The Midland Health Department held a press conference on Nov. 27 to provide residents with food safety tips for the holiday season. Danielle Moreno, Community Health Educator for the City of Midland, shared advice to help prevent foodborne illnesses and ensure the safety of meals at communal gatherings.
Moreno highlighted several key health risks associated with food handling during the holidays. “For communal gatherings, one thing that pops up and that we see a lot regarding health risks is foodborne illnesses,” she said. “Things that pop up with that is people not taking proper sanitation efforts by making sure they do not cross-contaminate.”
“The second thing is not using proper hand hygiene,” she said, recommending that individuals wash their hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and warm to hot water to kill bacteria.
Another concern during holiday meals is the risk of contamination from people who are sick. According to Moreno, people coughing and sneezing near food is a common issue. She advises ensuring that food is kept safe and away from individuals who may be ill.
To prevent foodborne illnesses, Moreno emphasized the importance of storing foods at proper temperatures. “One food that is cooked and meant to be hot, it must stay above 140 degrees and for cold food, you want to make sure it stays under 40 degrees,” she said. “This helps prevent bacteria from growing.” Food should also reach its required internal temperature before serving, and surfaces and cooking tools should be cleaned regularly to avoid cross-contamination.
“When it comes to the fun gatherings of the holiday season, we always have a lot of people that get sick during this time of the year,” Moreno said. She recommended that people stay home if they are feeling sick or avoid contact with others who are more vulnerable to viruses, such as the cold, flu, and norovirus, which spreads easily through contaminated food, water, and surfaces.. She provided the symptoms of norovirus, which include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cold/flu-like symptoms.
When it comes to thawing meat, Moreno urged residents to follow the instructions provided with the meat. She recommended three safe methods for thawing: in the refrigerator over a set period, in cold water, or using a microwave.