handwashing-steps-food-safety

FAT TOM is a mnemonic device used in the food service industry to describe the six favorable conditions required for the growth of foodborne pathogens. Understanding the optimal conditions for bacterial growth can potentially help you reduce your risk for bacterial infections and food poisoning.

Dinner and a movie date night? Ditch the leftovers, not your date!  Remember, leftovers are only safe for 2 hours at room temperature and won’t last through a movie - and only 1 hour if the temperature is over 90°F. After that time, bacteria growth can occur and cause food illness. Likewise, during warmer months bacteria multiply faster – so keeping food safe is more challenging.

Following good food safety habits can help protect you and your family from food illness. To keep your family safe from food illness, follow these four simple steps: clean, separate, cook, and chill:

Eggs aren’t just for breakfast anymore. Low-carbohydrate diets finds more people consuming eggs, but there can be health risks if eggs are not handled, stored, and prepared safely. #NationalEggDay is observed annually on June 3 . It is not only the perfect time to celebrate by trying a new egg recipe, but also to refresh you food safety knowledge and procedures on eggs.

Norovirus is a highly contagious virus and the most common viral foodborne illness. Norovirus infection is acquired by consuming produce (fruit and vegetables) irrigated with contaminated water contaminated with human or animal feces - or shellfish farmed or harvested in water contaminated with human sewage. Because only a few norovirus particles can make people sick, infection can also occur by consuming food handled by a person infected with the virus - or being in direct contact with an object, surface, or person that has been infected.