Summer precautions to keep food safe

ACT Health Minister, Katy Gallagher MLA, is reminding Canberrans to think about food safety over the festive season, with summer increasing the probability of contamination of food with bacteria or other micro-organisms.

“The festive season is a time when we all tend to over indulge and ‘graze’ over longer periods with family and friends without thinking about leaving food out in summer temperatures,” Ms Gallagher said.

“The risk of disease spread by food is particularly high in summer because bacteria multiply faster in warm environments and this can cause serious illness,” she said.

“Following these simple precautions in the handling, storage, and preparation of food will significantly reduce the chance of becoming unwell from food-related illnesses during summer.”

When shopping:
•          Do not leave your food shopping in a hot car
•          Buy chilled and frozen food last
•          Pack cold food in an insulated bag or esky
•          Refrigerate food as soon as you arrive home
At home:
•          Set your fridge to 5°C or below and avoid cramming the fridge full as it won’t keep things cool
•          Set your freezer to minus 18°C or below
•          Keep raw meat in a container, separated from fresh vegetables and fruit
•          Store cooked food in a container with a lid
•          When preparing food, keep food out of the fridge for the shortest time possible
For the BBQ:
•          Choose food items that are easy to handle outdoors
•          Prepare your meat at home (marinades, skewers etc)
•          Wrap meats carefully so that juices do not leak onto other food
•          Cook meat so that the juices run clear when you prick the meat and only put on a clean plate
•          Carry food in a cool box – pack plenty of ice blocks or frozen bricks
•          Carry plenty of water with you and dispose of rubbish and waste carefully

23 December 2009