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This Independence Day holiday Record-breaking heat wave The storm is spreading across much of the United States and the world, with potentially deadly temperatures. Parts of the South and Southwest are at risk of record-breaking heat and extreme heat. California is expected to be particularly hard hit, with many areas seeing highs exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit (43 degrees Celsius).
At the same time, the outbreak of avian influenza Spread to cattleQuestions have been raised about whether certain foods, such as milk, eggs and hamburgers, are safe.
After drinking copious amounts of water at outdoor concerts and sweating in the heat and humidity this week, I thought about how to celebrate Independence Day safely. How about eating barbecued meat, burgers, and potato salad in the heat outside? How can you stay cool while having a picnic or barbecue this holiday weekend?
Given the expected high temperatures, are there any further precautions to take regarding food safety? Also, are there any health factors to consider during this holiday, like staying cool and drinking plenty of fluids?
To answer these questions, I spoke with CNN health expert Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University, who previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.
03:24 – Source: CNN
What happens to your body when the temperature rises?
CNN: Can you reiterate why food safety is important?
Dr. Leana Wen: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: 9 million episodes of Food poisoning These diseases mainly occur when people ingest food or drink that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Most symptoms are mild, but even mild illness can be unpleasant. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. In some cases, the illness can become severe, requiring hospitalization and, sadly, death. Highest risk of severe illness These include the elderly, children under the age of five, pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems.
CNN: What precautions should people take regarding food at barbecues and other outdoor gatherings?
Wen: Undercooked meat contains many infectious microorganisms, and the best way to tell if meat is thoroughly cooked is to use an internal thermometer.
It is recommended This U.S. government food safety website Find out what internal temperatures different types of meat should be cooked to — for example, chicken should be cooked to at least 165°F and ground beef to at least 160°F.
Once meat is cooked, keep it at or above 140 degrees Fahrenheit until you are ready to eat it to prevent bacterial growth. Before cooking, refrigerate raw meat rather than leaving it at room temperature. Remove it just before putting it on the barbecue.
CNN: Temperatures are expected to be much warmer this week, but are there any other specific factors we should take into consideration?
Wen: Yes. Under normal weather conditions, United States Department of Agriculture Perishable foods can be stored unrefrigerated for up to two hours, unless temperatures exceed 90 degrees Fahrenheit, in which case the storage time is reduced to one hour.
This also applies to cooked meats, like burgers, and perishable salads, like potato salad and coleslaw. In hot weather, these foods should be eaten immediately, but otherwise, they should be refrigerated within an hour.
CNN: What about people having barbecues in parks or other places where there’s no refrigeration?
Wen: Have a well-insulated cooler with plenty of ice on hand. Keep raw, uncooked meats below 40 degrees Fahrenheit until you’re ready to grill them.
It is also recommended that raw meats be stored in tightly sealed bags to avoid contaminating other foods that are served raw, such as vegetables and fruits.
Another thing to remember when barbecuing is to be mindful of the utensils and plates you use for raw meat and other foods. Label any utensils, plates or containers that come into contact with raw meat. Keep them separate from plates containing salads, fruit, chips, bread etc.
CNN: Do you always wash your hands after handling raw meat?
Wen: Yes, of course. Avoid preparing a salad immediately after handling raw hamburger meat, and always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after handling raw meat.
CNN: Let’s talk a little bit about bird flu. Has the bird flu outbreak affected your views on eating foods like burgers and chicken wings? Is it still safe to eat eggs or drink milk?
Wen: according to Federal Health AuthoritiesHowever, as long as meat and eggs are cooked to the recommended temperatures, it is safe to continue eating these products.
It is also safe to continue drinking milk, but it is important to emphasize that milk must be pasteurized. Raw milk is not safe to drink. Not only can raw milk harbor bacteria, but it can also transmit avian flu. Before the avian flu outbreak, drinking raw milk or consuming products made from raw milk was not recommended, and it is still not recommended now.
CNN: We’ve talked a lot about food safety. What other health issues should we consider this Fourth of July?
Wen: If you’re in hot weather, watch out for the following symptoms: Heat exhaustion and heat strokeThose most susceptible to heatstroke should be especially careful: children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses. Your pets tooPets and children can also overheat. Do not leave pets or children in the car as they can overheat quickly and the heat can be deadly.
Try to stay in the shade whenever possible. Stay well hydrated. water It’s great for staying hydrated, but excessive caffeine and alcohol consumption can be dangerous during a heatwave. Wear sunscreen and reapply regularly. Sunscreen frequent.
Get inspired by our weekly roundup of tips for living simply and fulfillingly. Subscribe to CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter for information and tools to improve your health.
