News Release Archive
HEALTH--FOOD PREPARATION ----------------------------------------------------------------- Nova Scotians should remember to cook food properly, particularly hamburger meat. Improperly cooked meats can lead to hemorrhagic colitis, or what is commonly referred to as hamburger disease. Hemorrhagic colitis is caused by bacteria that tend to be transmitted through improperly cooked food. The bacteria, which occur naturally, can damage the lining of the intestine by producing a toxin. Provincial health officials say 27 cases of hemorrhagic colitis have been reported in 1996. Sixteen of the cases have occurred in the last six weeks. Consumers should note that bacteria causing hemorrhagic colitis can be found in beef, pork, chicken, turkey and raw milk. Cooking destroys the bacteria. In humans, most cases of the disease have been caused by eating undercooked ground meat. Drinking raw milk, contaminated water and contaminated apple cider are other causes. "Basic hygienic practices in preparing and cooking food, combined with hand washing, are common sense steps to reduce the risk of hemorrhagic colitis and other illnesses transmitted through the food supply," said Dr. Jeff Scott, the provincial medical officer of health. The following steps should be followed for safer food preparation: * wash hands before handling food, and after handling raw meat; * refrigerate or freeze meat as soon as possible following purchase; * thaw meats in the refrigerator, not on the counter; * prepare raw meat hamburger patties quickly, and cook immediately or refrigerate; * use hot soapy water to wash dishes, cutting boards and counters after using them to prepare raw meat; * meat should be thoroughly cooked at the centre, and meat and poultry juices should be clear, not pink or red; * place cooked meat on clean plates, not plates used for raw meat; * serve cooked meat immediately, or keep hot (60 degrees Celsius or 140 degrees Fahrenheit); * refrigerate leftovers as soon as possible following a meal. Food poisoning can be serious in children and older people. Follow these simple steps to prevent illness. -30- Contact: Lori MacLean 902-424-5025 jlw Aug. 16, 1996 4:15 p.m.