Don’t let food-borne illnesses ruin the holidays

​The coming holiday season means that soon we will be partaking in jovial family gatherings and plenty of foods that fill the stomach and warm the heart. More than any other time of the year, food becomes the focal point of the season’s festivities as whole turkeys, stuffing and mashed potatoes make their ways back onto our tables. Food can bring happiness to even the grouchiest Grinch, but we also must be wary of the dangers that can come from improper food storage. Safe food preparation is only the beginning to a healthy holiday feast. As the feast winds down and you retire to your couches and La-Z-Boys to catch the second half of football action or enjoy that family-favorite holiday movie, you must keep in mind that any food left out in the open for long periods of time can foster illness-inducing bacteria which can cause that feast to leave your body sooner and more unpleasantly than you would like. Germs such as norovirus and salmonella are nasty little bugs that can induce food poisoning and less-than-jolly trips to the bathroom. Luckily, these fates are avoidable if proper food storage is practiced.

​Norovirus and salmonella can travel from food to human skin or from human skin to food, so it is vital that clean hands are used when preparing and storing food. Be sure to wash hands your hands thoroughly for at least 20 seconds with warm water and antibacterial soap before handling any food items. More importantly, it is vital that leftover food be stored properly once your holiday consumptions are through. Foods that are perishable, like meats and dairy, must be refrigerated within two hours of extended exposure to open air. Also, ensure that your refrigerator is kept under at least 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Any temperature above 40 degrees can cause the growth and spread of illness-causing bacteria. Finally, when thawing the prized poultry or any other frozen meats, use a refrigerator, cold water, or microwave to minimize the meat’s exposure to air and time spent at room temperature. Warm temperatures can propagate bacteria spread and increase your chances of contracting a food-borne illness.

​The holidays are a time filled with family and fun. Unfortunately, improper food storage can lead to that time being spent alone in a bathroom rather than with family enjoying the season’s fun. Take the proper precautions to protect your holiday feasts so that you can enjoy them for days to come.

Aaron Webb, Wabash College ‘20, is an intern with the Montgomery County Health Department.