CDC offers holiday party hints for avoiding food poisoning |
Health (KFVS) - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention estimates that each year roughly one in six Americans
(or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized and
3,000 die of foodborne diseases. In Illinois, it is estimated
that as many as 250,000 cases of foodborne illness may occur
each year. However, because these illnesses can be mild and
because the vast majority of them occur in the home, many go
unreported. “As a guest at holiday parties, there are a couple
things you can watch out for to avoid foodborne illness," said
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar
Hasbrouck. "Hot foods should be hot and cold foods cold.
Bacteria will start to grow on food that should be served either
cold or hot, that is sitting out for more than a couple hours at
room temperature. You should also be cautious when eating
certain foods, such as raw oysters, egg drinks, soft-boiled
eggs, steak tartare and rare or medium hamburger