that as a country we pay attention to the economic multiplier effects generated by crime.

These take into consideration the impact on human capital, labour force participation, lower wages and incomes, savings and macroeconomic growth.

Over the last decade we have seen that fear of crime forces our citizens to shun activities and locations that we think make us more vulnerable to becoming victims of crime.

Many of us know people whose families have suffered from crime that tell us about the lower levels of life satisfaction. Crime also reduces tourist arrivals in the region, discourages business investment, and stifles economic growth. How many of us have curtailed liming at nights, and in certain areas? Crime is changing who we are — both individually and collectively.

Understanding the total cost faced by us all should provide the motivation to design a plan, adopt strategies, equip law enforcement, hire the brightest and best, provide facilities and training, and establish relationships with other law enforcement agencies to provide assistance. Fifty plus murders — just one of the facets of our troubling picture — in 28 days is far too many. Let us tackle this madness frontally and reduce the cost that we face.

In the past, there were very limited mechanisms for the dissemination of information and along with it strict standards to ensure that what was shared was accurate. Unfortunately, the rapid pace with which communication technologies have been evolving left little room for the commensurate evolution of similar standards for the realm of social media leading to an incredible capacity for misinformation to be disseminated to large numbers of people in quick time.

Against the background of trust that conventional media carried owing to their adherence to established standards of journalistic integrity and legal frameworks, such trust was automatically transferred to the Internet and social media as it evolved.

The outcome of this development is the need to be able to differentiate between information and misinformation.

This provides a unique challenge for impressionable young minds who cannot evaluate information with such clarity.

As teachers, this development poses new challenges, for they are not only required to teach children about the need to search out information but they must now be taught how to decipher the truth from falsehoods, information from misinformation, fact from opinion/fiction.

The challenge is to not only educate but to prevent miseducation.

This is no easy task owing to the quantum of information that is constantly bombarding our vulnerable young minds. While the major thrust has been to ensure freedom of information, little thought has been focused on the need to ensure that information is truthful, reliable and factual. Students must be taught to navigate the Internet to discern reliable information from that which is there to deliberately misinform/ brainwash for ulterior motives.

There are a few things to consider when evaluating the reliability of information results through the Internet.

These include authority or authorship, currency, accuracy, the publishing body and objectivity. The author of the information or online article must be known and verified by a recognised body in the relevant field of study.

The currency of the information is very important in identifying the timeliness of information. The date/ year must be available on the article or web page. Another important part of the evaluation process is the ability to verify the accuracy of the information presented.

Explanation on research methods, bibliography, footnotes and background information should be verified for accuracy. The publishing body must be reputable or be associated with reputable governing bodies.

Although information is rarely impartial, it is important to discern the writer’s point or bias. Articles or websites containing religious or political bias must be scrutinised to verify information provided as every writer wants to present data to assist their “side of the story.” It becomes necessary for the users of information on the Internet to be able to identify key words that will appear throughout the web page or document and decide whether it is educational or extremist. The discernment between fact and fiction may be easier to identify information presented with bias. Supporting data can be used to manipulate the article. Therefore the purpose of the information must be evaluated.

Teachers will also be well advised to engage their charges in an evaluation of the various forms of social media, highlighting the dangers of such media.

Social media have become a major platform for the propagation of extremism — a reality we cannot ignore.