JOHNSTOWN — The Fulton County Public Health Department is reminding the public that September is National Food Safety Education Month.
Officials are urging the public to take steps to help prevent food poisoning, and show others how to keep food safe.
Every year, an estimated one in six Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die from eating contaminated food. Anyone can get sick from a foodborne illness, or food poisoning. But officials said there are things you can do to protect yourself and your family.
As you prepare and handle food, follow these four steps:
∫ Clean: Wash your hands, utensils, and surfaces often when you cook.
∫ Separate: Raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs can spread germs. Separate them from cooked food and fresh produce.
∫ Cook: Use a food thermometer to make sure foods are cooked to an internal temperature that kills germs.
∫ Chill: Refrigerate perishable foods and leftovers within two hours. Chill within one hour if it’s above 90 degrees.
For more information on how to keep yourself and loved ones safe, please check out the cdc.gov website.
