Food Safety

1. Food Safety UCOP November 2008 Safety Meeting This month�s safety meeting topic is food safety. Having a potluck at the office? Stop to consider some basic food safety guidelines to ensure the event doesn�t cause a foodborne illness. This month�s safety meeting topic is food safety. Having a potluck at the office? Stop to consider some basic food safety guidelines to ensure the event doesn�t cause a foodborne illness.

2. Foodborne Illness Foodborne Illness � Flu-Like Symptoms Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, or Fever May Not Recognize Illness is Caused by Bacteria or Pathogens in Food Bacteria Naturally Present in the Environment Some are Beneficial (Making Cheese & Yogurt) Bacteria That Cause Diseases are Pathogens Enter Food Supply & Cause Foodborne Illnesses Proper Handling, Processing & Cooking Destroys the Bacteria Foodborne Illnesses: Foodborne illness often presents itself as flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. Many people may not recognize the illness they are experiencing is caused by bacteria or other pathogens in food.Thousands of types of bacteria are naturally present in our environment. Not all bacteria cause disease in humans. For example, some bacteria are used beneficially in making cheese and yogurt.Bacteria that cause disease are called pathogens. When certain pathogens enter the food supply, they can cause foodborne illness. Millions of cases of foodborne illness occur each year. Most cases of foodborne illness can be prevented. Proper cooking or processing of food destroys bacteria. Foodborne Illnesses: Foodborne illness often presents itself as flu-like symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or fever. Many people may not recognize the illness they are experiencing is caused by bacteria or other pathogens in food.

3. Bacteria Transferred to Food Bacteria Present on Raw Meat, Poultry, Seafood and Eggs Can Also Be Present on Fresh Produce Such as Lettuce, Tomatoes, Sprouts & Melons Food, Even Safely Cooked, Can Become Cross-Contaminated with Bacteria Transferred: From Raw Products, Meat Juices, Contaminated Products From Food Handlers with Poor Personal Hygiene Bacteria Transferred to Food: Raw Foods: Bacteria may be present on products when you purchase them. Plastic-wrapped boneless chicken breasts and ground meat, for example, were once part of live chickens or cattle. Raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs are not sterile. Neither is fresh produce such as lettuce, tomatoes, sprouts, and melons.Cross-Contamination: Foods, including safely cooked, ready-to-eat foods, can become cross-contaminated with bacteria transferred from raw products, meat juices, other contaminated products, or from food handlers with poor personal hygiene.Bacteria Transferred to Food: Raw Foods: Bacteria may be present on products when you purchase them. Plastic-wrapped boneless chicken breasts and ground meat, for example, were once part of live chickens or cattle. Raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs are not sterile. Neither is fresh produce such as lettuce, tomatoes, sprouts, and melons.

4. Wash Those Hands! Before Handling Food or Utensils Use Liquid Soap and Warm Water Rub for 15 to 20 Seconds Wash Under Finger Nails, Between Fingers and Exposed Portions of Wrists & Arms Rinse & Dry With Paper Towels � Not with Common Cloth Towel � May Be Contaminated Wash Hands Again After Any Act of Contamination (Raw Animal Food, Bathroom) Wash Those Hands! The first step to ensuring safe food is to wash your hands thoroughly before handling food or utensils. Use liquid soap and warm water; rub vigorously for 15-20 seconds and don�t forget to wash under the finger nails, between the fingers, and the exposed portions of wrists and arms. Rinse and dry with a paper towel, not a common cloth towel which might be contaminated. Remember to wash hands after any act of contamination like handling raw animal food, using the bathroom, or touching unclean surfaces.Wash Those Hands! The first step to ensuring safe food is to wash your hands thoroughly before handling food or utensils. Use liquid soap and warm water; rub vigorously for 15-20 seconds and don�t forget to wash under the finger nails, between the fingers, and the exposed portions of wrists and arms. Rinse and dry with a paper towel, not a common cloth towel which might be contaminated. Remember to wash hands after any act of contamination like handling raw animal food, using the bathroom, or touching unclean surfaces.

5. Don�t Prepare Food If You Are Sick! Many Foodborne Illnesses Result from Food Handlers Who: Do Not Wash Hands Properly; and Prepare Food When They are Ill Especially If They are Experiencing Diarrhea or Vomiting Don�t Prepare Food If You Are Sick! Many foodborne illnesses result from food handlers who don�t wash their hands properly and prepare food when they are ill, especially if they are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting.Don�t Prepare Food If You Are Sick! Many foodborne illnesses result from food handlers who don�t wash their hands properly and prepare food when they are ill, especially if they are experiencing diarrhea or vomiting.

6. Keep Hot Food Hot and Cold Food Cold Temperature Sensitive Food � Held at: Above 135oF; or Below 41oF Otherwise �Limit Time Food is Exposed to Room Temperature to: Less Than 4 Hours Dairy Products, Eggs, Mayonnaise � 2 Hours Discard Food Left Out Beyond the 4-Hour/2-Hour Time Limit When in Doubt, Throw It Out! Keep Hot Food Hot and Cold Food Cold: Bacteria in certain foods produce toxins. Heat can kill some bacteria but not the toxins. It is important to follow the following guidelines for storage, cooking and holding of food. Temperature-sensitive food should be held at or above 135�F, or at or below 41�F. Otherwise limit the time these foods are exposed to room temperatures to less than 4 hours. Dairy products, eggs, and mayonnaise should be kept at room temperature a maximum of 2 hours. Use your judgment � These are only recommended guidelines. If it is extremely warm, shorten the time. Discard food left out beyond the 4-hour/2-hour time period. When in doubt, throw it out!Keep Hot Food Hot and Cold Food Cold: Bacteria in certain foods produce toxins. Heat can kill some bacteria but not the toxins. It is important to follow the following guidelines for storage, cooking and holding of food. Temperature-sensitive food should be held at or above 135�F, or at or below 41�F. Otherwise limit the time these foods are exposed to room temperatures to less than 4 hours. Dairy products, eggs, and mayonnaise should be kept at room temperature a maximum of 2 hours. Use your judgment � These are only recommended guidelines. If it is extremely warm, shorten the time. Discard food left out beyond the 4-hour/2-hour time period. When in doubt, throw it out!

7. Cooling Food Working Thermometer in Refrigerator Ensures It Can Keep Food Cold At or Below 41oF Cool Hot Food Rapidly From 135oF to 41oF within 4 Hours By: Dividing into Smaller Portions; Placing into Shallow Containers Thick Foods, Such as Stews - 2 Inches Deep Thinner Foods, Such as Soups � 3 Inches Deep Add Ice as an Ingredient and/or Frequent Stirring Refrigerate Cooling Food: Working Thermometer - Be sure your refrigerator has a working thermometer and can keep cold food at 41�F or below. Cool Hot Food Rapidly - When cooling hot food, cool the food rapidly from 135�F to 41�F within 4 hours by dividing large food portions to smaller portions. Place the food into shallow containers. Thick foods, such as stews, should be no more than 2 inches deep; thinner foods, such as soups, should be no more than 3 inches deep. The food could be cooled by adding ice as an ingredient, and/or frequent stirring. Then place the food in the refrigerator. Cooling Food: Working Thermometer - Be sure your refrigerator has a working thermometer and can keep cold food at 41�F or below. Cool Hot Food Rapidly - When cooling hot food, cool the food rapidly from 135�F to 41�F within 4 hours by dividing large food portions to smaller portions. Place the food into shallow containers. Thick foods, such as stews, should be no more than 2 inches deep; thinner foods, such as soups, should be no more than 3 inches deep. The food could be cooled by adding ice as an ingredient, and/or frequent stirring. Then place the food in the refrigerator.

8. Cook Food to Safe Internal Temperatures Use Food Probe Thermometer to Ensure: Raw Poultry is Cooked to At Least 165oF Ground Beef is Cooked to At Least 155oF Pork, Fish, Steak, and Eggs are Cooked to At Least 145oF Cook Food to Safe Internal Temperatures: Use a food probe thermometer to ensure that raw poultry is cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165�F; ground beef to at least 155�F; pork, fish, steak, and eggs to at least 145�F.Cook Food to Safe Internal Temperatures: Use a food probe thermometer to ensure that raw poultry is cooked to a minimum internal temperature of 165�F; ground beef to at least 155�F; pork, fish, steak, and eggs to at least 145�F.

9. Clean and Sanitize Use Clean & Sanitized Equipment & Utensils When Preparing Food Washing Alone � Not Enough to Control Microorganisms Sanitizer Wipes � Ingredients to Reduce Levels of Harmful Bacteria Use Wipes After Washing & Rinsing for Optimal Effectiveness Clean and Sanitize Use clean and sanitized equipment and utensils when preparing food. Washing alone is not enough to control microorganisms that cause foodborne illness. Sanitizer wipes made by manufacturers like Lysol and Clorox contain ingredients that reduce the levels of harmful bacteria to safer levels. Use these after washing and rinsing for optimal effectiveness. Clean and Sanitize Use clean and sanitized equipment and utensils when preparing food. Washing alone is not enough to control microorganisms that cause foodborne illness. Sanitizer wipes made by manufacturers like Lysol and Clorox contain ingredients that reduce the levels of harmful bacteria to safer levels. Use these after washing and rinsing for optimal effectiveness.

