29/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 29/08/2024 23:33
Basic precautions can help you avoid foodborne illness at your Labor Day cookout or fall football tailgate party
SPRINGFIELD - The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding Illinoisans to pay attention to the safe handling and preparation of food. September is National Food Safety Education Month (sometimes also referred to as Food Safety Awareness Month). It's also a time for numerous gatherings like Labor Day weekend cookouts or football tailgate parties, events that could be ruined by unsanitary practices.
"Fall in Illinois is synonymous with food and football," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "As Labor Day approaches, marking the unofficial end of summer, IDPH is commemorating Food Education Safety Month this September and encouraging our residents to follow simple rules for handling and preparing food to ensure safety and prevent illness."
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that annually, 48 million people in the U.S. - roughly one in six Americans -- contract some form of foodborne illness, resulting in symptoms that can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, cramping, fever, and chills. Of those cases, 128,000 lead to hospitalization, and an estimated 3,000 deaths annually are attributed to foodborne illness.
Foodborne illness is preventable when you follow the basic safety guidelines - clean, separate, cook, and chill:
In addition, it's recommended to ask guests about food allergies and be aware of the nine major food allergens (milk, eggs, fish, crustacean shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame), including reading food labels and separating foods containing allergens.
You can learn more about food safety education at Food Safety (illinois.gov). IDPH also offers food safety information and coloring pages for kids in a downloadable format at ABCS of FOOD SAFETY (illinois.gov).