Written by George Grow
13 Jun 2001, 20:47 UTC
This is the VOA SpecialEnglish AGRICULTURE REPORT.
June is the start of summer in northern areas of the world.Reports of food poisoning increase in warm weather. The Food SafetyandInspection Service has released information on the problem. TheService is an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture.It offerssuggestions to keep food safe in warm weather.
Natural causes can increase food poisoning cases in the summer.Bacteria can grow faster in warm weather. Uncooked meat maycontainharmful organisms that cause people to become sick.
Another reason for the increase in food poisoning in the summeris human activity. People spend more time outside and away from homeinwarm weather. Many people bring food to eat outside in parks orat the beach. Others cook meals outdoors in open fires near theirhomes oron camping trips.
Unwashed hands are a leading cause of the spread of bacteria.People should wash their hands with hot water and soap beforetouching food.It is important to find clean water when eating awayfrom home. If there is none, make sure to bring water forpreparation and cleaning. Orcarry clean, wet washcloths forcleaning hands and surfaces.
Bacteria also can spread when food is transported, prepared andserved. Make sure to keep uncooked meat cold until it is cooked. Donot letliquid from uncooked meat touch other foods. Wash objectsthat held the meat before using again for cooked food.
Heating food for a long time at high temperatures will killharmful bacteria. But you cannot judge if food is cooked completelyby looking at itscolor. Experts advise people to use a thermometerwhen cooking. Food thermometers measure the exact temperature of thefood beingcooked. They help guarantee that food is cooked to a safetemperature. Thermometers also can prevent food from being cookedtoo long andbecoming too dry.
Keeping food at an unsafe temperature also can lead to foodpoisoning. Some foods left outside in warm weather for more than twohours maynot be safe to eat. Experts say such foods should be keptin containers with ice to keep them cold. And, foods should be keptin the coolestpart of a vehicle, away from sunlight, wheneverpossible.
This VOA Special English AGRICULTURE REPORT was written by GeorgeGrow.
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