Keep Your Family Well During Your Reunion

 

Summertime picnics are fun, but eating foods contaminated by food-borne pathogens (like Salmonella or E. coli) -- which multiply rapidly in warm weather -- can lead to cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and fever.

• Always keep cold foods cold and hot foods hot.
• Cook all meat, fish, and poultry thoroughly.
• Offer children water instead of milk when eating outdoors.
• Refrigerate leftovers right away (or bring coolers with plenty of ice, and keep them closed).
• When preparing food, make sure all food handlers wash hands with soap and water. Wash all cutting surfaces and utensils with hot, soapy water.
• Provide water for guests to wash hands before and after eating.
• If someone does get food poisoning, make sure that he or she limits food intake and drinks plenty of clear liquids. Watch for signs of dehydration (dry lips, no tears, sunken eyes, doughy-feeling skin, decreased appetite, decreased urination, sleepiness, and irritability), and seek medical attention immediately.