How to Handle Food Safely to Prevent Food Poisoning

Reviewed by: Dr. Steven Knauf, D.C.

By: Brandi Goodman

Summer is the season of picnics and barbecues, those delightful gatherings that make the warm months so special. Whether it’s a big reunion, a graduation bash, or a casual get-together with friends, these events usually revolve around food. But with all the fun comes a hidden risk: food poisoning.

Improperly handled and stored ingredients can quickly turn a joyous occasion into a nightmare. No one wants their summer memories tainted by a bout of illness, so it’s crucial to know how to keep your food safe. From the moment you start prepping to the final bite, let's make sure your summer feasts are delicious and worry-free.

What is food poisoning?

Food poisoning occurs when you eat contaminated food that compromises your immune system and makes you sick. It is often due to raw or undercooked ingredients or food contamination in the kitchen. It is so common that 48 million cases of food poisoning are reported each year. Roughly 128,000 of those people become hospitalized, and 3,000 perish from the severity of their illness.

Who is most at risk from food poisoning?

The most at-risk groups from food poisoning include those with weakened immune systems, older adults, children, and pregnant women. Though anyone can get food poisoning, complications are more likely to arise in these at-risk groups. They must be extra diligent about what they eat to keep themselves safe.

How is food poisoning contracted?

Food poisoning is contracted by eating food or drinking beverages that have bacteria, parasites, or viruses. They often develop due to being undercooked, left out at room temperature for too long, not reaching the correct internal temperature during cooking, or coming in contact with other food items that they shouldn’t. For example, raw meats should not be sliced on the same cutting boards as fruits and vegetables. When you consume these foods, you put yourself at risk of getting sick.

Common pathogens responsible for food poisoning

The most common foodborne pathogens include E. coli, salmonella, campylobacter, norovirus, rotavirus, and Giardia intestinalis. Various forms of bacteria, viruses, and parasites can all be spread through food and drinks, leading to food poisoning and severe stomach issues.

Symptoms of food poisoning

Food poisoning often mimics signs of the stomach flu, though they may be more severe and last longer. Symptoms of food poisoning include an incredibly upset stomach, nausea and vomiting, and frequent diarrhea. Some people are lucky to have symptoms for just a day or two, while others experience discomfort for multiple days or longer.

Treatment options for food poisoning

If you experience any of the common symptoms of food poisoning, you should seek treatment at the emergency room. This is especially true if you have a fever or have had diarrhea for more than three days. The first goal is often to get hydrated, as this significant loss of fluids often leads to dehydration. You may also be prescribed an anti-diarrhea or anti-nausea medicine.

Long-term effects of food poisoning

Though you may feel well again after treatment, food poisoning can have long-term effects. It can lead to problems with your urinary tract, irritable bowel syndrome, and even kidney failure.

Signs that food might be unsafe to eat

Many foods will show signs that they are not edible. If your deli meats have a funny smell, are turning colors in some spots, or feel slimy or sticky, they are no longer safe to consume. Dairy products often exhibit a strong odor as well and may appear yellow in color. If there is clear liquid forming at the top or any chunkiness throughout, then it is time to throw it out. Any food that smells unusual or has a change in look or taste should no longer be consumed and tossed in the trash immediately.

How long do leftovers keep in the refrigerator?

Most leftovers can only be refrigerated for up to a few days before they spoil. However, certain foods, such as fried rice, do not hold well in the fridge at all. This is because fried rice is often already made from leftover rice. Fried rice syndrome occurs when bacillus cereus, a toxic bacteria that causes illness, forms. Despite the name, this bacteria is also capable of forming on pasta, meat, cheese, and grains.

It’s also wise to consider what to do with both leftovers and fresh ingredients when a power outage occurs because both can spoil. Excessive heat can cause power outages, as can summer storms. If you’re without power in the summer heat, your food won’t stay safe in your fridge for long. On average, they can safely last for up to four hours as long as the doors remain shut. On a particularly hot day, you may have less time. Everything inside should be thrown out. Frozen items can remain for up to 48 hours if they are packed together tightly. A half-full freezer won’t make it to 24 hours before everything is dethawed. You must use it all immediately, or it will all go to waste.

Ensuring food safety during transportation

Anyone traveling throughout the U.S. and carrying food with them needs to ensure proper transportation protocols. If you have many hours to travel, then bringing a hot dish along won’t work. You can make your dish last if you keep it in a covered container, wrapped in foil, and then put it in a towel to prevent the heat from escaping. Make sure to check it with a food thermometer once you arrive to ensure it’s still safe to eat at the correct temperature. Most dishes should remain above 140 degrees. However, you’ll still need to eat it within the two-hour range to ensure it’s safe to consume. All food should be enjoyed within two hours after it’s cooked or placed out for consumption. After two hours of sitting out, bacteria has the chance to grow.

If you’re transporting cold foods, keep them in a cooler with ice and restock the ice as often as necessary. You can typically purchase bags of it from a gas station.

Precautions to prevent food poisoning at summer events

When you bring a dish to a summer picnic or barbecue, you’ll want to take a few steps to ensure the food remains edible and prevent food poisoning. Mayonnaise-based products, such as egg salad, potato salad, and macaroni salad, are among the biggest concerns. Rather than allowing them to sit out on a table, keep them in a cooler. If they are sitting out, make sure the lid is placed back on immediately once everyone is served. Milk, cheese, and yogurt also need to follow suit. Make sure each dish has its own serving spoon, as well. Follow the two-hour rule and be sure everything is consumed promptly. Put all food away so people are not tempted to continue grazing on it. Snack items are better left out for that purpose than anything cold or cooked.

Keep yourself safe this summer with The Joint Chiropractic

Following proper food safety protocols is just the start to keeping yourself healthy this summer. Add in better water drinking habits, more exercise, and routine chiropractic care, and you have plenty of tools in your arsenal to keep yourself safe and well. The Joint Chiropractic encourages these healthy habits and is here to help you on your wellness journey.

The information, including but not limited to text, graphics, images, and other material contained on this page, is for informational purposes only. The purpose of this post is to promote broad consumer understanding and knowledge of various health topics, including but not limited to the benefits of chiropractic care, exercise, and nutrition. It is not intended to provide or be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your chiropractor, physician, or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment and before undertaking a new health care regimen, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this page.