LAKE CHARLES, La. (KPLC) – Families across Southwest Louisiana are enjoying food, fun and sunshine today as we celebrate Independence Day, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture is sharing tips on how you and your family can stay safe from food-related illness.
Vanessa Richard is celebrating at a cookout with her family at Lake Charles Beach Park.
“We’re out here celebrating the Fourth, and it’s important for us as we barbeque and cook to make sure we keep everything chilled, clean and fresh because you can get some nasty sicknesses from food if you don’t,”
Food is always a big part of the holiday, and it’s important to remember to properly cook and handle it. Jesus Garcia at USDA said food safety is very important, especially on the Fourth.
“The CDC estimates that one in six Americans, or 48 million people, will come down with a food-borne illness. During the summer months, it tends to be hot and humid, and that’s where bacteria thrives, so we see a lot of food-borne illness during the summer, so people need to be aware of food safety especially when you’re outside the kitchen,” Garcia said.
The USDA shared four tips: clean, separate cook and chill.
They suggest washing hands often, separating foods to prevent cross-contamination, making sure food especially meat is cooked at the proper temperature and keeping food products chilled.
Garcia said food temperature is another thing to watch out for.
“And as a reminder cold cuts of meat need to reach an internal temperature of 125 degrees Fahrenheit ground meats like hamburgers hotdogs and sausages need to reach 160 and any type of poultry whole or ground needs to reach 165,” he said.
Following these tips can prevent salmonella, food poisoning, parasites and other foodborne illnesses. The USDA recommends having access to coolers with ice, running water and using a food thermometer to make sure food is cooked to proper temperatures.
Click HERE for more food safety tips that you can use year-round.
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