Public Health Warning on Contaminated Food
By Tom Latek
Kentucky Today
As individuals begin returning home following the receding floodwaters, public health officials are issuing critical warnings regarding the potential health hazards that accompany this natural disaster. A significant concern emphasized by health officials is the risk of food contamination. Floodwater is known to carry bacteria, chemicals, and pollutants, rendering food items unsafe for consumption.
Understanding which food items should be discarded is essential for safeguarding personal and family health.
The Louisville Metro Health and Wellness Department states that the general rule is straightforward: any food or food packaging that has come into contact with floodwater should be disposed of. This especially applies to:
- Fresh produce
- Meat, poultry, fish, and eggs
- Dairy products
- Open containers and packages
- Food packaged in cardboard boxes, paper, or plastic wrap
- Home-canned goods
Even sealed items, such as jars or cans with lids, are at risk if they have been submerged or splashed by floodwater. However, commercially canned foods may still be safe provided they are carefully inspected and sanitized.
To properly sanitize cans, individuals should follow these steps:
- Remove labels that may harbor bacteria.
- Wash the cans in hot, soapy water and rinse thoroughly.
- Soak in a bleach solution (one cup of bleach mixed with five gallons of water) for 15 minutes, then rinse in clean water.
- Relabel the cans with a marker, ensuring to include the expiration date.
Before reusing kitchens, health officials recommend thoroughly cleaning and sanitizing all surfaces, including countertops, shelves, appliances, and utensils. Disinfecting can be done effectively using a mixture of one cup of bleach in five gallons of water, allowing the surface to remain wet for at least one minute before rinsing.
Items such as wooden cutting boards, plastic utensils, baby bottle nipples, and pacifiers should be discarded if exposed to floodwater, as they are difficult to sanitize properly.
Homeowners should also check their refrigerators and freezers. If power was out for more than four hours, perishable foods should be thrown away. If freezer items still have ice crystals or have remained below 40°F, they might be safe, but the motto ‘when in doubt, throw it out’ should apply. Tasting food to determine its safety is discouraged.
Flood-contaminated food poses severe health risks, and prioritizing safety is imperative. For any queries, individuals should contact their local health department.
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