September is Food Safety Education Month. It’s a good time to take a closer look at how you handle and store food at home. Older adults can be more likely to develop serious complications from foodborne illness. Knowing how to store leftovers, spot spoiled food, and handle food safely can keep a Sunday pot of green chile stew from turning into a hospital visit.
Why Foodborne Illness Hits Seniors Harder
As you get older, your body may have a harder time fighting off certain infections. Changes in the immune system can make foodborne illnesses caused by bacteria such as Listeria, Salmonella, and E. coli more serious. Some health conditions and medications can also increase the risk of complications. According to the CDC, adults 65 and older are more likely to be hospitalized because of foodborne illness than younger adults. That’s why food safety deserves a little extra attention.
Smart Storage in the Albuquerque Heat
Albuquerque’s heat can make food safety a little trickier. Every time you open the refrigerator, warm air gets in. Keep your fridge at 40°F or below and your freezer at 0°F. An inexpensive appliance thermometer can help you keep an eye on the temperature.
Get leftovers into the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. Label them with the date before you put them away. Most cooked meats and casseroles can be kept in the refrigerator for three to four days. Cut melon and soft cheeses generally keep for about three to four days as well.
How to Tell When Food Has Gone Bad
Mold on bread, a slimy coating on deli meat, or milk that has turned sour are good reasons to throw food away. If a can is bulging, leaking, or badly dented, don’t use it. Keep in mind that you can’t always tell if food is safe by its smell or appearance. Harmful bacteria may not change the way food looks, smells, or tastes. When you’re unsure how long something has been stored or whether it was handled safely, it’s better to throw it out.
It’s also a good idea to check your pantry and canned goods a couple of times a year. Look for damaged cans or jars, and discard anything that looks unusual. If a jar of salsa makes an unexpected hiss or spurts when you open it, don’t taste it and just throw it away.
Safer Food Handling Every Day
A few simple habits can make everyday food preparation safer. Before you start cooking or eating, wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Use separate cutting boards for raw meat and produce to keep bacteria from spreading.
When reheating leftovers, make sure they reach 165°F throughout. Having an instant-read food thermometer takes the guesswork out of checking the temperature. You can also use it when cooking meat, poultry, and other foods that need to reach a safe temperature.
If arthritis or another health issue makes heavy pots difficult to lift, ask a family member or caregiver for assistance. They can help portion big batches into smaller containers for faster cooling. It’s a simple change that can make leftovers safer to store, shrinking the window for bacteria to grow.
Everyday In-Home Support From Senior Helpers
Knowing the basics of food safety is crucial, but keeping up with everything in the kitchen can sometimes be difficult. Senior Helpers Albuquerque provides in-home support including grocery shopping, meal preparation, and more. If you could use some extra support at home, contact us to learn more about our senior services in Albuquerque.