City Of McKinney: September Is Food Safety Month

Press release from the City of McKinney:

September is Food Safety Month

Help keep your family's food safe by cleaning often.

1 in 6 Americans will get sick from food poisoning this year alone.

Keep it clean - washing your hands, utensils and food prep surfaces often can help to prevent the spread of illness-causing germs.

Hand washing - Use plain soap and water, scrub the backs of your hands, between your fingers and under your nails for at least 20 seconds, then rinse and dry with a clean towel.
When to wash your hands:

• Before, during and after preparing food.
• After handling raw meat, poultry, seafood or uncooked eggs.
• Before eating.

Food prep surfaces and utensils - wash after each use.
How to wash food prep surfaces and utensils:

• Use hot, soapy water. Especially after they've held raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs.
• Don't forget your dishcloths and towels. Use the hot cycle on the washing machine.

Fruits & Veg, but not meat, poultry or eggs

• Trim away any damaged or bruised areas, then rinse under running water. Do NOT use soap, bleach or commercial produce washes.
• Scrub firm produce, like melons or cucumbers, with a clean produce brush.
• Dry your fruits & veg with a paper towel or clean cloth towel.
• Don't wash bagged fruits & veg marked "Pre-washed."

Find more "clean" Food safety tips at:

• FDA - Food Safety Quick Tips: Clean (PDF)
• USDA - Cleanliness Helps Prevent Foodborne Illness

This press release was produced by the City of McKinney. The views expressed here are the author’s own.