The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and indulgence in delicious meals with family and friends. Amidst the festive cheer, it’s crucial to stop and prioritize food safety to ensure everyone enjoys a healthy and happy holiday season.
When traveling abroad, try to avoid foods that are raw or might not have been cooked fully. Look for steaming hot food to ensure the dish is fresh and bacteria-free. Follow the locals and eat where they eat. Check reviews online before choosing a place to eat. Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating, and carry hand sanitizer with you. If you do get food poisoning, drink lots of water and replace lost salts and minerals with rehydration sachets.
The most common types of food poisoning are caused by various bacteria and viruses. Some of the most common causes of food poisoning include:
- Campylobacter: It is the most common cause of food poisoning and is often associated with raw or undercooked poultry, unpasteurized milk, and contaminated water.
- Salmonella: This bacterium is commonly found in undercooked poultry, raw eggs, and raw meat. It can also be present in fruits and vegetables due to cross-contamination. One of the biggest source of salmonella food poisoning comes from the popularity of romaine salads, so wash your green leafs well.
- Escherichia coli (E. coli): E. coli can be found in undercooked ground beef, unpasteurized milk, and raw vegetables. It can also be transmitted through person-to-person contact and contaminated water.
- Norovirus: This virus is a common cause of food poisoning and can be transmitted through contaminated food and water. It is highly contagious and can spread quickly in settings such as cruise ships and nursing homes.
- Listeria: Listeria can be found in unpasteurized dairy products, deli meats, and certain soft cheeses. It poses a higher risk to pregnant women, newborns, and adults with weakened immune systems.
These are just a few examples of the many types of food poisoning. The symptoms of food poisoning can include diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. It’s important to seek medical attention if you experience severe symptoms or if you belong to a high-risk group, such as pregnant women, young children, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems.
The holidays are a time for feasting with family and friends, but it’s important to take precautions to avoid food poisoning. Here are some tips to help prevent foodborne illness during the holidays:
- Thoroughly Wash Your Hands:
The foundation of food safety begins with proper hand hygiene. Before handling any food, especially raw meat and vegetables, wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. Encourage everyone involved in meal preparation to follow this practice diligently. - Separate Raw and Cooked Foods:
Cross-contamination is a leading cause of foodborne illness. Keep raw meats, poultry, seafood, and their juices separate from ready-to-eat foods to prevent the spread of harmful bacteria. Use separate cutting boards, utensils, and plates for raw and cooked items. Prevent juices from meat, chicken, turkey, and seafood from dripping or leaking onto other foods by keeping them in containers or sealed bags. - Cook Food to the Right Temperature:
Cooking food to the proper internal temperature is crucial for killing harmful bacteria. Invest in a food thermometer and use it to ensure that meats, poultry, seafood, and leftovers reach the recommended temperatures. Refer to USDA guidelines for specific temperature recommendations. Germs can grow rapidly in the danger zone between 40°F and 140°F. Keep hot food hot (above 140°F) and cold food cold (below 40°F). Use pasteurized eggs for dishes containing raw eggs. Salmonella and other harmful germs can live on both the outside and inside of normal-looking eggs. Many holiday favorites contain raw eggs, including eggnog, tiramisu, hollandaise sauce, and salad dressings. Store eggs in their original carton. - Chill Perishable Foods Promptly:
Refrigeration is your ally in preventing bacterial growth. Perishable foods, including leftovers, should be refrigerated within two hours (or one hour if the temperature is above 90°F/32°C). Ensure your refrigerator is set to 40°F (4°C) or below and promptly consume or freeze leftovers. - Mindful Thawing Practices:
If you plan to serve frozen items, such as turkey, make sure to thaw them safely. The safest methods include thawing in the refrigerator, in cold water, or in the microwave. Avoid thawing at room temperature, as it can lead to bacterial growth. Thaw turkey in the refrigerator, in a sink of cold water that is changed every 30 minutes, or in the microwave. Never thaw your turkey by leaving it out on the counter. - Be Cautious with Buffets:
Buffet-style meals are common during the holidays. However, they can pose a higher risk of foodborne illness due to extended exposure to room temperature. Keep hot foods hot (above 140°F/60°C) and cold foods cold (below 40°F/4°C). Use chafing dishes, ice trays, and other equipment to maintain safe temperatures. - Stay Informed about Recalls:
Before heading to the grocery store, check for any food recalls that may affect the items on your shopping list. Stay informed about potential contamination or safety concerns related to specific products. Many authorized food and safety departments offer email alerts on food notifications. - Practice Safe Egg Handling:
Raw or undercooked eggs can harbor Salmonella. Use pasteurized eggs in recipes that call for raw or partially cooked eggs, and cook egg dishes thoroughly. Avoid recipes that involve raw or lightly cooked eggs, especially for vulnerable populations like young children, pregnant women, and the elderly. - Hydrate and Use Safe Water Sources:
Ensure that the water you use for cooking and drinking is safe. If you have any doubts about the water quality, use bottled water or bring tap water to a rolling boil for at least one minute before using it in food preparation. - Trust Your Senses:
If something looks, smells, or tastes off, trust your instincts. Discard any food that seems questionable, and don’t take chances with items that may have been improperly stored or handled.
You can significantly reduce the risk of food poisoning during the holiday season. Remember that food safety is a shared responsibility, and everyone involved in meal preparation plays a crucial role in ensuring a safe and enjoyable celebration. Prioritize hygiene, follow recommended cooking temperatures, and stay informed about potential risks to safeguard your festive feasts and make cherished holiday memories for everyone.
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