Eldercare Resources: Articles of Interest

News: Health Help:
News You Can Use

Eldercare & Caregiver Resource Center:
Health Help - News You Can Use

Q
"I have holiday leftovers to enjoy, but I am worried about food poisoning. What steps do I need to take to avoid food poisoning?"

A
Refrigeration is the key to handling holiday leftovers safely. Foods such as pasta and potato salads should be kept cold. All the handling required during their preparation increases the likelihood that bacteria could be present. Also, beware of the hors d'oeuvers! Many are perishable. As people chat over the table and help themselves, bacterial contamination could occur. Keep the temperature safe during serving. If safety of leftovers is questionable, discard them.

After the meal is enjoyed, leftovers tend to be forgotten on tables or counters while family and friends visit. Bacteria can start to grow if moist, high protein foods are left at room temperature longer than two to three hours. Reheating won't necessarily make a mishandled food safe to eat. The toxin formed by common bacteria that cause "24-hour flu" won't be destroyed during reheating.

To prevent bacterial growth, refrigerate leftovers right after the meal. Cut turkey meat off the carcass and refrigerate or freeze it in family-size portions. Chill big pots of food such as casseroles and baked beans by pouring the food into shallow pans before refrigerating to allow it to cool rapidly throughout the dish.

St. Andrew's At-Home Services helps to serve the needs of older adults and their families in the comfort of their home, including housekeeping, transportation, meal preparation, personal care, nursing services and companionship.

For more information, please call (314) 726-5766.

St. Andrew's Resources for Seniors: Eldercare & Caregiver Resource Center
6633 Delmar Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63130 Phone: 314-726-5766 Fax: 314-726-5719 Contact Us