How to Avoid Food Poisoning During The 4th Of July?
Each year, food poisoning sends roughly 128,000 Americans to the hospital and also results in 3,000 deaths, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Stay Informed about food recalls
For information on recalls of meat, poultry and egg products, go to FSIS Recall Information or call the USDA Meat and Poultry Hotline 1-888-MPHOTLINE (1-888-674-6854). For information on recalls of foods other than meat, poultry and egg products, contact the FDA Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition's Outreach and Information Center at 1-888-SAFE FOOD (1-888-723-3366).
Guidelines for Cooking Meat
- Beef, pork, lamb and veal (steaks, roasts and chops): 145°F with a three-minute rest time
- Fish: 145°F
- Ground meats (beef, lamb, veal, pork): 160°F
- Whole poultry, poultry breasts and ground poultry: 165°F
How to keep your food safe?
- If you plan to have a burger or hot dog toppings bar with items like mayo, sliced tomatoes or avocado, be sure to keep them cold by placing them on a tray of ice. Be sure to replenish the ice as needed!
- Perishable food items should not be left outside for more than two hours if the temperature is at or below 90°F, and only one hour if the temperature is at or above 90⁰F.
- Any leftovers should be refrigerated within 2 hours (1 hour if temperatures are at or above 90⁰F) of being placed outside. If you are not sure how long food has been sitting out, throw it out immediately.
Visit the USDA Food Recall List here