Barbecues are common occurrences during summer. This is in addition to homemade salads, grilled burgers, and coleslaw. The consumption of barbecued food has often raised food safety concerns. The CDC has previously reported that in the U.S., that approximately 1 out of 6 people are diagnosed with food-borne diseases annually. Consequently, 100,000 or more people are hospitalized and about 3,000 lose their lives. There is a higher susceptibility to food-borne illnesses among the elderly, young, and invalids. Fortunately, a majority of food-related illnesses can be prevented. The following guidelines will help you control such illnesses.
The first tip is to wash all vegetables and fruits thoroughly to minimize the risk of contamination. It is necessary to know if the conditions under which food is processed or grown are sanitary. The second tip is to cook eggs and meat in a thorough manner. The contamination rate for raw products is extremely high. Thorough cooking is a means of killing bacteria, parasites, and viruses. The third tip is covering foods to prevent contamination. This is particularly the case with insect contamination as a majority of them harbor harmful viruses and bacteria. It is also essential for leftover foods to be refrigerated or disposed of. Bacteria easily thrive in food that is kept at room temperature. Refrigeration is therefore a way of preserving freshness and increasing food safety.
With the mentioned food safety tips, food-borne illnesses can be prevented this summer. The rules should be applied in the preparation, serving and storage of food for family or friends. It is also recommended to conduct research on good practices for food processing. The smells and colors that are associated with fresh ingredients should be noted. Food safety should definitely be one of the key aspects to consider this summer.
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