By: Kerry Robinson, RD   Date: 9/7/10

As you may know, September is National Food Safety Education Month, and this year’s theme focuses on protecting those that are at a higher risk for foodborne illness, including young children, pregnant women, those with weakened immune systems and older adults.  As a dietitian who previously worked with older adults, I experienced first-hand the importance of safe food handling from the kitchen to the dining room table.

While it’s certainly true that food safety is important for everyone, older adults need to be especially vigilant in their efforts to practice safe food handling. The body undergoes several changes as we age, including a weakened immune system and changes in our organs and body systems. As with most illnesses, the body isn’t able to “bounce back” quite as easily as we age – recovery from a foodborne illness can be a lengthy process, and the rate of hospitalization and risk of death in severe cases of foodborne illness can be much greater.

The good news is that there are many actions that older adults (and those who care for them) can take to decrease the risk of foodborne illness. From in-home meal preparation to dining out, here are a few tips to be food safe!

Eating at Home:
• Follow these four basic steps to food safety:
     o Clean: Wash hands and surfaces often
     o Separate: Avoid cross-contamination
     o Cook: Cook foods to proper temperatures
     o Chill: Refrigerate foods promptly

Food Shopping at the Grocery Store:
• Check “Sell-By” dates on all foods and beverages
• Check for quality and integrity of packaging
• Place raw meat, poultry, and seafood in plastic bags and keep separate from uncooked fruits and vegetables and other food items in your shopping cart
• Be sure to purchase pasteurized dairy products (i.e. milk and cheese) and juices

Dining Out
• Refrigerate your leftovers within two hours after your meal
• Avoid entrées containing uncooked ingredients (i.e. eggs or meat)
• Opt to order from a menu rather than choosing the buffet

The above food safety tips are practical, simple ways you can decrease the risk of foodborne illness for yourself and your loved ones.  For more specific guidance, it’s best to contact your physician or health care provider. No matter your age, food safety is an important cornerstone of a healthful diet. What do you plan to do today to be food safe?