SAN ANTONIO – One in six Americans suffers from foodborne illnesses each year, and many of these cases originate from home kitchens rather than restaurants, according to San Antonio Metro Health officials.
While restaurants often face scrutiny for food safety, home cooking can pose equal or greater risks when proper precautions aren’t taken, health officials warn.
“At home we’re very comfortable ... and that’s a big safety hazard. People think ‘I cook my own food, I’m in my own house, I am comfortable,’ but there (are) some time limits,” said Deborah Liu, a senior Metro Health environmental officer.
Metro Health officials emphasize several crucial steps to prevent foodborne illness:
- Maintain a clean workspace and sanitized utensils
- Use a food thermometer instead of guessing meat temperatures
- Properly defrost and store foods like chicken, beef, and pork
- Cook all foods thoroughly to safe temperatures
”You always want to keep things clean ahead of time, things separated and it prevents a lot of foodborne illnesses or things that can get you sick," Liu said.
Health officials recommend keeping refrigerators at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below, with the option to maintain even colder temperatures if needed. They also advise:
- Labeling food containers with preparation dates
- Avoid leaving cooked food out at room temperature
- Properly storing different types of foods separately
Metro Health officials encourage residents to contact their team with questions about proper food handling procedures. They emphasize that when in doubt about food safety, it is better to choose an alternative meal than risk illness.
For more information about food safety guidelines or to report concerns, residents can contact San Antonio Metro Health directly.
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