Good Lifestyle

The summer months are loved by many for their sky brighter, warmer and foods that seem to just taste better during this time of year. Although we love our skin to be tanned, we never want our food to be in the sun without adequate coverage and if there is an important reason. We asked experts in food security Meredith Carothers, a specialist in technical informationFood Safety and Inspection USDADe weigh the reasons for food poisoning seems to be a bigger problem when the temperature starts warming.

Uncover exactly why food poisoning peaks during the summer, and what you can do to avoid it.

Why food poisoning more common in summer?

Carothers says that the rate of foodborne illnesses increase in the summer for two reasons in particular, both have to do with you guessed it-the heat. Remember, bacteria thrive in environments of40-140 degrees Fahrenheit, With the ability to double in number in just 20 minutes.

"The bacteria are present in the environment in soil, air, water, and in our bodies. These microorganisms grow faster during the summer months due to the hot and humid climate, "Carothers said.

In other words, your garden could be teeming with additional microorganisms and you'd know not even because of their microscopic size. Make sure you take the extra time to thoroughly wash fresh produce during the summer months to avoid ingesting harmful bacteria.

The other reason is probably the two most important that the number of outdoor events that offer perishable food options for those in attendance increases.

"The more people are cooking outside at picnics, barbecues and camping. Given these circumstances, harmful bacteria have many opportunities multiply rapidly on food and get people sick, "she said.

Carotherswe said before the food will remain safe to eat if it was in the sun for two hours, as long as it is below 90 degrees Fahrenheit. However, if at this temperature or more, the probability of growth of bacteria increases, so that the time passes to an hour, which is a much smaller window. That's why food poisoning can become more prevalent in the summer with higher summer temperatures, most people do not realize their safe window to eat bowls of food in half.

Food Stay safe packing well in a cooler with lots of ice, bringing several different kinds of kitchen utensils (and never use the same utensils for cooked and raw), and roast raw meat order rather than all at once he n 't sit in the heat for too long.

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What are some of the warning signs of food poisoning? Symptoms are more discreet than others?

"The symptoms of foodborne illness can occur within minutes to a few weeks and often presents itself as flu-like symptoms, such as the ill person may experience symptoms such as nausea, cramps abdominal and stomach, vomiting, diarrhea or fever, "said Carothers. "Because the symptoms are often flu-like, many people may not recognize the illness is caused by harmful bacteria or other pathogens in food. »

More severe cases of foodborne illness can cause bloody diarrhea, excessive vomiting and high fever. To avoid food poisoning this summer, check out some useful tips from the USDA provided in theirSummer 2019 Food Safety Toolbox.