As families celebrate Diwali and Bandi Chhor Divas with homemade sweets and shared meals, remember to keep food safety in mind. Simple steps like proper storage and refrigeration can help prevent food borne illness and keep loved ones safe. Food poisoning can be very dangerous for vulnerable people like young children, older adults and those who are immunocompromised. Symptoms can include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and fever. You may have experienced a food borne illness without even knowing it.
“You can reduce the chance of food borne illness in your home by following a few simple food safety tips,” says Inderjeet Gill, manager, Environmental Health Services, Fraser Health. “Knowing the temperature of your food, storing it properly and keeping your kitchen clean can make a big difference.”
Know the temperature of your food
Refrigerate fresh and perishable foods at 4°C (40°F) or lower to slow the growth of harmful bacteria. Most harmful bacteria that cause food poisoning cannot grow at this temperature or below. Though most people use touch to see if their food is cold, this is not an accurate measure. Use a thermometer designed for refrigeration units.
Do not overfill your fridge as this will allow cool air to circulate around food to allow proper cooling.
Be food safe
You can reduce the chance of food borne illness in your home by following these simple steps:
- Clean:Wash your hands after handling raw foods and before handling ready to eat foods. Clean surfaces often with warm, soapy water.
- Separate:Keep raw ingredients separate from cooked foods and ready-to-eat items to avoid cross-contamination. Store raw foods below cooked foods
- Cook:Always cook or reheat food to safe internal temperatures 74 degrees C. Use a digital food thermometer if needed.
- Chill:Refrigerate food and leftovers promptly at 4°C or below.
If you are preparing food to share or give as gifts, refrigerate items made with milk, cream or paneer, and use coolers or insulated bags when transporting food to gatherings.
“During festivals, we often prepare food in large batches or well ahead of time,” adds Inderjeet. “Keeping foods at the right temperature and refrigerating perishable sweets quickly which helps everyone stay healthy while celebrating together.”
By following these simple steps, you can enjoy the celebrations while keeping your friends and family safe.
For more information on food safety, please visit fraserhealth.ca/foodsafety.
Image Source: https://fraserhealth.ca/foodsafety
