Dining out is a popular pastime, but it's essential to be aware of potential food safety risks. We all have our go to foods whenever we are at a restaurant and enjoy the prospect of getting to eat their favorite meal. But even in the most high-end restaurants, the risk of getting sick always lingers. You never know when or what may cause issues for you

Food poisoning is a common problem that can lead to things like nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach upset. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 48 million people in the United States get sick from food poisoning each year. While sometimes it is unavoidable, being aware of these things can help you understand things that can go wrong and taking precautions when eating at restaurants. It's crucial to be informed to protect your health and enjoy your dining experience without worry. Here are some foods you should either avoid or be careful while eating.

Foods You Should Be Careful About While Dining Out

Eggs

Even eggs that look fine can have Salmonella bacteria. These bacteria can make you sick with stomach cramps, diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Restaurants can cause outbreaks if they don't cook eggs to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, store them at the wrong temperature, use unpasteurized eggs, or use dirty cooking tools. These bad practices let bacteria grow and make people sick. So, it's important to cook and handle eggs the right way.

Pre-Cut Melons

Melons that are cut up ahead of time, like in fruit salads, are more likely to cause food poisoning. When you cut a melon, bacteria on the outside can get to the inside. If lots of fruit is cut in one place, it's easier for bacteria to spread. Since people eat melons raw, there's no cooking to kill the germs. These germs, like Listeria, Salmonella, or E. coli, can make you really sick. So, be careful with pre-cut melons.

Sprouts

Sprouts are healthy, but they grow in warm, wet places where bacteria like Listeria like to live. Even washing sprouts doesn't always get rid of these germs. And because people usually eat sprouts raw, there's no cooking to kill the bacteria. This makes sprouts a big cause of food poisoning. There have been lots of outbreaks linked to sprouts, with many people getting sick and even ending up in the hospital. So, it's a good idea to avoid sprouts, especially at restaurants.

Undercooked Meat

Meat that isn't cooked enough can have harmful bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and Campylobacter. Campylobacter is a common cause of diarrhea. Ground beef is extra risky because it's often made from meat from many different cows. If one cow is sick, all the ground beef can be contaminated. While quickly cooking the outside of a steak can kill surface germs, undercooked ground beef and other meats are still dangerous. Cooking meat all the way through is super important.

Fishes

Some fish can cause specific kinds of food poisoning. Ciguatera poisoning happens when you eat fish that ate poisonous algae, like grouper, sea bass, and red snapper. Cooking doesn't get rid of these poisons. Scombroid poisoning can happen if fish like tuna, sardines, and mahi-mahi aren't stored correctly, which lets bacteria make poisons. Cooking doesn't help with this either. It's important for restaurants to get their fish from good places and keep it stored at the right temperature.

Oyster

Oysters filter water, which means they can collect bacteria and viruses. A big risk is vibriosis, which is caused by Vibrio bacteria that live in warm ocean water where oysters grow. Eating raw or undercooked oysters is very risky. These bacteria can cause serious sickness, and sometimes even infections in the blood. Cooking oysters completely to at least 145 degrees Fahrenheit makes them much safer. So, cooked oysters are a better choice.

Leafy Greens

Greens like lettuce and spinach can get contaminated with bacteria from things like dirty water, animal poop, and not handling them correctly. Even washing them might not get rid of all the germs, especially if they're inside the leaves. Bacteria can grow fast on greens that are wilted or slimy. Restaurants need to get their greens from good farms, wash them really well, and store them correctly. Choosing fresh, crispy greens helps reduce the risk.

Steer clear of certain food items in buffets

Buffets have a higher chance of food poisoning for a few reasons. Many people use the same serving spoons, which spreads germs. Food can sit out for too long at the wrong temperature, letting bacteria grow. Also, people might cough or sneeze near the food. Common germs at buffets include bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella, and Listeria, and viruses like norovirus. Restaurants need to check food temperatures, change serving spoons often, and make sure everyone is washing their hands.

“All That” star Christy Knowings has died after reportedly suffering an asthma attack that led to cardiac arrest and brain damage.

The 46-year-old actress was hospitalized on August 7 after the attack and placed on life support, TMZ reported.

According to TMZ, citing family sources, Knowings suffered cardiac arrest following the asthma attack. Her family decided to take her off life support on August 11.

Knowings, who was born on February 25, 1980, in the Bronx, is the second former All That cast member to die this year, following the fatal hit-and-run death of Kianna Underwood in January in Brooklyn.

In a Facebook post, Knowings’ aunt wrote that her niece was an “outstanding actress, comedian, twin sister” and an “amazing daughter.”

Knowings’ reported death after complications from an asthma attack is a reminder that while asthma can often be managed, it should not be taken lightly, health experts told HealthandMe.

What Is Asthma? How Severe Can It Turn?

