Food Safety Tips for Summer

As Nova Scotians prepare to enjoy the summer months with backyard barbecues and picnics in the sun, the Department of Agriculture is reminding all families to keep good food handling practices in mind and in use.

Simply clean, separate, cook and chill.

"It's important that people are aware of safety issues and best practices for handling, preparing and storing food," said Agriculture Minister John MacDonell. "Knowing how to properly handle poultry, meat and other foods that can pose health risks can help families avoid illness."

Following a few basic rules can go a long way to preventing food-borne illness caused by bacteria. A key piece of advice everyone can follow is to keep hot foods hot and cold foods cold, and when in doubt, throw it out.

The department has several helpful fact sheets about food safety on its website at www.gov.ns.ca/agri/foodsafety/factsht .

They include tips on:

• washing hands, utensils and foods
• properly thawing meats
• cooking poultry and ground meats
• avoiding cross-contamination of foods
• travelling with food.

One of the best ways to stay healthy is to take preventative action, like always washing hands with warm, soapy water for at least 20 seconds.