Declare Independence from Foodborne Illness this Fourth of July

WASHINGTON, DC-The National Consumers League warns consumers to take precautions to avoid foodborne illness this Independence Day. With the outdoor barbeque season in full swing, the beef industry estimates that 48 million pounds of ground beef will be consumed this holiday, mostly in the form of grilled hamburgers. Other foods including chicken, pork, and fish will be served, along with side dishes such as potato or egg salad, coleslaw, and watermelon. All have one thing in common-they could carry dangerous bacteria. Seventy-six million Americans fall victim to foodborne illness each year. Consumers can greatly reduce their family's risk by following a few simple tips.

Tips to avoid food-borne illness

• Cook all beef, poultry, pork, and fish thoroughly. Use a food thermometer to ensure that your food has reached the proper internal temperature. Don't rely on color, since many foods can look done even when they are not. Cook ground beef to 160 degrees; poultry and pork, 170 degrees; and fish, until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

• Wash your hands with soap and water or use a hand sanitizer before and after handling raw foods.

• Keep raw meat, fish, and poultry separate from other foods, especially foods that will not be cooked.

• Clean all food surface areas that come in contact with raw meat or poultry (cutting boards, utensils, dishes, countertops) with warm, soapy water or disinfectant.

• If marinating raw meats or poultry, do not use the same marinade on cooked foods.

• Keep hot foods hot (at least 140 degrees Fahrenheit) and cold foods cold (40 degrees or below). Food left at room temperatures can grow harmful bacterial in as little as two hours.

• Refrigerate leftovers immediately or toss them. Store hot foods in shallow containers in the fridge.

• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly, especially those that will not be cooked.

• Learn more about new technologies, including irradiation, that are being used to help reduce the risk of foodborne illness in certain foods. For irradiated products, look for labeling such as, "treated by irradiation," or "irradiated for safety."

The National Consumers League, founded in 1899, is America's pioneer consumer organization. Our mission is to identify, protect, represent, and advance the economic and social interests of consumers and workers. NCL is a private, nonprofit membership organization.

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