Food Safety

Food safety

With the 4th of July, the most popular barbecuing holiday right around the corner, Father’s Day for some, begins the barbecuing season.

From meats to veggies or anything else one can think of, outdoor grilling is a great way to enjoy food, friends, and family. It must be done right, however. Every year, an estimated 1 in 6 Americans get sick from foodborne diseases. Here are some tips to prevent food poisoning. CLEAN-SEPARATE-COOK-CHILL

• Clean - Wash hands and work surfaces before, during and after preparing food

• Separate - Separate raw meats from ready to eat foods. Also, use separate cutting boards

• Cook- Cook food to the right internal temperature to kill harmful bacteria

• Chill- Keep your refrigerator at 40ºF or below. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hrs of cooking or within 1 hr if food is exposed to temps 90ºF or above.

Symptoms of food poisoning include upset stomach, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever. It may take hours or days before developing symptoms. Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration if suffering from food poisoning.

See a healthcare provider for more severe symptoms, including bloody stools, fever of 102ºF or higher, signs of dehydration, or diarrhea lasting more than 3 days.

Source: @cdcgov