Simple steps to keep the summer picnic healthy

by the Iowa Department of Public Health

The summer cookout season is officially underway in Iowa. Along with it comes the danger of under-cooked meat or meat that has been improperly prepared and the illnesses it can bring. Last year, over 1,000 Iowans got sick either directly or indirectly from food items that hadn’t been properly prepared.

One of the major dangers when meat is improperly prepared is E. coli 0157. Iowa State Epidemiologist Dr. Patricia Quinlisk said there is one simple rule that can cut down on the number of E. coli 0157 illnesses. “Cook all ground meat patties and poultry until the center is gray or brown. All juices running from the meat should be clear, with no trace of pink or cloudiness.”

Other tips included the following:

• Don’t let meat thaw outside the refrigerator
• Use different plates for raw and cooked meat
• Wash hands, utensils and cutting boards in hot soapy water after exposure to raw meat
• Wash hands after going to the bathroom or diapering an infant and before preparing food
• Keep hot foods (cooked meats) hot and cold foods (salads and lunchmeat) cold.

Each year, many cases of E coli are reported in Iowa. Additionally, other food-borne diseases such as salmonella, giardia and shigella impacted hundreds of Iowans last year.  Those steps will help anyone avoid problems caused by bacteria that can thrive in unsanitary conditions.

For more information, contact Veterans Memorial Hospital Community and Home Care at 563-568-2451.