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Courtesy Xochitl Mora,

Laredo, TX – The City of Laredo Health Department (CLHD) is issuing food safety tips for holiday meal preparation to ensure your family is healthy during this holiday season.  Additionally, the CLHD would like to remind the public in order to prevent the spread of flu to continue practicing advanced hygiene precautions.

 The storage, preparation and handling of large quantities of food is very important, especially during the holidays.  If food is mishandled it can cause food borne illnesses.  However, by following some simple tips, you can make your holiday meals safe, healthy and successful!

• Be sure you have enough oven, stovetop, refrigerator and freezer space in your kitchen. 

• Refrigerate and or freeze perishable food within 2 hours of purchase or preparation. 
• Find separate preparation areas within your kitchen for raw and cooked food. 
• Never place cooked food back on the same plate or cutting board that held raw food. 
• Wash hands, cutting boards, dishes, utensils, and food preparation areas frequently with hot, soapy water.
• Use a food thermometer to check internal temperature of meat, poultry, and other foods.  Check temperature in several places to be sure food is safely cooked. 
• Never partially cook food for finishing later because you increase the risk of bacterial growth. 
• Use the stove, oven, or microwave to reheat food to 165°F.  Bring sauces, soups, and gravies to a boil. 
• Keep hot food hot, at or above 140°F; and keep cold food cold, at or below 40°F.

 Food left out at room temperature for more than 2 hours should be discarded.  Place leftovers in shallow containers.  Refrigerate or freeze foods immediately. 

 Additionally, everyone should be practicing the following advanced hygiene precautionary measures:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it and wash your hands.

• If you cough, cough into your elbow, sleeve, or into tissues.  Wash your hands.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze.
• Alcohol-based hand cleaners are also effective.
• If you feel sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.  Call your doctor.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs spread this way.
• Do not share personal items that may be contaminated with respiratory germs.
• Do not share food and/or drinks if you are ill.

 We are encouraging the public to get vaccinated against H1N1.  Currently the City of Laredo Health Department continues to vaccinate all healthy persons who are 2 to 49 years of age.  Additionally, we will be vaccinating the following high risk groups (AS LONG AS SUPPLIES ARE AVAILABLE):

• Pregnant women
• Household contacts and caregivers for children younger than 6 months of age
• Healthcare and emergency medical services personnel
• All people from 6 months through 24 years of age
• Persons aged 25 through 64 years of age who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.