Food preparation mistakes responsible for food-borne illness

Elderly people are at increased risk of food-borne illness because as they age, their immune systems become weaker. It is estimated that each year about 48 million people get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and 3,000 die from food-borne diseases. The most severe cases tend to occur in the very old.

Food poisoning can be prevented if you follow proper home food safety practices.

Common cooking and food preparation mistakes can result in unsafe food and potential food poisoning.

Cross-contamination

Bacteria in raw meat and poultry juices can be spread to other foods, utensils and surfaces. To prevent cross-contamination, keep raw foods separate from ready-to-eat foods and fresh vegetables. For example, use two cuttings boards: one strictly for raw meat, poultry and seafood; the other for ready-to-eat foods like breads and vegetables.

Wash cutting boards thoroughly in hot soapy water after each use or placing them in the dishwasher. Use a bleach solution or other sanitizing solution and rinse with clean water. Always wash your hands after handling raw meat.

Leaving food out too long

Leaving food out too long at room temperature can cause bacteria to grow to dangerous levels that can cause illness. Many people think it's okay to leave food sitting out for a few hours. But that's a dangerous habit. Food should not be left out for more than two hours. And if it's over 90 degrees, like at an outdoor summer barbecue, food should not be out for more than one hour."

Improper re-heating

Its common knowledge that meat should be cooked to proper temperatures. However, most people don't know that even leftovers that were previously cooked should be re-heated to a certain temperature. Foods to the proper temperature can kill many harmful bacteria.

Leftovers should be re-heated to at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit. "Harmful bacteria are destroyed when food is cooked to proper temperatures," she says. "That's why a food thermometer comes in handy not only for preparing food, but also for re-heating."

Eating leftovers

How long it is safe to eat leftovers?

Fish and beef expire maximum after three days in the refrigerator.

Pay attention to the foods that are eaten, how food is prepared, and properly maintain the food in the refrigerator, and you may avoid an illness that could cause great discomfort, weakening of the body or even death.