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By Chris Brown

AHS tips for outdoor food safety and avoiding food-borne illness this summer

Jul 29, 2022 | 11:00 AM

Alberta Health Services wants people to think about food safety and food-borne illnesses when spending time outside this summer.

If you’re barbecuing outdoors on a camping trip or having a picnic you might have limited access to refrigeration and clean water. AHS says high temperatures and humidity create ideal conditions for bacterial growth such as E. coli and salmonella, which can lead to food-borne illnesses.

To prevent foodborne illnesses:

• Keep cold foods cold. Pack perishable foods in a cooler with ice or freezer packs to maintain a temperature below 4 C
• Never use the same plate or utensils for cooked and uncooked foods
• Always cook meats until the internal temperature has reached a safe temperature, measured with a meat thermometer
• Always wash your hands before and after handling raw meat, and wash all utensils and surfaces immediately after touching raw meat
• Wash all farm-fresh fruit and vegetables before you eat them
• When camping and enjoying the outdoors, store food in durable airtight containers to help keep animals away and never bring food into your tent or sleeping areas

Common symptoms of food-borne illnesses include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and stomach cramps. Some food-borne illnesses can cause a high fever and blood in your stool.

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Most of the time, food-borne illnesses are mild and go away after a few days, says AHS, suggesting people with a food-borne illness drink plenty of fluids and rest. If you are not getting better or have severe vomiting and diarrhea, contact your doctor or call Health Link at 811 to speak with a registered health-care professional. If you contract any foodborne illness, you may be contacted by a local Environmental Public Health office to gather information that will help prevent others from getting sick.

Access to clean water during outdoor activities is also important, as unclean water can contain bacteria, viruses and parasites. If clean water is not available, bring safe water for cleaning, cooking, drinking and handwashing, or use boiled or filtered water. Learn more about safe drinking water.

As well, avoid drinking water from lakes, rivers and streams when hiking, camping or fishing. Clear water from mountain streams may look safe but could contain harmful parasites.