Food safety involves proper handling and preparation of edible items so as to reduce the risk of food poisoning (which is also known as food-borne illness). Food poisoning is considered a serious health concern, as 76 cases of it are contracted every year in the United States. This results in about 325,00 hospitalizations and 5,000 fatalities.http://www.fsis.usda.gov/Be_FoodSafe/About_BFS/index.asp
The majority of food-borne illnesses are preventable when food safety is practiced. http://www.webmd.com/food-recipes/food-poisoning/food-poisoning-and-safe-food-handling-prevention
USDA Food Safety Guidelines
The USDA offers these guidelines to help keep food free from contamination:
- Foods should be cooked to the recommended temperature (which will vary from food to food).
- Foods should be refrigerated or frozen in covered containers within 2 hours after cooking or chopping if not eaten immediately.
- Special care should be taken when working with foods such as meat, poultry and eggs.
- Fruits and vegetables should be washed well with cold water (no soaps or detergents), and harder produce such as potatoes may be scrubbed with a brush.
- Before working with food, hands should be washed for 20 seconds using soap and warm water.http://www.fsis.usda.gov/PDF/Kitchen_Companion.pdf
Food Poisoning
Failing to prepare food safely may result in food poisoning. This happens when bacteria, viruses or parasites contaminate edibles. Contamination may occur during the farming, processing or preparing of foods and beverages.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-poisoning/DS00981
Symptoms of food poisoning may include feelings of nausea or throwing up, diarrhea, weakness, pain in the stomach or abdominal area and high temperature. If vomiting persists for a span of 48 hours (or no liquids stay down for only 24 hours), blood is seen in the vomit, temperature exceeds 101.5 degrees or stomach pain is severe, a physician should be consulted.http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-poisoning/DS00981/DSECTION=symptoms
How to Prevent Food Poisoning
This video offers tips on food safety, so that you can reduce the chances of contracting a food-borne illness when you cook. It is noted that one food item that has gone bad can contain millions of dangerous bacteria, and therefore foods should not be bought or eaten after the date on the label has expired. Other similar tips are given here.
Disclaimer
The content on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please contact your doctor or pharmacist before using the information presented here.
References
Fast Facts
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What it is
Food safety involves handling and preparing foods in a way that minimizes the risk of food poisoning
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Food poisoning frequency
76 million people are poisoned by food each year in the United States
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Hand washing
Experts say that to avoid contamination, hands should be washed well when working with food
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Fact:
Food poisoning is also referred to as food-borne illness
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Fact:
The USDA recommends that raw meats and seafood be kept away from other foods
