I’ve taken the following from the CDC feature for the December health notice. I think it’s a timely even though as a U.S. government agency they can’t mention Christmas; only the holidays. However, they somehow reminded me of an upcoming birthday with this picture and the information offered about:
Food Safety Tips for the Holidays
Feasting with family and friends is part of many holiday celebrations. Follow these simple tips to keep safe from food poisoning, or foodborne illness, during the holidays.
Pregnancy and Food
Pregnant women are 10 times more likely than others to get liseriosis, a rare but deadly foodborne infection caused by bacteria Listeria.
Pregnant women are at increased risk of food poisoning, so take extra care if you’re pregnant or preparing food for someone who is.
- Avoid raw or unpasteurized milk and products made withit, such as soft cheeses. Raw or unpasteurized milk and products made with it can contain harmful germs, including Listeria. Avoid drinking raw milk and eating soft cheeses, such as queso fresco[2 MB], Brie, Camembert, feta, goat cheese, or blue-veined cheese, if they are made from raw or unpasteurized milk.
- Be aware that Hispanic-style cheeses made from pasteurized milk,such as queso fresco, also have caused Listeria infections, most likely because they were contaminated during cheese-making.
- Avoid drinking raw or unpasteurized juice and cider.
- Be careful with seafood. Do not eat smoked seafood that was sold refrigerated unless it is in a cooked dish, such as a casserole.Instead, choose shelf-stable smoked seafood in pouches or cans that do not need refrigeration.
Take care with holiday beverages. Drinking any type of alcohol can affect your baby’s growth and development and cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Don’t drink holiday punches and eggnogs that contain alcohol. Avoid eggnog entirely unless you know it contains no alcohol and is pasteurized or made with pasteurized eggs and milk.
Don’t forget that the best deterrent of sickness is HANDWASHING. I have more from the CDC:
Follow these simple tips to keep safe from food poisoning, or foodborne illness, during the holidays.
Wash your hands. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water during these key times when you are likely to get and spread germs:
- Before, during, and after preparing food
- After touching raw meat, raw eggs, or unwashed vegetables
- Before eating or drinking
- Before and after caring for someone who is sick
- Before and after treating a cut or wound
- After blowing your nose,coughing, or sneezing
- After changing diapers or cleaning up a child who has used the toilet
- After using the toilet
- After touching an animal, animal feed, or animal waste
- After touching garbage.
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