10. Let�s Talk Turkey!!(Information from USDA Fact Sheets) Thawing Frozen � 24 Hours for Every 4-5 Pounds (In Refrigerator 40oF or Below) Oven Temperature No Lower Than 325oF Cooked to 165oF Internal Temperature Innermost Part of Thigh & Wing and Thickest Part of the Breast Refrigerate Leftovers within 2 Hours Use Gravy within 1 to 2 Days Use Turkey & Stuffing within 3 to 4 Days Let�s Talk Turkey!! � Information from USDA Fact Sheets on Preparing Turkey If you have a frozen turkey, it should be thawed in a refrigerator (40oF or below). The thaw time should be 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. The oven temperature to roast a turkey should be no lower than 325oF. The turkey should be cooked to a minimum 165oF internal temperature. The temperature should be checked with a food probe thermometer. The parts of the turkey where you check the internal temperature are the innermost part of the thigh & wing, and the thickest part of the breast. Any leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours. Leftover gravy should be eaten within 1 or 2 days. Leftover turkey and stuffing should be eaten within 3 to 4 days.Let�s Talk Turkey!! � Information from USDA Fact Sheets on Preparing Turkey If you have a frozen turkey, it should be thawed in a refrigerator (40oF or below). The thaw time should be 24 hours for every 4-5 pounds. The oven temperature to roast a turkey should be no lower than 325oF. The turkey should be cooked to a minimum 165oF internal temperature. The temperature should be checked with a food probe thermometer. The parts of the turkey where you check the internal temperature are the innermost part of the thigh & wing, and the thickest part of the breast. Any leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours. Leftover gravy should be eaten within 1 or 2 days. Leftover turkey and stuffing should be eaten within 3 to 4 days.

11. In Case of Suspected Foodborne Illness Preserve the Evidence Wrap, Mark �Danger� and Freeze Save Packaging Materials (Can, Carton) Write Down � Food Type, Other Identifying Marks on Package, Date, Time Consumed, & When the Onset of Symptoms Occurred Save Unopened Products In Case of Suspected Foodborne IllnessFollow these general guidelines: Preserve the evidence � There is a large or severe incident, try to preserve the evidence. If a portion of the suspect food is available, wrap it securely, mark "DANGER" and freeze it. Save all the packaging materials, such as cans or cartons. Write down the food type, the date, other identifying marks on the package, the time consumed, and when the onset of symptoms occurred. Save any identical unopened products. In Case of Suspected Foodborne IllnessFollow these general guidelines: Preserve the evidence � There is a large or severe incident, try to preserve the evidence. If a portion of the suspect food is available, wrap it securely, mark "DANGER" and freeze it. Save all the packaging materials, such as cans or cartons. Write down the food type, the date, other identifying marks on the package, the time consumed, and when the onset of symptoms occurred. Save any identical unopened products.

12. In Case of Suspected Foodborne Illness Seek Treatment as Necessary - Immediate Medical Treatment If: �At Risk� Group (Infants, Elderly, Persons with Weaken Immune System) Symptoms Persist or are Severe (Bloody Diarrhea, Excessive Nausea/Vomiting, or High Temperature Contact Local Health Department If Food was at a Large Gathering, From a Restaurant or Food Service Facility or If It is a Commercial Product In Case of Suspected Foodborne Illness Seek treatment as necessary - If the victim is in an "at risk" group, seek medical care immediately. Likewise, if symptoms persist or are severe (such as bloody diarrhea, excessive nausea and vomiting, or high temperature), call your doctor. Contact the local health department if the suspect food was served at a large gathering, from a restaurant or other food service facility, or if it is a commercial product. In Case of Suspected Foodborne Illness Seek treatment as necessary - If the victim is in an "at risk" group, seek medical care immediately. Likewise, if symptoms persist or are severe (such as bloody diarrhea, excessive nausea and vomiting, or high temperature), call your doctor. Contact the local health department if the suspect food was served at a large gathering, from a restaurant or other food service facility, or if it is a commercial product.

13. In Case of Suspected Foodborne Illness If Suspected Food is a USDA Inspected Product and Your Have All the Packaging - Contact the USDA Meat & Poultry Hotline at: 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) e-mail Address: mphotline.fsis@usda.gov  In Case of Suspected Foodborne Illness Call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline if the suspect food is a USDA-inspected product and you have all the packaging at: 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854)e-mail address: mphotline.fsis@usda.gov  In Case of Suspected Foodborne Illness Call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline if the suspect food is a USDA-inspected product and you have all the packaging at: 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854)e-mail address: mphotline.fsis@usda.gov