FortBendNow.com

The Sugar Land Fire Department responded to approximately 6,500 emergency calls last year with several related to food poisoning around the holidays.

Each year, approximately 76 million Americans are exposed to some form of food borne bacteria from food that is not properly prepared or stored. Approximately 325,000 people are hospitalized each year due to some form of food poisoning. There are approximately 250 known food borne pathogens or agents (bacteria, parasites, viruses) that are the common cause of infection.

“It’s important that we consider food safety as we enter the holiday season and plan celebrations that typically include family feasts,” said SLFD Capt. Mike McLemore.  “You can make a difference by being informed, prepared and taking decisive action to avoid accidental poisoning.” 

Bacteria accounts for about 70 percent of food borne poisonings and include E.Coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus Aureus and Clostridium Perfringenz. 

Gastrointestinal symptoms, which may have onsets from one hour to several days, include abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea and blood/mucus in stool.

Consider the following tips to prevent food poisoning:

• Thaw food in its original wrapping in the refrigerator to prevent growth of bacteria. If defrosted in the microwave oven, remove wrapping and defrost until the whole piece is thoroughly defrosted before cooking.
• Cooking all foods properly can prevent the bacteria. The temperature of meats and turkey should reach 180º F to kill bacteria. Always refrigerate leftover food. Food should never remain at room temperature for more than two hours. Remember to also wash all cooking areas and utensils that were in contact with any raw foods.

For questions or concerns about poisons and possible exposures, call the SLFD Public Education office at 281-491-0852, the Texas Poison Center Network at 1-800-222-1222 or visit www.poisoncontrol.org.