Bronson Urges Residents To Follow Food Safety Measures As Flood Waters Recede
For Information, Contact:
Liz Compton
(850) 488-3022
Liz.Compton@freshfromflorida.com
April 9, 2009
TALLAHASSEE - Florida Agriculture and Consumer Services Commissioner Charles Bronson is reminding people to keep food safety in mind as they return home following floods. Floodwater could be contaminated by sewage, pesticides and other hazardous materials that may come in contact with food. Power outages could also impact the quality and safety of perishable food items.
Bronson’s Division of Food Safety is responsible for food safety in Florida, permitting and inspecting supermarkets and convenience stores, testing food for contaminants and monitoring food from the farm to the retailer. But Bronson says once the food is in the home it’s important that consumers take action to protect themselves from food borne illnesses. He is concerned that people who have evacuated or even people who stayed home in the wake of a flood may not realize food and water supplies could be damaged by floodwater.
“People who are trying to get their homes back in order after a flood may not be thinking about the potential for contaminated food and water,” Bronson said. “Once the water has receded, the pantry may appear to be fine when in fact contaminants have been left behind.”
Bronson says flood victims should not drink or use tap water until local officials have declared it safe. People with water wells should also be aware of the potential for contamination. Until they are certain the water is safe, people should boil it for at least one minute before using it.
Some other food safety tips include:
- External surface areas of canned and packaged items that may have been in contact with flood water should be sanitized with one tablespoon of bleach per gallon of water.
- Counters and other food contact surfaces and utensils should also be sanitized.
- Dented or swollen cans and jars with swollen lids should be discarded.
- Never try to save food in jars or flexible packages if affected by flood water.
In the event of power outages:
- Perishable food that has been stored at room temperature for more than two hours should be thrown out.
- Keep the refrigerator door closed as much as possible and use a refrigerator thermometer so you can better assess the condition of perishable food.
- Never eat frozen food that has warmed to more than 40 degrees.
For more information about food safety during and after a natural disaster, visit the department’s Division of Food Safety website at http://www.freshfromflorida.com/fs/emergency.html.
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