Essential Tips for Preventing Food Poisoning: Stay Safe with UNM Healthy Living and UNM Health

Before you claim the title of grill master, let’s talk about staying safe while enjoying summer cookouts. The experts from the University of New Mexico College of Pharmacy have some essential tips to help you avoid food poisoning.

What is Food Poisoning?

Food poisoning happens when you eat contaminated food. The USDA reports around 48 million cases and about 3,000 deaths each year in the U.S. alone. According to Amer El Ghali, PharmD, a pharmacist and professor at UNM, bacteria thrive in warm conditions. “A temperature around 72 degrees is ideal for them to grow,” he explains.

Salmonella is a well-known culprit. It can produce toxins that irritate the stomach lining. Seth Daly, PhD, another expert at UNM, notes that Campylobacter and E. coli are also common offenders. All three bacteria can cause symptoms like nausea, diarrhea, and fever.

How to Minimize the Risk

1. Keep It Clean:
Good hygiene is key. Bacteria can spread easily if proper handwashing isn’t practiced, especially after using the restroom.

2. Avoid Cross-Contamination:
Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and other foods. “Putting raw and cooked meats on the same board is a big no-no,” says Daly. Instead, he recommends covering cutting boards with foil when handling raw meat.

3. Cook Thoroughly:
Use a meat thermometer to ensure food reaches safe temperatures. The CDC suggests cooking poultry to 165°F, whole cuts of beef to 145°F, and ground meats to 160°F.

4. Handle Leftovers Wisely:
Store leftovers within two hours of cooking. Toss anything that’s been out longer than four hours to avoid bacterial overgrowth.

Insights from the Lab

In an interesting experiment, experts at UNM tested various cookout foods, including hot dogs, hamburgers, and watermelon. They found that raw chicken had the most bacteria growth, while processed foods like hot dogs showed less. This may be due to their higher processing levels.

Bacteria require specific conditions to grow. For instance, watermelon had notable growth, which experts believe is due to its sugar content combined with heat. On the other hand, potato salad showed minimal growth, likely because of its salt content.

Final Takeaway

To enjoy a safe and delicious barbecue, remember to wash your hands and produce, cook meat thoroughly, and be cautious with leftovers. As El Ghali reminds us, “Food safety is crucial for you and your family.”

For more research and information on food safety, check out the CDC’s food safety guidelines.

Being mindful of food safety measures can help keep everyone healthy and happy during summer gatherings.

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