Dr. Abhijit Ahuja, Consultant Pulmonologist, Saifee Hospital, Mumbai, explained that asthma is a condition that makes it difficult to breathe because the airways become inflamed and narrow.

Many people with asthma can control their symptoms with medication. However, an asthma attack can sometimes become severe and life-threatening.

During an asthma attack, symptoms suddenly worsen and usual medication may not provide enough relief. A person may experience difficulty breathing, wheezing, chest tightness, severe coughing or trouble speaking.

“If you use your inhaler but still have trouble breathing, you need to go to the hospital right away,” Dr Ahuja said.

When the airways become so narrowed that the body does not receive enough oxygen, the asthma attack can turn severe. The lungs may also be unable to remove carbon dioxide properly.

“If this keeps happening, it can hurt parts of the body like the brain and the heart,” Dr Ahuja said.

A severe asthma attack can lead to difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, brain injury and cardiac arrest.

When Can an Asthma Attack Be Deadly?

Dr. Taniya Mehta, Consultant Respiratory Medicine, Sterling Hospitals, Gujarat, told HealthandMe that while most asthma attacks can be treated, a very severe attack can become deadly when the airways become so tight that the lungs cannot get enough oxygen.

“If treatment isn't given quickly, low oxygen levels can cause the lungs to stop working, damage the brain, cause the heart to stop and lead to death,” she said.

Signs That an Asthma Attack Is an Emergency

Seek emergency medical help if a person has:

• Breathing difficulty or wheezing that is rapidly getting worse.
• Trouble speaking more than a few words because of breathing difficulty.
• No improvement after using a quick-relief inhaler.
• Blue, grey or very pale lips, fingernails or skin, which may indicate low oxygen.
• Severe confusion or loss of consciousness.

Who Is More Likely to Have a Severe Asthma Attack?

People may be at greater risk if they:

• Have had a severe or life-threatening asthma attack before.
• Need to use their quick-relief inhaler frequently.
• Do not use their asthma medicines as prescribed.
• Do not have their asthma under control.
• Cannot recognise when their symptoms are getting worse.

Do Not Wait Out a Severe Asthma Attack

Deadly asthma attacks are uncommon, but they can happen quickly, the doctors warned.

Taking asthma medication as prescribed, knowing how to use inhalers correctly, attending follow-up appointments and undergoing lung tests when needed can help keep asthma under control.

Walking past a bakery and suddenly craving a pastry, even though you’re not physically hungry.

Seeing an ad for your favorite pizza while watching TV and suddenly thinking about ordering it, even though you’ve just had dinner.

Do you experience this too? This is often referred to as “food noise”—persistent cravings, thoughts or mental chatter about food that can occur even when you’re not physically hungry.

A 2025 study published in Nutrients found that 57% of people with obesity reported experiencing food noise.

Constant exposure to food cues—from social media posts and advertisements to food-delivery apps and supermarket aisles—can further fuel these cravings.

While thinking about food is a natural part of everyday life, for some people living with obesity, these thoughts can become persistent and difficult to escape. This may contribute to overeating and, over time, make weight and metabolic health harder to manage.

HealthandMe spoke to Dr. Jasjeet S Wasir, Bariatric & Metabolic Physician, Director, Medanta – The Medicity, to understand the mechanism behind food noise.

What Is Food Noise?

“Food noise is like having a notification pinging on your phone every few minutes. You can ignore it a few times, but eventually the constant pinging wears down your attention and willpower, and you give in to it and indulge,” Dr. Jasjeet said.

A more formal, non-medical definition of food noise is persistent, intrusive thoughts about food, such as cravings, mental “chatter” about what to eat next, or a preoccupation with eating that some people experience throughout the day, seemingly independent of actual hunger.

Normal Hunger vs Food Noise

Normal hunger, or the “hunger of the body”, occurs when the body needs food and the brain responds to that need. Once adequate nutrition and calories have been consumed, appetite is influenced by satiety signals and hormones such as leptin, GLP-1 and insulin.

With food noise, however, thoughts about eating can persist even when a person is not physically hungry.

The biology behind food noise is not necessarily a primary defect in the physiological hunger system, but may involve overactivation of the reward system. This system influences mood, motivation, pleasure and cravings and can be activated by food-related cues such as sight, smell and memory, Dr. Jasjeet said.

What Can Trigger Food Noise?

Common situations in which people may experience heightened food noise include:

• Chronic calorie restriction or dieting
• Chronic sleep deprivation
• Chronic stress
• Rare genetic disorders of the reward system

Could Food Noise Affect Prediabetes and Weight?

Dr. Jasjeet said that "there is no direct or linear correlation between prediabetes and food noise. The relationship is more complex, and it can be difficult to determine which comes first".

In a healthy state, insulin acts on appetite centers in the brain and helps suppress hunger. Prediabetes, in most cases, involves insulin resistance. Insulin resistance in the brain may alter this appetite-suppression effect and potentially contribute to persistent food-related thoughts.

