Food Safety 101: Avoid These Risky Foods and Dining Pitfalls

A microbiologist shares insights on food safety and highlights potential risks to avoid. Eating outdoors increases the risk of food poisoning due to lack of proper handwashing facilities and the presence of insects that can transfer germs. Buffets pose a risk of contamination from people touching food and airborne germs. Lukewarm food should be avoided as bacteria can grow rapidly at temperatures below 60 degrees Celsius. Raw shellfish, such as oysters, can harbor harmful germs, and bagged salads have been found to contain pathogens that thrive in salad juices. Proper cooking practices, including checking use-by dates, avoiding cross-contamination, and not reheating cooked rice, are essential. Being aware of food safety measures can help prevent food poisoning.