Can you get sick from eating expired hummus?
In this brief guide, we are going to answer the question “Can you get sick from eating expired hummus” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can get sick from eating expired hummus. Moreover, we are going to discuss the shelf life of hummus in different mediums.
Can you get sick from eating expired hummus?
Can hummus make you sick?
Fresh hummus that is stored at ambient temperature rarely makes you sick. It is the cross-contamination or overfermention when exposed to high temperatures that make it go bad, potentially increasing the chances of food poisoning. It must be kept in mind that hummus is rich in sodium which can increase one’s risk of getting heart disease.
Whether or not you can get sick from eating expired hummus depends upon several factors. For instance, if the hummus has just gone past the “best before” or “best by” date then you can still consume them without the risk of any foodborne illness as long as it was stored properly because these dates are representative of the quality of hummus rather than its safety.
But if you see some mold or organic growth on the surface of your hummus or if you notice some off smell (something putrid, sour, or rancid) while taking a sniff test of your humus then it is the indication that your hummus has gone bad and the best thing to do in this scenario is to discard it.
Can you get food poisoning from eating bad hummus?
Yes, you can get food poisoning from eating bad hummus. Consuming hummus that has gone bad or expired can lead to diarrhea, vomiting, stomach aches, and nausea.
Eating expired hummus can put you at the risk of many foodborne illnesses and especially food poisoning. There are a couple of obnoxious agents that could be present in the humus that has gone bad and if you eat such humus, you will get food poisoning. The obnoxious agents are mainly Salmonella and Listeria.
While talking about the food poisoning from the hummus that has gone bad, no doubt any person who consumes stale hummus will be at risk of such health implications but there are special populations that are more vulnerable to Salmonella food poisoning and its negative impacts. They are
- Elderly people especially those that are above the age of 65
- Children that are aged under 5 as their immune system is weak as compared to the adults
- Pregnant women
- Immunocompromised people have a very weak immune system and are already suffering from diseases like HIV or the people that have recently got a transplant or have gone through surgery.
What are the signs and symptoms of food poisoning?
The signs and symptoms are associated with food poisoning are:
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is an indication of the body that a certain obnoxious agent has entered it. So consumption of expired hummus often causes diarrhea.
Therefore you should drink plenty of water to compensate for the water loss that the body experiences owing to diarrhea.
Abdominal pain
Food poisoning after consuming hummus that has expired and is bacteria-laden is characterized by abdominal pain. Abdominal pain and cramps may likewise take place in the wake of devouring expired hummus.
It is worth mentioning that whenever you consume a food that is contaminated with bacteria and other microbes, there is a deferral before symptoms of illness become clear, which may last from hours to days, contingent on how many microbes and what sort of microorganisms has been consumed by you.
On the off chance that you experience abdominal cramps within hours or sometimes even days after you have consumed an expired hummus, there are great chances of hummus being the culprit behind it. If the situation persists or the intensity of the pain increases, it is advised to seek medical help immediately.
Vomiting
If you have consumed hummus that has microbial growth in it then you will experience nausea and vomiting which is the natural defense of the body to get rid of the unwanted harmful substance that has entered the body.
Moreover, persistent vomiting can result in electrolyte imbalance in the body as well as it can lead to severe dehydration, dizziness, flushed skin, and weakness. It is advised to drink plenty of water to save the body from dehydration as severe dehydration can even lead to shock.
Fever
Consuming bacteria-laden hummus will also raise your body temperature and you can experience fever which is the natural defense mechanism of your body and is the indicator that something is off with your body.
Other FAQs about Hummus which you may be interested in.
How long does hummus last after opening?
What is the shelf life of hummus?
Unopened hummus that was sold unrefrigerated last for about 1-3 months if stored properly in the pantry. On the other hand, opened hummus that was sold unrefrigerated lasts for about 4-7 days when it is stored properly in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Unopened hummus that was sold refrigerated lasts for about 3-7 days when stored in the fridge at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. On the other hand, opened hummus that was sold refrigerated lasts for about 3-7 days when stored properly in the fridge. Homemade hummus has a shelf life of 4-5 days when it is stored in the refrigerator.
You can read how to make hummus here.
Conclusion
In this brief guide, we answered the question “Can you get sick from eating expired hummus” with an in-depth analysis of whether or not you can get sick from eating expired hummus. Moreover, we discussed the shelf life of hummus in different mediums.
Citations
https://findanyanswer.com/what-happens-if-you-eat-bad-hummus
https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/4658378/salmonella-symptoms-treatment-spread-chicken-eggs/
How Long Does Hummus Last?
