LOS ANGELES – The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health (Public Health) would like everyone to enjoy Independence Day by staying healthy and safe. To keep your friends and family safe, Public Health recommends the following tips to avoid foodborne illness (also known as food poisoning) at barbecues, picnics and holiday festivities.

“Most foodborne illnesses are the result of three problems: handling food with contaminated hands; foods that are not kept at the appropriate temperature; and foods, such as meat and chicken, that are not cooked thoroughly,” said Jeffrey Gunzenhauser, MD, MPH, Interim Health Officer for Los Angeles County. “You can help prevent foodborne illness by following some simple food handling tips and cooking meat and other foods to appropriate temperatures.”

Food Handling Tips
– Wash hands with warm water and soap for 20 seconds before and after handling food and after using the restroom.
– Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating or cutting into them.
– Separate raw meats and poultry from other foods such as fruits and vegetables. Always use separate cutting boards, knives, and platters for these foods to avoid cross contamination.
– Wash cutting boards, utensils, and platters after preparing each food item and before going on to the next item. Do not use the same plate or utensils for raw and cooked meats.
– Use a food thermometer to make sure meat and poultry are cooked thoroughly to their safe minimum internal temperatures: Burgers and sausage to 160°F; chicken and turkey to 165°F; and steaks to 145°F.
– Keep cold foods cold (40°F or below) and keep hot foods hot (135°F or above). Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
– “Taste testing” food or drinks to see if they have spoiled is not recommended.

Symptoms of foodborne illness may include stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, all of which can start hours or days after consuming contaminated food or drink. For healthy people, most symptoms usually go away after a few hours or days without treatment. However, foodborne illness can be severe and even life-threatening in older adults, infants and young children, pregnant women, and those with conditions that weaken their immune systems.

For more information on food safety tips, visit www.foodsafety.gov.