July 2024

Summer is officially here! With the recent 4th of July holiday and with the hot weather, many people plan pool parties, float trips and picnics. However, firing up the grill or eating grandma’s famous potato salad doesn’t come risk-free. Summer time is when we see an increase in food related illnesses such as food poisoning. Meats, rice, dairy and egg-based foods are some of the more common foods that we see when it comes to food poisoning. This can be due to being undercooked or kept at improper temperatures before consuming which allowed bacteria to grow.

Here are some tips to keep your food safe:

• Keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold.
• Don’t leave food out for more than 2 hours (or more than 1 hour if it’s above 90 degrees)
• Keep raw meet in the fridge, cooler or ice where it can stay at 40 degrees or below until ready to grill
• Put leftovers in the freezer or fridge set at 40 degrees or below within 2 hours of cooking (or 1 hour if its above 90 degrees outside).
• Do not mix different raw meets together until ready to cook and keep raw meats separate from fresh fruits and veggies in the fridge. This includes not placing meat above fresh food in case packaging leaks or spills, contaminating other food.
• Wash your hands before and after handling raw meat.
• Make sure to always cook your meet to the correct temperatures. Here are some general guidelines on correct internal temperatures:
• Whole cuts of beef, veal, lamb, and pork, including fresh ham: 145°F (then allow the meat to rest for 3 minutes before carving or eating)
• Fish with fins: 145°F or cook until the flesh is opaque and separates easily with a fork
• Ground meats, such as beef and pork: 160°F
• All poultry, including ground chicken and turkey: 165°F
• Leftovers and casseroles: 165°F

If you experience symptoms of food poisoning such as abdominal pain, diarrhea (non-bloody or bloody), vomiting or fever lasting more than 3 days, or have signs of dehydration such as dizziness, fatigue or weakness related to food poisoning symptoms, seek medical attention immediately.

As always, have a safe and happy summer!