Festivities and food safety

By Halima Gladys

The festive season is here with us. During this period, everyone expects to see, experience, share, eat and drink something special that does not always get served on their dinning table.

There is also dangers of over eating during this season. It is, however, important to ensure you follow food safety practices whether at home or outside (in hotels, fairs and even food stores) to promote and protect the body against problems that may arise due to preparation, consumption and storage.

Consumption of foods or beverages contaminated with germs may cause Food-borne illness. This infection is likely to occur during the festive season because households prefer cooking and eating out. And whenever a family eats out there is likelihood that the food is not prepared in a normal kitchen. 

Thus missing the the usual safety controls that a kitchen provides, like thermostat-controlled cooking, refrigeration, and washing facilities may not be available when cooking and dining at these events.

Always ensure clean and tidy cooking area, clean water, spoons and proper storage of food. It is not safe to eat food from previous day, or made in large amount unless heated well at very high temperatures. If it is a mobile food vendor, just pray it is hygienic or avoid it altogether if there is an alternative.

Other must-dos include washing hands with soap and clean water at all time. If you suspect outbreak of food-borne illness, report to a health facility nearest to you.

This could be a measure against an outbreak if dealt with at an early stage. It is advisable to ensure your mobile food vendor holds a valid food license. Otherwise, lets all enjoy with caution, all meals during this fun period.