Food Safety

You've had that feeling when you've been out to eat at a new restaurant - that queasy, unsettled stomach. Mistakes in food preparation and improper storage in restaurants (and at home) result in over 76 million cases of food-borne illnesses each year.

About one-quarter of those require hospitalization and as many as 5,000 people die each year after eating contaminated food. These incidents can be prevented by taking simple precautions.

Approximately 6 to 7 million people in the United States suffer from food allergies. The most common food "culprits" are: peanuts, eggs, milk, wheat and shellfish and sometimes can prove to be fatal - especially in children.

In the worst cases, anaphylaxis occurs when an ingredient in food triggers the reaction. For most, symptoms include a rash, shortness of breath or nausea. In others, a swollen throat, difficulty breathing, vomiting and low blood pressure may lead to unconsciousness. Call 9-1-1 or your locality's emergency services immediately.

Reading food labels can help prevent reactions like these. Knowing what is in the food - before eating - can be a life saver. Also, be sure that your child's teacher and school knows he or she is allergic to a certain food.

Food labels can also help you stick to a healthy diet by showing the nutritional facts.

Making wise food choices, preparing foods according to safety guidelines and being knowledgeable about nutrition will go a long way to keeping your family healthy.

In order to achieve healthy weight loss, it is important to get an idea of the nutritional value of food we commonly eat. There are numerous sites that act as weight watchers points, informing of such details and making out diet plans. The motto should be weight loss, that stays off for eternity.