On May 17, Chinese media widely reported the heartbreaking case of Mr. Ma, a 28-year-old man from Shandong Province. Known among friends as healthy and full of life, Ma had been planning to marry on May 8. Instead, he spent his final days battling severe liver failure brought on by food poisoning, eventually passing away on May 15 in the hospital.

Photographs from the intensive care unit showed the once-vibrant young man lying unconscious, his body overwhelmed by toxins. What was meant to be a season of joy turned into a devastating tragedy for his family.

Image for illustration purposes only

The Fatal Meal

According to reports, Ma developed fever and headache on April 29 after eating a large portion of chicken that had either been infected with avian disease or left overnight in unsafe conditions. Believing it was just a mild illness, he self-medicated with amoxicillin, ibuprofen, and herbal remedies, which temporarily lowered his temperature. Thinking he was recovering, Ma ignored the warning signs.

Soon after, however, his health collapsed. He developed abdominal bloating, overwhelming fatigue, and eventually lost consciousness. Doctors diagnosed acute liver failure and hepatic encephalopathy—a form of brain dysfunction caused by toxins accumulating in the bloodstream when the liver shuts down. On May 7, he was moved to intensive care, where he received plasma transfusions and advanced supportive treatment, but his liver could not recover.

Family Suspicions

Relatives suspected that the chicken he ate was either undercooked, contaminated, or carried harmful pathogens. Another possibility was that the animal itself had consumed toxic substances. Whatever the cause, the result was catastrophic food poisoning that his body could not overcome.

Typical Symptoms of Food Poisoning

Foodborne illness usually begins with digestive symptoms, often appearing within an hour of consuming contaminated food. These include abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea—the body’s natural way of rejecting harmful substances. In more severe cases, additional signs such as dizziness, cold sweats, weakness, and fainting may appear.

Doctors emphasize that if you experience vomiting or diarrhea after eating questionable food, you should immediately stop eating the suspected source. Mild cases often resolve on their own with hydration, rest, and lighter meals. However, severe cases require urgent medical attention, as they may quickly escalate into dehydration, organ damage, or even acute liver failure, as in Ma’s case.

Why Summer Brings Higher Risks

Summer is considered the peak season for foodborne illnesses. High heat and humidity provide ideal conditions for bacteria, viruses, and molds to multiply rapidly. Without proper food safety practices, even seemingly fresh meals can become dangerous in just a few hours.

Five Golden Rules for Food Safety

Health experts stress that food poisoning is largely preventable if the following five principles are followed:

1. Keep Food Clean
   Wash hands and kitchen tools regularly. Dirt and bacteria on utensils or surfaces can easily contaminate meals.
2. Separate Raw and Cooked Foods
   Avoid cross-contamination by using different chopping boards and knives. Never store raw meat and ready-to-eat foods together.
3. Cook Thoroughly
   Heat destroys most pathogens. Meat, poultry, eggs, and seafood should be fully cooked, not just partially heated. Foods such as beans or mushrooms must be cooked until safe to eat.
4. Store at Safe Temperatures
   Leftovers should be covered, refrigerated promptly, and consumed quickly. Do not leave cooked food at room temperature for extended periods, especially in summer.
5. Use Safe Water and Ingredients
   Wash fruits and vegetables carefully, soak produce when necessary, and check for pesticide residues. Always look for production dates and expiration dates on packaged foods, avoiding expired or suspicious items.

Recognizing Spoiled Food: Color and Smell Are Key

• Color: Spoiled food often appears darker than fresh food—such as tofu turning yellow, watermelon flesh darkening, or apples developing brown spots.
• Smell: Spoiled foods lose their natural aroma and emit sour, rotten, or foul odors. For example, spoiled milk, rice, and bread produce an unpleasant acidic smell.

Expert Reminder

Doctors warn that Ma’s tragic case could have been avoided with better food safety awareness. Food poisoning should never be underestimated—it can range from mild stomach upset to fatal organ failure. By practicing good hygiene, cooking food thoroughly, and paying attention to freshness, families can protect themselves from preventable tragedies.