Mishandling of food can cause upset summer fun

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SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  With temperatures rising in the 80s, 90s and even 100s, it is safe to say that summer has arrived in Wichita Falls. 

Soon friends, family and co-workers will be gathering for pool parties and barbecues. Can you already smell the delicious aroma of sizzling steak? 

Well, along with your food tasting great, I want you to stay feeling great. By this I mean preventing a food-borne illness. In order to prevent a food-borne illness, you should consider the sources. 

There are four sources of illness you want to keep from contaminating your food and water. They are disease-carrying bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxins. 

Once you ingest them, you can start having any of the following symptoms: nausea, severe abdominal cramping, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. This would definitely put a damper on summer fun. 

The Partnership for Food Safety and Education recommends following four easy steps to prevent food illness: cleaning, separating, cooking and chilling. 

Step 1 (Cleaning) - Prior to handling food, wash hands with warm soapy water for 20 seconds. Wash cutting boards and utensils with hot, soapy water after preparing each food item. Use plastic or non-porous cutting boards. 

Step 2 (Separating) - When shopping, separate raw meat, poultry, and seafood from other foods in the grocery cart. Also, store these items on the bottom shelf of refrigerator to prevent juices from dripping on other items. Try not to use the same cutting board for raw meats and ready-to-eat foods. Never place cooked meat on a plate that previously had raw meat, poultry or seafood and has not been properly cleaned. 

Step 3 (Cooking) - Do not use "color of meat" only to determine if your meat is properly cooked, ensure you check the internal temperature with a calibrated thermometer. Follow the temperature chart guidelines. 

Step 4 (Chilling) - Refrigerate or freeze perishables, prepared food and leftovers within two hours. Do not defrost or marinate food on a kitchen counter. Use the refrigerator, microwave, or cold running water. 

Do not forget "Clean, Separate, Cook, and Chill". With these steps, your barbecue will be delicious and safe. 

For more information, please contact public health at 676-2374.