Brussels, September 14: A 20-year-old Belgian student, identified as AJ, tragically lost his life after consuming leftover spaghetti and tomato sauce that had been sitting at room temperature for five days. The shocking incident, which occurred in 2008 but recently resurfaced on social media platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and YouTube, serves as a chilling reminder of the potential dangers of consuming improperly stored leftover food. AJ's ordeal began when he decided to reheat his five-day-old pasta meal on October 1, 2008.

According to multiple reports, after eating, he headed out to play sports with friends, but within half an hour, he returned home, complaining of a headache, stomach pains, and nausea. The young man's condition rapidly deteriorated as he experienced violent episodes of vomiting and diarrhoea. Instead of seeking immediate medical attention, he chose to rest in bed, hoping to sleep off the illness. Tragically, AJ was discovered lifeless the following day by his concerned parents, who had gone to check on him when he failed to attend class. 'Pipigate': Belgium Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne Issues Apology After Guests at His Birthday Party Caught on Camera Peeing on Police Van.

An autopsy later revealed that AJ had succumbed to liver necrosis and acute pancreatitis. Post-mortem faecal swabs detected the presence of Bacillus cereus, a well-known foodborne pathogen that produces toxins. Additionally. samples of the leftover pasta were analysed and also revealed a significant presence of B cereus. While B cereus is commonly associated with food poisoning, it is increasingly being linked to severe and potentially fatal non-gastrointestinal infections, according to the US National Library of Medicine. Racist Attack in Belgium Video: ‘I'm Not From China,’ Thailand Twitch Streamer Tells Off Miscreants Over Racial Comments.

Dr Bernard, a YouTube medic who discussed the case, emphasised that the severity of AJ's illness was not typical. However, he underscored the importance of proper food storage and handling practices. Dr Bernard advised against consuming food left out for extended periods and encouraged individuals to trust their senses - if the food smells unusual, it's safer to discard it. Food safety experts recommend refrigerating perishable items within two hours of preparation. For fresh poultry, fish and ground meats, consumption or freezing within two days is advised, while beef, veal, lamb, or pork should be consumed or frozen within three to five days.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Sep 14, 2023 06:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).