Extension Report

Baldwin County Extension Office

302A Byrne Street

Bay Minette, AL  36507

Amelia McGrew

Regional Extension Agent

Food Safety, Preparation & Preservation

September 16, 2008

September is Food Safety Education Month

Food Safety Education Month is well underway along with the hurricane season.  During this month as well as throughout the year, Food Safety Extension Professionals are available to provide food safety education to the public.  In every county, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System receives numerous questions concerning the safety of food and water.  This month we are experiencing our share of hurricanes and food and water safety can be a problem if a few basic rules are not followed.  Here are some simple methods to use to help you keep your family safe from food illnesses after the impact of a storm.

Food after a storm or flood:  Destroy all foods that were covered by water.  Check foods that are in sealed cans that are not covered by waste, for leaks or bulges.  If bulges or leaks are found discard immediately.

After a power outage: For those families without power, frozen or refrigerated foods warmed to above 40 degrees F. for two or more days may not be safe to eat.  Once foods have been thawed completely and warmed to temperatures above 40 degrees F. they should be discarded since temperatures above 40 degrees F. support dangerous bacteria that could be growing in the food.

Partially thawed items with ice crystals may be refrozen.  Breads may be refrozen as well as fruits and vegetables that are still lower than 40 degrees F.  Discard all stuffed poultry and any meat that has a questionable odor or has reached 40 degrees F. or above.  Never taste food to see if it is okay.  Many times harmful bacteria cannot be seen, smelled, or tasted.

Water after a storm or flood:  After a major storm or flood, you should assume that all water sources are contaminated until proven safe.  Purify all water used for drinking, for cooking, and for washing your eating and cooking utensils.  Also, purify the water used for washing hands, body, and kitchen and bathroom surfaces.  Do not use water for purifying that has a dark color, odor, or contains floating material.  Here are some simple methods to use to help you keep your family safe from contaminated water after the impact of a storm.

Additional information concerning general guidelines can be found on the USDA website www.fsis.usda.gov.  For questions about the safety of specific foods or other educational materials regarding this subject, you can call me at 574-8445 at the Mobile County Extension Office.  Frequently our offices are open during and after storms when other offices may be closed.  If you are unable to reach the office, we may still be available by cell phone.

Remember:  WHEN IN DOUBT, THROW IT OUT!

Email address: mcgreaj@aces.edu

Phone number: (251) 574-8445

Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work in agriculture and home economics, Acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, and other related acts, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) offers educational programs, materials, and equal opportunity employment to all people without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status, or disability.

~Back~