Alberta Health Services is reminding Lloydminster families to handle and prepare food properly this holiday season. The organization sent out the reminder Friday to try to prevent food-borne illnesses from ruining the holidays.
AHS says food-borne illness — commonly known as food poisoning — is caused by eating food contaminated with certain bacteria, viruses or parasites. Examples of disease-causing organisms include salmonella, E. coli and Listeria.
The bacteria can be found in raw and uncooked meat, poultry, fish, Unpasteurized (raw) milk and (raw) milk products, such as soft and semi-soft cheeses made from unpasteurized milk, raw and lightly cooked eggs and uncooked flour products.
Some tips in order to avoid sickness include washing hands while preparing food, keeping hot food hot and cold food cold and leftovers hitting the fridge as soon as they can.