Get inspired by a weekly summary of how to live well, made easy. Sign up for CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter to get insights and tools designed to improve your well-being.
CNN
—
This Independence Day holiday comes as record heat waves have spread across many parts of the United States and the world, and temperatures could be deadly. There is a risk of record heat and extreme heat in parts of the South and Southwest. California is likely to be hit particularly hard, with highs exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit in many areas.
At the same time, the bird flu outbreak has spread to cows, raising questions about the safety of some foods like milk, eggs and hamburgers.
As I drank a lot of water and sweated from the high temperatures and humidity at an outdoor concert this week, I thought about how to safely celebrate the Fourth of July. What about all the grilled meat, burgers, and potato salad sitting outside in the heat? How can we stay cool while having picnics and barbecues this holiday weekend?
Are there any extra food safety precautions to take given the expected high temperatures? And are there other health considerations to keep in mind during this holiday, like staying cool and hydrated?
To help us answer these questions, I spoke with CNN wellness expert Dr. Leana Wen. Wen is an emergency physician and associate clinical professor at George Washington University. She previously served as Baltimore’s health commissioner.
03:24 – Source: CNN
This Is What Happens To Your Body When Temperatures Soar
CNN: Can you remind us why food safety is important?
Dr. Leana Wen: According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are about 9 million cases of foodborne illness each year. These illnesses occur primarily when people ingest food or beverages contaminated with bacteria, viruses, or parasites.
Most episodes are mild, although mild illnesses are unpleasant: they are usually characterized by nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Some people can become very ill and require hospitalization, and unfortunately, some can die. Those most at risk of developing serious illness include the elderly, children under 5 years old, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
CNN: What dietary precautions should be taken for barbecues and other outdoor gatherings?
Magnifying glass: Undercooked meat contains many infectious organisms. The best way to ensure meat is cooked through is to use an internal thermometer.
I recommend this U.S. government food safety website to check the internal temperature to which different types of meat should be cooked. For example, chicken should be cooked to an internal temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit, and ground beef should be cooked to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit.
Once meat is cooked, keep it at 60°C or above until ready to serve to prevent germs from developing. Before cooking, refrigerate raw meat rather than storing it at room temperature. It should be removed just before placing on a barbecue.
CNN: Given how hot it could get this week, are there any other specific factors to consider?
Magnifying glass: Yes. Under normal weather conditions, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends keeping perishable foods out of the refrigerator for up to two hours. However, if the temperature is above 90°F (32°C), this time is reduced to one hour.
This applies to both cooked meats like hamburgers and perishable salads like potato salad and coleslaw. In hot weather, these foods should be eaten immediately; otherwise, they should be refrigerated within an hour.
CNN: What about people who have barbecues in parks or other places without refrigerators?
Magnifying glass: They should have a well-insulated cooler with plenty of ice. Raw, uncooked meat should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below until ready to go on the grill.
I also recommend storing raw meat in tightly sealed bags so that it does not contaminate other foods served raw, such as vegetables and fruits.
Another precaution to take when barbecuing is to be careful about the utensils and plates you use for raw meat and other foods. Label utensils, plates, and containers that come into contact with raw meat. Keep them separate from plates containing salads, fruit, chips, rolls, and other foods.
CNN: And make sure to wash your hands after touching raw meat?
Magnifying glass: Yes, absolutely. You don’t want to go straight from handling raw ground meat to making a salad. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water every time you handle raw meat.
CNN: Let’s talk about bird flu for a moment. Has the bird flu outbreak impacted the way we consume products like hamburgers and chicken wings? Is it still safe to eat eggs and drink milk?
Magnifying glass: Federal health officials say it is safe to continue consuming these products as long as the meat and eggs are cooked to recommended temperatures.
It is also possible to continue drinking milk, although it is essential to emphasize that milk must be pasteurized. Raw milk is not safe to drink. Not only can raw milk harbor bacteria, but there is also a possibility that it can transmit avian flu. Before the avian flu outbreak, drinking raw milk or consuming raw milk products was not recommended, and it is certainly not recommended today.
CNN: We’ve talked a lot about food safety. What are some other health concerns to consider this Fourth of July?
Magnifying glass: If you plan to travel in hot weather, be aware of symptoms of heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Pay attention to people who are more vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, especially children, the elderly, and people with chronic illnesses. Also, be aware of your pets. They can also overheat. Never leave pets or children unattended in a car; the car interior overheats quickly and these high temperatures can be fatal.
Everyone should try to stay in the shade as much as possible. Stay well hydrated. Water is the best form of hydration and be aware that excess caffeine and alcohol can be dangerous during heat waves. Wear clothing that protects you from the sun and be sure to apply and reapply sunscreen often.
Get inspired by a weekly summary of how to live well, made easy. Sign up for CNN’s Life, But Better newsletter to get insights and tools designed to improve your well-being.
