Practicing Food Safety to Prevent Foodborne Illness
- Special Olympics Vermont
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
You may have seen news stories about Cyclospora, a parasite that can cause foodborne illness. While minimal cases have been reported in Vermont it is an important reminder that practicing food safety daily, can help keep you healthy. Let's take a look at what the current Cyclospora parasite is and how you can protect yourself from it and other foodborne illnesses.
What is Cyclospora?
Cyclospora is a parasite that can make people sick if they eat or drink something that has been contaminated. It does not spread from person to person. CLICK HERE to learn more about Cyclospora.
Symptoms can include:
Diarrhea
Stomach cramps
Nausea
Loss of appetite
Feeling tired
If you have severe symptoms or feel sick for several days, contact your healthcare provider.
How Can You Protect Yourself?
The best way to lower your risk of getting sick is to practice good food safety every day.
Here are some simple tips:
🥗 Wash fruits and vegetables. Rinse fresh produce under clean, running water for at least 30 seconds, before eating or cooking it. Make sure to rub all surfaces.
🧼 Wash your hands. Use soap and water before preparing food and before eating.
🥩 Keep foods separate. Keep raw meat, poultry, seafood, and eggs away from foods that are ready to eat, like fruits and vegetables.
🌡️ Cook food thoroughly. Make sure meat and other foods are cooked.
❄️ Keep cold foods cold. Put foods in the refrigerator soon after shopping or cooking.
🚨 Pay attention to food recalls. If a food has been recalled, do not eat it. Throw it away or return it to the store.
Stay Informed
Food recalls and outbreak information can change quickly. For the most up-to-date information, visit the following websites:
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) CLICK HERE
FDA Food Recalls CLICK HERE
Vermont Department of Health CLICK HERE
Practicing safe food habits every day is one of the easiest ways to protect yourself and your family. A few simple steps can go a long way toward helping everyone stay healthy.
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