ORLANDO – Here are Food Safety precautions for the public to stay safe after the storm. When in doubt – throw it out!
WASH HANDS FREQUENTLY WITH SOAP AND RUNNING WATER:
- After using the bathroom
- Before handling food
- When switching between raw and cooked foods
- After eating, drinking, or smoking
- After changing a diaper
- Whenever hands become contaminated
- Between changing gloves
- Make sure to keep soap and paper towels at all handwashing sinks
WEAR GLOVES PROPERLY:
- Wash hands and put on new gloves before handling food
- Never re-use or wash gloves
- Change gloves once they become soiled or discolored
- Change gloves when switching between raw and cooked foods
- Change gloves whenever hands become contaminated
- Always wash hands before changing into a new pair of gloves
- Remove gloves before eating, drinking, smoking, or taking out the garbage
THAW FOODS IN THE REFRIGERATOR BEFORE COOKING, SERVING
- Keep cold foods at 41 degrees F or below
COOK FOODS THOROUGHLY (for a minimum of 15 seconds as indicated below)
- Chicken and other poultry and stuffed meats— 165 degrees F
- Ground beef and other ground meats ———- 155 degrees F
- Pork, beef, eggs, and other meats —————-145 degrees F
- Once cooked, keep hot foods at 140 degrees F or above
- Cool hot foods rapidly to 41 degrees F, or below, within 4 hours of serving
HANDLING FOODS
- Do not touch ready-to-eat foods with bare hands
- Use utensils to handle food, whenever possible
SHOULD I KEEP IT?
- If possible, do not keep leftovers. When in doubt – throw it out!
For further information, please contact your local county health department or visit www.floridahealth.gov or www.FloridaDisaster.org.