At the same time, prediabetes, excess weight and increased cravings can share common underlying factors, including insulin resistance, inadequate sleep, stress, dietary patterns, genetics and the food environment.

"Food noise becomes important when thoughts about food begin to influence everyday eating behavior—for example, when a person repeatedly eats without physical hunger or finds it difficult to stop thinking about food," the expert said.

If persistent food-related thoughts contribute to excess energy intake and weight gain, they may adversely affect metabolic health and perpetuate insulin resistance. Over time, this can increase the risk of complications such as type 2 diabetes.

However, the doctor said that food noise is not a symptom or diagnostic marker of prediabetes. Prediabetes needs to be identified through appropriate blood glucose tests.

Insulin Resistance Alone Does Not Cause Food Noise

Dr. Manjunath Malige, Director, Endocrinologist, Diabetologist, Obesity & Weight Management Specialist, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, told HealthandMe that people with prediabetes usually have some degree of insulin resistance, but insulin resistance alone cannot be said to cause food noise.

Appetite and eating behavior are complex and influenced by biological signals, brain reward pathways, environmental food cues, sleep, stress and learned behaviors.

In India, where diets can sometimes be carbohydrate-heavy and low in protein or fiber, some people may experience greater fluctuations in hunger and cravings. When this constant chatter around food becomes excessive, it can take up significant mental space. If it leads to frequent snacking or overeating, it can make weight and blood glucose management more challenging.

How Can Food Noise Be Managed?

Dr. Jasjeet said the first step is not to fight food or impose extreme restrictions, but to understand what is driving the urge to eat.

The doctor noted that ask yourself: Is it genuine hunger, or are you eating because of stress, boredom, habit or simply because food is available?

Having structured, balanced meals with adequate protein, vegetables, fiber and healthy fats can improve satiety. Excessive restriction or skipping meals can sometimes make cravings worse.

Other important factors include:

• Good-quality sleep
• Regular physical activity
• Stress management

Most importantly, the experts noted that the goal is not to never think about food, as food is an important part of our lives and culture. The concern is when these thoughts become intrusive, distressing or start controlling eating behavior. In such cases, it is important to seek professional guidance.

Liver diseases are becoming increasingly common in India, yet many people are unaware of the difference between fatty liver and hepatitis. While both conditions affect the liver, their causes, treatment, and long-term risks are very different. Understanding these differences is important because untreated hepatitis can, in some cases, lead to liver cancer over time.

Fatty Liver And Hepatitis: What’s The Difference?

Fatty liver disease occurs when excess fat accumulates in the liver. In India, it has emerged as a major health concern due to rising rates of obesity, diabetes, sedentary lifestyles, and unhealthy dietary habits. Studies suggest that nearly one in three Indian adults may have fatty liver disease.

Also read: England Set To Become One Of The First Countries To Eliminate Hepatitis C; Here's How

Why Chronic Hepatitis Can Raise Liver Cancer Risk

One of the biggest concerns with chronic hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, is its association with liver cancer. The infection can silently persist for years without causing noticeable symptoms. During this period, continuous inflammation may lead to fibrosis (scarring), cirrhosis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), chronic hepatitis B significantly increases the risk of liver cancer and remains one of the leading causes of liver cancer-related deaths worldwide.

India’s Silent Hepatitis Burden

India continues to carry a substantial burden of viral hepatitis. WHO estimates indicate that nearly 40 million Indians are living with chronic Hepatitis B infection and between six and twelve million with chronic Hepatitis C infection. Many remain undiagnosed because early disease often causes no symptoms.

Warning signs that should not be ignored include persistent fatigue, loss of appetite, abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin), dark urine, or swelling in the abdomen. However, many patients with chronic hepatitis may feel completely healthy until significant liver damage has already occurred.

Can Hepatitis-Related Liver Cancer Be Prevented?

Also read: How Chronic Hepatitis Quietly Progresses To Liver Cirrhosis: Why Early Action Can Save Your Liver

"The good news is that liver cancer arising from hepatitis is often preventable. Hepatitis B vaccination is safe and highly effective. Regular screening, timely antiviral treatment, and periodic liver monitoring can significantly reduce the risk of cirrhosis and liver cancer"- said Dr Ashwin Rajbhoj from M|O|C Cancer Care Pune. Similarly, maintaining a healthy weight, controlling diabetes, exercising regularly, and limiting alcohol intake can help prevent and reverse fatty liver disease in its early stages, he added.

The key message is simple: fatty liver and hepatitis are not the same disease. While fatty liver is primarily linked to lifestyle and metabolic health, chronic viral hepatitis can silently progress to liver cancer if neglected. Early diagnosis and timely treatment remain the best defence against serious liver complications.

By Dr Ashwin Rajbhoj, M|O|C Cancer Care, Pune