How to avoid foodborne illness this holiday season
For many, feasting with friends and family is the best part of the holiday season. Whether you are hosting or attending celebrations, food is often prepared in one location and taken to another. Use the following tips to curtail the diverse opportunities which allow bacterial growth and contamination.
Stop Foodborne Illness, a national nonprofit, public health organization dedicated to preventing illness and death from foodborne pathogens wants to ensure that safe food handling becomes a normal part of everyone’s holiday plans. Many standard food safety practices such as hand washing, and avoiding cross contamination apply no matter what you’re celebrating. These tips are offered with the goal of making your festivities memorable. (In a good way!)
Alleviate some of your holiday stresses by planning and being prepared to cook and consume foods safely. Follow these tips to reduce the risk of foodborne illness:
December 31 is the traditional day for Karamu, a Kwanzaa feast that often involves a spread of fresh fruits and vegetables. Kwanzaa, which celebrates family, community, and culture, is from the Swahili phrase matunda ya kwanza, which means "first fruits of the harvest." While raw fruits and vegetables are nutritious and delicious, they may also be contaminated with harmful bacteria. Here are some tips to safely prepare them for your family and friends: