The Main Department of the State Food and Consumer Protection Service in Ivano-Frankivsk region has provided recommendations on how to avoid food poisoning during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Experts emphasize the importance of buying products in trusted stores and markets, thoroughly washing vegetables and fruits, and following the rules for storing and preparing dishes.
Particular attention should be paid to electricity: in the event of a power outage, the refrigerator and freezer doors should be kept closed, as food remains safe for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator and 48 hours in the freezer.
The State Food and Consumer Protection Service advises to check the expiration dates of products, the integrity of the packaging and to require documents confirming their safety. You should avoid buying food products at random markets and follow the rules of personal hygiene when preparing food.
Experts also recommend using separate cutting boards and knives for raw and cooked meat, fish or vegetables, following baking temperature regimes and thoroughly rinsing raw products under running water. Milk should only be consumed boiled, and unpasteurized cheese should be consumed after heat treatment. It is better to dress salads immediately before serving, and do not leave leftovers from holiday dishes for the following days.
If the celebration takes place outside the home, you should choose only proven restaurants with positive reviews. At the first signs of intestinal disease, you should immediately contact the hospital, as self-medication can be dangerous.
