From: The Office of the Chief Medical Officer
The Ministry of Health wishes all a Blessed Christmas, an enjoyable carnival, and the best of health in 2015.
Food Safety Guidance
1. Practice safe food handling practices at home
a. Keep meats frozen until ready for preparation.
b. Meats must be prepared in an area separate from other foods.
c. Keep counter tops dry and clean with detergent.
d. Meats must be thoroughly cooked. If there is blood, the item is not properly and unsafe.
e. Meats and starches must be served hot.
2. After cooking
a. Meats and starches must be covered and warm or refrigerated.
b. Cold Cuts and salads must be covered, kept on ice or refrigerated.
3. Food handlers and servers are expected to follow food safety rules without exception.
a. All food handlers are required by law to be trained and possess a valid food handler’s permit at all times.
b. Food servers must wear approved headgear such as a net.
c. There must be a facility for hand washing with soap and paper towels for drying the hands.
d. Grills, hotplates, pots and pans, and the areas around them must be clean.
e. There must be a covered container for collecting food waste.
About Unsafe Food
4. Unsafe food is contaminated with bacteria germs which cause “food poisoning”. Symptoms include fever, bellyache, vomiting and diarrhea. In extreme cases, affected persons may have to be hospitalized because of dehydration and sepsis (blood poisoning).
5. The chance of contracting food poisoning germs is high
a. If the food handler does not have a permit or certificate
b. If there are flies, and rodent and cockroach droppings.
c. If the cooking area is greasy and dirty.
d. If food and money are handled with the same hands.
e. If there is no soap and water for the food handler to wash their hands.
Good Nutrition Guidance
6. Local or homemade food and beverages are generally safe and the highest quality choices.
7. Fruits are the best snacks. Imported fruits must be thoroughly washed to remove pesticide or other chemical residues.
8. Processed foods including imported sausage, ham and poultry can have high concentrations of fat, salt, refined sugar and preservative chemicals. Persons with diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, kidney disease and allergies should avoid consuming such items.
9. Consume food in moderation. Three meals per day are sufficient. The formula is: breakfast like a king/queen, lunch like a prince/princess, and dinner like a pauper. Avoid piling-up food on plates.
10. Fruits, vegetable, provisions and whole grain products are easiest to digest and prevent constipation. Constipation is more likely caused by excess white flour, white rice, milk, and snacks, and not the lack of water.
General Wellness Guidance
11. Be your food safety inspector when purchasing or consuming food at home or from restaurants, cafes or vendors.
12. Alcohol impairs judgment and increases the likelihood of risky sexual behaviour. Do not drink then drive. Intoxication and fatigue are a deadly combination.
13. Stay active during the season. Activities such as walking, jogging, swimming and dancing help to reduce blood sugar, blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Activity also improves the function of the heart, lungs and the brain.
*************************
DISCLAIMER
This article was posted in its entirety as received by SKNVibes.com. This media house does not correct any spelling or grammatical error within press releases and commentaries. The views expressed therein are not necessarily those of SKNVibes.com, its sponsors or advertisers
