For Immediate Release:
Please contact:
Terry Krohn, Director
Two Rivers Public Health Department
701 4th Avenue, Suite 1
Holdrege, NE 68949
308-995-4778
1-888-669-7154
Leftovers can make you sick - unless you follow basic safety precautions
Eating leftovers has become a badge of honor in these tough economic times.
Two Rivers Public Health Department would like to remind you that warmed-up
food can make you sick if you don't follow basic safety precautions to eliminate
bacteria, such as salmonella. Proper and frequent handwashing and cleaning of
the kitchen workspace and utensils are also important to help reduce bacteria.
That leftover steak that's been sitting in the refrigerator for six days? It probably
should go in the garbage, not your lunch bag, because food experts say food
isn't considered safe to eat after three or four days in the fridge. That
partially heated pasta from last night that you're shoveling into your mouth? It
should go back into the microwave until it's good and hot with no cold spots to
surprise you. Heat is how you eliminate the likelihood of bacteria reaching
your mouth.
Proper temperature is the key in protecting yourself from illnesses related to poor
food handling. Leaving food sitting out at room temperature will improve
bacteria’s ability to multiply, leftovers should be promptly refrigerated. Food
experts caution that leftover food needs to be reheated to an internal
temperature of at least 165 degrees, which makes it safe to eat. The best way
to know the temperature is by using a thermometer. Stir reheated food well
enough to eliminate the cold spots.
For more information, please contact Two Rivers Public Health Department at
308-995-4778 or 1888-669-7154 or www.tworiverspublichealth.com.