Sip Safely: How to Protect Your Family From Foodborne Illness

Foodborne illness, also called food poisoning, happens when people get sick from contaminated food or drink.  Some may feel bad for a day or two, but children under five and others can become very ill and require hospitalization.  About 48 million people in the US get foodborne illness each year – costing $17.6 billion in medical expenses and lost wages.  

The good news is that consumers can reduce the number of these illnesses 40 to 50% by doing things differently. Below are ways to help be sure your family’s drinks are safe. 

At the Grocery Store  

1. Choose pasteurized juice, milk, and other dairy drinks. Those that are not pasteurized (also called raw or cold-pressed juice, and raw or fresh milk) may contain harmful bacteria and viruses. Pasteurization destroys these pathogens. 
2. Check the dates on milk and other drinks. Federal law requires expiration dates only on a few products, such as baby formula. It is not safe to consume these products past this date.   

Use this guidance for other dates that you may see on labels: 

• • The “Sell-by” date tells the retailer when to remove the product. If the product has been stored properly, it is usually safe to drink for 5-7 days past this date.  
  • “Best by” or “Best if used by” dates indicate quality, not safety. The product may still be safe after this date if it has been stored properly.      
  • “Use by” date is the last day the product should be consumed.  

Because no federal laws regulate how most products are dated, the use of these terms varies.   

3. Pick up perishable refrigerated drinks last. (The words, “Keep refrigerated” or “Refrigerate” will be on the label.)  Get them home and into the fridge as soon as possible. They are not safe to drink if kept at room temperature for two or more hours and no more than one hour on a hot day.  
4. Buy shelf-stable drinks if your trip home is two or more hours. Most stores stock a variety of healthy choices including 100% fruit and vegetable juices, unsweetened flavored waters, and ultra-high temperature (UHT) low-fat milk.  UHT milk is milk that has been processed and packaged in a way that makes it safe to store at room temperature for several months.  UHT milk and most other shelf-stable drinks need to be refrigerated after opening.  

At Home 

1. Get everyone in the habit of washing hands before, during, and after preparing food and drinks.   
2. Clean kitchen utensils, dishes, and countertops with hot soapy water. 
3. Take these steps to keep food and drinks safe in the fridge: 

• • Set the temperature to 40 degrees F or below (and your freezer to 0 degrees). Check the temperature using an appliance thermometer. Good quality ones cost less than $10.  
  • Wipe up any spills in the refrigerator immediately, and clean the shelves, bins, and drawers with hot soapy water every week. This is a good time to throw away anything that shows signs of spoilage. 
  • Put milk on a shelf rather than the door of the fridge. This will keep it colder. 
  • Store drinks closed in their original containers or in a covered pitcher. 
  • Keep raw meat, poultry, and chicken away from other foods. 
  • Use the “first in, first out” system which means using items stored first before those added later. This can help reduce food waste too.  

4. Safely store and prepare fresh produce you plan to use for drinks.   

• • Keep highly perishable fruits and vegetables, and all produce that is pre-cut or packaged, in the fridge until you are ready to use them.  
  • Except for products marked “washed” or “ready-to-eat,” rinse all fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs under running water (including those with a peel). Use a produce brush to clean items with firm skin like melons and cucumbers. Products sold as produce washes are not recommended. Dry with a clean cloth or paper towel. 
  • Use one cutting board for fresh produce and other foods that will not be cooked. Purchase a second cutting board for raw meat, poultry, and seafood.  

5. Explore the FoodKeeper App for more information on ways to safely store foods and drinks.  

On the Go 

1. Wash your hands often. If soap and water aren’t available, use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. 
2. Help everyone stay healthy and hydrated by safely using reusable water bottles.  

• • Use it for water only. The type and thickness of materials used for water bottles varies greatly. Because of this, you can’t be confident that a perishable drink, such as juice or milk, will stay at 40 degrees F or cooler. 
  • Take apart and wash reusable water bottles each day with hot water and dish soap. Use a pipe cleaner or bottle brush to clean narrow spouts and reusable straws. Rinse thoroughly and allow all parts to air dry.  
  • Do not reuse plastic drink bottles. They are meant for one time use only. 

3. Take special precautions when packing kids’ snacks and lunches.  If drinks aren’t available at day-care or school, include a bottle of water. 

Wherever You Are 

Never taste food or drink to determine if it has spoiled. When in doubt, throw it out. 

 For more information on keeping your food and drink safe, visit foodsafety.gov.  If you think you or a member of your family has food poisoning, call a doctor.  If it’s an emergency, call 911.  It’s also important to report these problems to prevent others from eating unsafe food.