food safety this holiday season^{7}

here’s some news that’s real close to my heart, stomach, intestines, lungs and brain …

Avoid food poisoning this holiday season

December 21, 2010 – 12:04AM aap

Food poisoning is one gift Australians should avoid giving their families this Christmas, health authorities have warned.

Hot weather, a large gathering and the pressure of the holiday season create “a perfect storm for food poisoning,” according to the Food Safety Information Council.

About 5.4 million cases of food poisoning occur each year in Australia and while many people recover in a few days, it can cause hospitalisation, trigger chronic diseases and even death.

This involves choosing a manageable menu, Food Safety Information Council chairman Dr Michael Eyles said.

People should clean out the fridge before Christmas and ensure perishable foods are well chilled at below five degrees Celsius.

Food left unrefrigerated for up to two hours is generally fine as long as it is not sitting in the sun, but after two hours the risk of food poisoning increases, the council said.

After four hours, any unrefrigerated food should be thrown out.

Food should be cooked properly using a meat thermometer and meats and poultry should be separated from other foods to avoid cross contamination.

Seafood should be transported home from the fishmongers packed in ice and refrigerated as soon as possible.

“The statistics show food poisoning should never be taken lightly,” Dr Eyles said.

check out these wonderful reservoirs of solid information:

• http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/scienceandeducation/factsheets/foodsafetyfactsheets/
• http://www.foodsafety.asn.au/
• http://www.reviewonline.com/page/content.detail/id/537640/Holiday-food-safety-tips.html?nav=5008

what ever you do, stay safe, keep clean, at the right temperature and enjoy the expensive gifts you’ve received.

By tbaoo Category: advice, featured Tags: food safety, xmas treats to make you sick