In this difficult time of physical distancing and curtailed outdoor activities, it’s heartening to see the outpouring of generosity to older adults from friends and neighbors, often in the form of donated meals. It’s also wonderful to see those pitching in by doing the shopping, cooking, or food delivery to older adults in need. Whether you are a home cook, a recipient of a pre-made covered dish on your doorstep, or a caregiver preparing food for your loved one, remember basic food safety practices.
Here are some Food Safety 101 tips:
1. Wash hands and all kitchen surfaces thoroughly. Pay attention to personal hygiene: wash your hands for 20 seconds before, after, and while preparing food. Also, keep countertops and cutting boards clean.
2. Clean and separate food items. Wash fresh produce before eating or cooking. Separate raw meat, seafood, and poultry from ready-to-eat foods. And, while the Centers for Disease Control says there’s no evidence that food or food packaging transmits the virus, harmful germs and bacteria can survive in foods and on equipment unless you follow safe handling practices.
3. Cook and store food properly. Always cook food to its proper temperature using a food thermometer and keep any foods that need to be chilled in the refrigerator. Refrigerate leftovers within two hours. Many leftovers will keep up to five days in the refrigerator and 6 months in the freezer.
4. Inventory your pantry and refrigerator. Check and discard items past the “Use By” date. Remember the “Best if Used By” date indicates best flavor but is not a safety date. Most canned goods such as soups can last two to five years.
5. Check the food label to make the best choice for you. Some food choices more than others can help you feel your best and stay active. The food label provides helpful information for those who are monitoring certain nutrients, such as those individuals reducing salt, cutting back on sugar or minimizing intake of highly processed foods.
6. Minimize trips to the grocery store and make healthy choices Many supermarkets are responding to the coronavirus pandemic by creating special hours for vulnerable guests and older individuals. Make a point to shop during these hours and stock your basket with healthy choices from all food groups, including whole grains, lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. If fresh is not an option, choose frozen and canned alternatives which are often more budget friendly.
~ Dorothea Vafiadis is the Director of NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging. Her experience of more than 20 years in public health and at nonprofit organizations includes developing nutrition and prevention strategies, with USDA’s Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion.