Summer heat: how to keep your food safe, stay hydrated and more | CNN

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This Independence Day holiday comes as record-breaking heat waves sweep across much of the US and the world, and the heat can be deadly. There is a chance of record breaking temperatures and a risk of extreme heat for parts of the South and South West. California will likely be hit particularly hard, with highs exceeding 110 degrees Celsius (43 degrees Celsius) in many areas.

At the same time, an outbreak of bird flu has spread to cattle, raising questions about whether other foods such as milk, eggs and hamburgers remain safe.

As I drank plenty of water and sweated from the high heat and humidity at an outdoor concert this week, I thought about celebrating the Fourth of July holiday safely. What about all the roast beef, burgers and potato salad sitting out in the heat? How can we stay relaxed while going on picnics and barbecues this holiday weekend?

Are there any additional food safety measures we should take, given the high temperatures predicted? And are there other health considerations to consider on vacation, like staying cool and well-hydrated?

To help us with these questions, I spoke with CNN health expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and clinical associate professor at George Washington University. He previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.

CNN: Can you remind us why food safety is important?

Dr. Follow Wen: According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are approximately 9 million cases of foodborne illness each year. These diseases occur mainly when people consume food or drink contaminated with bacteria, viruses or parasites.

Most cases are mild, although mild cases are unpleasant—often characterized by nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Some people can get very sick and need to be hospitalized, and unfortunately, some can die. Those most at risk of severe illness include the elderly, children under 5 years of age, pregnant women and people with weakened immune systems.

CNN: What safety precautions should people take for barbecues and other outdoor gatherings?

Wen: Undercooked meat contains many infectious organisms. The best way to make sure the meat is cooked is to use an internal thermometer.

I recommend this US government food safety website to check the internal temperatures at which different types of meat should be cooked. For example, chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and ground beef should be cooked to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Once the meat is cooked, keep it at 140 degrees Fahrenheit or higher until served to prevent germs from developing. Before cooking, refrigerate raw meat instead of keeping it at room temperature. It should be removed before it is placed on the barbeque.

CNN: Given how hot the weather could be this week, are there any specifics to consider?

Wen: Yes. Under normal weather conditions, the recommendation from the United States Department of Agriculture is that perishable foods can be refrigerated for two hours. However, if the temperature is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, that is reduced by one hour.

That works with cooked meats like hamburgers as well as salad dressings like potato salad and cole slaw. In hot weather, these things should be eaten immediately; if not, they should be refrigerated after an hour.

CNN: What about people eating meat in parks or other places that don’t have refrigeration?

Wen: They should have a well insulated cooler with plenty of ice. Raw, uncooked meat should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below until it is ready to go on the grill.

I also recommend storing uncooked meat in tightly sealed bags so that it does not contaminate other items that are served raw, such as vegetables and fruits.

Another precaution for barbeques is to keep an eye on the tools and plates you use for raw meat and other foods. List dishes, dishes and dishes combined with raw meat. Keep them separate from plates with salad items, fruit, chips, buns and other items.

CNN: And make sure you wash your hands after handling raw meat?

Wen: Yes, indeed. You don’t want to go from grabbing a raw hamburger to making a salad. Make sure you wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water every time you handle raw meat.

CNN: Let’s talk a little bit about bird flu. Has the avian flu epidemic affected how we should think about eating products like hamburgers and chicken wings? Is it still safe to eat eggs and drink milk?

Wen: According to government health officials, it is safe to continue eating these products as long as meat and eggs are cooked to the recommended temperature.

It is also safe to continue drinking milk, although it is important to emphasize that milk needs to be purified. Raw milk is not safe to drink. Not only can raw milk harbor bacteria, but it is also possible that raw milk can transmit bird flu. It was unwise for people to drink raw milk or eat raw milk products before the bird flu outbreak, and it certainly isn’t now.

CNN: We’ve talked a lot about food safety. What other life factors should be considered on the Fourth of July?

Wen: If you’re going to be in hot weather, be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke. Watch out for those at risk of heat-related illness, especially children, the elderly and people with chronic illnesses. Be careful with pets. They can get very hot, too. Never leave pets or children alone in a car; the interior of the car heats up quickly and this high temperature can be fatal.

Everyone should try to stay in the shade if possible. Keep water well. Water is the best form of hydration, and be aware that excess caffeine and alcohol can be harmful during heat waves. Wear protective clothing and be sure to apply and reapply sunscreen regularly.

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