Oklahoma City Indian Clinic promotes food safety this summer.
OKLAHOMA CITY – Oklahoma City Indian Clinic (OKCIC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit clinic providing health and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma, promotes food safety during this picnic and camping season.
Having a plan is key to protecting yourself from foodborne illness. Make sure you have coolers, clean utensils, fresh water, soap and the very important food thermometer, to keep you and everyone else safe when transporting and preparing food.
“You have to be extra cautious when prepping and transporting food for outdoor picnics and camping trips,” said Katie Brown, OKCIC RD/LD Dietitian. “Take into account the temperature of the insulated cooler and placement of raw meats when packing the cooler; careful placement will keep food safe from cross contamination and nasty bacteria.”
According to the United States Department of Agriculture Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA), holding the food temperature is vital when transferring perishable foods from one place to another. USDA recommends when bringing raw meats, such as chicken, hamburger patties, or sausage, to place them in an insulated cooler with packed ice. Make sure the cooler is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Additionally, USDA also recommends to securely wrap the meat and place them at the bottom of the cooler so their juice will not cross contaminate other prepared foods. When cooking meats, use your food thermometer to measure the meat’s internal temperature. Cooking meats thoroughly will protect you from getting sick.
“Using a food thermometer will not only protect you from harmful bacteria, but will also help reduce overcooking,” Brown said.
Leftovers are a part of the camping and picnic experience. According to the USDA, keeping food at unsafe temperatures are prime causes of foodborne illness. Always refrigerate perishable foods within two hours to defend against foodborne illnesses. If it has been out for over two hours, or more than one hour over 90 degrees Fahrenheit, throw it out!
When camping or at outdoor picnics, remember this mantra, “When in doubt, throw it out!”
About Oklahoma City Indian Clinic
Oklahoma City Indian Clinic was established in 1974 to provide excellent health care and wellness services to American Indians in central Oklahoma. The clinic staff cares for more than 20,000 patients from over 200 federally recognized tribes every year. American Indians can receive a range of services, including medical, dental, pediatrics, prenatal, pharmacy, optometry, physical fitness, nutrition, family programs and behavioral health services. For more information, please call (405) 948-4900 or visit www.okcic.com.
