Swap Shop

Food Safety at Fairs and Festivals fun summer activity is attending fairs, festivals, carnivals and rodeos. There are always fun things to see and experience, including art work, crafts, music, games and rides. One of the biggest draws to these events is the different types of foods and drinks available. Food borne illnesses usually increase in the summer partly because of the increase in outdoor air temperature (microbes thrive at temperatures between 80 and 120 ° F) and partly because we are also doing so much eating and drinking outside. The usual safety control that a kitchen provides, like thermostat controlled cooking, refrigeration and washing facilities may not be available at these events. Follow these tips from the CDC to have safe cooking, eating and drinking experiences at these events. Consumers: What should you consider before buying food from a vendor? Does the vendor have a clean/tidy workstation? Does the vendor have a sink where employees can wash their hands? Do the employees wear gloves or use tongs/deli sheets to han- dle foods? Gloves are not protection if the hands are not washed. Does the vendor have refrigeration on site for raw ingredients or pre-cooked foods? Remember that cut melon, cut tomatoes, raw sprouts and cut up lettuce needs to be refrigerated. Has the vendor been inspected? Requirements vary by state, but in general temporary and mobile vendors, like those at fairs and carnivals, should have a license to sell food and beverages in a 4 SOUTHERN SENIOR MAGAZINE | Summer 2019 A B arze’ P lace ANTIQUE & COLLECTIBLES MALL 105 Hwy 11 S • Picayune 601-749-0756 • 601-273-1057 Ted, the Tool Man, Does Lamp Repair! www.barzeantiquespicayune.com Collectibles and Books by Local Authors make Great Gifts! Preserving Yesterday’s Memories By Dawn Vosbein MS, MPH, RD, LDN