Preparing Food Safely
The risk of foodborne illness increases during late spring and summer because the types of bacteria that cause digestive upsets, such as Salmonella and E. coli, multiply quickly in warm, humid conditions. The danger zone for rapid bacterial growth is from 4° C to 60° C (40° F to 140° F).
Before grilling or barbecuing meat and poultry, make sure it is completely defrosted so that it cooks more evenly. Frozen poultry and meat should be thawed in the refrigerator, or in cold water. (Be sure to change the water hourly to prevent bacterial build-up.) You may also safely defrost meat and poultry in the microwave when the food is to be immediately cooked.
Meat and poultry should never be marinated on the counter at room temperature. Instead, it should be marinated for several hours to two days in the refrigerator to tenderize or add flavour. If you are using the marinade as a sauce on the cooked food, reserve a portion of the marinade before placing raw meat and poultry in it. If you wish to make a sauce from the marinade, ensure it comes to a full boil to destroy any harmful bacteria.
Make sure there are plenty of clean utensils and plates when preparing and serving food outdoors. To prevent transfer of bacteria, never use the same plates and utensils for handling raw and cooked meat and poultry. Harmful bacteria present in raw meat and poultry and their juices can quickly contaminate safely cooked food. (Barbecue tongs are often used to handle both raw and cooked meats, resulting in food poisoning.)
Keeping Food Safe To Eat
Two rules of thumb are key when eating outdoors: Keep hot food hot and cold food cold. Cold food that is allowed to warm, or hot food that is allowed to cool becomes a breeding ground for the bacteria that result in a nasty episode of food poisoning.
When planning cold food like salads or cheese assortments, remember to prepare it well in advance to enable it to be thoroughly chilled. Pack with ice, ice packs or frozen juice containers. When planning a hot meal, heat it to as high a temperature as possible, then either wrap in heavy aluminum foil before placing it in an insulated container or, if it is a “wet” dish, place in an insulated container, then wrap in foil.
To keep soups and beverages hot, use a Thermos flask. Special insulating jars are also available from London Drugs to keep foods heated or cold. (Remember that these containers will only help maintain food temperature.)
Coolers should always be transported in the passenger area of the vehicle, not the trunk, which can quickly become very hot.
If you are picnicking or barbecuing, always place the cooler in a shaded area, such as under a picnic table or tree. Be sure to replace the top after every use and avoid repeated openings, which will let in warm air. (Whenever possible, pack beverages and perishables in separate coolers.)
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Wash Your Hands!
Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after preparing and/or eating food. Be particularly vigilant about washing them after handling raw meats, poultry or fish.
If no running water is available, use bottled water or antibacterial wipes/gel available from London Drugs.
Eating at the beach or park is rife with opportunities for tummy upsets. Outhouses often do not provide sinks or running water for washing hands, encouraging the contamination of foodstuffs with E. coli and other harmful bacteria. A nasty case of food poisoning can be as simple as a child using the beach facilities, then returning to the picnic table and picking up a slice of fruit to eat. |
When Your Tummy Hurts
Sometimes, despite taking all the right precautions, you will find yourself with a tummy upset. It’s wise therefore to keep your medicine cabinet stocked with products to help relieve heartburn, indigestion and diarrhea.
Extra strength Pepto-Bismol® liquid or regular strength caplets will soothe stomach discomfort fast, so that you can get on with your busy day.
Pepto-Bismol® products are safe for use by adults and children of ten and over. You should not use these products if you are taking ASA (acetyl salicylic acid or Aspirin ® ) or are allergic/sensitive to it, and should check with your doctor before using Pepto-Bismol® if you are pregnant or nursing a baby. Please keep this, and all other medications, locked safely away from children.
If Diarrhea Strikes
A bout of diarrhea caused by food poisoning can quickly end the enjoyment of a summer break or vacation. (You can read about traveller’s diarrhea on the following page.) Diarrhea results when something upsets the delicate balance of your digestive system, causing the muscular contractions of the intestinal tract to speed up in an effort to rid the body of the troublesome material or micro-organism.
Since the lower intestine absorbs much of the water in the waste matter, speeding up the process of elimination results in a loose, watery stool.
Diarrhea resulting from food poisoning is nature’s way of eliminating the offending toxin. It is therefore not a good idea to attempt to halt the process with a diarrhea relief product that slows down intestinal movement. Instead, be sure to replace lost body fluids with an electrolyte formula such as Gastrolyte® or Pediatric Electrolyte Solution for children, both available at London Drugs.
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