For Immediate Release:
November 30, 2015
Have a safe and
happy holiday season: Food prep
County offers a series of health & safety tips throughout the season
FREEHOLD, NJ – The lights are up, the temperature is down and holiday music fills the air; we have entered the holiday season in Monmouth County! This is a time for family gatherings and fun with friends, but Monmouth County officials remind residents that it is also a time to be mindful of safety and so each week, the County will offer tips to keep your holidays merry and bright—and safe!
“Traditions may vary from one family to another, but there is one tradition that everyone can relate to: the family feast,” said Freeholder John P. Curley, liaison to the Monmouth County Health Department. “When you are planning out your holiday meals, make sure to keep food safety tips in mind to ensure the meals are as safe as they are delicious.”
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) offers four main steps to keep your food and family safe this holiday season:
- Clean: Wash hands and surfaces often.
- Separate: Separate raw meats from other foods.
- Cook: Cook to the right temperature.
- Chill: Refrigerate food promptly.
“Food poisoning and other foodborne illnesses can ruin your holidays if you do not take the proper precautions,” said Christopher Merkel, Monmouth County’s Public Health Coordinator. “Make sure to keep food separated before cooking so there is less chance for cross-contamination and always follow the cooking directions on all of the food you prepare.”
Typical symptoms of foodborne illness are vomiting, diarrhea, and flu-like symptoms, which can start anywhere from hours to days after contaminated food or drinks are consumed.
The symptoms usually are not long-lasting in healthy people—a few hours or a few days—and usually go away without medical treatment.
“The good news is that you can practice these safety measures to prevent foodborne illnesses during the holidays and all year long,” said Curley.
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