THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The tragedy of the girl in Cheruvathur is a reminder that extreme care must be taken in the preparation of shawarma. When chicken and mayonnaise turn into villains, the salmonella bacteria in them cause death. About 80% of food poisoning is caused by these bacteria.

If the chicken is not properly cooked, the salmonella will enter the body. These bacteria are present in fresh chicken as well. They will perish only if cooked. These bacteria also grow on mayonnaise. Salmonella can be destroyed by cooking chicken at 75 degrees Celsius for ten minutes. Chicken should be cooked at 55 degrees for one hour or at 60 degrees for half an hour.