Health Official Urges Food Safety Over Holidays PIERRE, S.D.
(AP) – South Dakota’s state epidemiologist is reminding
residents to cook and store foods at proper temperatures over
the holidays. Dr. Lon Kightlinger says it’s not uncommon for
holiday pot-lucks at schools, churches, offices or other
gatherings to result in food-borne outbreaks. Those preparing
meals should also wash their hands thoroughly, cook and store
foods at proper temperatures and don’t prepare food when they’re
sick. Food-borne illness symptoms can include mild or severe
diarrhea, fever, vomiting and abdominal pain. Most people
recover on their own without medication but some need fluids to
prevent dehydration. The federal Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention estimates that each year food-borne illness sickens
roughly one in six Americans – or 48 million people Some 128,000
people are hospitalized each year and 3,000 die. Copyright 2012
by The Associated Press. All rights reserved. Material may not
be redistributed.