Adults 65 and older are at a greater risk for hospitalization and even death from foodborne illness because organs and body systems go through changes as we age. Food safety steps are essential in the handling, cooking, and storage of food to prevent illness. We cannot smell or taste the harmful bacteria that could be causing us to be sick.
We have all been there. We enjoy a delicious meal only to find ourselves not feeling quite right. We think we we have the flu or some type of food allergy. No, you are most likely experiencing some type of foodborne illness.
Science has allowed us to identify illness and viruses in food that we didn't recognize before. Gone are the days of defrosting meat on the counter. Gone are the days of leaving the mayonnaise out for hours during a barbeque only to replace back in the refrigerator later.
By following these four easy steps of food preparation and storage you can keep yourself and your family safe:
1. Clean
Wash your hands and surfaces. Washing your hands before, during, and after meal preparation for at least 20 seconds can help to eliminate nearly half of all foodborne illness cases, reduce the flu, and the common cold. Don't forget the counter, sink, cutting boards, and refrigerator.
2. Separate
Reduce cross- contamination by using separate cutting boards for raw meats and fruits/vegetables. Throw away cutting boards with cracks and scars as they allow bacteria to grow.
3. Cook
Cook foods to the proper temperature by using a food thermometer. Raw meat (beef, pork, lamb, and roasts) to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F, ground meat 160°F, and poultry 165 °F. Foods heated in the microwave should be hot throughout.
4. Chill
By keeping food chilled, you can keep most bacteria from growing. Prepared food should not be left out for more than 2 hours (1 hour in warm weather). Your refrigerator should be set to 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Check your refrigerator temperature regularly. Also keep an eye out for expired foods and dispose of them as needed.
The safety of food handling should be a priority for everyone. Make a commitment to minimize your risk and the risk of your family by following these simple steps.
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Just like you, your health is one of a kind. What works for one person may not for another, so the information in these articles should not take the place of an expert opinion. Before making significant lifestyle or diet changes, please consult your primary care physician or nutritionist. Your doctor will know your own health best.
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