|
Avoid the Risk of Food Poisoning this Summer
Are you looking forward
to a wonderful summer? Beaches, warm weather and of
course - BBQ's.
Along with the relaxing atmosphere and
ease of preparing a BBQ dinner or picnic for friends
and family come some well known risks. You are likely
aware that e.coli and salmonella can cause symptoms
that range from mild discomfort to life threatening
emergencies. But why is this more common during summertime
meals and how can you protect your loved ones without
ruining your summer?
During the summer when we are picnicking
or having a BBQ we are not preparing a meal with the
usual amenities we have in the house - sink, oven, fridge.
Because of this we are more likely to forget to wash
hands, store food properly or even grab a clean plate
to serve food.
Here are some ways you can protect yourself
from summertime dining outdoors:
SEPARATE
From the grocery store, to the cart,
to the fridge, to the table - keep meats and other food
separated.
Always wrap meats even when thawing
to prevent the juices from dripping onto other foods,
especially produce. Produce has been identified as a
culprit in some food poisoning cases.
WASH
Wash hands, cutting boards, dishes and
food.
Always wash your hands before and after
preparing foods. Never serve cooked meat on the same
plate or tray that you had it on when raw - make sure
the resident BBQ expert is given a clean plate to place
the finished product on. Also thoroughly clean knives
and cutting boards. Ideally you should use a separate
cutting board for bread and produce and another for
meat products.
Wash produce in cold water and scrub
thick skinned foods like cantaloupe as the bacteria
can come in contact with the flesh of the fruit when
being cut.
COLD and HOT
Keep cold food cold and hot food hot.
Food can normally last for two hours
at room temperature, but that is decreased to one hour
in warm weather. Cold food (potato salad, sandwiches
etc.) should stay in the fridge until ready to serve.
If the food must travel, be certain to use ice or commercial
freezing gel packets. Hot food should also stay insulated.
When eating outdoors try to keep cold
food in the shade and be sure warm food is wrapped and
insulated.
When the food is no longer being eaten
it should be returned to the ice box or insulated carrier.
Food should remain hot or cold for as long as it is
being served and then refrigerated in clean, covered
containers. If you are not able to refrigerate it within
a couple hours it is best to throw it out.
If you suspect a mild case of food poisoning
than try to limit the foods you eat to the BRAT diet:
bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. In more severe
cases you should seek emergency treatment when there
are signs of pain, vomiting for several hours or bloody
diarrhea. Pregnant women, elderly, those with immune
disorders and children are more at risk.
Food safety is an important part of
a fun summer. Taking precautions will help you enjoy
your meals and avoid serious consequences.
1howto.com
--------------------------------------------------
Please
Share Your Tips with Us
|
