Part of the Canada Day tradition for many of us is getting together with family and friends, and enjoying a delicious meal prepared on the barbeque. On the eve of our national birthday, the Middlesex-London Health Unit is reminding the community to ensure the food they prepare is delicious and above all, safe.

“It’s critical that food prepared outdoors stays in the proper temperature zone. That means making sure meat is kept cool until it’s ready to go on the grill; and that once it’s there, that it is cooked thoroughly,” says Tristan Squire-Smith, Manager of the Infectious Disease Control Team at the Middlesex-London Health Unit. “Around this time every year, we see a spike in the number of cases of E. coli, salmonella and other enteric illnesses.”

While it’s simple to avoid getting sick from backyard barbeques, it does takes a measure of care and attention.

There are many ways that food, particularly meat, can spoil. Potentially harmful bacteria can multiply when meat is left in warm vehicles, or at room temperature for any length of time. This is why it is critically important to keep meat cool until it’s ready for cooking or serving, either by keeping it refrigerated, or in a cooler with ice or cooler packs. Fruit and vegetables should be washed before eating or serving. Any leftover food items should be returned to a fridge or cooler upon the completion of the meal. Not only can food items be a source of contamination, but plates and utensils can be a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, as well. Any fork, knife, tongs, plates or other items that come into contact with raw meat should not be re-used on cooked meat, or for serving. Always use clean utensils and plates for cooked food items.

Food contaminated with E. coli, campylobacter, salmonella or other pathogens may not look or smell spoiled. Symptoms of infection include stomach pain, vomiting and diarrhea. Anyone with signs or symptoms of these enteric illnesses, in particular severe stomach pain or bloody diarrhea, should contact their health care provider.

In addition to food, animals can be a source of enteric illnesses. Because bacteria can also grow and spread in puddles, and other standing water, it’s particularly important to wash your hands frequently if handling or petting animals, including family pets that spend any time outdoors.

For more information, please visit the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website at www.inspection.gc.ca.

Media Contact:

Dan Flaherty, Communications Manager, Middlesex-London Health Unit
519-663-5317 ext. 2469 or 519-617-0570 (cell)

Spokesperson:

Tristan Squire-Smith, Manager of the Infectious Disease Control Team