Around the world, foodborne illnesses have become increasingly common in recent years. Even the healthiest foods can make a person sick if they aren`t handled, cooked or stored properly. Here are some tips on how to avoid getting sick.
Always wash hands before handling food: Illnesses are easily transferred from person to person through food. Washing hands before touching fruits, vegetables, and other foods helps to kill any bacteria that may be transferred from the person`s hand to the food.
When handling raw meat, poultry or pork, always clean up thoroughly: It is important to not only wash your hands but also the surfaces of cutting boards and countertops as well as utensils you use. The bacteria known as salmonella, which is a common cause of foodborne illnesses, spreads easily on surfaces that have come in contact with the raw meat, such as hamburger, or poultry.
Avoid eating udercooked food: Cooking thoroughly kills bacteria that may be present. Undercooked beef, chicken, and seafood increase a person`s chance of getting salmonella or E. coli, another type of bacteria. This can cause fever, cramps, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Do not eat foods that contain raw eggs: Raw eggs may be contaminated with salmonella, which can be killed by cooking. When cooking, always throw away cracked or dirty eggs.
Avoid drinking juices that have not been pasteurized: The pasteurization process kills bacteria such as E. coli.
Prevention starts in the grocery store: Avoid canned food that are bulging or dented, or ars that are cracked. Also check the lids - they should not be loose or swollen. Look at the "sell by" (the last date a store should sell a product) and "use by" (the last date you should use the food) dates. Avoid foods that will expire soon after purchasing and never buy outdated foods.
Properly store and refrigerate foods: Perishable foods should be promptly refrigerated or frozen when they are brought home. Cooked foods should bot be left stand at room temperatures for long periods before serving, and leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours.
When in doubt, throw it out: If you aren`t sure if that leftover ham or other meal is safe to eat, then the best option is to toss it in the trash.
|