Why take the time to cook food to safe temperatures? Because that's the only sure way to destroy harmful bacteria that could make you sick. The City County Health Department, Division of Environmental Health is recognizing September as National Food Safety Education Month, an annual observance to focus attention on the importance of safe food handling and preparation in both home and commercial kitchens.
Created by the food service industry in 1995, NFSM is widely supported by federal, state, and local government agencies, food industry, and consumer organizations. This year, NFSM is dedicated increasing public awareness that an invisible cause of foodborne illness-bacteria-can survive in foods if they are not properly cooked. With Cook It Safely as its theme, NFSM will stress the simple step of cooking to safe temperatures as one of the most effective means of preventing foodborne illness.
According to a 1998 Food and Drug Administration/U.S. Department of Agriculture consumer food survey, most consumers have developed a good foundation of food safety knowledge. However, many are not following safe handling practices.
The fact is that foods are cooked safely when they are heated for a long enough time and at a high enough temperature to kill the harmful bacteria that cause foodborne illness.
Here are some helpful tips to Cook It Safely:
To learn more about safe food handling contact the Environmental Health Department at 633–4090.