Mahaska Health Partnership Suggests Proper Food Practices in Summer
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – Nothing says summer like a picnic or barbeque on a warm day. MHP Registered Dietitian Lea Rice has some suggestions on ways to keep your food tasty and safe for eating, even in the sweltering Iowa heat.
According to foodsafety.gov, approximately one in six Americans get food poisoning each year. “Outdoor food parties are a great way to get together and catch up with family and friends,” Rice shared. “Unfortunately, the heat makes it very easy to accidentally get sick from food that has been left out too long.”
When it comes to perishables like fruits, veggies and other refrigerated items, Rice suggests only leaving items out for a maximum of two hours. “If the temperature is over 90° F, perishables should be taken back to the refrigerator or a cooler with ice within one hour. Transport all food inside the car, not the trunk, and keep raw meat separated from other perishables to avoid cross-contamination.”
If you’re planning to grill, preparing the tools and grates should be your first step. “Make sure to scrub the grates down with hot, soapy water before each use,” Rice advised. “Wash all of the utensils and cutting boards after each use. Wash your hands before, during and after food preparation.”
Once food is on the grill, checking for proper internal temperature is a must. “Meat needs to be cooked to a specific temperature to make sure all of the harmful bacteria is removed,” Rice explained. “Steak, pork and fish needs to be at least 145°F, chicken, hot dogs and brats need to be 165°F and hamburgers should be cooked to 160°. Many food thermometers on the market have a cheat sheet on them so you don’t have to remember these numbers; I highly suggest investing in one!”
Though they may not be on your mind as much now that the weather is warm, germs are another thing to consider when having a food party. “I like to bring along hand sanitizer and leave it by the food for those self-serve items,” Rice shared. “If possible, include tools like tongs and spoons to keep hands out of community bowls. Single serving foods like fruit cups are a great way to ward off germs too!”
Along with germs, keep bugs and other pests out of your celebration. “Make sure to keep dishes covered until you are ready to eat,” Rice said. “If possible, keep the food inside and dish it up there. If you must be outside, consider covering items with lids or clean towels so bugs don’t make a meal out of yours!”
When prepping for your backyard barbeque, Rice suggests planning a meal ahead of time that you know can be kept safe until it’s time to eat. “Whether you need to buy all non-perishable items or pack an extra cooler, your family and friends will thank you for a safe meal!” Rice assured. “Keep these simple steps in mind and you will be sure to have a great celebration!”
Registered Dietitian Lea Rice provides inpatient and outpatient nutrition education, helping patients understand how their diet affects their overall health and well-being; including counseling patients with chronic health conditions. She is very involved in the community and enjoys sharing evidence-based nutrition information.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.
