Food Safety

For many, September means last minute BBQs, busy schedules and back to school.  As you celebrate the end of summer, keep in mind that September is National Food Safety and Education Month.  Inadequate or improper food handling, preparation or food storage can make you, your family and guests sick.  According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 48 million Americans get sick from foodborne diseases each year.  3,000 of them will die.

So, enjoy your end of summer celebration, but remember to be safe!  Click here to see JCPH’s recommendations on how to handle, prepare and store food properly.

If you are sending the kids off to school with packed lunches, click here to find quick tips to packing a safe lunch!

Don’t forget, practice proper food handling, preparation and storage techniques.

·         Wash hands and surfaces often.

·         Be especially careful not to cross-contaminate foods.

·         Cook to proper temperatures.

·         Chill or store foods properly.

This chart from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows the causes of illness in 1,565 single food commodity outbreaks, 2003–2008

For more information, please visit the JCPH food safety page, The United States Department of Agriculture food page or call our Food Safety Program at 303-271-5700.