How to prevent Salmonella, Camphylobacter bacteria poisoning this Christmas season

by Infection Protection Thursday, Dec. 27, 2007 at 9:34 PM

To prevent infections this festal Christmas season, safe food handling practices are essential, for hosts and guests alike.

To prevent infections this festal Christmas season, safe food handling practices are essential, for hosts and guests alike. Epidemiologists and doctors recommend that holiday visitors wash their hands with soap and water before and after handling food items, and party hosts thoroughly cook poultry — including turkey, duck and chicken — to an internal temperature of at least 165° F. “Each year the public health department investigates cases of food poisoning during the holidays that are the result of undercooked food and poor food handling practices,” said Jonathan E. Fielding, MD, MPH, director of public health and health officer for Los Angeles County, Calif. “Don’t allow food-borne illnesses to happen to your family this holiday season. Follow the instructions on package labeling to protect your family’s health.”

By Gene Koprowski, Editor-in-Chief

Original: How to prevent Salmonella, Camphylobacter bacteria poisoning this Christmas season